Chapter Four

"Is there a problem? Don't think just because you know my brother means it's gonna' get awkward or anything."

That's what you think. Akihiko didn't know what to do or say. His soon-to-be-married-wannabe-lover's brother just happens to be his AA counselor. Seriously? What his luck. Could his life get any more complicated? Well, better not jinx it. As if it wasn't already! Now there's no way he could even think about telling the boy why he's here in the first place. Even if he is vague on names and verbs, even an idiot could figure out who he was talking about: his own brother.

Akihiko shook his head. This was impossible. Misaki cocked a brow, waiting for Akihiko to agree with or say something. It was getting quite awkwardly silent, and it wasn't really proving his point.

But then a though came to Akihiko. Isn't this one of those situations where he would have the right to change counselors? Because Misaki is related to the problem, wouldn't it be likely that his opinions would change also? It had to count for something. But then again, Akihiko was starting to like the brunette, and anyone who knew the Usami knew that liking people for him was hard to come by. Plus, he was cute.

Akihiko almost slammed his fist into Misaki's desk. He knew this whole thing was a bad idea to begin with. No, he didn't know his AA counselor would wind up being his secret love's kin, but still. The name Takahashi should have been a dead give away, but he was too busy being absorbed to notice.

"Usami-san," Misaki finally said. "Is there a problem?" The silverette had been quiet for a while now- not that he wasn't normally, but now he looked really concerned and Misaki was starting to get confused.

"I don't drink for answers," Akihiko blurted out finally. Eyes risen in surprise, Misaki almost gasped. Was he actually going to start talking... about his drinking?! Although he wanted to know the reason to his spur-of-the-moment cooperation, Misaki knew to ask questions later. This, here, was a miracle.

"Oh, no? Then why?" Normally in situations like these and people like this, Misaki would wait for them to continue. But with a stubborn man like Usami Akihiko, the best thing to do now is encourage.

"Temporary relief, I suppose." He responded, looking everything besides Misaki.

"Relief from what?"

Akihiko looked at Misaki slightly incredulously, as if it was the most obvious thing. "Pain."

Misaki nodded, true, already knowing the answer. It was a common reason for most alcoholics. If people somewhat found a way to get rid of their pain from whatever it is they are going through, why stop? Because they don't know any better.

"Your relief from your mental pain is to consume narcotics like someone were to apply healing cream to relieve their physical pain. It makes sense." Misaki tapped on his desk with a pen in hand while nodding, lips slightly pursed. "Akihiko, I am going to ask you a question. One question and I want you to answer it in anyway you choose, okay?" Akihiko made a face, but agreed to the terms anyway. "Are you suicidal in any way or form?"

Akihiko knew where this was going. This took a moment until he said, "I am one of Japan's most famous authors. I have an amazing wealth and home. After gaining all of that, you think I'd just throw it all away? So, to answer your question: no, I am not suicidal."

Misaki nodded again and pulled himself closer to his desk, folding his hands and dropped his pen. "Then why do you continue to kill yourself? You do know that's what you're doing, right?" He paused to get up and walk around to face Akihiko in front of him. "You may think at first, 'Oh, it's only a few drinks a day. Won't hurt me.' That's where you're dead wrong. Think of your life span; deduct about 1.1 years for every drink you have more than once a day. Slowly but surely, you are literally throwing your life down the drain. And all for what?"

Akihiko tried so hard to figure out the best way to describe his situation without sounding like a silly teenager. "My... best friend of ten years who I am in love with... doesn't..." No matter what, Akihiko knew he was about to sound stupid before the words even came out. Luckily (or pathetically), Misaki already put the pieces together.

"Hm... unrequited love. Hadn't heard about that one in a while. Well, I suppose we'll pick up on that on Thursday."

Glancing at his watch, Akihiko saw it was almost 6:30. He got up from his chair and Misaki stood up straighter. "I really hope you decide to show up next on time. I can't keep pushing back my meetings."

"Hn, maybe."

"Tch." Misaki rolled his eyes and watched the silverette walk out the door.

At least we're friggin' getting somewhere. He was explaining and cooperating and Misaki was glad. He hadn't has someone this stubborn since that mean teacher who practically yelled the whole time. He had the whole 'unrequited love' thing, too.

"I really only thought that happened with middle schoolers." Misaki chuckled to himself. Reasons are reasons, no matter what they are. A familiar chime went off in Misaki's drawer, Misaki knowing it as a text message. He retrieved the device and opened it up, reading a text from Takahiro.

'Don't forget me and Minami's engagement party at our house at 7 p.m., busy boy!' It was past 6:30 now.

"Ah shit!" Misaki grabbed his coat, bag, and keys, leaving the office. His thoughts trailed themselves back to Akihiko.

He is somewhat of an interesting character. Misaki blushed bright and shook his head, his shaggy brown hair swaying.

Baka.

r&r