Title: A Glass Half Full
Date: February 16, 2014

Hey, sorry for the late update… again. On top of writer's block I'm currently in the middle of a writer's tantrum… Have you ever read a fic that reminded you so much of a fic you wrote, that it couldn't have been a coincidence? But they managed to change the plot just enough that it can't really be considered plagiarism, but maybe a work inspired without credit? Twice. Fucking twice has this happened to me. I refuse to write anymore Attack on Titan fics after the first time. But to actually have it happen again in this fandom?

I honestly don't care enough to kick up a storm, report it, or let it affect my day to day life. Because, welcome to the internet. This stuff happens all the time. But it's still frustrating and I'm still pissed off enough that I've considered shutting all my stories down. The only reason I'm still updating is for my handful of frequent reviewers. I just can't leave you guys hanging after you've all supported and motivated me to write. You guys are seriously great! I'm hopefully going to finish A Glass Half Full and I'm definitely going to finish Timing (it's my baby), probably upload some of the one shots I've been working on for months now. Then I'm so done.

God this sucks.

Chapter 10

Fuji Shusuke woke up that morning to a blinding pain. Or at least it felt like his eye retinas were being completely burned from the sunlight entering his room through his bedroom window… And despite the massive migraine, he couldn't help but feel relieved that he woke up in his own bedroom. Peeking underneath his bedcovers, he wasn't surprised to find himself dressed to impress in an expensive suit smelling like all kinds of amazing. His mysterious unnamed alter was definitely a pain in the ass, but… He had to admit that this alter really knew how to accentuate all his best features. And despite the many hangovers, this alter was at least considerate enough to tuck him into bed at some point during the night and/or early morning. One might even consider this unnamed alter some sort of gentleman… of sorts.

He tried to sit up, feeling a wave of nausea pass through him.

He needed to puke.

And he considered falling back asleep… after all, Yumiko-neesan once said that the best cure for a hangover was to sleep through it.

He reached over to his night table to grab a hold of his cellphone.

He checked the time: It was nine in the morning and…

His eyes widened.

"Yuuta?" He called out, "YUUTA?"

Oh wait… Judging from the time, Yuuta should be at school right now. His father and Yumiko-neesan were probably at work, and his mother always had that Macramé class… No matter how loudly he called out and for who didn't really matter. He was home alone… with a nasty hangover.

He dialled a familiar number on his phone.

'Hello?'

"Tezuka-san?" His voice came out as raspy and haggard sounding. And he really had to wonder what his particularly pesky unnamed alter would do when in control.

There was silence on the other end until, '… Shusuke? … I haven't heard from you in a month. I tried calling, but I kept getting your voicemail.'

"I…" He paused. He needed to collect his thoughts, which was quite the challenge on top of a terrible headache. And he really didn't know what to say anyways, except: "… I want to see you."

'I really want to see you too. Even my grandfather hasn't seen Shuto-san in a while.'

He frowned. He knew for certain that this gentleman alter was the last one in control… but from his past experience, this alter only came out at night and tended to come out for hours at a time. He couldn't remember the past month! A full month! And if Shuto didn't even get a chance to emerge, could perhaps Shuko or Shu-chan be stronger than he could have previously imagined? Then… could Shuko or Shu-chan be conscious of the other alters as well? Perhaps they're finally trying to disturb this thin shaky balance by trying to take full control… but then if they succeed, does that mean he wouldn't be the main personality anymore?

He shook his head. No, that wasn't possible… because he was certain that he was the main personality. They all branched off from him, so there was no way one could just evolve and take over. They all came from him. Unless…

… Maybe there was someone else?

'Shusuke? Are you still there?'

"Oh sorry… I was just thinking." He replied.

'About what?'

"I-It doesn't matter…" This was getting too scary, "I think I'm going to go to work later today… If I've been out for a month, I should at least drop by and tell everyone… Ryuzaki-san especially, that I'm finally back and okay."

'Then I'll swing by there after work.' Tezuka replied, '… I'm sorry but I've got to get to a meeting. Please take care of yourself.'

"Thank you." He could feel the corners of his lips curve up into a small smile.

He hung up the phone.

From his knowledge, there were four other alters: Shuto, who others described as an old slightly cranky man… apparently a master at judo. Shuko, the typical high school girl and apparently quite the idol amongst the boys at Yuuta's school. Shu-chan, the adorable preschooler… Then his unnamed alter, who dresses like a man-whore and who tucks him in at night. Could there be others? It certainly wouldn't be unheard of… but, does that mean he's getting worse?

He needed to stop thinking… he was just unnecessarily frightening himself. He needed to get his mind off of this… He needed to get to work.

