A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's the next part.
OH: quick word of thanks to all the favs and alerts I've gotten! And thanks to my few reviewers! Especially Kiyoumi, I don't have a way to respond to your kind reviews, but they always make me smile, and I thought you should know that-thank you! And enjoy~
As it turned out in the days that followed, Takano was good company on the walks. He didn't come every time, but still, sometimes it was nice to have someone to actually talk with, Ritsu had to admit.
Better yet, Saga seemed to like him well enough, so that was never a problem...and why Ritsu was currently preparing himself to ask another favor of the older male.
Taking a deep breath, Ritsu walked over to his boss' desk. It was late at night and they were the only two left.
"Yes?" Takano asked without looking up.
"Here," shoving a spare key towards the older male, Ritsu looked away, "I'm going to be out late tonight and was wondering if you'd check on Saga for me?" there was no beating around the name now, was there? he thought.
Blinking the other male looked up, "Where are you going?"
"That's none of your business."
Hazel eyes narrowed at the defiant answer the brunet gave, and Takano stood, "It's always my business." and before the younger male could snap back he grabbed his wrist, "Where are you going?" he repeated dangerously.
Breath hitching in his throat Ritsu looked away, "Out."
For a moment the two were at a stalemate, and just as Ritsu was going to tell Takano not to bother with checking on the dog after all, said male spoke, "Fine." releasing the other's hand he turned back to his work.
Sighing in relief Ritsu turned to gather his things.
Only to freeze as the older male added, "But I'm keeping the key."
Trudging back to his apartment, Ritsu shook his head. He and Hasegawa had gone out for drinks-finally, and had a rather enjoyable time actually. They hadn't drank too much, or even anything that strong, and spent the night discussing various literatures, and which were their favorites and such.
The reason for his current melancholy was after awhile they had gotten to talking about the books they'd edited. And it brought back many a bittersweet memory for the brunet.
"If you ever want that transfer, let me know. I'm sure you'd feel more at home."
Shuffling in to his apartment with a sigh he called out, "Saga-I'm home!"
Kneeling as he kicked the door shut and slipped off his shoes, he listened to the jingle of the dog's tags, "Hey there boy, miss me?" he murmured quietly as he caught the mutt's tackle.
"Well you were gone an awfully long time." a voice said from the pitch black living room.
Startled, Ritsu fumbled for a light, and found none other than Takano stretching up from his couch.
Wincing at the light, said male threw back the blanket, "What the hell Onodera! A little warning next time!"
"Why are you still here?!"
Rubbing his eyes the hazel eyed male yawned, "Your dog was lonely so I thought I'd watch him for you, he's really insistent about taking up half the couch though." he muttered wryly.
"Well...thank you-but you can leave now." Ritsu mumbled, glancing away.
"That's the thanks I get?"
Wincing, Ritsu said, "I really am grateful-but I would like to go to bed Takano-san..."
"I'm not stopping you."
"Takano-"
"Tell me where you went." the older male suddenly said, "Just tell me that much-and I'll go."
Blinking, for he forgot that he didn't tell Takano (and for good reason too!) he said, "Out for drinks with Hasegawa."
This was the wrong thing to say he realized as the older male glared.
"What? You said you'd go, so...go." stepping aside Ritsu waited for the other male to get up, and he did eventually, with ill-grace.
But he paused besides the younger male and whispered, "You owe me for this."
Without thinking, relieved Takano was leaving, the brunet nodded.
A/N: Yes, while I had Hasegawa as a bit more...rowdy? drunk (in 'Facebook: Then and Now') I figured here with no Takano to egg him on he and Ritsu would have a tamer time...
Tried writing them hanging out, and it just wasn't happening...so...YAY for skips!
Reviews would be much appreciated in this new year n.n
