Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Warning: Don't like, don't read.

A/N: Eh...enjoy! Haha, hah. :3

Chapter 14

Tadashi never called back.

It had been two days since they ended this thing between them and Tadashi didn't call back. Hiro didn't know how he felt about that. One part of him took this as a sign that he should finally move on but the other part was disappointed in himself.

What was Hiro expecting? He was the one who ended the things between them. It wasn't Tadashi's fault. But he still hoped that Tadashi would've called back the minute he hung up.

Hiro shouldn't even ask of that from Tadashi, to be honest. Hiro was the one who ended what could be the best thing between them because of his insecurities.

He sighed as he walked back to the cafe. Hiro had gone to the lab early this morning just to keep his mind from thinking about the actor. He would be lying if he hadn't reached out to the phone just to call Tadashi, just to hear his voice one more time. But Hiro had to face reality, there was no future for them.

As much as it pained him to say it, Tadashi's world was too different from his.

When he confessed to the actor, he hadn't been asking for a relationship. He knew Tadashi didn't see him the same way but Hiro had felt happy anyway when the man stayed for a while. He touched his chest as he crossed the street to get to the cafe. His heart ached at having to go through this entire process of forgetting the actor again—only this time, he had to make sure he permanently removed these emotions.

He hadn't told his aunt about it. He didn't want to see her pity. He didn't want to worry Cass either. She had enough of his mess of emotions. For now, he would have to just keep it all inside and work out a plan to get over these feelings.

He walked into the cafe, immediately greeted by the sweet aroma of pastries. Hiro noticed Abigail who was busy with a customer at the cash register. "Hey," Hiro said at her. Abigail looked at him before she smiled and nodded.

"Cass is upstairs," she said as she pointed to where the stairs led to the living room. Hiro raised his eyebrows at that. Cass wasn't attending the cafe?

"Oh," Hiro said before he waved at her and head to the living room. Was Cass alright? She never dared to leave the cafe alone like this before. He walked through the archway as he called out for his aunt. "Aunt Cass?"

He walked into the living room and noticed his aunt, sitting and talking to someone. Cass looked at Hiro when the ex-actor walked in with a smile. "Hiro!"

Hiro raised his eyebrows once more before his eyes landed on who was sitting next to Cass. The ex-actor froze and his eyes widened when he realised who it was. His heart stopped beating for a second. His mind blanked and he didn't know what to say.

He opened his mouth before he closed it, no words to describe what he was feeling at the moment.

"What," Hiro started as he looked back at his aunt.

Cass beamed up at him before she stood up. "Look who came to visit you!"

Tadashi stood up as well, his hands in his pants pockets and his eyes blank. There was a cautious smile on the actor's face but Hiro could see that it wasn't genuine. Hiro took a step back before he blinked. "Why are you here?" Hiro asked.

Cass's smile dropped at the question. She frowned before she looked at Tadashi. The actor, however, simply looked away from Hiro to his aunt. "He's shocked," Tadashi said with a shrug. Then, he looked at Hiro before he grinned, wide and dangerous. "I missed you so, I came by."

Hiro narrowed his eyes as he clenched his hands into fists. "Oh?" Hiro asked.

"Well, why don't you two talk?" Cass said as she walked away from Tadashi. She placed a hand on Hiro's shoulder and squeezed it tight, her eyes locking with his for a moment. "I'll be downstairs."

Hiro nodded at her, smiling at her, trying to tell her that he was fine. Cass didn't buy the look but she left them alone anyway. Silence washed in after that as Hiro looked back at Tadashi. They were silently staring at each other, nobody saying anything.

Just then, he noticed the bag on the ground, next to Tadashi's feet. Hiro's eyes widened before he looked back at the actor. Before Hiro could open his mouth, Tadashi picked up his bag and walked up to him.

"Show me to your room?" Tadashi said but it didn't sound like a question. It sounded more like an order. Hiro's hackles raised at that as he sharpened his gaze.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Hiro hissed out, anger washing into his words. Tadashi didn't look fazed at the display of hostility and simply looked past Hiro's shoulders.