And he really needed to make an appointment with Nakamoto-sensei as soon as possible.

"You really didn't have to come to work today." Ryuzaki Sumire was beyond understanding and was more than supportive. But…

"I needed to." He offered her a lopsided smile, "I just couldn't sit at home… alone."

She sighed, "Do what you want, but take it easy. Okay?"

He nodded.

As Ryuzaki-san disappeared into the kitchen, he leaned against the barista counter. The smell of coffee certainly did wonders to soothe his massive headache and it was nice to be in an environment that discouraged any opportunity to do any deep thinking. The front door chimed open and two familiar faces walked in.

"Ooh! Fuji-chan! Lucky! It's been a while! Can I get the usual please?"

"Sure thing, Sengoku-san." He smiled, "And what can I get for you Niou-san?"

The silver haired man had a wicked grin covering his face, "Surprise me."

"So the usual for you too." He pointed out, mimicking the other man's grin.

Sengoku Kiyosumi and Niou Masaharu were regulars here at the café. They were both outgoing and charming in their own ways… certainly welcomed faces whenever they did decide to drop by. And today in particular, Fuji couldn't have been happier to see the pair and listen to whatever idle chit-chatter they would always bring his way.

"And Fuji-chan, can I get one of those chocolate chip oatmeal cookies? My head's pounding like crazy!" Sengoku took a seat by the bar counter.

"Sure thing." He reached into the pastry display case and handed the orange haired man the cookie, "Did you have a late night?"

Niou rolled his eyes, "Just tell me about it…"

"We were up drinking until four in the morning!" Sengoku announced with a triumphant grin, "It was one hell of a night! You should definitely join us some time Fuji-chan!"

He laughed at that.

Taking a good look at Sengoku and Niou, he had to admit that they were in a completely different class from him. They were both just so trendy, and were both definitely the life and centre of any party. They looked like the kind of people who lived life in the moment, unplanned and extravagant. Living life to the fullest. From the way they dressed in the most fashionable suits and dress shirts, to the way they held conversations just so easily and fluidly… Although he enjoyed the company of these two customers in particular, he doubted he'd be able to keep up with them outside the café doors.

"I don't think I would be any fun to hang around." He admitted.

"Nonsense!" Niou countered.

"Seriously Niou-san." He chuckled, "And with my DID, I think I'd only cause you two problems."

"Never!" Sengoku hastily answered back.

"You're both too nice." He offered his warmest smile, handing them both their orders.

"Pumpkin spice." Niou sipped, "How do you always know what I'm craving?"

"Just a hunch." He winked.

"You're too wonderful Fujiko-chan." Niou took a hold of one of his hands, "I wish I could take you home with me."

"Sorry Haru, but aren't I more your type Fuji-chan?" Sengoku interrupted, taking a hold of his other free hand.

"Stop playing around and finish your drinks before they get cold." He pulled both his hands away. This wasn't the first time he got tagged teamed by the duo, so he knew exactly how to handle them. Besides, he knew that they were both just playing around and were no way serious or meant any harm. But… he could feel his heart skip a beat regardless.

And it was funny, because he beyond a doubt didn't have feelings for either one of them. And he knew for certain that he had feelings for Tezuka Kunimitsu. But Niou Masaharu and Sengoku Kiyosumi were both just so romantic to the point of being cheesy, that the quickening to his pulse was just a normal reaction. Heck, even his boss Ryuzaki Sumire blushed the last time the pair surrounded her, that now she hides in the kitchen whenever they'd swing by.

He really had to wonder what they did for a living…

The door to the café chimed open once more.

And his eyes were drawn to a tall man, with dark hair and the most piercing slate grey eyes.

He could feel his cheeks flush for reasons completely void from Niou and Sengoku's teasing.

"Can I take your order?" He managed to keep his voice steady, surprising himself.

And those glaucous grey eyes kept staring at him, just so intently that he could feel his shoulders grow tense… this man definitely had a strong presence.

He fidgeted, "C-Can I take your order, sir?"

"Oh sorry…" A baritone voice escaped those lips, his tone rich and sultry.

And he could feel his heart race.

"… Just a regular coffee." The dark haired man ordered.

"Sugar or cream?" He asked.

The man had a contemplative look covering his face, "Just black."

"Coming right up!" He chirped, spinning around and immediately feeling his cheeks pinch as an almost giddy smile made its way across his face. This definitely wasn't love at first sight… And he reminded himself that he was dating Shuto's best friend's grandson, who was more than amazing and wonderful and just so very understanding. And he was fairly certain at this point that he was in love with Tezuka Kunimitsu, but… Damn! This guy was good looking!

And staring never hurt.

He handed the taller man his order.

