Chapter Text
Luca Kaneshiro had a famous casino in the center of Diamond City Shu was in. It was the hot stop to go to during the night. His parents were one of those patrons who would frequent there every so often. Though Shu did not support their gambling habits, there was not much else he could do but warn them of their actions.
Usually, when they go out gambling in the Kaneshiro casino they have always been lucky to win some money. However, they bit off more than they could chew and accumulated a large amount of debt. They tried to look for an easy way out and made a gambling bet with Luca Kaneshiro himself to lift the amount. Luca accepted the deal and stated their debt would be much higher if they lost.
But when you play in the lion's den, there is honestly no winning. As the game went on the Yamino parents' confidence dwindled.
After they lost the game the two were completely sorrowful and begging Luca for any other way to pay. Luca jokingly said he’d been looking for a partner since he knew the two had a son. Since he knew the regulars that came into his casino.
He never would have guessed that they would actually consider handing over their only child to pay off their debt. His mood then turned to anger but he stayed silent, of how large their debt had become. They would have to work for the rest of their lives to lift that. He just watched silently as the two argued about Luca’s suggestion. Luca didn’t want to hear anymore, so he raised his hand to silence them.
“You two can discuss this matter privately. But I will need an answer on how you intend to pay off this debt.” He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a black business card.
“Contact this number when you do. If you do decide on my request, someone will come down to retrieve your son. But just know if you do, you may not be able to see him as often. As he would be under my supervision and property.”
Luca mainly said that statement to scare them to reconsider another option. The father grabbed the card off the table. Though the mother had stayed silent ever since Luca spoke. She was ashamed of herself and worried about what they would decide. She didn’t want to give her son away to someone like Luca.
She’s heard rumors about him, how dangerous he was. She didn’t want her only son to be subjected to that. As she looked over to her husband though, deep down she knew what decision he had already made.
Luca excused the two and they left silently. After they exited the room he sighed deeply and rubbed his forehead. He and his stupid mouth for spuing that out. He wasn’t fond of this side of his business, but he couldn’t stay sorrowful for their outcome. They were the irresponsible ones to gamble all they had so easily.
He then stood up, officially calling it a night. He rang up his personal driver to get the car ready to take him home. He needed a good night's sleep after what just unfolded.
—
When his parents were out gambling, Shu would try to stay up to make sure they made it home safely. Though tonight he found himself asleep on the dining room table with his work studies surrounding him.
He was abruptly woken up by the front door slamming and some inaudible cursing. He lifted his head slowly and let his eyes adjust to the light in the room. For a second he saw his father walk past him and slam the door to this office.
Once his eyes were able to see clearly he was able to see his mother’s face. She looked so distressed and it made Shu very confused. “Mom, what's wrong?” Shu said softly his voice still groggy from just being woken up. Her eyes then filled up with tears and she fell to her knees.
Shu jumped out of his seat now feeling more awake seeing his mother so emotional. What on earth happened? He wondered as he went over to console his mother. Reminding her to control her breathing so he could understand what was wrong. After a few minutes, she was beginning to be more responsive.
“I-I’m sorry… We didn’t mean to, I don’t want you to go. Why, why did we do something so stupid?...”
Shu’s mother was far too intoxicated and kept slurring her words. But Shu understood what she was trying to say. She was crying in front of Shu as she kept apologizing for what they did. While his father had locked himself in his study room, possibly also getting more intoxicated. Though they could hear objecting banging and being thrown around.
He was trying so hard not to cry with his mother, he had to be strong. So he kept rubbing her back and reassured her it would be fine. But inside he was so confused and emotionally turmoiled. He was to be sent off to live with one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the city. Of course, he was scared of what was to come.
He’s heard so many things about Luca Kaneshiro that intimated him. How could he possibly to okay with this circumstance?
He didn’t want to leave, but there didn’t seem to be a better option. They weren’t wealthy, they were just getting by. Even if they all worked every waking hour, they wouldn’t be able to pay off the debt still.
So if he had to sacrifice himself to be with Luca for the sake of his parents he would.
His night just got crazier than he ever expected. He went back to consoling his mother until he cried herself to sleep.
He hoisted her up and helped her get to her bed. Once he had her laid down he wiped the remaining tears off her face, bidding her a soft good night.
No longer motivated to finish his work, he gathered it all back to his room. Finally, when he was left alone and locked down behind him. The reality of it all caved in, and he began to sob.
Was this is end of his life? His freedom? Nothing was ever going to be the same now.
The more his mind spiraled with these thoughts made him feel nauseous. He took a few deep breaths to calm down, but the crying didn’t stop.