"I'm guessing your room should be there," Tadashi said as he walked past the kitchens to the stairs. Hiro was left standing in confusion before he sighed loudly and followed the actor. Hiro watched how Tadashi seemed to have deduced exactly where his room was.

A pang of irritation started to mix with confusion as he followed Tadashi into his room. The actor took a look around before he walked to Hiro's bed and sat down at the edge, the bag in his hands dropped next to his feet.

"Tadashi," Hiro gritted out as he closed the door and leaned against it, crossing his arms. "Why are you here?"

Tadashi looked at Hiro before he smiled. But the smile was different. It wasn't Tadashi's usual smile. This held an edge of danger to it that had Hiro dropping his hands to his side and back against the door completely. The confusion swirled in his mind even more. There was also some glitter of hope that Tadashi had come all the way for him but immediately crushed it.

No, he was not going to do this anymore.

He wasn't going to be swayed this time.

He had made up his mind, damnit!

Tadashi, who hadn't noticed Hiro's internal argument with himself, had stood up and walked towards the ex-actor. The man stood in front of him, their feet touched before he placed his hands against the door, boxing Hiro in.

The ex-actor took in a sharp breath when he realised how close they were.

"Tadashi," Hiro began, feeling Tadashi's breath on his face. His heart picked up speed and his cheeks reddened. His palms started to sweat, the familiar drums of anticipation rushed through his veins when a pang of something hit him right in his chest.

He had missed Tadashi.

God, he missed him.

The warmth that he felt from being close to him had Hiro forgetting for a moment what he was supposed to do. Tadashi touched his face with one of his hands, his touch soft. "I missed you," Tadashi whispered. "I missed you a lot. I came all this way to see you because I missed you. Don't I get a kiss for that?"

Hiro looked at his lips before he looked at Tadashi's eyes. His mind blanked out once more before he leaned in close and subconsciously brushed the actor's lips. The closeness was intoxicating and it filled Hiro's senses, filling him up with this lightness in his chest, in his head. The pain in his heart eased away as he touched Tadashi's shoulders.

The shirt under his fingertips was soft too, everything about Tadashi had Hiro realising how much he had missed him. Missed touching him. "I," Hiro began before Tadashi pushed himself closer to Hiro until they were flushed at every inch of their body. Hiro let out a breathless gasp at that, the warmth now radiated on his clothed skin. "Tadashi…"

Tadashi's lips finally touched his and Hiro closed his eyes, kissing the man back. He looped his hands around Tadashi's neck and buried one of his hands in that soft hair. He could feel the thrums of happiness drumming away in his chest as he sighed into the kiss. Tadashi pulled away after a while, his hands still on Hiro's face and waist.

"There you go," Tadashi said slowly, their noses grazing. Hiro opened his eyes and met with the warm ones. Hiro could feel himself breathing harshly. There was this buzzing noise inside his head, but it didn't cause any discomfort, in fact, it was a good type of haze. It was something that Hiro liked.

Hiro wanted more of that haze.

His entire body thrummed from the warmth and he wanted nothing more but to touch Tadashi even more. He placed his hands on the actor's face, his fingers shaking. The shallow ache throbbed inside his heart. He hadn't seen the actor for so long and he missed him. Tadashi smiled gently before he leaned into Hiro's hands. Their noses brushed every time they breathed.

They didn't speak, just staring at each other. Hiro caressed Tadashi's cheeks and relished on the skin underneath his fingertips. His heart's strings tugged and he leaned in closer until their lips brushed again. Hiro needed to kiss him again, especially when the want-need-miss-you flooded his brain like a broken dam.

"Tadashi," he began but the actor didn't let him continue. Tadashi leaned in and kissed him again, this time they kissed longer. The actor pressed his body close against Hiro until all the ex-actor could do was cling onto the man. His brain short-circuited and he didn't know how to breathe or think. He was limp against the actor, letting his muddled mind get carried away with this unspoken warmth in their touches.

