Looord. So I've had this chapter planned out for like the month, but then I made the mistake of jumping onto the Johnlock ship and watching Sherlock that I got distracted. And then I got sick. Now I'm watching The Walking Dead for the first time. Pus I started a new fic btwn Haruhiko and Todou! I hope you check it out when its published! :) For that story you'll constantly get an update cause I'm prewriting which is what I should've done for this story. (-/_/-) I'm so sorry minna, I suck at updating right off the bat.

Buuuuut, I hope you enjoy!


Sundays were days where Takahiro would wake up earlier than normal just to make breakfast for the two most important people in the world to him. It was a day where nothing needed to be done and a day where the occupants of the condo could take it easy and not worry about an upcomming deadline, a science project being due or an account to be filed. It was a day ultimately made to relax and enjoy each other's company or go out with friends if that was what was desired.

Yet, something was wrong. There were no smells of a freshly cooked breakfast seeping through the crack under Misaki's bedroom door. He strained his ears but couldn't hear the soft murmur and laughter of Takahiro and Usagi shuffling around in the kitchen. Yup, something was wrong.

The answer could be of either three possibilities; Takahiro's sick. But no, that isn't possible if Misaki's brother was feeling even slightly off, he wouldn't have gone off to that business trip. Okay, so maybe Usagi-san and Takahiro hadn't returned back yet? No, not that either, Usagi had said they'd be back by today, he'd never contradict his own words. Unless something happened to them! Maybe the car broke down or something and they haven't been able to start it up yet! but they would call him right? They both had their phone, they could at least call.

Searching for his own phone, the brunette crawled out of bed and searched his bag for his mobile device. Not finding it there, he searched the pockets in his new jacket and on top of his desk, accidentally knocking over the bear Shinobu had given him the night before. Sighing, he set it up straight and guessed that he'd left it on the table in the genkan when he walked in last night.

To Misaki's surprise, however, he's met with an uneasy looking Usagi-san and a more than peeved looking Takahiro. There wasn't much of a homey atmosphere in the living room and the boy flinches when Takahiro greets, "Morning, Misaki" in a very cold and tense tone.

Misaki continues to walk up to the sofa and sees that Takahiro has made rolls. Sitting down, the brunette picks one up and pours himself some milk. Sifting through ideas on how to lighten the odd mood, Misaki flinches again when his brother comments," So, Misaki. About this date you had yesterday..." the voice held no emotion and Misaki's eyes flicker over to where Usagi-san is sitting and notices that the author's own face is void of any feeling as well. His eyes are covered by his fringe and there's no hope for Misaki in asking the novelist what's the matter.

Laughing off his jitters and replying quite awkwardly, Misaki says, "Yeah, uhhm it-"

"Misaki, why didn't you tell me about this? You know you could've called me." Takahiro interrupts giving the impression that he is mad.

Why is Niichan so upset? Does it even matter? Shouldn't I be allowed to go out with whomever I want? I didn't think there was a rule or anything. "Umm well, Niichan, Usagi-san said-"

"And what's this I hear? You went out, by yourself, without telling me, with a guy? Misaki, what's gotten into you? Do I even know him? What's his name?

Misaki was now very confused 'Why does that matter, Niichan? You were out, so I told Usagi-san. And heck, you're with a guy! You even love the guy! So why does it make a difference for me if I'm just getting to know someone? I don't even like him, so why are you getting so upset?' More thoughts started to set into Misaki's mind and the only question he could answer was, "his name is Takatsuki Shinobu, he's in my year."

And to Misaki's utter disbelief, his brother exploded once again. "You mean that thug?! The one that broke my glasses at the movie theatre? Misaki! Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?"

Looking over to the author, Misaki saw that the man's face was stone cold. Not allowing any emotion to surface. Seeing as no help would come from the man, Misaki began to think of how he could get his brother to shut up about the topic. 'Why is he such an airhead? I would've never thought he would blow up like this!' Getting fed up with Takahiro's incessant rambling, the brunette teen stood up and exclaimed, "What does it matter, Niichan?! I'm not even going out with him, so why should you care?!"

