I promise I am still here writing. I've been working on a few other things and my life is a tad complicated. But I will never stop with these two. Just some times it might take me longer to update.
Misu rested his head in his hands. The coffee shop lights were too bright to sit any other way. Atomu had insisted on the stop the moment he was close enough to see his face.
"Do I really look that bad?" Misu grumbled through his fingers.
"Only to anyone looking directly at you." He hadn't been expecting an answer. Misu raised his head only long enough to glance at Atomu standing over him with two coffees in hand. He groaned once and put his head back into his hands. "Here try this, it should help."
Misu was forced to sit back as the cup of coffee was shoved into his hands.
"What will help is being left alone." Misu grumbled.
"Hey don't bite my hand. I am not the one at fault for your current condition."
Misu took a sip of the coffee and cringed. The heat scaled his tongue. He set it back on the table. Even though Shingyouji's morning care had helped ease his earlier suffering moving about in public was forcing the hangover to resurface.
"About last night." Misu started, leaning back in the seat.
"What about it?"
"What exactly happened?"
"What do you mean happened? You had too much to drink, as evidenced by your current mood."
Misu glared at Atomu. Though under the harsh lights his eyes had already been at half glare.
"I mean, I remember the dinner, a few drinks, and then waking up at home. There are a few steps missing from my evening. And somehow I get the feeling you know what happened."
Atomu took a large swig of his coffee. "Son a bitch, ouch. Why didn't you warn me it was that hot?" Atomu dropped his coffee the table. He stuck his tongue out and rubbed it against the top of his teeth.
"The coffee's hot." Misu said dryly. "Now don't change the subject." Atomu's tongue slipped back in his mouth.
"What about last night?" Atomu asked with a slight lisp from his burnt tongue.
"Did anything happen? Did I do anything to embarrass myself in front of the bosses? And how did I get home?"
"That's a lot of questions."
"I have a lot of memory that needs filling."
"Ah well, at dinner I would say you didn't do anything too embarrassing. I mean you did have too much to drink at dinner, and the bosses noticed."
Misu gringed. "Too much as in I shouldn't show my face today?"
"No, no. It wasn't that bad. Though honestly I think you couldn't do any wrong right now. With the work you're doing and the friends you keep, you're the office golden boy." Misu snarled at Atomu. "What? Don't want to be the golden boy? Oh right, you're thinking about the friends you keep comment. That can't be helped now." Atomu leaned forward on his chair pushing his coffee to the side. "Now that I know who he is, are you sure your girl is safe with him? I mean those rumors and all. And with the money he has, he's a dangerous man to have around. I am worried about your girl home all alone."
Misu grabbed his coffee and took a fast swallow. The liquid burned his throat but he didn't care. "It's fine." Misu hissed out behind clenched teeth.
Atomu sat back on his seat. "Sure. Whatever you say." A weird melody chimed from Atomu's pocket. He slipped out his cell phone and checked the screen. "Looks like we're going to have to put a halt to this conversation. Mr. Shimoda is looking for me." Atomu snatched his coffee and ran out of the coffee shop before Misu could ask him any more questions. He watched him go before grabbing his own cup and slowly making his own way to the office. Part way there his own phone vibrated. A short text from Shingyouji popped up on his screen.
I hope you are feeling better Arata-San and you don't still feel too sick. I look forward to seeing you tonight.
Misu typed a quick reply. I am feeling better, thanks to you. I will see you on time tonight.
The coffee must have been finally working, he was feeling better. He quickened his pace and hurried the last steps into the office.
The day slipped by as it always did. His boss stopped by to check on him and to once again sing the praises of the Saki family. With no interruptions from the product development department the calm of the accounting floor remained at peace. And in some small part of his mind it bothered Misu. It was too quiet, too calm. He brushed it off as hangover symptoms. A tiny bit of alcohol left in his system playing tricks with his mind.
As the afternoon wore on his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen expecting to see Shingyouji's name, instead a text from Atomu popped up.
