365 drabbles: #'s 15-20


#15: Eavesdropper

Ritsu sluggishly made his way inside the elevator, dragging his feet along the floor. He pressed his floor number, dreading the soon-to-be-hell inside his department. Deadlines were cutting close, and soon enough, he knew he'd be pulling all nighters in a row.

The mere thought made his stomach hurt.

The elevator made it's way to his floor all too quickly if you ask him-not that it going any slower would stop him from making his way into his ridiculously exhausting job. The elevator did a gleeful, 'ding,' and Ritsu stepped out, readying to take off his scarf that was wrapped around his neck.

"Takano-san.." A girls voice? Ritsu listened intently, not really knowing why he was so eager to know what would be exchanged. He heard a girls' voice trembling and stuttering. Is that what he sounded like around Takano?

"hmm?" He heard Takano hum in response, slightly relieved at the annoyed tone he portrayed it in.

"E-etto…um…Takano-san…I.." Ritsu could hear the girl breathe through her nose, like she was preparing to drop a disturbing bomb on him. "I…I LOVE YOU!" She shouted. Ritsu's heart did a anxious skip. She loved him? What right did she have to love him?! Who was this girl?!

Ritsu felt his body stiffen, realizing what kind of thoughts he was having. If he had the nerve to ask that, then wouldn't that mean that he felt SOMETHING for his boss? If that was true…then, what RIGHT did HE have to have those feelings?

"Um…" Takano sounded as if he was trying very hard to keep his tone out of the jerk-mode.

"T-Takano-san…p-please…" She sounded frightened, almost like she was about to burst into tears any second. "Just…j-just think about it...please!" Ritsu felt his heart race, wondering why he had to come to work NOW. Ritsu was about to turn away from the door, when he heard Takano speak.

"I'm sorry, but I don't need to think about it." He spoke bluntly. Ritsu heard the girl whimper, and Takano continued. "You see, I already love someone. I have loved this person for over ten years. So, if you're asking me to take your heart, I'll tell you now, I can't, and I won't. I'm sorry. But I hope you find, who you're looking for. But that person's not me." Ritsu stood still, subconsciously holding his breath.

"Ah…um.." She sounded very let down, "O-okay…um…goodbye.." Her footsteps startled Ritsu, and he quickly let out the breath he held, scanning side to side on where to hide. But with his luck, and her quick race to the door, Ritsu decided on just acting as if he heard nothing. She stepped out from the department, cupping a hand over her mouth.

Ritsu felt her body barely crash into his; She did a light, 'excuse me,' and raced down the hall. Ritsu stood there momentarily, wondering if he should confess now.

'But so early in the morning? Well, maybe later. But wait! No, what if Takano changes his mind and decides to move on? Damn, why does fate hate me?'

Ritsu stepped inside the Emerald department, flushed from head to toe, trying to forget about the girl brushing past him hurriedly. Takano watched Ritsu curiously, suddenly feeling the need to tease the younger subordinate.

"Onodera," Takano asked, propping his chin on his palm, studying Ritsu's shaking body. "What's wrong with you?" Ritsu found himself quite speechless, and of course, very red from the conversation just moments prior.

'Eh? Ah..um…" Ritsu stuttered, hanging up his jacket and scarf on the racks, then proceeding into his seat. "n-nothing really.." do it now Ritsu! Do it NNNOOOWWW!

"It's just that!-" Ritsu felt his voice speak louder than he intended it to be, which caused him to become even more nervous about confessing. Takano wore his usual poker face, but inside he was concerned for the smaller male. He was always so jumpy, even so early in the morning.

"If you're going to confess your love for me, then I suggest taking a deep breath and shouting it from the rooftops." Ritsu's nervous state turned into an icy glare at his boss.

"FORGET IT!" Ritsu huffed, and quickly opened his laptop in front of him. 'stupid Takano-san! Why would I EVER fall for such a cynical, demanding, egotistical, perverted, high-horsed, jerk-faced, bipolar, asshole-bastard that ever lived!?'

Takano smirked to himself, assuming he was close. So close, maybe his remark made him miss it. He stared at the flushed brunette from across the room, genuinely smiling as he turned his eyes away.

He was close.

Very close indeed..


#16: addicted

Takano and Ritsu stared at each other for what felt like forever. Ritsu seemed to be in some kind of shock, while Takano found himself feeling quite awkward.

