New Note (based on this no longer being one chapter or short)

This was suppose to be a short story. A bit of fluff. I've was trying to write another story about these two, but I was blocked. This came out instead. Did I have plans for it when I wrote it, no. Do I have plans now, maybe. The question is, do you want to see life after college for these two. Living on their own for the first time. Sure in luxury, but I won't make it all easy for them. As I continue I am not sure where I will go or when I will update. Basically this is going to be long and rambling and no real purpose other than to enjoy spending time with Misu and Shingyouji and friends.

It uses my character base from my other stories Trust Me and The Year Alone. As the story grows references do get made to their time they have spent together in those other stories. I would recommend reading those other stories first. And they're good so give them a chance. :)

The apartment was reasonable, exactly as his co-worker had informed him. One bedroom, large living room, decent kitchen, modern bathroom. It was perfect, if it was only for him.

"Do you have any other one bedrooms with more square footage?"

"Of course sir, but the cost will increase as you know."

"Understood."

"This apartment is our mid range size and works for most of our single working types like you. The next size is usually reserved for couples."

"That is appropriate as I will not be living alone."

"Oh I am sorry sir, I had assumed a young man like yourself was not married. I do apologize."

"I am not married."

"Ah, then...oh, well we are a very progressive community. If you and your girlfriend come to live her, you will be welcomed. I hear it's very common now to live together first before getting married."

"Yes, well, can I see this other apartment?"

"Right away."

Misu followed the small man from the apartment, to the elevators, up three floors and into another apartment. The bedroom was a bit larger, the living room had a connected dining room, the kitchen had a few more feet of counter space and the bathroom was the same. Misu pulled back the curtain and looked out the window. At the 10th floor he had a nice view, into the neighboring office building.

"Ah yes, the view is not the best, but the apartment is perfect. Everything is clean. Lots of space for you and your wife, I mean girlfriend. I am kind of surprised you she's not with you. Most women like to be part of this decision."

"Oh it's a surprise. Though I would like to bring them by later. Get a general feel for their reaction."

"Makes sense, makes sense. But you'll want to be quick about it. These places go fast."

Misu took his finger and trailed it along the kitchen counter. A fine layer of dust came along with it.

"Yes, well, you never know when someone will take the perfect place right out from under you."

"Of course. You can never know. I will bring them by tomorrow. Will you be here or should I speak with someone else?"

"I am here all the time. Come by my office when you are ready."

"Thank you." Misu offered a small bow. As they stepped from the apartment they met an older woman with a small dog walking down the hallway. Her eyes looked over Misu with calculation.

"Hello Ozaki-san. This gentleman is looking at space 1010 with his, um, partner. I told him you were all wonderful tenants."

"I am sure you did Niwa-san. Partner huh? You're not one of those gay fellows are you? Nah can't be. You don't look the type."

"No Ozaki-san I meant his girlfriend."

"So not married." She grunted. "Well not the worst idea living together before getting married. And if it doesn't work out, come by and see me, I have a granddaughter I think could be just your type."

"Thank you, but I am very committed to my partner."

"We should be going now. Don't forget to clean up after Rory Ozaki-san."

"Yeah yeah." Ozaki turned and pulled Rory hard by his leash.

Once they were safe in the elevators, "Ozaki-san is a little rough around the edges, but she means well."

"Yeah it sounds like it."

"Anyway, as I said, come by and see me tomorrow when you are ready to show your girlfriend this place. I do think she will love it."

"Unfortunately I do to."

"I'm sorry."

Misu waved his hand. "Nevermind. As I said I will bring them by tomorrow to fully judge its potential."

"I am sure we will live up to all your standards, as you've already seen."

"Yes, I have."

As the elevator doors opened, Misu bowed and took his leave. The apartment was exactly as he hoped, the tenants and realtor as he expected. This was not going to be an easy task to find a home.

"Arata-san, this isn't a restaurant."

Misu and Shingyouji stood in front of the apartment building. As promised Misu had returned the next day.

"No Shingyouji. We will eat soon. As I once told you, as soon as I started working I would find us a place to live together, outside of my parent's home. I know you enjoy living there, but it is time we had our own space."

"Arata-san, really? We're going to live together?"