Got a minute.
Sure.
Meet me in my office?
Why don't you come to my office?
I think your coworkers will kill me if I come in for a non work related reason.
Misu glanced about the space. Everyone had their heads down, hunched down either over keyboard or paperwork. He could hear each page being turned from across the room.
I will you see you in a minute.
Misu had been to the product development department offices a few times. His impression of it was chaos. While there were desks and chairs, no one sat in one particular place. Most of the time was spent around round tables in groups, filled with products. Finished products, broken products, half baked products, their products, competitors products. Whiteboards with scrawling notes circled the tables, notebooks with circular writing covered the floor. The first time Misu entered the product development department he thought he'd been interrupting a meeting and offered sincere apologies. He learned quickly there was no meeting, it was standard process for their day. As Misu opened the doors to the department, it was the same as it always, only this time his presence was more known, thanks to Atomu.
"Hey Misu, come over here." Atomu pulled Misu to the closet table. "What do you think of this?" Atomu held up a small device with a spring and corkscrew metal rod.
"Am I supposed to think something of it?"
"I know, not very exciting is it. We're trying to think of a better way to make this work." Atomu pulled on the spring. The metal rod snapped up in his hands, nearly stabbing his palm.
"That looks dangerous."
"No kidding. It was supposed to be a better wine opener, but I think we invented a weapon instead. Ah well." Atomu tossed it back into the pile.
"Is that why you called me down here. To see a defective product design."
"No, no. Listen." Atomu tugged on Misu's sleeve pulling him away from his co-workers. "I was wondering if you have plans tomorrow, around lunch time."
"You mean this week-end?"
"Yeah, this week-end?"
"Why?"
"I want to take you and your partner out for lunch. I feel like I need to make it up to her for all the nights I've been keeping you."
"I don't think that is a good idea."
"Why not? It would be on the week-end. Just three friends getting together for some good food."
"I am not sure my partner would be very comfortable with it."
"Are you sure? Why don't you call her and ask. Be sure to tell her Atomu really wants to take you guys out for lunch."
"I am not sure."
"Fine give me your phone, I'll call her."
"No." Misu stepped back. "Fine. I'll do it."
In two rings Shingyouji picked up the phone.
"Arata-san?"
"Shingyouji."
"Are you calling to say you will be out late again tonight?" Misu definitely heard it this time. A weakness in Shingyouji's voice. A loneliness.
"No Shingyouji, I am not."
"Really?"
"Really."
"That's great news Arata-san. But then why are you calling me this time?"
"My friend has asked us to lunch tomorrow."
"A friend?"
"Yes, my coworker." Atomu mouthed his name at Misu and waved his hands at him. Misu rolled his eyes. "My friend Atomu who I have been out drinking with. He wants to meet you."
"Oh."
"But I told him that I would ask you first. If you are not comfortable meeting with him you are not required to do so."
"I am unsure Arata-san. I would like to meet your friend, but I am afraid you would be ashamed sharing the nature of our relationship."
"Never." Misu belted out. It was his turn to get the attention of a whole department. Everyone turned to glance in his direction, look at Atomu who only shrugged his shoulders before they all returned to work. Misu turned his back toward Atomu, lowering his voice. "No Shingyouji, not ashamed, never ashamed. I am not one to share my personal life with many people. But not from shame. I've only kept our relationship private for your sake. If you wish to meet my friend, then I will introduce you."
"If you are okay with it then I would be happy to Arata-San. I finally get to meet the man who keeps stealing you away from me night after night."
"Shingyouji." Misu scolded. He heard a faint snicker on the other end of the line. "Then I will tell him yes." Misu heard a slight noise behind him. "I will talk to you later Shingyouji." Misu hung up the phone. "You know it's not polite to listen to other people's conversations." Misu turned to face Atomu.
"I know but I was just anxious to hear what she said. I am so excited to finally meet the love of your life Misu. I cannot wait to hear all the good stories about you two."
