Title: Where the Wild Lilies Grow (4/10)
Universes: Haru wo Daiteita & Casino Lily
Pairings: Carlo/Magira, Iwaki/Katou, Shouji/Shu Ti Fan(o_O)
Rating, all over: NC-17
Warnings, all over: Explicit sex and violence. Shameless Romance. This is not an angst-fest.
Word count, this chapter: 3,000
Notes: List of all chapters here. For elfflame who wanted me to put Magira in this situation.
Summary: When Carlo comes home from a business trip only to discover that Magira has left him, he has to change the passive way he usually takes when it comes to defending his relationship with the charming, but spoiled young player. Carlo has once offered to wager his entire fortune in exchange for Magira's company. This time, Carlo has to realise that his life might be at stake as well...



Back to chapter 3

Chapter 4. And the Oscar goes to...

The sun mocks Carlo with its cheery pink rise, spreading its warmth over the early morning. Everything seems so normal: birds are singing and fluttering around in the park; cars humming somewhere farther away. It is the never-ending sound of the city, breathing, living, going on as it always does - without as much as even a deep breath or a pause to acknowledge Carlo's pain and loss. It is times like these Carlo wishes he never had re-discovered his ability to love this deeply. Loving Magira has never been easy, but at times it is scarring and anxiety-provoking. Carlo realises he, until now, has never known what pain is.

He takes a sip of the black coffee. He has managed to sleep for a few hours, feeling slightly better now. He has left Shouji asleep in the bedroom: the man still fully dressed in one of his horrid shirts, and with his face marred by a worried wrinkle, even in his sleep. Shouji... Carlo is grateful Magira's uncle is here; his no-nonsense approach and honesty are precisely what Carlo needs to go on. Holding on to the normality of drinking coffee in the garden on a summer morning, Carlo eats a little: a few grapes and half a roll, although he feels like sicking up. What if he has to go on living alone from now on? What if...

Interrupting the dangerous line of thought, Carlo forces himself to pour another cup of coffee. Doing ordinary things in an ordinary way without thinking of what he has to go through today, the many people he has to talk to... He needs to keep to that just for a little longer; he wants to pretend his life is still normal.

'Carlo? Carlo-san?' Iwaki's soft, dark voice drags Carlo back to the unpleasant reality.

'Yes?' Carlo turns around in the garden chair he is sitting in; the cool white-painted iron of the backrest cold against his side. Iwaki stands next to the pool, holding the phone that Carlo has been taught the hard way to hate and fear. 'Iwaki-san...' Carlo doesn't dare ask the question: is it a message that Magira has been found, or is it finally the kidnappers who are contacting him with their demands?

Iwaki clearly understands. 'It' s Sawa Nagisa-sensei. He has news. He has spoken to some of his former colleagues... He says there is a rumour you need to know about.' Iwaki steps closer and holds out the phone. 'Do you want to speak to him, or?'

There is a bitter taste in Carlo's mouth, as if his breakfast is trying to make its way back up. Carlo takes another drink of the coffee before he replies. 'Yes. Please.' It would be impolite to reject Sawa's call; a man he only knows through Iwaki and Katou is trying to help. No matter what Sawa's message is, Carlo has to be the one to receive it. Carlo reaches for the phone. It is warm from Iwaki's grip. Carlo closes his eyes and prepares for the worst. 'Hello? Sawa-san?'

A velvet, almost husky voice replies. 'Hai, Carlo-san?'

Carlo briefly wonders why Iwaki has spoken of Sawa as a man. 'Yes?' Carlo cannot say more, fearing whatever news it is Sawa has.

'One of my friends who investigates illegal gambling has told me a story,' Sawa says. 'It really is nothing but rumours.'

There is a pause. Carlo breathes in deeply, loudly enough that Sawa notices.

'If it is true, Magira-kun is alive,' Sawa states, strangely secure, and Carlo's sigh becomes a sob of relief.