"Shingyouji haven't I been saying that from the day you moved into my parent's home? Is it that you've grown too comfortable there, and would rather stay with them?"

"No Arata-san, that's not what I meant. I just mean, it's finally happening? You and I finally alone."

"Yes Shingyouji it's finally happening. Once we can find a suitable apartment."

"That shouldn't be too hard. There are a lot of nice places out there. I can live anywhere as long as it's with you."

"I am not as worried about the apartments as I am the neighbors."

"I don't understand." Misu reached down and took Shingyouji's hand in his. "Oh. I am sorry Arata-san. I will be problematic."

"Never be sorry for this Shingyouji." Misu's voice was low. "I would rather it take us longer to find the right place for both of us, rather than the wrong place that wouldn't want us. Come on, let's go in."

Misu stepped forward not releasing Shingyouji's hand. He led them through the front door and to the small office of the realtor. The door was propped open with the realtor at his desk. With his free hand Misu knocked on the door frame.

"Ah, sir welcome back. I see you didn't come alone this time, good, good." Shingyouji stood just behind the door frame. The only part visible was his hand and a length of his arm.

"Yes, I brought my partner to show the apartment."

"Very good, let me grab my keys." The realtor picked up his collection of keys, backed up from his office, turned off his lights, closed the door, turned and stopped dead in his tracks. "Oh."

"Niwa-san, this is my partner Shingyouji Kanemitsu."

"Nice to meet you." Shingyouji said, full of smiles.

"Oh."

"He and I would like to see the one bedroom apartment you showed me yesterday."

"Oh."

"Is there a problem, Niwa-san?."

"What? No. No. Let me take you up there now."

Niwa lead the way to the elevators. Misu followed with Shingyouji close behind, their hands still together. The ride up was silent. Only the ding of the elevator interrupted the quiet. A brisk walk down the hallway and they were back into room 1010.

Shingyouji darted into the room as soon as the door opened. Peeking into every space. Opening every door and cabinet, looking out the windows, inspecting all corners.

"As you can see, it's as I showed you yesterday. For two people it can feel a little cramped on space. And as you saw the view is not great. It also will take some work to get it clean again."

"It would seem since yesterday the benefits of this apartment have decreased. Should I be concerned?"

"No. Ah, it's just I wanted to make sure you understood what you were getting into with this apartment."

"I think I understand just fine. Shingyouji."

At Misu's command Shingyouji rushed over from his exploration to stand at his side. Misu took Shingyouji's hand back into his.

"Arata-san, this place is very nice."

"Unfortunately I do not think this place is worthy of us. It is time for us to leave."

"It is? I thought this was a good place."

"It would seem that the strength of certain prejudices are stronger the strength of quality tenants."

Misu turned on his heel and left the apartment. Shingyouji bowed to Niwa before running after Misu. Misu fought every urge he had to return and ruin the man's small little life. To make him regret such backward thinking. Instead knowing the man lived such a small life would have to bring him satisfaction.

Shingyouji stepped up against him, leaning against his shoulder. Misu turned and kissed the top of his head.

"This is going to be harder than we expected isn't it?"

"Don't worry my pet. My mother would happily let us live with her forever if we wanted. We have time. I will find us a home."

Shingyouji nuzzled deeper against Misu's arm. "I know you will Arata-san. But for now, can we go eat. I'm hungry."

Misu let out a small snort of a laugh. "Of course you are. I promised you food earlier, and brought you to this unfortunate place instead. Let's go."

Over the next two months Misu searched every where for the perfect place. Recommendations from co-workers, newspapers, flyers, internet, even an overhead conversation. Places that he found might be accepting of him and Shingyouji were low class and too filthy to even consider. Those he found acceptable did not approve of him and Shingyouji. After leaving one such place he could see the drain it was putting on Shingyouji to be rejected again. It was time to change plans.

"Hello Saki."

"Good afternoon Misu. To what do I owe the pleasure of getting a visit from you."

After college Gii went straight to his father's company. While he wasn't starting at the bottom, he wasn't automatically put at the top either. He was learning the process from many different managers throughout the company. When Misu called, Gii had invited him to his 20th floor window office. From any one else it would be seen as boasting. For Gii it was just where he worked.