He couldn’t even get himself to change or go to his bed. So he remained there, sitting on the floor for the rest of the night. Restless and sobbing till he eventually made himself tired.
—
Shu's body ached the next morning, probably having to do with him sleeping on the floor. His eyes also stung from all the crying he did. He wanted to believe he dreamt of this horrible nightmare.
But waking up and seeing how he was left still on his floor, was a harsh reality that was over him like ice.
From the outside of his room, he heard commotion. Which made him decide to finally get up. Coming out of his room he noticed the noise coming from the dining room.
As he walked over he could now hear his parents' voices clearer.
“There has to be another way, we can’t send him away. I can’t bear it…”
“Trust me dear, I don’t want this either. But I can’t think of another possible way for us to make up the debt.”
His mother started to sob, “Our son… my only son hic why?...”
He wasn't sure if he should cut into their conversation or not. If he did, he wouldn't know what to say. Even if he tried to reassure them that he was okay with it, he'd probably also break down with his mother. Coming to a decision he just heads to the bathroom to take a long shower. That should certainly help him wake up.
After he was done taking his shower, Shu headed back to the dining room. His parents were no longer there thankfully, so he was able to grab something to eat quickly. Then he retreated to his room before his parents returned. He wasn't ready to face them yet, but he knew eventually it was bound to happen. They were going forward with this plan, and he had to prepare for the inevitable.
And he was correct, soon his parents came knocking on his door to discuss the matter. Shu sat there quietly listening to his parents, which was mostly just his father. Explain the circumstances of this arrangement, and when he would be leaving. It was like a douse of cold water was being poured over him the more he listened. Nonetheless, he agreed to it. His parents looked at him concerned at how quiet and willingly Shu was accepting all of this.
But they couldn't get to ask if he was okay since Shu got up suddenly saying he should prepare to pack. Shu was quick to shut back into his room and try to make sense of what was happening. It was making him sick to his stomach. He stayed there standing for a while before he actually decided to start packing.
Shu huffed out as he put the last bits of his belongings into his bag. He wasn’t planning to pack a lot. Though the more he sat and stared at his room. The more he got sentimental and wanted to bring everything with him. But he had to be reasonable and that took almost all day.
While he was packing his room, he could hear his father make the phone call. To Luca Kaneshiro, they made their decision. His mother couldn't bear to hear the news again, so she locked herself in their bedroom.
His father got the confirmation that Luca would send a few of his men tomorrow afternoon. This was all happening so fast to Shu, he wasn’t sure how to react. He was leaving to live off with Luca Kaneshiro tomorrow.
A long black limousine with golden accents slowly came to their driveway. Once it stopped, two fully suited men with golden masks approached the Yamino’s. The family got tense as they came face to face.
“Hello, we work with Luca Kaneshiro. We are here to retrieve Shu Yamino.” One of them explained. They then both bowed to the family respectively. The Yamino’s weren’t sure what they expected, but this surely wasn’t it. Shu walked in front of his parents and bowed back to the masked men.
“I am Shu Yamino, I am ready to leave now.” The masked men nodded their heads and took the suitcases to the back of the limousine. As they efficiently took Shu’s belongings he turned back to his parents.
“I’ll be fine, please just be happy and healthy now.” His mother continued to sob as they embraced. Shu looked over to his father who still couldn’t look him in the eye.
“I am sorry I couldn’t protect you, my son. I failed as a father, and now I’ve put you in a dire situation.” Shu shook his head and hugged his father. “Don’t say that Father,
Shu walked over to the limousine as one of the men opened the door for him. He carefully stepped into it, sitting down on the black leather seats. Looking around he was captivated by the interior, there were golden accents around the cabinets and chairs of the limo. With a few lion crest designs on certain areas, that must be the Kaneshiro name symbol. This was his first time being in a lavish car like this. So he couldn’t help but gawk at what was around him for a few seconds.
The driver and other masked men then get inside the limo as well. One turns to the window to speak to Shu. “There are some refreshments in the cabinet to your left if you need some. If you are comfortable we can start heading to the Kaneshiro mansion.”
Shu looked over to his left and saw a certain cabinet they must be referring to and nodded. He then turned to the window that was tinted. Shu could barely see his parents through it and decided to do one last thing. “Just give me a few more seconds please.” The man nodded his head and Shu turned back to roll down the window.
Now he was able to see his parents much clearer and flashed a small smile. They smiled back and they stared in silence for a while. Shu then raised his hand to wave at them goodbye and they waved back. Even with no words exchanged it was comforting to at least see Shu be sent off now.