"Before tomorrow, I really need to explain something."
"Hey Atomu, get your butt over here. Enough goofing off we need to figure this stupid thing out."
"What? Oh sure, just a second. Sorry Misu work comes first. We'll talk later." Misu scowled as Atomu scampered off. Atomu had been the one to call him down to talk to him and now when he had something to say he was being dismissed. Misu walked away annoyed. It wasn't that he minded introducing Shingyouji to Atomu. He would have turned down the invitation without even asking Shingyouji if that was the case. It made him uncomfortable with the idea of springing the news on Atomu last minute. Misu didn't care for the idea of Atomu being ambushed with the news by Shingyouji's presence. Nor the idea of trapping them all together in an uncomfortable situation on the off chance it went poorly. After all the apartment hunting he was tired of putting Shingyouji in uncomfortable situations where it was known their presence was not welcome. Misu could not be sure Atomu would be as understanding as he was when he first found out that his was living with Shingyouji, who thinks of as a woman, unmarried.
Misu tried three times to text Atomu to arrange to talk to him, and three times he was put off. On the last time Atomu put him off completely.
Sorry Misu no time today. Have plans early tomorrow. Don't worry we'll talk at lunch. Looking forward to meeting your partner.
Misu glanced at Shingyouji for the third time as they walked down the street toward the restaurant after parking the car in a nearby parking lot. In the last few years they had reached an unspoken understanding. Any time they were on their way to meet someone Shingyouji always walked at his side. All other times Shingyouji followed three steps behind. It was not something they discussed or planned. Instead they fell naturally into this pattern.
"Arata-san?"
"Yes Shingyouji."
"Is everything okay?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You keep looking at me. Are you worried about your friend? If you are I don't have to come today. I don't want to cause any problems."
Misu stopped short. It took Shingyouji a step longer to react before turning to look back at Misu. Misu's chest tightened as he stared at the younger boy before him. He was growing out of his youthful features into maturity. The baby fat was disappearing, giving his face more strength and definition. And yet when he looked at him with those eyes full of uncertainty he could see the young Shingyouji that confessed to him so many years ago.
"Shingyouji I will not have any friends that cannot also accept you in my life. My only hesitation is putting you into an unpleasant situation."
"Ah, well do you think he likes chocolate? He might like me if I give him chocolate. I'll meet you at the restaurant." Shingyouji took off running toward the nearest convenience store.
"Shingyouji it's not as simple as that." Misu said to the empty space before him.
Misu sighed and kept walking. In the end Shingyouji had solved his problem for him. He turned the last corner to the restaurant to find Atomu waiting for him. Atomu waved as he approached.
"Hey Misu. Why are you alone?"
"Atomu, we really need to talk before Shingyouji gets here."
"Of course Misu. Sorry about not getting back to you earlier. What's going on?"
"I need to tell you something important."
"Now you have me worried Misu, what is it?"
"It's about Shingyouji."
"Okay, spit it out. What about Shingyouji."
"My relationship with Shingyouji is more complicated than us just not being married. Shingyouji is not what you would expect."
"What, are you going to tell me Shingyouji is actually a guy." Atomu smiled broadly. "Hey Shingyouji-kun. I mean Mr. Wife."
"Hey Atomu-san."
For the first time in a long time Misu was at a loss for words.
"I'm so happy you agreed to lunch today. I really wanted to talk to you more."
"M..More." Misu stammered out.
Atomu slipped his hand behind Shingyouji's back. "Let's get a table while he catches up."
"Sounds good to me. Oh I got you some chocolate."
"Chocolate? Why?"
"To make you like me."
"I already like you Shingyouji-kun you didn't need chocolate for that."
