~Chapter 2~

"What… Mother, what are you talking about? If I'm being sent to Australia, then surely, Isaka-san would have informed me and Takano already! Not talk to you or father!"

"Ritsu, calm down, I know this is hard to take in for both of you. However, Isaka-san thought it would be best to ask and inform us first before breaking the news to you both. Your father and I believe that there's nothing wrong about you going to Australia. Your new author is temporarily situated there because of her health. It's not like you're never going to come back to Japan again, dear."

"But, Mother, what about our relationship?" Takano quietly asked. "We just got to be together after being apart for 10 years- mostly due to our misunderstanding. You cannot ask us to be separated again. I vowed to myself and Ritsu that I won't let him out of my sight nor lose him again."

"Mother- I… I think we need time to think this through. Thank you for coming here and informing us yourself. I'll come visit you once… We sort things out."

Ritsu's mother nodded and was gone in an instant, leaving the two men heartbroken and speechless. Ritsu looked over and could tell that Takano-san was trying his hardest to not cry; he was blinking rapidly while his mouth trembled slightly. Seeing the love of his life so hurt, caused Ritsu's heart to ache and break into a million pieces. He slowly crossed the few feet between them and gently hugged Takano's waist. Ritsu could hear Takano's rapid heartbeat and was enveloped in a feeling of security and love. He looked up and saw Takano's calm, but beautifully pained expression; he gently caressed Takano's face and planted a kiss on his lips. Takano kissed him back before pulling away and leading Ritsu out of the conference room.

Shouta, Ritsu's co-worker, rolled his chair near Ritsu's desk and poked him repeatedly until an annoyed Ritsu looked at him. Smiling, with his arms up in surrender, Shouta asked Ritsu if everything was all right. To which Ritsu smiled and assured him that everything was fine. Except. Everything was NOT fine. He had just been able to reconnect with Takano and live the life that he wanted. Now that was all going to change because of his job. He angrily stabbed at his pen and drew an ugly "monster" version of Isaka-san and his parents. He sighed and turned his chair so that it was facing Takano's desk. Takano was feverishly barking orders and writing things down on a piece of paper and he occasionally glanced at Ritsu who was now slouching on his desk reading a newly-released manga. With a sigh, Takano slowly got up from his seat and clapped his hands until everyone's attention (except Ritsu who was now sleeping) was on him.

"Okay, everyone, listen up. I have an important announcement to make. WE ARE LEAVING EARLY TONIGHT. So finish up whatever you guys were working on and get out of here. It's only this one time, so don't waste your precious night, you hear me? Now get out of here."

Everyone just stared at him, not sure if he was joking or if he was being serious. After several minutes, they were still in the office was looking around nervously while fumbling with their papers, still unsure if they can actually leave five hours earlier. Slyly, they all looked at him and back at their papers, they continued to do this until Takano yelled at them to get their butts off the chairs and to "Damnit, leave already!" The staff cheered and ushered themselves out of the office, discussing if they wanted to go drink and party the entire night. Ritsu was still asleep and was hugging the manga that he first published when he transferred to Marukawa Publishing. Takano silently crept towards Ritsu, making sure that he was not making too much noise. He smiled when he saw the manga that was in Ritsu's hands and couldn't help but think to the days when Ritsu was still a rookie in the manga department. He swept his hand on Ritsu's hair and gently scooped him up in his arms and carried him princess-style all the way to his car.

By the time they reached home, Ritsu was awake and was lively chatting about a yaoi manga that he had recently read. He continued his story while they waited for the elevator to their home with Takano laughing uncontrollably at Ritsu's antics. They finally arrived home, hoping to rest and cuddle while leaving the problems of Ritsu's departure tomorrow. However, what they didn't expect was for an uninvited guest… Takano's former lover 10 years ago…

To be continued…

A/N: Hey guys! I forgot to write this in the previous chapter, but… this is my FIRST time writing a fic for yaoi theme… so if it's a bit awkward, that's why! xD As always, I would really appreciate your feedback on my stories and if you have time, check out my other fanfic for Paradise Kiss For those of you guys who are reading both of my stories, don't worry! I'm still working on the Paradise Kiss one… Just don't know how to develop the story! ^^" Anyways! I really hope you guys enjoy this story as much as I do!