Now, everyone has something their addicted to. Even Takano Masamune. Most people would assume it is Ritsu. And yes, for the most part, he IS in fact, addicted to Onodera Ritsu. But in the upmost secret, he is addicted to something entirely different.

Now, you're wondering what that is…..well, let us discover this addiction with a flashback….

Ritsu sat at his desk, making the necessary corrections on the manuscripts. It was half past 8 in the evening, and conveniently, he and Takano were the only ones left on this particular floor. Again.

Now this manuscript seemed to have his attention absorbed; it was about how character acts and what they do when others are not around. Like their secret addictions and likings. This was pretty interesting.

He gave a glance at Takano, who quietly read over some paperwork in hand at his desk. Ritsu lifted an eyebrow, slightly wondering what Takano's secret addiction was…

Now, it is not wrong to be curious of these things. In fact, he and Takano had only been dating for two months. And still, they had so much to learn about each other. But that was what made their relationship all the more appealing. It wasn't boring to be around each other, because they were always learning new things. But it also made it all the more scary to dive in with questions.

"Um..Takano-san?" Ritsu asked, hoping he wasn't disturbing his lover. Takano looked up, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose.

"hmm?"

Ritsu bit his lip, oh, he hoped Takano wasn't addicted to anything like making girly pillows or biting his nails. Then again, Takano always had clean, cut nails-and now that Ritsu thought about it, there weren't any girly pillows in his apartment..

"Um…So this manuscript…It's interesting, right?" 'oh Jesus Ritsu, get to the point' He thought angrily to himself, and clutched the manuscript a little tighter when Takano did a small smirk.

"Oi, Are you trying to make small talk with me?" Ritsu felt hot. Very hot. Oh, damn Takano! Making him feel all nervous and jumbled! 'Just ask Ritsu! just ask!' He kept telling himself to ask, how hard could it be? It was just his boss! Well, his boss that he was sleeping with and…well…damn. This is hard. This is very hard. How do people do this?

"N-No! I Just…" He trailed off, fixing his collar of his shirt, and wondering how it had gotten so hot in the last five seconds. Takano stood from his seat, swiftly making his way to the empty one near Ritsu.

"Then what?" He took a seat on Kisa's spinning chair, facing it backwards, and then sitting on it to face Ritsu.

"E-Etto…well….It um..it says the character had like a-well…um…"

"A?" Takano looked amused. Very, Very amused. Ritsu shifted nervously, gulping at what he was getting at.

"A um..well…it's like..It's like a…uhh…secret…a-adi-"

"Addiction?" Takano had a feeling on where this was going. So to ease his lover's uneasiness, he figured he'd just tell him. "I'm addicted to things. If that's what you're wondering."

Ritsu's face turned a darker shade of red, and he set down the manuscript on his desk. "Wh-what? B-But Takano-san…i..i didn't even ask yet.."

"You didn't have too." The air was quiet for a minute, before Takano began again. "Well, do you wanna know?" Ritsu nodded his head in a slow motion. "My addiction is romantic movies."

Ritsu cocked his head to the side, slightly confused with the honesty-unless he was teasing again..

"What?" Takano rested his head on his hands, which had comfortably rested on the back of the chair. He shrugged and replied to Ritsu's question.

"I like the fluffy scenes and all that crap." Ritsu must've had a very confused and shocked expression, because Takano found himself stiffening, and feeling awkward with the situation.

And that's where we are now. The two editors exchanging stares.

Takano noticed how shocked Ritsu looked. He wasn't even blinking. He looked like he might just pass out. Was it that much of a shock? Is it weird for a grown man, almost 30, to be addicted to romantic movies? Ritsu finally snapped out of his trance, and bit his bottom lip tightly.

Takano noticed Ritsu's shoulders shaking, and then one of his hands cupping over his mouth. Takano poked at his arm, wondering whether he was crying or laughing. It honestly looked like both. Ritsu snickered behind his hand, practically ready to burst into extreme laughter at the joke. It was joke right? Well, either way, it was hilarious. Way to make him loose focus.

Takano heard a light snort come from his subordinate, and felt slightly offended. What was the deal? Romantic movies or not, how is it even funny!? Takano felt a twinge of annoyance circulate through his veins, and he stood from the spinning chair, giving off his usual demonic demeanor.