After the silent exchange, Shu turned back to the driver and said he was now ready to leave. He looked back at his parents one last time. The limo started to drive off the driveway and Shu was trying so hard to keep his composure. He turned his head to look at his lap and clenched his hand tightly.
Hoping that can distract him from having a breakdown in the limo. He managed to calm down and turned to look out the window again. He no longer recognized his surroundings as they left the main part of town he grew up in.
They were no longer passing by small apartment complexes. Instead, they passed by the main Diamond City that Shu had never seen before. He expected Luca to have a grand apartment complex to his name. But to his surprise, they drive right past the city as well. They have made it to a more secluded part of town.
The limo then comes to a stop as the driver comes up to a gated entrance. He spoke to what he assumed to be a security guard before being let in. The limo continues to drive up a vacant front field for a few seconds. As they drove into the estate Shu looked back out the window to see the grand mansion. Instantly his nerves erupted at how large the estate looked as his hands balled in a fist once again.
He knew Luca was rich but this was too much for him, and he was just merely looking at the front of the mansion. The limo comes to a stop at the front pathway of the mansion and Shu frantically wipes his sweaty hands onto his pants.
A different person with a golden mask approached to open the car door for Shu. They extended their hand to assist him. Shu accepted the hand shakingly and stepped out of the car with ease. Soon the other masked man from the car joins them.
They both escorted Shu to the mansion, and Shu followed them nervously.
—
“Boss is still out in a meeting. He will be back soon, please stay here until he arrives.” Shu nodded, and the masked man left him alone, closing the door behind him. Now that Shu was left alone in the vacant room his anxiety was at an all-time high.
Shu guessed this must be a living room of some sort, or perhaps a living room. There was a grand couch in the middle of the room. Along with more golden lion decorations scattered across the room.
He was too fidgety to stay still so he got up and began pacing around the room frantically. He froze when he heard footsteps get closer down the hall. The door then was opened by a different masked men.
Then Shu finally sees him, Luca Kaneshiro walking through the door. He wore a striped white suit with a matching hat on his head. As he entered the room he removed his hat and handed it to one of the men.
Shu then was able to see his golden blonde hair that rested above his shoulder. His eyes then cast down to the rest of his body. He couldn’t help but gawk at his physical physique. He was slightly taller than Shu and had a stronger build than him.
He had the top few buttons from his black dress shirt undone. He also saw a peak to what seemed to be his chest tattoo. Shu noticed he had been staring for a while and turned his head away quickly.
“I presume you’re Shu Yamino?” Luca finally asks, breaking the silence. Hearing his voice made Shu shiver. It was deep and had a hint of an Australian accent. He cleared his throat before responding.
“Yes I am, it's a pleasure to meet you sir.” He bowed his head down respectfully.
“No need to address me as sir, just call me by my first name.” Luca then began to walk over to Shu. It took everything in Shu to not back away as Luca came closer.
“Yes, I’m sorry Luca.” Shu’s voice faltered when Luca finally stood over him.
“Well since we got introductions out of the way. Let’s discuss this arrangement.” Shu stiffens at the mention but nods. They decide to sit on the couch to continue the conversation.
“This relationship is strictly business. I have no intention for it to be more than that. So don’t get too comfortable about this arrangement. Since you’re just a pawn your parents just throw away so carelessly.”
Shu clenched his hands angrily as Luca talked badly about his parents. He finally looked up at Luca furiously.
“Don’t talk about my parents like that.” Luca chuckled lowly. Finally, Shu was showing some emotions. Peaking his interest he wanted to push further.
“You are still defending them after they sold you off. You are truly the fool here.” He got up from his seat and turned away from Shu.
“They didn’t force me to do this if that’s what you are insinuating. I consented to this arrangement as well.” Luca simply just stared at Shu at his response before turning to look at him again.
“So you are okay with being arranged to be with me. Luca Kaneshiro? I’m sure you’ve heard my line of work.”
“Yes, I’ve heard things here and there… But they don’t bother me.” Shu's voice cracked at his lie. He’s sure Luca could see through his fib as well.
“Just remember, you live under this house, you obey the rules I have.”
“And what rules are those?”
“One, don’t wander around to rooms you aren’t supposed to. I don’t need to sneak around and tamper with my work. Two, if you want to leave the mansion. You are either to be accompanied by me or a Lucub for supervision. If you need anything you ask the Lucubs or me. You may be stuck here, but that doesn’t mean you are a prisoner.”
