The words on the paper were swimming before Caranthir's eyes, but he had to get the expense reports filed before the boss came in the morning. He rubbed his eyes and renewed his concentration, but he needed a break. He shoved his chair back from the desk and reached in the desk drawer for the pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He leaned the chair back on its legs, staring at the ceiling, letting his eyes unfocus, mind drifting.

After a the cigarette was through, the chair fell back into place and he rolled his neck around before settling back into his paperwork, lighting another cigarette with the last one and tucking it into a corner of his mouth. Nothing much to it, just run a cursory graze over the numbers, make sure nothing looked out of place, cross some t's, dot some i's, and move on to the next page. Simple and mind numbing. His days were getting monotonous. Officially he ran numbers. That's what he had the mind for, but it wasn't unusual for him to help out in other areas of their business.

When the paperwork was done he gave himself permission to step outside for a rest and refresh. The sky was dark but the city wasn't asleep. He wasn't in a partying mood, however; his sights were on a twenty-four hour restaurant just down the street.

The food was good, and the near vacancy of the place was better. He was just mapping out in his mind exactly how long it would take his boss to get to work and what distractions might keep him away a bit longer when somebody who'd just come in the door abruptly sat down next to him.

Caranthir was surprised and a bit offended before recognizing one of the Ambarussa, and shock outweighed his annoyance. He couldn't form words for a minute, just glowered at his little brother as he slid a cup off the stack and poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the table.

Finally Caranthir was able to control his voice and he ground out, "Is this some kind of joke?"

Ambarussa met his eyes, expression full of innocence, "Whatever do you mean, brother mine?" It was Pityo, he was sure.

Caranthir was glad to see his brother, but that didn't mean he was going to let him off easy for upsetting his schedule and structure suddenly like this. Pityo knew Caranthir hated surprises, but he wasn't going to rise to the bait, so he didn't respond to the glib question.

He turned his gaze back to his empty bowl and tried to think of how to start this conversation. "Have you eaten?"

"No, actually, you buying?"

In response, Caranthir raised a hand and called a server over. Ambarussa ordered an obscene amount of food, Caranthir translating for the waitress, and then they were alone again.

Caranthir dragged in a breath. "So, what brings you to Japan? Last I heard you were in a jungle somewhere."

Pityo chuckled, "You, of course. It's been a long time, I thought I'd check up on my favorite brother. Second favorite," He amended with a wink.

Caranthir rolled his eyes. "Any particular reason?"

Pityo shrugged, "Does there have to be?"

"No." Carnthir replied shortly.

Pityo sighed. "Has anyone told you lately that you need to lighten up?"

"Well, you've been saying it for centuries." Caranthir stated drily.

Pityo nodded, "So I have, so I have. And do you listen to me? No. And look where it's got you." He rattled off in mock theatrics. In a surprise turn of events, he suddenly looked serious. Grabbing Carnthir's hand he said, "What's this?"

Caranthir looked down at where Pityo ran a finger over the dragon wrapping around his forearm. "What, my tattoos?"

Pityo frowned. "They're beautiful, when did you have them done?"

Caranthir jerked his hand back. "A long time ago, don't bother getting judgy."

Pityo smirked. "Oh, I'm not the one who's going to get judgy."

"Right." Caranthir returned shortly.

The food came and Pityo wasted no time wolfing it down. Caranthir ordered a beer and enjoyed the moment of respite until Pityo would try to resume conversation. He checked his watch and knew he'd have to return to work soon. He wasn't sure how he could ditch Pityo before that.

When Pityo was finally finished Caranthir called for the check, paid and left, Pityo trailing after him.

"Hey, what's the rush? Do you know any good nightclubs around here? I thought we were going to relax and have a few drinks? Get to know each other again."

Pityo had given him a solution. "I can't at the moment, but I do know some good clubs in this neighborhood. Well, they'll be closing soon, but I'll join you tomorrow night." He withdrew a small pad of paper and started writing addresses. "Here, these should keep you occupied." He tore off the paper and put it in Pityo's hand.

Pityo stared at the paper. "Are you trying to get rid of me?" He asked in exaggerated suspicion.

Caranthir sighed, then decided to be upfront with him. "Yes. Listen, I have to go back to work soon and I really don't want you tagging along."

"Why not? Any day can be take-your-baby-brother-to-work day, can't it?"

Caranthir was tired of joking. "No it can't. I work with very dangerous people and I don't want my brothers being any more substantial to them than an occasional phone call." His words were clipped, but he hoped Pityo sensed that they were in earnest.

Pityo did, but he wasn't done being a scamp. "Aww, I promise I won't embarrass you. Come on how bad can it be?"

Caranthir glared at him, "I said very dangerous people."

Pityo bared his teeth in a grin. "I'm dangerous."

"So am I." Caranthir let his words stand.

Pityo seemed to take a step back. "You're serious aren't you." It wasn't a question.

Finally he was seeing sense. "I'm always serious." He held up a hand before Pityo could pounce on that. "Listen, please. I do want to have a good talk with you, I have missed you, and I've been thinking about you. Do me and favor and wait another day before we talk for real."

Pityo looked confused. "Hey, you really are serious, what kind of crowd are you running with?"

Belying his previous words, Caranthir allowed a ghost of a smirk on his face. "A bad one."

Pityo's eyebrows raised. "Must be." He sighed, looked down and shuffled his feet a bit. It was close to dawn and the sky was greying. "Alright, Moryo, I'll go along with you. I'll be waiting here tomorrow, tonight rather," He corrected, "At seven o'clock."

"Make it midnight, I'll be here too."

Pityo nodded.

There seemed to be nothing else to say, so Caranthir started walking purposefully towards his building, but Pityo threw his arms around him from behind, surprising him. Pityo gave a tight squeeze then released him. He dashed back down the alley before Caranthir could turn on him.

"I'll look for you at midnight!" Pityo called over his shoulder.

Caranthir stared after the darkness his brother had disappeared into, wondering at the empty feeling in his chest.