"Oi, stop laughing and get back to work." He grumbled, heading towards his own desk.

Ritsu shook his head, now holding his stomach in pain. "Hai, Hai." A tear welled up in his eye, ready to make it's fall down his pink cheeks. Takano quickly sat at his desk, picking up the papers from moments earlier, and tried very hard to hide the blush on his face.

#17: I love you (Takano's pov)

I can't tell you exactly why I love him. Maybe it's the way he smiles. Or the way he laughs… Maybe it's the way a cute blush appears on his face each time we exchange glances. Or maybe it's the way he walks. The way he talks. The way my name rolls off his tongue.

Whether he's angry or nervous, I love the sound of his voice. The way he groans in annoyance or in pleasure. Or the way he glares at me-shooting darts at my back even though he knows that he still loves me, and that he never really stopped.

I love the way he's so stubborn; Where it's to the point where all my other editors wonder how he can get away with being so bossy towards his superior. That's another reason why I love him.

He's not afraid to share his opinion, or argue to defend himself. He's honest. A terrible liar, a secret stalker, a sweet, caring person inside, and a good-intentioned soul.

Maybe I love him because he has broken down the walls I built-twice-to guard myself from jumping into something head on. But when I'm with him, I can't control my feelings. And I can't keep my hands off of him. I loose my head in a tsunami of emotions. Maybe that's what I love about him…that he can see through my poker face. Or that he can secretly make me feel so much like a jerk that I'm tempted to ease up my rules at work.

Like they say…love can make us do unthinkable things. And maybe-maybe that's something that I love. I love that he can make me WANT to jump head first into a pool of sharks.

Maybe it's his gorgeous emerald eyes. Those eyes that see the real me. Whether it's in reality or in his dreams, There is no Saga-Senpai. And there is no Takano-san. It's just me. It's always been me.

Yes, I think that's the real reason behind all the others.

Because no matter who he was with-because no matter where he ran to.. I was still there. I was still in his heart, in his mind, in his soul. That's why I Love him so dearly.

Because no matter how many times he pushes me away, I know he still loves me. I am certain. Because the way he stares at me when he should be working, gives me all the more hope that we will be together once again.


#18: In which, cleaning day brings realizations..

'Onodera Ritsu is a beautiful creature..'

"Ritsu!" Takano ripped the blanket from off of Ritsu, exposing his curled up body, now trembling for warmth. "Get up. It's time to clean." Ritsu groaned, keeping his eyes closed while searching the bed for a blanket.

Takano strode to the window, pulling apart the curtains. Bright rays of sunlight shone through the window, straight onto Ritsu's face.

"NNooo.." Ritsu groaned again, burying his face in his pillow. Takano sighed deeply, popping his knuckles, and grabbing onto Ritsu's ankles. Automatically, Ritsu grabbed onto the bedframe, preparing for the tug of war between the bed and Takano.

Takano pulled Ritsu firmly, trying to get him to let go of the bedframe. "Ritsu. Get up! I told you not to stay up watching that damn movie last night! Now get up. It's time to clean!" Takano continued to pull Ritsu by the ankles, as the smaller male hung on for dear life at this point.

"Nnnoo…Masamune…nnooo.." Ritsu continued to whine, feeling Takano's hands finally release his ankles from their deadly grasp. Takano put his hands on his hips, scoffing annoyingly, then heading towards the bedroom door.

"Ritsu, I swear, if you're not up and ready in five minutes, you are going to get triple the amount of work I already give you." Ritsu quickly popped his head up from the pillow, glaring at the older male in the doorway.

"That's harassment you jerk." Ritsu complained, rubbing his head as he sat up. Takano smirked, knowing that he was technically abusing his authority. But hey, who cares about technicality these days? Especially with a newbie. Surely not Markuwa, that's for sure.

Ritsu stood from bed, squinting ahead of him as he made his way into the bathroom. Takano nodded in approval, heading out to the kitchen.

Minutes later, Ritsu came out to the living room, already dreading the chores that needed to be done. "Masamune, do we have to? Can't we just sleep?" Ritsu drug his feet to Takano, who was cooking eggs on the stove.

Takano turned his attention to the Ritsu, almost glaring at him. "Ritsu, we went over this already. We're going to clean. And that's final." Ritsu frowned, and took a plate for eggs, then took a seat at the coffee table.