Misu watched as the two walked off, whispering more words at each other. The wheels in his head spun full force until they came to a screeching halt at the memory he needed. It wasn't Saki who had brought him home after a drunk dinner gathering. It was Atomu. He had dismissed the idea originally. While Atomu knew his building he did not know his apartment. But the memory surfaced of him giving the number to Atomu himself. Of hanging off Atomu shoulders, clinging to him in their front door. Of Shingyouji and Atomu sitting on their couch shaking hands.
"I get the feeling someone is going to need to be punished tonight."
Atomu stopped mid bite. The chopsticks hovering inches from his mouth. "Excuse me? Punished?" Atomu dropped his food back into his dish. "Do I need go all big brother for Shingyouji-kun and protect him from you Misu?"
"Shingyouji doesn't need any more brothers for protection. The one he has now is enough." Misu leaned back in his seat. Under the table his hand remained firm on Shingyouji's thigh. The booth offering the perfect cover from the prying eyes.
"Brother. You have a brother Shingyouji?"
"I don't. Arata-san is only joking. He's just a friend."
"Must be a good friend."
"He is. Saki-san has been a very good friend to me."
Shingyouji let out a little yelp as Misu's hand squeezed tighter. Atomu either didn't notice or pretended not to.
"Saki? As is the same Saki we keep meeting Misu?"
"The one and only." Misu grumled.
"Everything is making so much more sense now. It isn't that he's after Shingyouji, it's just that they're really good friends."
"Too good."
"He's good friends with Arata-san too."
"I'd say at this point Shingyouji you are closer to Saki than I will ever be."
"You know whose fault that is Arata-san?"
"Yeah, Saki's. What's so funny?" Misu watched as Atomu tried to hide his laugh behind his hands.
"You two really are like a married couple."
"And that's worth laughing about?" Misu asked.
"No, I guess I wasn't sure what I was expecting."
"For a gay couple?" Misu asked bluntly. Shingyouji tapped Misu's knee.
"Not at all. No I mean as someone who would be your partner Misu. I mean dude I like you. But I get the feeling you can be a little difficult to live with at times."
"Shingyouji, not a word." Shingyouji stuck a large meatball in his mouth, hiding his grin.
"I'm just happy to see my new, my old, friend happy. You know trying to figure out how everyone should be called is getting confusing. Wife, not wife, really not wife." Atomu said, pointing as Shingyouji. "Co-worker, new friend, old friend."
"Must you label everything?"
"Hazards of the job? Anyway Shingyouji, I want to say while Misu is my friend, if you ever need anything let me know. But if you've got a friend like Saki in your pocket I am not sure there is anything I can ever do for you. Oh…" Atomu suddenly sat upright.
"Oh?" Both Misu and Shingyouji asked together.
"The apartment. It wasn't that either of you are rich CEO kids it's that you know a rich CEO kid."
Misu sat back, rolling his eyes.
"We don't like talking about that." Shingyouji whispered over the table, his eyes glancing as Misu.
"I totally get it. It will not get brought up again. It's just been driving me crazy. Consider my curiosity satisfied."
Atomu finally took the bite that he'd been distracted from taking long ago.
"So you two, normally I'd ask how you met, but I already know that." Atomu smiled slyly at Misu. "This coy fellow fell in love with you first sight didn't he Shingyouji. Swept you right of your feet."
Shingyouji choked on his bite of food.
"No, not exactly." Shingyouji stammered.
"Shingyouji confessed to me the same afternoon we met didn't you."
"Arata-san you remember that?" Shingyouji's face bloomed a bright red.
"How could I forget such a treasured memory? With those tears in your eyes and the way you were shaking, it was all so adorable."
"So then I assume you accepted his confession, since here you are."
"No." Misu stated simply.
"No? But, then how did this happen?"
"Time." Again Misu stated simply. "Shingyouji wore me down."
"Arata-san." Shingyouji whined out.
Misu released his hold on Shingyouji's thigh, moving his hand to pet Shingyouji's hair.
"Is it not true? All those nights you spent by my side, when you weren't sure of my affections. How could I not be wore down by your persistence."