Hearing Luca list off the list of rules was a bit infuriating. Though he was a bit relieved to know he could leave the mansion. But, having to be under supervision most of the time made him uneasy.
“Also, our ‘relationship’ won’t be physical. I am not a total monster, and will not lay my hands on you unprompted. “
Shu looks up at Luca, this time confused at that.
“So what use am I then?” Luca raises an eyebrow down at Shu.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m just trying to understand this arrangement you have. If I am to be your actual partner, what benefits do you get then if it's not physical? Do I need to be affectionate towards you then?”
“That won’t be necessary either.”
“Then what exactly are you benefiting from this arrangement?” There was a moment of silence before Luca continued.
“I don’t want to gain anything, I didn’t want this arrangement in the first place. But seeing as this is the only way your parents can pay their debt. There not much else to do, unless you want to resort to the last option?”
“W-What is the last option?”
“Their lives.” Shu got goosebumps at how Luca said that so coldly. He knew Luca wasn’t bluffing, he imagined some disagreements may end with Luca simply just killing them. He looked up at Luca trying to keep a straight face before responding.
“No, I’m fine with this option. I will also try my best to follow your rules, I don’t want to be a bother to you.”
“Yeah, I thought so. We’ll just be arranged as a couple on paper, but you don’t need to concern yourself with fulfilling that role. I do not wish for that and you most likely don’t either. It would be for publicity, you’d come with me to some events as my partner. Just for show, and just stand there and look pretty.”
After hearing that explanation, Shu was left conflicted. This should make him feel relieved that he didn’t have to be physical. But knowing people would be watching, he must put up an act.
“So this will all just be an act to the public?”
“My you do catch on quickly.” Shu wanted to punch that smirk off of Luca’s face. But he had to calm himself down, he couldn’t risk having an emotional outburst in front of Luca.
“Alright, if those are your conditions then.” Luca nods at Shu and gets up from the couch.
“Well, now that it is settled I’ll let you go off to your own room.”
“Wait, we’re going to be in separate rooms as well?”
“Yes, there is no need for us to be in the same bed. I had the Lucubs drop your belongings there. So I’ll leave you to unpack. Someone will call you when dinner is ready” and with that, Luca left Shu before he could respond.
When he is alone Shu lets out an aggravated sigh. For someone whom he’s heard to be charming, Luca was the quite opposite.
Shu walked out of the living room with so many conflicted emotions. One part of him was relieved Luca was not forcing him to do intimate things that would make him uncomfortable. However, another part of him was still terrified to be around him. Along with the rules he is meant to follow, he is scared if he does anything wrong. He may anger Luca to a point his or his parent's well-being would be on the line.
These feelings followed him as he followed a Lucub to his room. Walking in he was shocked at the size of it. Shu was sure he wasn’t meant to live a lavish life.
As Luca had told him, his suitcases were neatly placed next to the bed. Making to get it over with he started unpacking. But it was at a snail's pace since his mind kept wandering to Luca. He excused it to the lack of sleep making him act like this.
—
There was an uncomfortable silence as Luca and Shu sat to eat dinner. Shu didn’t have much of an appetite and was mostly picking at his plate. He would steal glances up at Luca, who was eating. Paying no mind to Shu across from him.
He didn’t know how to strike up a conversation with him. Or if it would even be worth it, he didn’t want to come off as annoying. So he remained silent and tried eating more of his dinner.
“Do you not like the dinner?” Shu jolts at the sudden question and glances up at Luca. He has his head resting in his hand, staring directly back at Shu. The stare sent shivers down his spine.
“No, it's quite delicious”
“But you barely touched any of it.”
“I don't have much of an appetite tonight.” Luca wasn’t satisfied with that response and let out a loud sigh.
“If you don’t like something let it be known. While we are on this topic, it would be best to let the kitchen staff know about any allergies or food you dislike.”
Shu couldn’t help but be a bit stunned that Luca was being accommodating to him. It was the first nice treatment he’d been given by Luca. He hummed a response back to Luca and continued to eat his food.
Once he was done Shu was getting up to excuse himself when Luca stopped him. “Before I forget, I need to give you this.” He reaches into his pocket and brings out a little black box. Shu’s eyes widened when it opened and saw a gold diamond ring inside.
“To seal the deal of the appearance this is a real relationship. Also, a symbol to others to not touch you.” Luca extends his hand out for Shu to take. Slowly Shu makes his way over and gives him his hand. He watched as Luca delicately put the ring on.
“If anyone is dumb enough to still try to touch you. They’ll have to deal with me.” Luca looks up to Shu with a stern expression.