The two ate their breakfast quickly, and soon enough, Takano was handing Ritsu some rubber cleaning gloves, a bottle of bleach and a damp towel. Ritsu studied the items in his hands, glaring at them intently. Takano rolled his eyes, and lifted an eyebrow at the brunette.

"Ritsu, glaring at the bleach bottle isn't going to change the fact that it's cleaning day."

Ritsu blushed at the comment, and puffed out his cheeks. "I know that," He mumbled, "I'm just…thinking…" Takano let out a small scoff,

"Thinking? Thinking about what? How to spray the baseboards!?" Ritsu stomped his foot, mumbling some inaudible remark and then going to scrub something on the other side of the apartment. Takano smirked at reaction, and began to clean around the kitchen.

Takano studied the brunette from the kitchen. Wondering how lucky he was to have such a pissy yet adorable lover. He watched the way Ritsu sprayed too much on the wall, making the bleach smell linger in the air. He saw how angry he pretended to be, scrubbing away at the most random spots. He could see a faint blush forming on his face, and his unbelievable bedhead that he always refused to brush out.

Takano felt the urge to tease his lover, yet, found himself stuck watching him from afar. 'is this how Ritsu felt, all those years ago? Stalking me in the library?' Takano smiled quietly to himself, turning his eyes away from the brunette across the apartment.

Everything was as it could've been. How is was. And how it should be.


#19: Envious of a great mind (Ritsu's POV)

Even after all this time…I'm still the one chasing after you.

I work at my absolute hardest every single day. I work so hard that I fall ill, and I can't sleep at night because I want to be the best. I work so hard that when I fail, I don't know how to push forward without that bit of jealously I have of you.

You're almost perfect…Good looks. Tall, lean frame. Hypnotizing eyes, soft, luscious hair. And most of all, a great mind. So great, I don't think you realize how lucky you are. How talented you are. How genius I wish I could be..

We differ so much. I have an arranged marriage to a woman I do not love, the heir to Onodera Publishing in which, I may not be enough to inherit.. I hold up my family name with high expectations. High class, and live in luxury-but those things…are they really mine? Do I even want them? No, I don't want them. The thing I want the most,

Is your great mind.

I want to be just like you. I want to be able to catch on as quickly as you do, following through without much of any flaws. I want to be able to take on ANY challenge, in which, I always succeed. Just like you..

Why is it, that the person who thinks their upbringing is the cause of being apathetic? And that they are just as simple as the rest of us, when really are the most complex? Why is it, that you can be so relaxed when it comes to getting what you want? And why is it, that you ALWAYS get what you want?

You never ask for any help. You never give up if and when you fail. And you never let someone tell you that you can't or will not achieve something. Even me..

When I tell you to leave me alone, and that I will never fall for you again, you chase me. You pursue my affection and heart, no matter how many times I push you away. And I envy that determination. I envy that damn cocky attitude you have when you know you're right. Or when you have the best comebacks. Or when you always have something to say with the sarcastic remarks. I envy those things. I envy them because I never have a good comeback when insulted. And I never have the courage to insult someone as easily as you can.

And I hate you for that.

I hate that great mind of yours. How special you are…how important you are to society and those around you. People know my name because of my Father's success. And people know you because of your own success.

And I hate you for that too. Because no matter how hard I try, I'll never catch up to you…I'll always be watching you from a distance, trying to catch up with how great you are. Even after ten years,

I'm still the one chasing after you…

And when the time comes that I am in your place, you'll be far, far ahead. And even when or if I get to that place, you'll always be ahead of me by a thousand steps.. And the chase will continue. I'll always be 'riding daddy's cocktails,' and you'll always be 'Emerald's Editor-in-Chief'…

Takano Masamune. The person I love and hate the most- you have a great mind..


#20: Soliloquy

"I loiter by the lamppost, I installed. Specifically for times like these, to take my ease as moments flit on by like angry geese. To my James Dean, or so I see myself, amidst this swarm. Moments born, are quick to die. And soon there's only lamppost, where am i?"

"Oi!," Takano was getting annoyed at being ignored. Ritsu continuously kept mumbling something from a book, which was not leaving a happy Takano. "Stop ignoring me! I'm trying to ask you what you want for dinner!"