'There has been some whispering about an investor who has invited some of the really big boys to play,' Sawa continues. 'It's all very hush-hush, but it is said that the investor... owns a player who is close to invincible. A secret weapon.'

Carlo blinks and looks up at Iwaki before he replies. His vision is slightly blurred by the stingy feeling of tears welling up. He doesn't want to cry. He never shows feelings like this. Somehow it doesn't matter so much because it is in front of Iwaki. He understands, Carlo is sure. Carlo rubs a hand over his face, realising he has been losing it since the moment Magira disappeared. If Magira had seen him like this... Well, love does that to people. 'Sawa-san, how reliable do you think this is? And does your source have any idea where in the world this is happening?' Carlo enquires.

'Reliable enough for me to tell you, Carlo-san.' The soft voice holds an undertone of steel and certainty that Carlo cannot ignore. 'It is not Japan. Rumour says Vegas, London, Macao. Not particularly clear on that. You should go talk to the police. My friend has agreed to talk to them if they want to know more.'

Carlo stares out in the air without seeing anything. His mind is racing. Macao... Macao... He knows who the king of Macao's gambling scene is. It can't be him? Can it?

'Carlo-san? Are you there? You are not going to do anything rash, are you?'

Clearly, Sawa-san is wasting his talent writing books. This person is too sharp, too clever. 'No, no. Not at all,' Carlo lies, his thoughts already far away, planning and plotting. By God, he is going to kill that son of a bitch with his own hands... Carlo is of course not thinking of Sawa-san. Oh, no, Carlo knows who has once before drugged Magira; trying to seduce the boy into giving up his secrets, trying to use his body and mind. Carlo honestly thought that the Chinese dog was actually a relatively decent person, regretting what he had done to Magira. Evidently, it has been nothing but a cover for his true intentions. 'Thank you, Sawa-san,' Carlo repeats. 'I am going to talk to the police later this morning, and I am sure they are going to contact your source.'

'You are not going to talk to the police, are you?' Iwaki asks as soon as Carlo has finished talking to Sawa. 'You know who he is talking about, isn't that so?' Iwaki looks worried and hopeful at the same time. 'You do have a plan, right? One that doesn't involve running out of the house in five minutes?' Iwaki sits down in the chair across the one Carlo is sitting in, pulling the coffee pot and a cup over to his side of the table. 'Is it wise not to involve the police? Do you truly have the resources for this?'

'Yeah,' Carlo says, confident for the first time since he came home to discover Magira's disappearance. 'I do. I'll have private investigators coming in later, but I know where I am going to look now.' He smiles, and the smile is not a pleasant one. 'Shu Ti Fan,' he says, and the name is uttered in a way that tells Iwaki that it would probably be a good idea to change one's name and flee to the North Pole if one were said Shu Ti Fan. Carlo is pleased Iwaki accepts his choice. To be honest, Iwaki is probably the only person who would be able to make Carlo reconsider his decision.

'Any news?' Katou strolls casually over the terrace's artistically laid out tile pattern. His hair is still wet and he wears nothing but jeans and sleeveless top. Carlo appreciates the view. He would be blind if he didn't: Katou looks gorgeous. Iwaki is a lucky man, just like Katou is, having somebody as beautiful as Iwaki. Katou flops down in a free chair, crossing his hands behind his neck; stretching his long legs out in front of him. He looks down at his naked feet and wriggles his toes. Carlo finds the almost childlike behaviour endearing.

'We think we know who took Magira,' Carlo says, quickly deciding that there is nothing neither Magira or he need to be ashamed of, confiding in Katou and Iwaki. After all, they've both been in AV, so what Magira has been doing before he met Carlo can't shock them. 'Before Magira and I became lovers,' Carlo volunteers, 'he ended up in Macao, in bed with a man who was infatuated with my Lily's talent and beauty. He even poisoned Magira to get his way with him. Magira realised he didn't want to... and the man - Shu Ti Fan is his name - realised he would commit rape if he continued.' Carlo closes his eyes, remembering so clearly how Shu Ti Fan had called him, explaining how desperate Magira had been, and how he had called Shouji's name, and Carlo's, making Ti Fan realise he was abusing the boy. As if drugging people against their will wasn't enough to get that thought. 'Ti Fan encouraged me to reach for Magira, and until today, I have trusted the man - not fully, of course, but I did trust him.'