If Shu didn’t know any better this could be mistaken as an actual proposal, but he couldn’t think like that. Shu looks back down at Luca before responding. “Okay, I understand.” However, he stares down at the ring anxiously. It must have cost a fortune, it looks so luxurious.
“Good, now that it's settled. I think we should call it a night.” Luca says as he gets up from his seat. And with that, Luca left the dining room without letting Shu respond. When he was alone Shu let out a sigh, just when he started to believe Luca could be capable of being a nicer human being.
He decided to leave for his room and head to bed. Every now and again he’d catch glances of the gold ring. It made his stomach feel uneasy for reasons he wasn’t sure of.
—
The next morning Shu wakes up feeling less exhausted, he’s never slept in such a comfortable bed before. Though waking up in a room he wasn’t familiar with still was upsetting to him. He so got up and decided now was the best time to get some breakfast. As he was going to open his bedroom door he saw the glimmer of the ring.
It left a bad taste in his mouth to be given such a valuable item that is supposed to symbolize a lifelong commitment. When this whole arrangement was nothing of that. He let out a sigh, trying not to think too much of it.
When he walked out a Lucub was close by standing guard. They offered to escort Shu to where he needed. Reluctantly Shu accepted, so the two walked in silence to the dining room.
“Is Luca joining us for breakfast?” Shu asked timidly.
“Unfortunately Boss left a bit earlier to attend a business meeting.” Another meeting? Shu thought to himself.
He wasn’t sure why he was saddened to hear he couldn’t see Luca. He blamed it on the recent events messing with his emotions.
Still having to eat breakfast by himself in the giant, quiet dining room made him feel so lonely. He quickly finished the meal that was prepared and wanted to get some fresh air.
Thankfully he didn’t have anyone follow him outside to the grand garden. Once he stepped outside he let the sunlight bask into his skin and let out a deep breath. He strolls onto the path until he reaches the flower garden. He would never have imagined the Luca Kaneshiro mansion would have a lavish flower garden included.
His eyes glimmer when he sees purple tulips, his favorite flowers. Ever so delicately he brushed his fingertips along the petals. For the first time this week, he finally has something to smile about. All for a flower, somehow that was a bit melancholy for Shu.
He was broken from his trance when he heard barking from the distance. Standing up straight he squints over to see where the noise is coming from.
Further ahead from the garden, he sees a Lucub. Accompany them a golden fur dog was running back and forth playfully. Shu didn’t know Luca had a dog and didn’t expect it to be so friendly-looking.
Shu goes up to them sheepishly, and the Lucub immediately notices his presence. They bow down to Shu and greet him formally. Shu greets them back timidly but then looks over to the dog.
“Oh, this is Augustus. Boss’s trusted companion.” They gesture their hand to catch Augustus's attention. The dog walks over to them and sits in front of Shu.
“What breed is he?” When Shu spoke Augustus began to get excited but remained seated.
“He is a golden retriever.” The Lucub took notice of Augustus’s reaction and peered back to Shu.
“You may reach your hand out if you’d like to pet him, Sir Yamino. He seems to be taking a liking to you.” The Lucub requested with a smile.
Shu wasn’t sure at first but when he looked down to see Augustus's happy face. He couldn’t resist such a cute face. He extended his hand out for the golden retriever. Augustus was quick to react and got up to rub his face onto his hand. He then started to lick it, which made Shu chuckle.
“He’s quite friendly.” Shu then scratched the back of Augustus's ears which made him wag his tail even faster.
Shu continued to play with Augustus until the Lucub had to, unfortunately, take him back to the house. Shu understood and let them go, but as they did he could hear Augustus softly whine. It pulled at his heartstrings, that dog was so adorable.
He didn’t realize how long he had been outside since it was now midday. So he headed back inside and heard maids and Lucubs bustling in the mansion. Shu was confused about what was happening but wasn’t going to bother to ask.
But before he could head upstairs to hide away, the front door loudly opened. The sound echoes through the mansion, making everyone freeze. Shu peeks from the hallway and sees Luca standing there. However, he then noticed his usual white pristine suit had splattered red around it. Blood… There was no mistaking it, that was certainly blood.
His expression was intimidating, it sent shivers down his spine. Luca felt him staring and looked over at him. His dark emotionless eyes make Shu feel more afraid. He already knew that this was the type of business Luca Kaneshiro was known for. But to see him in this state was too much, he felt like he was in danger. That he was next, and he needed to run.
His body finally moved and he ran up the stairs to lock himself in his room. He leans against his bedroom door, gasping for air. How is he going to possibly live with someone who is perfectly capable of killing him?