Akabane Kurudo quietly closed the door behind him, cutting out the distracting sounds of people splashing their way through the heavy rain on the street outside.  An almost tense silence fell upon the room in which he stood.  Amano Ginji, just a few feet in front of him, was looking curiously around the old shop, now empty of anything save a low counter to the left and a lot of gathered dust.  The blond boy sneezed, then, rubbing his nose turned to face the man known as Dr. Jackal.

“It’s dusty in here,” he spoke loudly, but his slightly trembling voice betrayed him.  It was clear Amano Ginji was afraid.  Akabane smiled at the thought.

“This shop has been unused for some time,” Akabane replied softly.  Amano Ginji just stared at him blankly for a moment as though trying to decide what to make of the statement, then spoke again.

“Are you sure this is the place Ban-chan said to meet?”  Akabane laughed quietly but gave no reply, stepping slowly closer to the younger man.  Amano Ginji backed off a little.

“Maybe he can’t find it. We should go check outside…” And he made a move towards the door, walking in a large arc around Akabane Kurodo.  Who stepped deftly sideways to prevent the boy’s escape. 

“That doesn’t make sense, Ginji-kun,” Akabane trilled, “Why would Midou-kun suggest a place he didn’t know the location of?”  Amano Ginji giggled nervously and again backed away from the object of his fear. 

“I suppose you’re right,” he said, “Ban-chan must just be late.”  He laughed nervously once more then turned around and headed off in the direction of the far left corner to investigate the counter.  Akabane watched the young man’s every move as he leant over to look behind it, but he knew that the former gang leader was keeping an eye on his every move.  Which right now was none at all.  Akabane was content to stand in silence and watch and feel as the object of his pursuits grew more and more nervous and afraid.  He liked to feel that power, the power to make even those as strong as Amano Ginji tremble in fear before him.  His beloved friend, Midou Ban, wasn’t here now to protect him.  And if Akabane had it his way, Midou Ban would not be arriving anytime soon.  But the black-clothed man knew better than to underestimate that man’s ability to find his blond partner.  So he was aware his time was limited.  He had considered the consequences of what he was about to do, knowing that if Midou Ban found them there would be no way to prevent a full-blown battle.  Akabane chuckled at the thought.  In the end, he would win either way because if there was one thing he wanted more than Ginji-kun, it was a death match with an out-of-control Midou Ban.  With this in mind, Akabane Kurudo silently approached Amano Ginji.