"I need your help." Misu's mouth barely moved as he made the request. The favors Gii owed him were long since used up. Asking Gii for help now carried its own weight.

"You know you always have it."

Misu sighed. "I have been trying to find a place for Shingyouji and I to live and have been unsuccessful so far. We have run into some...difficulties. I was hoping you could offer some advice."

Gii leaned back in his chair and smiled. "I was wondering when you would finally come and ask me."

Misu sat up in his chair. "How did you...Shingyouji. He told you we're looking."

"Of course. But he didn't ask me for help. He only told me you were looking. I just didn't think you would take this long to get to me."

"Don't make me regret coming here at all Saki."

"I wouldn't dream of it. After Shingyouji mentioned it I started looking into it." Gii pulled out a flyer and set it in front of Misu. "I think this would be the best choice for you."

Misu picked up the flyer. It was of a newer building. One photo showed a marble lobby with a large front desk. Another showed an apartment with an expansive view of the city. Other pictures showed the apartment with its large rooms and modern features. Listed in bold letters were 2-3 bedrooms now available.

"Saki. this is very nice, but bigger than I was looking and beyond my price range."

"I knew you would say that. Would it help if I told you, I found out we own the building. In fact I am thinking of moving there with Takumi myself."

"Then it's even more out of the question." Misu tossed the paper back on the desk.

"I understand. But for your sake, and for Shingyouji's would you please consider it. You know price won't be an issue with me. I would do anything for Shingyouji. Don't look at that me way. I think of him as a little brother. And I do think of you as a friend, no matter how much you grumble about it. Please take the flyer, think about it. You know at least as it's owned by my father's company that tolerance is important to him. It is a safe place for both you."

Misu picked the flyer back up, folded it three times and stuffed it in his pocket. He stood up.

"I will think about it."

At home Misu turned the flyer in his hands. Shingyouji was out at his class, his last year in college. His mother was out volunteering. His father was in his study. He sat in the living room staring at the flyer, sighing every time he looked at the pictures.

"Arata, do you wish to talk about something."

"Father, I'm sorry did I disrupt you?"

"No you did not. You have a habit of hanging out in the living room when you have something on your mind and want to talk. What can I help you with?"

"You know I am trying to find a place for Shingyouji and I to move to."

"I do, it's all your mother can talk about lately."

"It has been challenging."

"I see. And that flyer there, what is that?"

"An offering, that I really don't want to take. But it is too good to turn down." Ryou raised his eyebrows at him. "I spoke with Giichi Saki about my search. He has provided us with an opportunity that is very tempting, but comes with certain drawbacks."

"Which are?"

"As it is owned by the Saki corporation, he plans to move there as well, with Takumi."

"That is not a horrible drawback, to have your friends so close."

"Too close."

"Any other drawbacks?"

"I can not afford this place on my own. He is offering this to me out of friendship. That is a large debt that I feel burdened by."

"That I can understand. However many advantages in life come from the generosity of friends. If this were some other situation I would consider the cost of the burden more. Yet knowing the Saki family, and knowing what you are going through I do not think this is something to debate. Take your friends offer of kindness and accept it for what it is. If you still feel burdened, find a way to pay it back later in a way that is possible through your friendship."

Misu turned the flyer over once more. As frustrating as it was, his father was right. There would be time to regret his decision later, but now was not that time.

"Thank you father, I appreciate your advice."

"And your decision?"

"You are right. What good is it to have generous friends, if you cannot accept their generosity."

"Shingyouji, I know this has been hard, going to all these different apartments with me. But this is the last one. I promise."

"I really don't mind Arata-san. I feel bad for you doing all this work. I wish you would let me help."

"Oh, you have helped."

"Arata-san?"

"Come on, we have an appointment."

They stood in front of the large 30 story tall luxury apartment building. Through the front doors they entered the lobby looking exactly as pictured on the flyer. Misu approached the front desk.

"I am Misu Arata, I have a 3 o'clock appointment with Yagi-san."

"Of course sir, she is expecting you." The receptionist indicated to the end of the counter. A tall woman with stern features stood there, carrying a thin portfolio at her side. She bowed as Misu and Shingyouji approached.