Ritsu continued around the living room, holding a book in hand and closing his eyes to remember the soliloquy written on the page. "Masamune! Shut it, I'm trying to memorize this!" Takano gave a small glare at the book in Ritsu's hand. For once in his life, he DID NOT like books.

Takano walked over to Ritsu, who was reading the words once more, and snatched the book from his hands. "HEY!" Ritsu called out, jumping to reach the book as Takano held it up over his head-which was obviously out of Ritsu's reach. "Give it back!"

Takano smirked, peering at the soliloquy from above his head. "I bet I can memorize this before you ever can." Takano looked down to see a steaming and flushed Ritsu, pouting-clearly annoyed at the challenge.

"Y-yea r-right…" Ritsu grumbled, finally giving up on reaching for the book, and crossed his arms. Takano lifted an eyebrow, still wearing his playful smirk. Ritsu had just fallen into his trap.

"Let's make a wager." Takano held the book in hand, resting it on his chin. Ritsu glared at him, still crossing his arms and pouting at the situation.

"Fine. But I wanna know what I get if I win."

"How about, I'll do three days worth of your work, along with my own." Ritsu lifted an eyebrow, somewhat interested in the wager.

"Well, what about if you win?" Takano did an evil smirk, sending shiver's down Ritsu's spine.

"If I win…" Takano leaned down to whisper into Ritsu's ear; he blushed furiously, speechless at what was said. He shot Takano a glare, and took the book from his hand. "You only have 3 minutes to memorize what it says."

"I'll show you!" He began to read the context once more, trying very, very hard to memorize it. Takano chuckled at the sight, counting down in his head.

"Alright, time's up. Let's hear it." Takano took the book from Ritsu, making sure he didn't cheat. Ritsu took a deep breath, and began to recite.

"Um okay…IT's, 'I loiter by the lamppost…I installed…to take…my moments flit on like… like…angry…angry…'" Ritsu clenched his eyes shut, thinking back to the page. 'come on, remember Ritsu! Remember! You don't wanna lose!' "Um…angry geese…?"

Takano tossed the book aside, clearing his throat. "Well, looks like it's my turn. Since you obviously don't know it." Takano gave Ritsu another evil smile, beginning to recite it's words. "'I loiter by the lamppost, I installed. Specifically for times like these, to take my moments flit on like angry geese. To my James Dean, or so I see myself, amidst this swarm. Moments born, are quick to die. And soon, there's only lamppost, where am I?'"

Ritsu's mouth hung in shock. Not even angry, just plain shocked. How the hell did he memorize it so quick?! He didn't even really read it when he held it in his hands! Takano shrugged, and pulled Ritsu by the arm, leading him to the bedroom.

"Now, I get my prize." Ritsu was speechless. He was mortified. He was almost embarrassed. There was no way to win with this guy. Takano threw Ritsu gently on the bed, lingering over him. Ritsu blushed, knowing that he had lost, and there was no way out this time.

"B-But Masamune! Wait!" Ritsu held out his hands, shaking them in confusion. "How did you memorize it so fast!?" Takano grinned, and pinned Ritsu down in preparation.

"Truth be told, I memorized that thing back in high school." Ritsu's face went from shocked and eager, to you-fucking-bastard in .3 seconds.

"….."

"…" Takano stared at Ritsu, the truth must've been too hard for words.

"…"

"…." Takano was beginning to feel scared.

"…"

"Um…Ritsu….?" Ritsu's face was turning a bright red, like he was holding his breath. Takano held his arms down even firmer, just in case..

"…MMMMAAAASSSSAAAMMMMUUUNNNNEEEE!" Oh shit. Well, at least Ritsu wasn't in the kitchen this time…or they'd have to buy more glasses again…


Okay~ That's a wrap everyone! XD Hope you enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it! Until next time! (Whenever that may be…) ~Nnnneeeaarrr, ffffaaaarrrr, wwwhhhheeerrrreeeeeevvvveeerrrrr yyyyoooouuuu aaarrreeee! I bbbeelieevveee thaaatt thhheee heart doessss ggooooo uh-ooonnnnnnnn~! Oh, okay, I got carried away a little bit.

And btw, the soliloquy in the last drabble isn't mine. I found in on the internet a long time ago and I really liked it. SO yea, I don't own that. And I don't own Ritsu or Takano. OR they're apartment…or anything…so yea. We all know this. Otherwise, I'd have the next chapter on out. -.-