To which Takahiro stood as well and replied, "Because, Misaki, I am your brother. You're better than this! You deserve better than this. I don't want you getting mixed up with those kind of people. So I don't want you seeing him again, am I clear? He's going to be nothing but a bother to you so you shou-"

"Takahiro, that's enough." came Usagi from no where. His voice was icy cold, but firm and authoritative. Takahiro did shut up, but his face said he had more to say.

Without wasting any time, Misaki retreated back to his room, his thoughts in a mess. As he closed the door, he could hear the subdued yelling and bickering going on in the kitchen between an angry Takahiro and an annoyed Usagi-san. Deciding not to deal with what was going on out there and risk crying, the brunette turned on his music and spent the rest of the day reading manga.


The next morning, Shinobu was surprised with himself to have woken up much earlier that usual. He got ready for school quickly and quietly, trying not to wake Haitani-san up. When he was out the door, he flipped open his phone and dialed up Misaki's number. It rand a few times before a familiar voice answered.

"Good morning, Misaki!"

"Oh. Hello, Takatsuki-kun. What's up?"

"Well, I was wondering if I could pick you up so we could go to school together."

"Huh? Oh, um I'm sorry I got here early because Todou-kun wanted me to meet someone on the kendo team and I needed to ask Kamijou-sensei something. But, you aren't at school yet? Its starting in 7 minutes, won't you be late?"

"Late? Doesn't school start at 9:30?"

"No... it doesn't. It starts at 8:30."

"What?! Pshh, no it doesn't I'm hardly ever tardy."

"Takatsuki-kun, if that's the time you come in everyday... you're probably just not late to second period." 'That's why Kamijou-sensei grumbles so much about him. He misses his class everyday!' though the brunette.

"I guess you're right, Misaki. Well, I'll try to catch up with you at lunch then? See you later." and at once the connection was shut off. Quickly turning on the car and sitting for a few impatient minutes to let it warm up, Shinobu set off towards school. Luckily, he managed to make it to class just as the teacher was about to close the door.

Hiroki was too stunned to see the usually not present student to even voice a comment. Thankfully, Shinobu just found a seat to sit in so the teacher wouldn't have to direct him to one. After locking the door he walked over to his desk and turned on the projector so the students could begin class by writing in their journals. Sitting down at his desk, he took a sip of his coffee and began taking attendance, unsure of what his face should look like when he called out Shinobu's name and there would actually be a reply.

The rest of class passed pretty uneventfully, although there were some snide comments made by the two biggest trouble makers in class, everyone else was quite, as usual. This class was mainly made up of introverts and only a couple of the students were able to take part in class discussions. It was a difficult class to teach as he didn't get much feedback from the students, but it was a good challenge for the teacher.

When the bell rang, Shinobu was the first out of the class. He was eager to see Misaki and knew exactly where to find him. On the days he'd make it "early" to school, he would always see the brunette around the vending machines by his second period class. It was also where the student council would post upcoming events and Shinobu deduced that the brunette would spend this time between classes to study the bulletin.

Luckily, his memory had served him correct because as he rounded the corner, he spotted the brunette. And in calling out to him, he saw that the boy's cheeks were red and assumed he was just cold, approaching closer, he saw that not only his cheeks but, Misaki's eyes were red also.

"Misaki?"

"Oh! Takatsuki-kun! Startled me there." he wiped his face with his sleeve and kept his head low. Feeling worried, I reached out to hold his face between my hands and ge a better look at him. He had obviously been crying, but why? He sounded fine this morning.

"Misaki, what's wrong?"

But instead of answering, he suddenly pulled away and said, "You really need to leave me alone... please." then, gathering the bag that was at his feet, he sprinted off without a glance back.

'Did I miss something?'