"Hello, I am Misu Arata and this is my partner Shingyouji Kanemitsu."

"Hello sir, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to showing you to your new home today. If you would follow me, we will start with the amenities. At our lobby you can request booking of a car service or taxi, we can help with dinner reservations, tickets to concerts or plays. Also on this floor is the gym, our shared office space that you can book any time at the front desk, a restaurant and a cafe. Connected to the gym but one floor down is a pool. And underneath is our parking garage where have access to one parking space and visitor parking. Now let's go upstairs."

"Arata-san, this seems different from everywhere else we've been. Is it okay for us to be here?" Shingyouji whispered to Misu.

"Just follow me Shingyouji." Misu took Shingyouji's hand. If anyone in the lobby noticed there was no reaction.

Yagi lead them to a large bank of elevators, up to floor 15, down a long carpeted hallway to room 1522. She entered a pin number on the front door, then pushed it open, allowing them to enter first.

The space was spectacular. The front entry lead directly to the kitchen then the dining room and living room. To right of the living room was the first bedroom, off to the left was a study, a bathroom, the master bathroom and master bedroom. Out the master bedroom and the living room was a balcony the provided a sprawling view of the city.

"Arata-san. It's beautiful. But this can't be ours? I believe you showed us the wrong apartment."

"This is the correct apartment sir. We do have other apartments available but this one was specifically chosen for you."

"But that's not possible. How can we afford this?"

"It's all your doing Shingyouji."

"I had nothing to do with this place. You know I don't have the money." A slight hint of panic filled Shingyouji's voice.

They were interrupted by the front door beeps indicating someone else had entered the apartment. All eyes turned to look. From around the corner Gii appeared.

"Saki-san. Why are you here?"

"Yes Saki, why are you here?"

"I am here to make sure you don't change your mind and back out Misu."

"You walking in like this uninvited isn't helping. Changing that passcode will be the first thing that happens."

"So, this really is our apartment?" Shingyouji asked, his eyes wide.

"I see Misu choose to not to explain. Yes Shingyouji this is your new home. As my father owns the building, I have a little pull when it comes to the tenants."

Shingyouji tackled Gii in a hug. "Thank you Saki-san."

Saki caught his eye. "Little brother Misu, little brother."

Shingyouji pulled back just as quickly. "Ah yes, sorry Arata-san."

"To be discussed later. You know Saki just because I said yes to your offer doesn't mean I want you dropping by unannounced for dinner all the time."

"Of course not. Just some times."

"Still not helping. I am assuming there are some last steps to making this official, before I do change my mind."

"Yes sir, I need both of you to sign these few papers, then the place is yours." Yagi pulled a contract out her portfolio and set it on the kitchen counter. She handed a pen to Misu, who signed then handed it off to Shingyouji. "Thank you sirs." Yagi tucked the contract away. "If you need any assistance at all the front desk is manned 24 hours a day, the direct phone is over there, or you can reach me at this number." She handed her business card to Misu. "Also this is the current passcode, and instructions for changing the number, along with some other details about the apartment. It was a pleasure to meet you both and I look forward to our future encounters." Yagi bowed to them then to Saki and quietly exited the apartment.

Misu looked hard at Gii.

"If you need any help around the neighborhood let me know."

Misu sighed.

"Or if you need any help finding furniture for this place."

Misu tapped his foot.

"Or I know we have some great furniture packages you can look at."

Misu rolled his fingers on the countertop.

"Or if you just want to hang out with Takumi and I."

"Saki." Misu barked.

"Anyway I think it's time for me to head out. Takumi and I are in apartment 2130 if you need us."

"Good-bye Saki."

"Good-bye Saki-san. Say hello to Hayama-san for me."

"Of course Shingyouji. We'll talk again soon."

As soon as the door closed behind Gii, Misu grabbed Shingyouji and pulled him close. There was no other sound except Shingyouji's quiet little breaths. No parents in the other room, no disruptive guests. Misu kissed the top of Shingyouji's head.

"Welcome home, my pet."

If I didn't get the honorifics on peoples names right, I am sorry. I really tried, but being American I know I don't get the nuance of it all. I have a cheat sheet but sometimes I still get it wrong.