Being Heard

Author's Notes: Look, I literally haven't written anything in a good year or two but last night at 2 a.m I could not sleep so I present you with this. Please take it away from me.

Onodera Ritsu is not sure about a lot of things.

He's not sure if he actually has a fiance. He's not sure if he has what it takes to learn to be a decent Manga Editor. And he is certainly not sure about his own feelings.

But Ritsu is sure about one thing.

Ever since he can remember, no matter what he says, or how loudly he speaks, his voice is always being drowned out.

This is not always literal, of course.

"I won't marry An-Chan."

He is ignored.

"I don't want to take over Onodera Publishing."

His words are brushed off.

"This is not love!"

His own heart disregards the things he says. The traitor.

"I love you."

...

Well, he said his voice wasn't always literally drowned out. He still hasn't forgiven the rain for that one.

But now, he needs to be heard.

"Takano!"

The man in question stops, turning his head to peer over his shoulder at his terrified looking subordinate.

Just this once.

"Takano, I…"

He raises an eyebrow in question, and Onodera almost loses his nerve. Almost cuts his own voice off before it can speak. But he doesn't, because he can't. He can't let the words die again. So he clenches his fist, takes a deep breath, and speaks.

Please

"I love you! I have only ever loved you!"

This is it. Ritsu breathes heavily and forces himself not to run away. If his voice is not heard, if his words are drowned out again , he wonders if he'll ever find the will to speak again.

Hazel eyes widen, and Takano... doesn't say anything.

That damn silence is back, and Ritsu can honestly state that he has never hated it more than in this moment. He's just about ready to bolt and change his name and move far, far away. He can't use Oda, Takano already knows that one. But it's fine, he'll figure something out.

But before he can make good on his escape plan, the most amazing thing happens.

Takano smiles.

The sheer relief that Ritsu feels is staggering. Because finally.

"Well, that confession certainly took long enough." Takano's tone is teasing, but his eyes are soft, and his smile is the brightest Ritsu has ever seen it.

The instant scowl on Ritsu's face is half-assed, at best. And his cheeks are glowing far too brightly to appear indifferent. "It's not my fault you didn't hear me the first time." He says petulantly, turning away so that Takano can't see his face.

He almost expects not to be heard. His heart twinges painfully.

But Takano's eyes widen, and he inhales sharply. Quick as lightning, he is at Ritsu's side, holding his hand tightly, as if to prevent him from running away. Ritsu almost wishes that he didn't know him quite so well.

Predictably, He bombards Ritsu with nonstop questions as they walk towards their apartment.

'Separate apartments.' He has to sharply remind himself. But the word Home has already planted itself in his head. It sounds disgustingly appropriate.

He looks at his and Takano's linked hands.

He doesn't honestly mind it.

Onodera Ritsu isn't sure about a lot of things.

He's not sure if he really has a fiance, and he's not sure he can make it as a proper manga editor.

But as he walks home with Takano, the older man demanding more information about "the first time" , he is sure of two things.

One is that he is, against all of his better judgement, irrevocably in love with Masamune Takano.

And two, is that after years of being ignored and brushed off, his voice has finally, finally been heard.

And it's one of the most wonderful feelings He's ever experienced.

I just... love these boys? Also unrelated I've reached Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi about three times within the last month.

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