"What is it? I don't remember today being something important."

"I-it doesn't always have to be an important day for you to get something! Anyway, it's nothing special, it's silly."
Hiroki went to his briefcase and pulled out a leather- bound journal. He went towards Nowaki, his face getting redder with every step he took. He suddenly grabbed the other man's hand and began to walk towards their room. He did not bother to turn on the lights, rather, he pulled them towards the bed and turned on a little light beside him.

Hiroki closed his eyes, he knew what he was about to do would be completely sappy, but the various times rehearsing and the alcohol really helped to support him continue, "You are constantly telling me how much you want to meet my parents and to know about my childhood, s-so I filled this up with memories and moments before I met you. After you finish reading it, I figured you choose a memory a-and I'll tell you more about it."

The fact that this was happening brought a sudden warmth inside of Nowaki. It was true that they had their fair share of tender moments, yet most had all been instigated by him. He did not mind, he knew Hiroki just needed a little encouragement and assurance before allowing his inner-cupid to come out, so the fact that he had done something like this for him made his heart burst. He was really blessed.

"Hiro-san, I'm so happy, I feel like I might implode."

"Don't make such a big deal. Anyway, when you're done, just tell me if you'd like to talk about any one in particular."

"I'd rather you tell me one right now.", Nowaki crept closer towards Hiroki as he said this, and embraced him once he got close enough. He noted how stiff Hiroki felt. This really must be too much for him.

"Tha-that's not the point!"

"I don't think Hiro-san, who is so very professional, would not be prepared to talk about what is in here at any given time."

Nowaki knew he had pushed the right spots, for Hiroki, now seemed to be contemplating what had just been said. What Nowaki did not know was that Hiroki had premeditated everything for weeks now and even stayed late in the office that day to practice how his approach should be. Not that Nowaki would ever find out how much time the professor spent on trying to do something for him. He would rather be a ballerina for a day than let Nowaki in on that bit of information.

"Fine, but, you can never bring this up again."

"I give you my word." Nowaki even lowered his head to emphasize his point.

Hiroki, separated from Nowaki and they were both now facing each other on the bed. He unconsciously grabbed a pillow next to him and brought it closer to his persona. After a few moments of silence, he inhaled deeply, and began talking.

"I don't really remember when I first learned to read. It should have been this monumental moment, but I learned so young, I only really remember just reading. I hadn't been such an avid reader from the start, rather, my love for it grew slowly. See, my dad, he's an executive who was hardly ever home, and whenever he was, it was usually to host a party, or a dinner, or something which would leave me locked in my room. I didn't like it, I was scared of the dark, which my dad knew, so he would turn off all the lights near my room in order to keep cooped in there. It scared me to no end, I would beg my mom to let me join them, but she just told me she couldn't do anything about it. So, I thought that maybe if I made my dad proud, it would get him to let me stay at the gatherings. Which was why each time I was forced to stay in my room, I would read. Not that it ever worked, but the reading, it just somehow became a habit, instead of something I wanted to prove. I started depending on books in order to feel safe when I was alone on the second floor. I even started depending on them when I would miss my mom at school."

Hiroki hugged the pillow even tighter. He had been mentally preparing himself to open up and feel so expose, only, he had been hoping for a few more weeks' intermission, nothing this soon. However, he was keen on getting it all out. He could do this much for Nowaki, he knew the goofy kid would be smiling for days after.

"A good book was always my way of dealing with emotions and, you know, bad situations. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that, up until some years ago, books helped me feel good."

"What changed?"

"I... I-I met someone better and r-real."

"Uahhhh, how-"

"Let me finish. When you were away, that time, even books couldn't help me. The one thing that helped me throughout my life did not make me feel at ease then. Nothing did, I rely too much on you now, and j-just never leave me. There, that's that. Now, let's sleep, it's late."

Before Hiroki could make a move, Nowaki grabbed his hand and brought him to his chest. They stayed that way for a few minutes, before gradually laying down together, still connected. Nowaki had so much to say to the other man right now, but he kept silent. Hiroki's pride had taken a huge blow that night, he could wait a while longer to let it all out. Slowly, they both began drifting towards dreamland.
Today had to be one of the greatest days in Nowaki's life. Hiroki was abnormally sweet and he had had a great dinner party. These are the little things that enrich a person, and he felt very well rich at the moment.

Epilogue:

"Hiro-san, Mahiro-kun drew this picture for us to hang here."

Nowaki held a picture with two persons whom looked like Hiroki and Nowaki, both were drawn with animal ears and tails. It was amazing quality for a three year old Takahashi offspring.

"It's Professor Red Panda and Dr. Panda!"

"Tell that kid to stop calling me a cat!"

"Hiro-san, red pandas are more closely related to weasels and raccoons, not cats."

Hiroki put the picture down and went into the bathroom, slamming the door. Nowaki knew the core of the problem was Hiroki wanted to be called a panda. That was so not happening, he was staying as the "bamboo-eating cat".

I was in a reallyyyyy cheesy mood guys, I had to let it out. haha, so, again, thanks so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, alerting the story, etc., it was awesome, and I hope the story didn't disappoint too much. I went into a completely different direction in some parts, but that's what happens when you're writing at 2 am. Anywayyy, I have some more random ideas and stuff. I guess I should work on them.