I wasn't sure what I was expecting the Monday after our date, but it sure as hell wasn't this. Except for our call this morning, Misaki's avoided me all day long, and what's worse is that every time we make eye contact, there's this indescribable pain in his eyes. Its like his body cringes and he scrambles for the best possible excuse to get away from me.

By last period I was fed up and excused myself to go to the nurse's office, hopefully Kusama-sensei could offer me some advice. However, he wasn't in and I resolved to take a smoke on the roof.

'Wasn't he going to give me a chance? Why is he suddenly giving me the cold shoulder?' Lighting up the fag, Shinobu ran a hand through his hair. Before loosing himself in his thoughts, the bell rang signaling the end of the day. Peering over the ledge, it didn't take long for Shinobu to spot the familiar mess of chocolate hair waddling alongside his friend, Todou Shinnosuke.

It made him happy, seeing his beloved in a better mood than earlier. The way Misaki had acted towards him earlier was very unsettling. As the brunette stood on the sidewalk, he could tell there was an invisible weight on Misaki's shoulders which worried him. But as a flashy red sports car drove up beside him, Shinobu was glad to see that the weight disappeared. Even though there was a great distance between him and them, he could tell that it was Usami-san who had stepped out of the car, judging by the white hair. But sadly, he could not tell whether Misaki had been faking the happiness he radiated at the moment.

After a few exchanged words and a pat on the back, Misaki climbed into the vehicle and the two drove off. Sighing, Shinobu turned around and began heading to the stairwell. Before he could reach the door, it burst open revealing his friends who often hung out on the roof after school.

"Shinobu!"

"Takatsuki-kun!" they cheered, smiling Shinobu gave out a few hugs and handshakes, but wasn't in the mood to speak with anyone at the moment, even if his friends had other ideas. "I see you trying to be sneaky, got another tab?"

"Not now, I'm going home. Bye guys." I said dismissing myself. As I walked out I could hear their playful groans and wails, but they quickly turned to laughter as they continued with their lives. On any normal day, I wouldn't mind hanging out with them, but my mind was too troubled about what was going on between Misaki and I to be able to brush the problem aside.


"Misaki excuse me for bothering you at school, but I thought I'd made myself clear when I said you weren't allowed to talk to him anymore. I checked your call log on the internet just a few minutes ago and saw that you answered his call to you. I'm very disappointed in you and will be cutting off your phone. Akihiko will be picking you up this afternoon."

"What? Are you kidding?" Is he that serious about this? Looking around I was thankful there was nobody around to see the tears that had welled in my eyes. Why is he being like this? How come he can be happy and crush my only chance at trying to? This morning hadn't started off well either as Niichan had given me a pointless stern talk about what he didn't get to finish saying yesterday.

He went on and on about how people like Shinobu only wanted to get into my pants and then just ditch me in a corner. I tried to explain that I didn't even like him in that way, but that I that I wanted to take Usagi-san's advice and give him a chance. So far he seemed like a nice and fun person, I've never had any friends like him. But only Niichan would think I was trying to 'experiment' with my sexuality or was going into a rebellious phase. After pleading with him to let me be, because I was responsible enough to do the right thing, he jabbed me with the comment of being a burden to him and causing him trouble.

Even though it was still early I called up Todou-kun and asked if we could meet that friend of his he's been meaning to introduce me to. He explained he would love to so I grabbed my things and quickly got out, still upset at Niichan's behavior.

Now, I was crying like a wimp over something I really shouldn't have been upset about. However it was still so unfair! Why did Niichan have to blow up like that? I didn't do anything wrong! I'm still not doing anything wrong! Quite the opposite! I'm being nice and trying not to hurt anyone's feelings, so why does he have to be that way?

Out of nowhere, I heard Takatsuki-kun's voice call out to me, but kept my face in my hands. It would be way too embarrassing for him to see me this way! I tried to calm myself down, but he reached me before much could be accomplished. I tried to act normal, or as normal as I could by replying to his call with a noncommittal statement and turning at an angle and hiding my face under my fringe.

