The next day, Onodera was well enough to look after himself (as the kid professed at least a hundred times), so Takano returned to work. But the entire time all he could think about was how Ritsu was doing. He'd looked so frail and weak. Maybe Takano should go check on him in a couple of hours…

Sighing, he stood up and went to the break room for a smoke. Yokozawa was there. It was good to see him, though things had understandably been a little awkward between them since Takano had told him he was in love with Onodera and had no intention of pursuing a relationship outside of that. On top of that, Yokozawa had been scarce since he'd started going out with Kirishima. The man thought it was a secret, but Takano wasn't born yesterday. They seemed well suited to each other and Takano was glad his friend finally had the love of someone who would cherish and look after him.

"Masamune," Yokozawa said. "Shouldn't you be working after slacking off yesterday?"

Takano laughed. "My manuscripts are on track. A smoke break won't kill me."

"Actually, they say cigarettes will kill…eventually."

"Never stopped you before," Takano jested.

Yokozawa waved a hand and lit up his own cigarette. They stood in silence for a while.

"How is he, anyway?" Yokozawa finally asked.

Takano smirked. "He'll live. He had a wicked stomach virus, though. Should be back to work tomorrow."

"Good. I need his proposal finished ASAP."

"He'll get it to you, keep your shirt on." Takano took a long drag on his cigarette before stubbing it out. "By the way, how are things with you and the Kirishimas?"

Yokozawa nearly choked on his smoke. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, come on, Takafumi, I know about it, alright? I'm happy if you're happy."

A pink stain crept across Yokozawa's skin and he looked away, brows furrowed. "I'm happy."

Takano laughed and clapped him on the back. "I'm glad."

"I've got to head back," Yokozawa said. "See you."

"Yeah." Takano waved him away.

Sunset filtered in through the break room windows and Takano's thoughts began to drift. So, he'd really told Onodera that he wanted them to live together, huh? Part of him couldn't believe he'd actually said it. Another part of him wondered what had taken him so long. Would Onodera get over his pride and say yes?

Doubt writhed in his brain. What was it about Takano that Onodera found so difficult to deal with now that they were in their twenties? As a high schooler, Onodera had been so sweet and vulnerable. Now he was a fiery, proud, jaded grown man. Takano felt terrible about the misunderstanding that had led to their breakup, but Onodera had claimed to be over that. What was holding him back? Was it the family obligations? Onodera was the only son of the Onodera Shoten president. Was he thinking he'd settle down with some nice woman someday? Maybe An?

No, Takano couldn't think like that. Onodera had broken things off with An formally. That was done.

Wasn't it?

Takano pushed off the break room wall and sighed. He had too much to do today to be running circles in his head about all the things that could complicate his relationship with Onodera. But he vowed that tonight, he would go back to Onodera's place and they would talk about their relationship and where they stood. He wouldn't press his lover for an answer on moving in together-not yet-but he would ask him straight out.

Do you love me?

Onodera felt well enough to shower and tidy up his apartment, though his stomach still felt weak. Takano had left him some intentionally bland rice porridge on the counter in the kitchen. When he found it, Onodera felt a pulse of emotion shiver through him. Takano truly did care about him. It was evident in everything he did-from the way he tried to coach and help him through their work at Marukawa to the way Takano touched him during their love making. Everything was done with a simple, loving efficiency and Onodera couldn't help but dwell on it today.

Ritsu...I want to live together.

The thought shot through his brain unbidden and Onodera's face flamed in reaction. He tried to imagine it. Their apartments were each single bedroom so there was no doubt that Takano meant them to share a room together. They wouldn't simply be roommates. They would be domestic lovers in earnest. Could Onodera do that? What would his parents say if they found out? He'd already told them he'd met someone but had neglected to mention that that someone was a man and his boss. They were too old fashioned. His mother still expected him to "come to his senses" and settle down with An-chan.

But he wouldn't. He'd made up his mind to take his relationship with Takano as far as it would go, though he'd never tell Takano that personally. He put a hand to his face. How could he agree to live with the man when he could barely confess his love for him? He'd already tried to do it the day the rain drowned him out. Where was his courage? Why couldn't he get over his pride and fear?

Just then, the doorbell rang. Onodera knew it was Takano before he opened the door. His boss held up a bag from the convenience store in one hand and a six pack of beer in the other.

"You do know I'm still getting over being sick. I can't possible drink those," Onodera eyed the beer with a malicious eye, feeling his stomach tumble over at just the thought of drinking.

"They're for me."

Takano pushed inside and Onodera scowled, moving aside.

He almost wished Takano had forced him against the wall for a searing kiss. Onodera blushed. What was wrong with him?

"Did you eat the porridge?" Takano asked as he toed off his shoes.

"Not yet."

"Good. We can eat together at the table like civilized people," Takano chuckled.

Onodera followed him into the living room and dining area.

Takano whistled. "What do you know, your apartment actually cleans up nicely."

"Shut up," Onodera barked. "I do occasionally clean."

"As evidenced."

Takano set his meal down on the table and popped open a beer can. Onodera heated up his rice porridge without prompting and came to join him once it was done. They ate in silence for several moments and Onodera couldn't help but note how strangely comfortable it felt. If they moved in together, would they eat like this every night?

"Why are you here?" Onodera finally asked.

"I came to see how you were feeling. And I wanted to share a meal with you."

So simple. He could say exactly what he felt whenever he wanted. Why couldn't Onodera do that? "Oh."

"And I have to ask you something," Takano admitted.

Onodera's eyes narrowed. "If you're here about that 'living together' thing, I don't have an answer yet."

"But it's not 'no'," Takano pointed out.

Damn it. Onodera opened his mouth to say exactly that when Takano reached across the table and stopped his lips with a kiss.

Why was it that Takano's kisses felt like the light of heaven? Onodera protested only a second before he melted into that connection between them. Damn him.

When Takano pulled away he said, "I told you. I don't need an answer now and I'd rather wait forever than hear 'no'."

"Well what is it you came to ask then?" Onodera snapped, feeling overheated and sad that the kiss had ended.

Takano stilled and looked away briefly. It was odd to see Takano unsettled and Onodera couldn't help that his interest was piqued.

"Do you love me, Ritsu? Truly? This has gone on long enough without me knowing. I have to. Please."

Onodera paled, swallowed what little saliva filled his mouth, and stared.