When they broke up apart, Hiro buried his face on Tadashi's shoulder and looped his arms around Tadashi's chest. The actor held him back just as tightly, silence washed in between them. Hiro felt his heart racing against his chest, taking away his breath. The feeling of affection threatened to take over his body.

Tadashi brushed his hand through Hiro's hair as they held each other. It was calming, Hiro noted blearily.

"I love you," Hiro said.

The hand in his hair stilled.

The haziness in his head quickly cleared just as soon as Tadashi froze. Hiro's brain rebooted and he tensed when he realised what happened. The moment was broken and the warmth he felt started to feel like prickly pain the longer he stayed in this embrace. He took in a sharp breath and placed his hands on Tadashi's chest before he pushed the actor away.

Hiro leaned against the door, keeping the actor at arm's length. Tadashi, in his state of shock, stumbled away a bit before he recovered and stood straight. His lips thinned and his eyes steeled but there was something akin to determination that could still be seen in them.

Anger pulsated in Hiro's mind, overtaking the affection he had felt for Tadashi a moment ago.

"What the hell were you doing?" Hiro hissed out. "How dare you! How dare you come here and touch me like that! Why the hell are you even here?"

Tadashi continued to stare at him before he raised his eyebrows. "I missed you. So, I'm here."

Hiro scoffed at that and crossed his arms. "Yeah, right. I'm in no mood to play around, Tadashi, so why don't you just spill out the real reason to why you're here."

Tadashi shrugged as if Hiro was asking about the weather instead of his sudden appearance. "I missed you," he said. "I don't know what else you're waiting for me to say."

Hiro felt the irritation peaking in his mind. "Can you drop the innocent act?" Hiro growled.

Tadashi's entire demeanour changed immediately. He dropped his nonchalance and Hiro finally saw the emotions running in the brown eyes. There was anger in them and—hurt. There was still that determination in his eyes, but they were accompanied by sadness as well. Hiro felt uncomfortable, knowing full well that those emotions were because of him.

The ex-actor looked away before he dropped his hands to his sides. Tadashi sighed and the noise itself made Hiro flinch. "I told you," Tadashi said. "I'm not going to let you go."

Hiro's eyes widened and his heart picked up speed once more. The hope that he squashed started to bloom again. There was fuzziness clouding his mind at the thought that Tadashi didn't want to let him go, had flown all the way here just to make sure Hiro was still here.

But the truth remained that they lived in two different worlds. Hiro couldn't—wouldn't do anything that would destroy Tadashi's career. The actor should know better. The ex-actor thinned his lips and rubbed his face.

"Go home, Tadashi," Hiro said at last. "I told you, we're done. I—I don't want to do this anymore."

"And I'm telling you," Tadashi said as his hands circled Hiro's wrists. They pulled Hiro's hands from his face and the brown eyes bored into Hiro's—emotions poured in them. "I'm not going to let you go."

Hiro knew that Tadashi was trying.

It wasn't the man's fault for what he felt inside. It was Hiro's own insecurities, Hiro's own demons that stopped him from trusting Tadashi too much. The anger that he felt when he saw Tadashi was actually for himself, never for the actor. The actor didn't do anything wrong.

Hiro tried to pull his wrists from Tadashi's grasp but found that he couldn't.

"Please," Hiro said at last, his voice weary. "I—"

"No," Tadashi said. The actor let Hiro's wrists go before the hands landed on the ex-actor's waist. Hiro's eyes widened as he was once more flushed again the man, their hips touching. Tadashi looked serious as the grip on his waist tightened a fraction more, as if Hiro would melt away from the embrace if held any looser.

Hiro didn't know how to react to that.

Nobody was ever this forward before and his heart skipped a beat—in anticipation.

Tadashi touched his cheek with his right hand while keeping a tight grip on Hiro's waist with his left. The touch on his face was soft, in contrast with the one on his hip. Tadashi's fingers grazed Hiro's with tenderness.

"Why?" Tadashi asked, his voice thick with sadness. Hiro looked at him, lips thin in a straight line. "Why do you refuse to let yourself trust in me?"

"Tadashi," Hiro started, knowing Tadashi was right.

"You're only hurting yourself," Tadashi said with a sigh. "You're hurting me."