However, my attempt was in vain as he quickly help my face between his hands and gave me a gentle, yet very scrutinizing look.

"Misaki, what's wrong?"

And again, with the eyes... I couldn't bear it. There was so much kindness, it was suffocating me. Pulling away quickly, I mumbled out a few words - not sure if it was delivered properly and ran off with tears threatening to spill over again. My heart was aching now, odd as it seemed.

It was like Shinobu had read into him, but wasn't comprehending what he'd just studied.


Luckily, I could keep ample distance between us all week. I didn't even see him on Thursday, so by Friday, he was completely out of my mind.

"...nope, not much. I might just go to that new manga café and check out what they have so far. What bout you? You have a match coming up right?"

"Yeah, its tomorrow afternoon so I have to get up early to get to practice." He checked his watch and sighed, "I gotta get going, I'll see you next week, Misaki!"

"See you, Todou!" smiling, I waved while he walked off. Niichan wouldn't be here for a while, so I sat at a table until he arrived.

It was peaceful, save the soft chatter of other highschool students departing for home. But after a while, I started hearing heavy footsteps coming at a rapid pace. It sounded as if they were heading towards me, but who would need to approach me like that. Looking up from the manga I'd been reading, my eyes focused onto a body that was coming headlong towards me. As the figure drew nearer, I realized that it was Takatsuki-kun. But why did he look so upset?

When he finally reached me, he slammed a heavy fist onto the table, shocking me. He gave one last pout before declaring, "We're going on date tomorrow. You've avoided me all week, and I've given you your space, but I'm going to take you out to... an arcade, and then we'll go somewhere to eat, I'll be there at 2 and that's final."

"Eh? Bu-wha-why? No, you don't need to do that! There's no need, I'd rather not-and you shouldn't spend so much energy on me, I'm fine." I slurred out

"Misaki, I want to. It's no problem." he leaned over the table and I leaned away in response. It would be too dangerous to look into his eyes for long. But before I managed to, he reached out and touched my face with the tips of his fingers and sighed, "I've missed you."

And I blanched, finding that my eyes just would not tear themselves away. His eyes were doing that weird thing again and all I could think about was how fun it would be to hang out with him,

"Misaki."

At the call of my name, Takatsuki-kun looked towards its origin, but I was still caught in a daze.

"Misaki."

The voice sounded familiar, but thoughts of playing games at an arcade with Takatsuki-kun were too interesting to part with.

"Takahashi Misaki."

'Oh shit.' Now I remembered whose voice that was. Slowing averting my gaze, I was met with the stony stare of Niichan. I could feel my skin paling, and Takatsuki-kun caught on too. Seeing my drained face, he approached closer and asked, "Misaki, do you know this person?"

"Of course he does, I'm his brother." Niichan replied, voice cold as ice. He also approached me and grabbed me by the wrist. Surley it wasn't intentional, but the force he used to pull me up out of my seat hurt. The blissful happiness I'd been experiencing only moments ago was gone, leaving me feeling like a deflated balloon.

Once I was out, he pulled me over to the direction of his car, still gripping my wrist tightly. Quickly grabbing my book, I followed. Casting a sidewards glance in the direction of a confused looking Shinobu. I wanted to apologize, but couldn't find the right words to say.


Okay, so. I got a review and the lovely reviewer mentioned how Ch. 5 and seemingly Ch. 6 had nothing to do with the plot. I just want to assure you that, yes. It does, not so much as Ch. 5 yet. But it will all make sense in good time. Forgive me for the slow pace of this story but as I mentioned in my very first chapter is that my goal is to make this story LLLOOONNNGGG. Anyways, review! I love them, they mean much to me! I have so many views but hardly any reviews! Thank you so much to those who have reviewed/favorited/alerted already! It means the world to me!