'And where is he now? That Ti Fan fellow?' Katou asks, 'Still in Macao?'

'I don't know. I'll set my men on the task as soon as possible. The investigators are arriving at 10.'

'At 10? Idiot.' Katou's harsh words makes Carlo startle. 'Give me the phone,' Katou orders and waves his hand impatiently to make Carlo hand him the thing. 'Sometimes I wonder why Iwaki-san and you got on so well, but I think I begin to understand now.' Katou sends them both a decidedly annoying grin. 'You are both incapable of thinking clearly,' he teases them. 'Now, be quiet, both of you.' There's a pause, during which Katou dials a number. When he speaks again, he is having a conversation with a person at the phone company's customer service. 'Thanks,' Katou says as he tries to write something down on the back of his hand. He closes the phone. 'If I pull this one through,' he tells Carlo, 'you better make sure I get an Oscar for my brilliant acting skills.' He hushes at them again, before he leans back in the chair and dials the number on his hand.

'Saito Hiroshi's secretary,' Katou introduces himself, arrogantly using the name of one of Japan's most renowned businessmen. 'I am sorry for the late call. Terrible inconvenience, my most sincere apologies. Saito Hiroshi regrets deeply that he has to cancel his appointment with Shu Ti Fan-sama tomorrow.' There is a pause. Carlo can hear someone in the other end say something. 'Ah,' Katou says. 'Is it possible that I may speak to Shu Ti Fan-sama? Is he at his office?' Another pause. 'Oh, I am sorry.' Katou bows to the phone, it is instinctive. 'This person clearly has made a mistake, please forgive me. Thank you for your patience and help.' Katou nods. 'In America? Ah. Maybe we can schedule another appointment? Yes... Yes... Nevada? Vegas? Is that so?' Katou's face splits in a wide smile, quite predatory. 'Thank you... yes... Thank you for your guidance, may I ask permission to send you a small token of my appreciation?' Katou puts the phone down with a decidedly satisfied expression. 'That was easy,' he says, preening. 'Our sought-after Shu Ti Fan is at The Four Seasons hotel, here, in Vegas.'

Carlo stops himself from actually applauding Katou's performance and makes a quiet promise that he will indeed make sure Katou at least gets the chance to earn himself an Oscar, even if Carlo has to pay a literature Nobel Prize -winner to write the script for such a potential award-winning film. Investing money in Katou's and Iwaki's films has not been the worst business move Carlo has ever made, and he won't mind doing it again. Also, it is easier for Carlo to show gratitude this way. Money speaks a language he understands. 'Let's wake Shouji-san up.' Carlo says. 'We are going to make a visit. I hope Ti Fan won't take offence by being woken up a bit early.'

'No.' Iwaki stands, his expression serious. 'Carlo-san, it is insane. This is not a plan, it is insanity! Please, wait until the detectives arrive.' He brushes his hand over Carlo's shoulder; a rare and unexpected caress. 'Don't do anything that can endanger Magira-kun's life.'

The warm touch of a friendly hand makes Carlo hesitate. Iwaki is right. This whole affair is forcing Carlo to change, to shatter and lose the tight control he has always had over himself and his emotions. He is, however, not at all able to control the feelings he has for Magira. It is to an extent where it makes him act rashly. Magira would be so proud, Carlo thinks, knowing how much his young lover craves to be loved possessively and openly. Carlo swears he will improve. If Magira gets out of this alive, that is. The thought that he might not, is unbearable. 'You are right, Iwaki-san.' Carlo is satisfied that he obviously has been allowed to step over the border between being acquaintances and true friendship. Katou and Iwaki has provided both the backbone and the ability to carefully consider the options that Carlo seems to be lacking presently.