Hiro closed his eyes and tried to lean away, but the hands that held his body tightened their grip in warning. "I'm sorry," Hiro said, opening his eyes to look at the actor in the eyes. "I'm so sorry."

Hiro could see the hurt in the man's eyes, and something burned ugly in him at the thought that he did that. He had put that look on Tadashi's face. He had hurt him.

Hiro didn't deserve him—at all.

"Leave me," Hiro said. "We can't. You shouldn't do this to yourself. You're right. I'm hurting you. I'm—I—"

"Shut up," Tadashi said as he tried to pull Hiro closer to him, as if trying to mould their bodies into one. Hiro's cheeks blazed red at that thought and tried to breathe without feeling faint. His nerves were fried, his hands shaky and his legs weak in the knees. Hiro placed his hands on Tadashi's shoulders and sighed.

"What do you want?" Hiro finally asked, letting his forehead hit Tadashi's shoulder.

"You," Tadashi said into his ear. "Just you."

"You don't love me," Hiro said.

"I'm falling for you," Tadashi said and Hiro froze. The ex-actor pulled himself away a bit and looked at Tadashi in the eyes.

"What?" Hiro said.

Tadashi smiled for a second before he dropped it. "I can't say I love you back yet," Tadashi said. "But I'm getting there."

Hiro eyed Tadashi for a while before he shook his head.

"Don't run away anymore," Tadashi said. "I can't keep chasing you if you insist on running away all the time."

Tears gathered in Hiro's eyes.

"I…," Hiro began.

"Please," Tadashi pleaded. "Please, just stay with me."

Something in Hiro broke as he crushed Tadashi in a hug, arms looped around the man's chest as he held him tight, face buried in his shoulder. Tears escaped his eyes as he held back a sob. "I love you," Hiro said, muffled. "God, I love you so much. I'm so sorry. I keep on hurting you. I keep on doing this to you. I'm—I'm ruining us with my insecurities. I'm so sorry. I love you."

Tadashi hugged him, his hand once more in Hiro's hair. "Don't do this anymore," Tadashi said, almost begging. "I'm getting tired of chasing after you. Just stop running and fall, okay? I'll be there to catch you. Trust in me, please."

Hiro's heart stammered in his chest. "Why?" Hiro asked, his voice strained. "Why do you want me when I'll only ruin us later?"

Tadashi sighed but it was soft, a gush of air in Hiro's ear. "Because you're worth it to me."

Hiro clenched his eyes tight, the tears spilled out of his eyes. "Don't," he said as he held onto Tadashi closer. "Don't say things like that."

"You are," Tadashi said. "I don't know why you're so sure you're not meant for me, but Hiro, if you give me a chance, a proper chance, I can show you how much I can come to love you."

Hiro opened his eyes and tried to push Tadashi away, to see his face. But Tadashi only kept his tight grip on Hiro, not allowing the ex-actor to pull away. "W—what do you mean?"

"It's easy to fall in love with you, you know," Tadashi said. "It's just a shame you won't let yourself believe that someone might care for you."

Hiro quietened at that. "It's easier than to let yourself believe in false hope and get hurt."

Tadashi chuckled but it was dead, dark. "That's how you learn."

"Learn?" Hiro asked, the tears stopped but his heart now felt sore, so used. But it was healing, he could feel it.

"Yeah," Tadashi said as he finally let Hiro go, pushing him away for a bit to look at the ex-actor in the eyes. He placed his hands on Hiro's face, wiping the tears with his thumb. "Everything is an experience, Hiro. And everything is worth experiencing it at least once, even if you get hurt at the end. If you don't, you'll lose what's sitting right in front of you and—I don't wanna leave, Hiro. Don't push me away."

Hiro held back himself from crying again. The words pierced through his heart and they lodged itself deep inside. It made a dent that he wouldn't recover from and he didn't want to. Tadashi was right.

But goddamnit, he was so scared.

"I'm scared," Hiro finally said. "I'm scared. So terrified that one day, you'll realise I'm too much to handle. How—How do you—"

"Just trust in me," Tadashi said with a soft smile. "For once. Just trust in me. I know it's hard, but just…give me—us—a proper chance to start."