"So that's how it happened. I never pictured that you would be the pursued Misu. Though I am not sure I can picture you as the one doing the pursuing either. I guess then it's just lucky that Shingyouji-kun's determination won out."
"Arata-san, that's not true is it?" Shingyouji leaned back in the seat, shifting away from Misu's hand. "I didn't wear you down into this relationship did i? I just liked being around you. I hoped you would like me too, but I never wanted to be a bother."
"Shingyouji, if I ever felt your presence was a bother I would have let you know."
"Are you sure?" Shingyouji looked up at him, his eyes half hidden by his fine, soft hair. His lips turned in a slight pout. If they were not in a public restaurant Misu would have found other ways to alleviate Shingyouji's fear. Instead he let his hand slide over his cheek before slipping back into Shingyouji's lap.
"Why would I say it if it wasn't true Shingyouji. You were never a bother then or now." Misu's lips curled in a small smile. The pout slid away from Shingyouji's lips, to be replaced with a shy smile. He nodded his head and looked away.
Misu turned back to the table to find Atomu fanning himself. "You two. My goodness. I invite you out to lunch and now I feel like a third wheel on a newly-weds date."
"Sorry.' Shingyouji whispered out, his face burning red.
"I'm not."
"As expected. Though speaking of newly-weds. Misu why didn't you tell me you just moved into your new place. I mean you didn't have to divulge all your secrets, but Shingyouji tells me this is your first apartment alone."
"It is."
"Then you should have said something. In fact Shingyouji and I have already come to an agreement about you spending so much time out."
"He did, did he."
"He did. So now less time with me, and more time getting your butt home."
"Unlike now?" Misu pointed out.
"This is different, we're all three here together."
"Seems you two had a lot to talk about, which someone seems to have forgotten to mention any of to me."
"Don't be mad at him, I asked him to keep it a secret. I just wanted to tease you a little more."
"Oh I am not mad." Misu leaned close to Shingyouji, his lips pressed next to his ear. Very quietly he whispered, "But I think I said something earlier about punishment."
Shingyouji shivered head to foot. His ears tuned a violent red.
"Seriously Shingyouji-kun, do you need protection from this guy? I am not above calling that Saki guy to come help you out."
Misu leaned back in his seat. "I thought you were offering your protection."
"I am. And I realize my best protection is to have someone else take care of it. And out of the small pool people I've seen you interact with Misu, Saki is the only one who has rattled your cage."
"You're not wrong." Shingyouji laughed.
"You're only adding more to the list Shingyouji."
Shingyouji bit his lip and smiled brightly at Atomu and Misu, keeping himself from making any further comments.
They finished the rest of their lunch with less embarrassing conversations. They talked of work, of shared interests between Misu and Atomu and Shingyouji and Atomu and they discussed the old neighborhood where Misu and Atomu had grown up. In no time at all lunch was finished and it was time to move on.
"It was a real pleasure meeting you Shingyouji-kun. This time for real." Atomu bowed slightly to Shingyouji. "Misu don't keep him such a secret next time. I know it's not easy, but I like think the world is changing."
"I will consider it."
"Shingyouji-kun I hope we get the chance to meet again soon. Misu I will see you in the office on Monday."
"Good-bye Atomu-san. It was a real pleasure meeting you."
"Good-bye Atomu."
Atomu bowed once more to both of them and walked away, leaving them standing in front of the restaurant.
"He seems like a nice guy Arata-san."
"He is."
"I am glad you made a new friend."
"It would seem we both made a friend."
"Only a little. You will get to see him more often with your job and all."
"True, but your were friendly enough to play a little game on me."
"Ah, about that, it was really his idea Arata-san."
"But you went along with it."
"I...I...I did."
"I think Atomu is right. I haven't been spending enough time at home. Come along my pet, we have things to discuss."
Misu turned on his heel and walked back to their car. He didn't need to look back. He could feel Shingyouji's presence three steps behind.
