Under My Control {Karma x Asano}

17

When the redhead opened his eyes, all he saw was white.

"Ugh..."

"Karma!" His body felt stiff. It felt like his muscles were made out of wood. Once his eyes adjusted to the lighting, his arms lifted him off the bed. "Are you okay? Do you need water?"

"What..." He soon realized he was in the hospital. His leg was wrapped with some uncomfortable white...cloth. He felt bandages wrapped around his head.

"Are you feeling okay?" He noticed a slightly blurry Asano, who was waving his hand in front of his orange eyes.

"Asano...Kun..."

"Good, you recognize me." He sighed with relief.

His voice sounded rough and raspy. "What...What happened, Asano-kun? I don't remember much..."

"You fainted in the car before we managed to get you here." Asano stated. "You've been asleep for the past two days."

"Two days, huh..."

"...also..."

Karma looked up when he heard the other's change in tone. Asano clenched his fists, biting his lip.

"What is it, Asano-kun?"

"My father..."

A chill ran down Karma's spine when he remembered why he had been hospitalized in the first place.

"Where is he?"

Asano's teeth refused to release his own lip.

"Asano-kun."

"You're not well enough to start moving around." Asano said, after some silence. "Once you are, I'll take you to him."

"What do you mean, take me to him...?"

His head started to throb, so the strawberry-head stood up. "You'll understand once you heal, so hurry and get better."

Karma knew Asano didn't want to talk about it, so he kept silent.

"How about you? Are you ok?" The redhead asked. "You're not injured, are you?"

"A few minor burns." Asano rolled up his sleeves to reveal bandages. "They will heal in a few days."

"That's good." Karma said, nodding. His hand overlapped the other's, squeezing. His eyes narrowed as the explosions rang in his ears. "Asano-kun."

"Hm."

"Can I have a hug?" Karma requested, looking up. He reached his arms out like a child asking to be carried. "I think I really need it right now."

Asano hesitated, before sighing. All this chaos had happened to Karma because of him. This was the least he could do. "Alright."

The smaller boy wrapped his arms under Karma's arms, and the boys embraced.

Karma nuzzled his face into Asano's shoulder, his eyes half-lidded. Once again, his nose was filled with nothing but the other, and it eased his mind.

"Are you feeling better—?"

"Mm..." Karma refused to release his boyfriend. He hung on with great strength.

"I'm guessing not."

Asano stared at the white wall ahead of him, slightly patting Karma's back. He closed his eyes, leaning his head into Karma's neck.

This moment was theirs, and theirs only.

At least, for now.

"Ah, such young love."

The redhead flinched, and pulled himself away. Asano, surprised as well, turned to the door. He immediately turned back to the redhead, who was already glaring at the man before them. Asano's cheeks flushed.

"What a surprise, shithead. What're you doing here?" Karma asked, letting Asano sit back down.

"Now, isn't it a bit rude to talk to your father that way?" The man asked, chuckling. "I'm not the one who jumped out of a 20-story building and broke my leg."

"There were bombs. Do you live under a rock?" Karma asked. He smirked, and Asano knew immediately that he was going to provoke his father. "Wait, let me guess. You were too busy running your company to know, right? The one with all the slaves working, and not you?"

Asano clenched Karma's wrist. "I don't want to see you getting hurt again. Just ignore him, he's not worth your attention."

"Your boyfriend here seems nervous."

"I've met more intimidating people than you." The strawberry-head snapped. He rolled his eyes. "They were less childish, though."

"It seems Karma's cockiness has rubbed off on you." He chuckled. "But, I'm not here to talk to you, Asano, my boy. I'm here for my son."

"No thanks." Karma simply stated. "You can leave. Not interested."

"Oh? Even if it's about your mother?"

That caught the redhead's attention. "What about her?"

"Well, it seems...her unfortunate death had led to a change of child custody."

Asano knew exactly what he was talking about, and turned to look at Karma in alarm.

"A change in child custody? The hell is that supposed to do with me?"

"It seems Asano here knows."

The redhead turned to his boyfriend in confusion and slight worry. "What is it, Asano-kun?"

"Your...mother lost her custodial rights over you when she passed away. Normally, when the parents pass away, the child goes to the closest relative or family friend. But as your father is still alive—"

Asano flinched when Karma's fist came crashing down onto the sheets.

"HELL no." Karma said, his voice shaking with seething rage.

"Why, yes."

"THAT'S what you're here for?!"

"Well, I couldn't really track you down. I wasn't aware you were spending your time with the Asanos. But then I heard what had happened I tracked you down."

"Tch." Karma's fists refused to release. His frown deepened heavily. "So. What're you going to do once you win rights over me?"

"Oh, lots and lots of things will happen to you. Lots of bonding time!" The man said, clapping his hands as if Karma won some award. "Just us two, son!"

"I'd rather be abandoned."

Asano clenched his fists. Although the provocation wasn't being aimed at him, he was starting to get annoyed, as well. The strawberry-head stood up, making eye-contact with the grown-up.

"It seems you've overstayed your welcome." Asano said, with a breezy, settled voice. "The doctors have informed us that Karma needs lots of rest. Please leave for now."

Karma didn't want Asano to be part of his family's squabble, but his father acted before he could.

"Oh, I'll be back." The man said, turning his back towards the two students. "And when I do, you'll be leaving with me, Karma-kun."

The door slid shut with an eerie creaaaak...