"I'm sorry," Hiro said. "I shouldn't have snapped at you that night. I shouldn't have broken up with you. I shouldn't have—I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hurt you. I won't—I'll try my best, I promise, don't—"

Tadashi shook his head and placed a hand over his mouth, grinning, his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I won't leave if you don't push me away," he said. "I'll come back to you every time if you give me the chance. I'll make you believe that we're okay, that…that we can do it, alright?"

Hiro looked at Tadashi, eyes still wet from before. Those eyes were honest, true and Hiro couldn't believe he found someone like Tadashi, someone who saw through his masks and anger and found the real him inside. Someone that Hiro, for the first time, was going to allow besides Cass, to see the real him.

Something finally gave in Hiro.

He was tired. Hiro didn't want to do this anymore. He didn't want to confide in his insecurities anymore.

Hiro leaned in close and placed his head on Tadashi's shoulder. "Okay," Hiro said. "Okay."

Hiro felt Tadashi relaxing. "Come on," Tadashi said as he pulled Hiro to the bed. "Let's take a nap. I didn't sleep well these past few days."

Hiro felt another twinge of guilt in his chest and opened his mouth to apologise only for Tadashi to lean in and kiss him. "Stop," Tadashi ordered, shutting Hiro up. "Just…stop. I've forgiven you."

The ex-actor blinked back the fresh wave of tears as he stared at Tadashi. Tadashi sighed but it was affectionate as he shook his head. He touched Hiro's wrists and pulled him to the bed again. He sat at the edge of the bed and pulled Hiro close until he was straddling the older man. Hiro placed his hands on Tadashi's shoulders and bit his bottom lip, picking at his shirt.

"I love you," Hiro said. Tadashi's eyes shined and grinned.

"Soon," Tadashi promised as he placed a hand on Hiro's hip and the other on Hiro's head, caressing his hair.

Hiro smiled too, his heart started to fill up. The switch that tormented him all this while, melted away. He was done. "You'll really promise to catch me?" Hiro asked and Tadashi nodded.

"Always," Tadashi said as he gently grazed Hiro's nose with his. "Forever, if you'll have me."

Hiro chuckled, his cheeks red. "Yeah, sounds good to me."

Tadashi kissed him again before he leaned back on the bed and pulled Hiro on him. Hiro held onto Tadashi tight. Hiro pulled away from the kiss and looked at his lover in the eyes. "You do look tired," Hiro said as he placed a hand on Tadashi's face and caressed the cheek while his other hand was placed on the mattress.

"I am," Tadashi agreed. "Sleep with me?"

Hiro raised his eyebrows before he pointed to the pillows. "I think we're lying on the wrong direction," he said.

Tadashi raised his own eyebrows before he turned, pushing Hiro directly towards the pillow. Before Hiro could splutter out a response at what happened, Tadashi was on him, hands around his body and pulling him close to Tadashi's chest. "Sleep," Tadashi said as his chest pillowed Hiro's head.

The warmth was comforting, Hiro thought. He snuggled closer to Tadashi, his mind started to haze around the edges. He felt safe in his arms, and he liked it. Hiro wanted to stay in here forever, if he could and this time, he was going to give himself the benefit of doubt and say yes, forever.

The hands around his body tightened. "Sleep," Tadashi said, his voice slurry. Hiro looked at Tadashi and noticed that the man's eyes were drooping. "You think too loud."

Hiro chuckled but it sounded tired to his own ears. He couldn't help but to lull into sleep before he could even respond to Tadashi.

"Wait," Hiro said as he munched on his cereal. They had just woken up and after all that talk, Hiro felt content that Tadashi was here. Despite everything, he had missed the actor a lot. Months without seeing him took a toll on him and to have Tadashi here, close to him, touching him was nice.

Tadashi sat next to him on the couch in the living, his own bowl of cereal held on his palm. Tadashi hummed in response as he shoved a spoonful of cereal into his mouth, looking at Hiro. "What?" he asked.