Carlo knows that if this game had been played out at the gaming table, he would have lost. Spectacularly.

'What do you suggest?' Carlo asks Iwaki, deciding to trust his opinion. Carlo sits down again, brushing a hand over his uncombed hair. He feels somewhat crumbled - both on the inside and definitely also on the outside. He still wears the shirt he fell asleep in.

'Breakfast. Not just coffee,' Katou demands, sliding an arm around Iwaki's waist, as if to underline that Iwaki is his. 'We can't stay awake and alert on a cup of coffee. I'm hungry!'

'We should inform Shouji-san. He might be able to come up with one or two interesting ideas. He seems very able.' Iwaki looks over his shoulder before he unwraps himself from Katou's embrace. 'Your maid is up now? I could go ask her to serve us something a bit more substantial than this.' Iwaki points at the half-eaten roll. 'You are going to make yourself ill, Carlo-san.'

Iwaki goes to make sure preparations for a large breakfast is made, and Carlo walks upstairs to shower. When he is done, he returns to his bedroom, only to meet a decidedly grumpy, but relatively awake and recently cleaned Shouji. Rummaging around in the wardrobe, Carlo finds clean clothes, and at the same time explaining the situation to Shouji.

'I am going to kill that arsehole,' Shouji murmurs sleepily. 'With a dull spoon!'

'Your idea would probably seem more intimidating if you were actually awake.' Carlo throws his robe on the walk-in wardrobe's only chair. He peeks out the half open door at Shouji and can't stop himself from laughing, rather bitterly. 'And you won't get the chance if I get there before you. I think I my claim on Ti Fan has first priority. But you may admire his intestines if you like.' Shouji's rough, unpolished behaviour cheers Carlo up, together, of course, with the fact that they actually have information which can lead them to Magira.

'Carlo-san! I am the kid's uncle! I have to uphold our family's honour!' Shouji has managed to put on a pair of tight jeans and an incredibly ugly Hawaii shirt. Yellow and purple really don't look good together with vomit green. Shouji messes up his damp hair, worse, even, than it was before.

'I can understand that,' Carlo says. 'But I am reasonable. We can rip him apart together,' he offers, almost casually. It frightens Carlo a bit that he actually means it. He swears to God that Shu Ti Fan will live precisely long enough to regret what he has done. After he has given them Magira back, of course.

'Your grace amazes me,' Shouji exclaims theatrically. 'You are too kind, dear nephew-in-law-san.' Shouji winks and grins, not showing the fear Carlo is certain he feels as well. 'I really hope we can stop ourselves from relieving Ti Fan of the ability to breathe.'

'Yes,' Carlo says. 'I am going to try. But I don't think I have that much patience.'

'Me neither.' Shouji looks less than accommodating. Carlo realises he has never noticed how sharp and white Shouji's teeth are. He looks quite like a hungry predator.

While they finish dressing, they entertain themselves by exchanging ideas for which nasty things can be done to That Chinese Bastard. Shouji has a disturbing knowledge of various torture methods from several cultures. Carlo feels relieved and quite feral. It is liberating to just be rude and unrestrained; being this morbid simply makes him feel better. Suddenly, they are interrupted by a call from downstairs. Iwaki. They are both ready to go downstairs anyway, so they walk to the stairs quickly. Iwaki sounds a bit frustrated.

'Iwaki-san? What is it?' Carlo is immediately pulled out of the relative calm state he is in. 'What's wrong?'

'We don't have to go anywhere,' Iwaki says, and his face is dark and angry. There is a glitter in his black eyes that Carlo only remembers having seen twice before: the first time, when Magira had tried to kiss Katou, and the second time when Carlo and Magira had watched Iwaki's latest film. The eyes of an insane mass-murderer.

'Iwaki?' Carlo can't breathe. 'Magira?'

'No. Not Magira,' Iwaki states and anger flares hotly in his eyes. 'Shu Ti Fan. He is waiting in the dining room.'

On to chapter 5