"Keep the change." There was a handsome tilt to the man's face.

"Thank you very much." He bowed.

The man continued to stand there unmoving, those slate grey eyes just so very penetrating.

"… I hope this isn't too forward, but… Can I have your name?"

And he could feel the heat rise up to his cheeks once more.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave our wonderful barista alone."

"I-It's okay Niou-san." He murmured before turning his attention back onto the dark haired man, "Um… I'm sorry, but… I already have a boyfriend."

The dark haired man arched a brow, "Oh… You do?"

"Y-Yes." He shakily nodded his head.

"… I see…" A thoughtful frown made its way onto that handsome face.

"I'm terribly sorry."

The man shook his head, "Please don't apologize. I hope this doesn't sound strange but… where did you wake up this morning?"

"Whoa! That's definitely a strange question you creep." Sengoku spoke out this time.

But there was something about this man… something about him that reassured him. He wasn't exactly sure what it was but… He was certain that this man wouldn't hurt him.

"In my bedroom." He replied honestly.

And a look of relief covered that man's face, "… Now I hope this doesn't sound weird also but… I'm glad you got home safely."

"Weirdo." Niou called out.

"Uhg… What a freak." Sengoku muttered almost inaudibly as the dark haired man picked up his coffee and retreated to the furthest corner of the café.

And although he should have agreed with them… his eyes kept being drawn to the dark haired man. That handsome face… Those broad shoulders… The overwhelming aroma of his cologne that left his knees feeling weak. He was definitely gorgeous… and it was perhaps weirder of him to think this but: the man looked kind of familiar… But he really couldn't pin point from where.

Then those distinctive slate grey eyes connected with his own.

Dammit! He was staring too long!

He quickly looked away, feeling his face grow hot once more.

And the café door chimed open once more.

And wasn't he more relieved than ever to see that familiar face.

"You had me worried." Were the first words out of Tezuka Kunimitsu's mouth.

"Great! Unlucky day! Another creeper!" Sengoku growled, "You better back off there! Our pretty little barista isn't interested!"

"It's okay Sengoku-san… This is my boyfriend: Tezuka Kunimitsu." He introduced.

"Eh? Seriously?" Sengoku scrutinized.

"Yes, seriously." He sighed. Sometimes Sengoku and Niou got a little protective, and he really did appreciate it but they were going overboard now.

"Hm…" Sengoku sounded, "Well, he looks like a good guy."

"Yea… Looks." Niou practically spat before standing up, "Listen here, Tezuka was it? You better not make our Fujiko-chan cry. If you make him unhappy in any way, we'll definitely hear about it. And you'll regret ever being born. Come on Sengoku, we should head back to the club."

"Right!" Sengoku also stood up, "Well, see you next time Fuji-chan."

"Bye." He waved.

And there was a small frown covering the bespectacled man's face.

He couldn't help but laugh, "They're just regulars here at the café. They're good people, I swear. And I promise Niou-san's not going to do anything."

"He won't ever have to." A rare smile made its way onto Tezuka's face.

And he could feel his heart beat faster.

"I was really worried about you… I knew for certain that one of your alters must have taken over. And I'm not sure how your disorder works exactly. I don't know if perhaps this was a normal occurrence. So I didn't want to impose." Tezuka explained.

He shook his head, "You shouldn't feel like you're imposing."

"I'm sorry… I just don't want to unknowingly hinder your recovery." Tezuka apologized.

"Actually… I can't remember the past month." He confessed, "It's… It's scary because… I never had a blackout last this long before… except… probably my first blackout in high school."

Tezuka took a hold of both his hands.

"I don't want to disappear…" His voice trembled, "Kunimitsu… I don't want to disappear."

"I'm not going to let you." Tezuka reassured.

And he could feel steady lips press against his own.

And he knew that he could always trust the russet haired man… that Tezuka had never once let him down. And although he instantly felt better, like all his problems had vanished the moment Tezuka had walked through those doors… there was that same nagging thought.

… And it was terrifying.

"When's your shift over?" Tezuka asked.

"Oh um… I don't really have a set schedule." He admitted before asking: "Why do you want to know?"

"Can I take you home… or if you want, we can head to my apartment." Tezuka offered, "I don't mean anything weird by that, but I just want to talk. I want to spend more time with you considering I've been deprived."

And he smiled, "Let me go to the back and tell Ryuzaki-san I'm leaving."

He leaned forward to lightly kiss the bespectacled man once more before dashing into the kitchen.

He had a feeling that as long as Tezuka Kunimitsu was in his life… everything was going to be okay.

To be continued.

Thanks for reading! Please tell me what you think of this chapter! As you can all probably imagine, drama is going to hit the fan next chapter.