Hiro made a face at that, now realising why Cass fussed about his eating manners. "How are you here?"

Tadashi furrowed his eyebrows. He swallowed and pulled the spoon out of his mouth. He pointed the spoon at Hiro before he said, "I thought we established this hours ago."

Hiro frowned and rolled his eyes. "No, I mean, you said you were busy," Hiro said. "Like full schedule and everything—can't come to see me for the next how many years or something."

Tadashi grinned. "It's not years, Hiro," he said, fondly. Hiro grinned back.

"You know what I mean," Hiro said. "How are you here with your busy schedule?"

Hiro took a spoonful of cereal and shoved it into his mouth.

"Uh, yeah, about that," Tadashi said, laughing awkwardly. Hiro furrowed his eyebrows as he munched on his cereal. He didn't like the sound of that.

"Tadashi?" Hiro said.

Tadashi sighed and placed the spoon and bowl on the coffee table, hands up and palms outwards. "Before you yell at me, just know, I missed you—like a lot. I couldn't go another day without seeing you."

Hiro felt his heart skip a beat and the affection overwhelming him as he made a strangled noise at the back of his throat, cheeks red. "Tadashi," he began. Tadashi's eyes sparkled in happiness. "Don't change the subject."

Tadashi's eyes coloured in guilt immediately. Hiro scowled even though he felt pretty content inside. "What aren't you telling me, Tadashi?" he asked as he waved his spoon around at the man. "Come on, spill it."

Tadashi grinned weakly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Just, promise me you won't yell at me."

Hiro was starting to worry. "Tadashi, what is it?" he asked as he placed his own bowl and spoon on the coffee table, facing the actor.

Tadashi sighed before he said, "I left."

Hiro blinked. "Left what?" he asked.

Tadashi winced as he stood up and ran his fingers through his hair. "Okay, so, uh, after our last phone call, I couldn't concentrate on anything but you, and no, stop it, I said it was fine, so it's fine," Tadashi said when Hiro flinched at the incident. When Hiro nodded at last in acknowledgement, Tadashi continued, "And honestly, with all the schedules and interviews—it's starting to get to me. And…I'm starting to feel a bit lonely, like I'm not happy. I wasn't happy for a long time, I realised, especially when you aren't with me here. So…I left."

Hiro watched him carefully and when he realised Tadashi wasn't joking, his eyes widened and tensed. "Are you telling me," Hiro began. "That you quit?"

"Resigned," Tadashi said with another weak chuckle. "Surprise?"

"What the—"

But before Hiro could say anything, Tadashi immediately stood in front of him and sat at the edge of the coffee table, hands on Hiro's knees. "You said you weren't going to get angry!"

"How the hell did you expect me not to get angry, what the fuck did you do, Tadashi?" Hiro screeched, hands flailing. "You just quit your entire career, a career, might I add, you worked really hard for!"

Tadashi though didn't look remorseful about that. Hiro was baffled. Tadashi worked really hard to get on that A-list and now he just left it all behind? And for what?

Hiro narrowed his eyes. "You didn't…please tell me you didn't just leave behind your entire future just because I—"

The grip on his legs increased as Tadashi frowned, shaking his head. "No," he said firmly. "No, Hiro. I've been thinking about this for a while now. And—it's my decision, entirely. You, you did influence in the 'weighing the pros and cons' process but the decision I made is entirely me. No, I didn't quit my job for you, not that I don't care about you like that but—"

Hiro raised his hand up to cut Tadashi off. "But Tadashi," he said. "That was your whole life!"

"Exactly," Tadashi said gently as he smiled at Hiro. "Was. Not is. Was. I used to like it but now…I'm tired of all the fake smiles and getting interviewed like I'm the next big thing when ten years from now, I'm going to be easily replaced. Hiro, I wasn't happy."

Hiro knew how that felt. He had felt it years back and he didn't regret it at all that he left that life behind. He knew how Tadashi felt. He sighed as he placed a hand on Tadashi's and gripped on his fingers. "You sure?" he asked. "You sure you want to leave it all behind?"

Tadashi relaxed and nodded, confident. "I'm sure."

"Is that why you brought your suitcase?" Hiro said, gesturing towards the stairs leading to his bedroom.

Tadashi's cheeks reddened as a sheepish smile painted on his face. "I didn't have anywhere else to go…and I just really wanted to see you, so. Could you, ah, let me stay here just for tonight? I asked Cass about it and she said it's fine. But—if it's not alright with you, I'll get a motel or something…"

"No, it's fine," Hiro said as he bit his bottom lip, cheeks reddening. "I, ah, want you to stay. Maybe…you can stay here for a week or something. Or until you get to your feet or…I—"

"You want me stay with you?" Tadashi asked, a big smile on his face.

Hiro looked away, clearing his throat as he felt his entire body flush. "Y-yeah," he said. "Just, spare bedroom. Not mine."

"Aww," Tadashi said and Hiro's eyes widened when he felt a hand on his cheek, brushing the strands of hair from fanning his face. "But you're comfortable."

"Shut up," Hiro said bashfully as he slapped Tadashi's hands away from his face and looked at the man, who still had that dumb happy grin on his face. "Are you really happy then?"

Tadashi's grin dimmed into a genuine smile as he nodded. "Yes," he said. "I told Henry and he's not happy with me, of course, but my contract's almost over. In fact, tonight on midnight, I'll be free."

"What about the other movies you were going to shoot for?" Hiro asked.

Tadashi shrugged. "They'll have replacements on hand," he said. "I'm not that special, Hiro."

Hiro understood what Tadashi was trying to say. Everyone was expendable in that particular industry. But Hiro still found Tadashi special, even if the whole world had million other people just like him. "I still find you special," Hiro said under his breath.

Tadashi simply chuckled. "I still find you special too, Hiro. That is without a doubt."

"Dork," Hiro said.

"Nerd," Tadashi countered.

Hiro rolled his eyes and stood up. "Come on, I'll show you the bathroom and you can take a shower. Then, we'll go out for a walk or something." After a second he added, "If you want to."

Tadashi nodded and stood up. "I'd love to."

Hiro smiled, beaming happily.

Hiro walked into the kitchen, the used bowls in hands. He saw Cass sipping her cup of water, leaning against the sink when he entered the kitchen. Cass saw him and smiled, moving away from the sink.

"Hey, how's Tadashi?" Cass asked as Hiro placed the bowls in the sink. Hiro then turned around and leaned against the sink.

"He's fine," Hiro said and smiled.

"You didn't look too happy that he's here a few hours ago," Cass said as she sipped on her water, eyebrows raised. Hiro's cheeks flushed in embarrassment and cleared his throat.

"We got into an argument a few days ago over the phone," Hiro bit out, cringing at the memory. He realised now how stupid he had been acting, how he had let his insecurities get the best of him. "Actually, it was my fault."

Cass hummed as she placed her glass of water on the counter next to her. "So, what was the fight about? Did you guys make up?"

"Yeah," Hiro said. "The fight—I just got insecure, that's all. Typical idiotic me. I got scared he'll figure out how troublesome I'm being and leave. I thought—I thought before it got to that…I'll leave first."

Cass's eyes widened for a moment before she sighed. "Hiro," she started.

"I know! I was being an idiot," Hiro said as he looked away from his aunt.

"It's alright," Cass said. Hiro glanced at her to see her smiling at him. "You're new to this. Hiro, you'll learn to trust him. Just remember, communication is everything. If you have any doubts, dear, just tell him, alright?"

Hiro felt his heart becoming lighter. He couldn't help but to smile brightly at his aunt. What did he even do to deserve such understanding people like his aunt and boyfriend? "Thanks, Aunt Cass," Hiro said.

She nodded before she waved her hands to the direction of the living room. "So, where is he now?"

Hiro's smile slid off his face, replaced with a worried frown. "He went to take a shower. You don't mind if we eat dinner outside, do you? I mean—I—"

"It's fine," Cass said, her eyes shining. "In fact, I was about to go out for dinner myself."

Hiro frowned deeper. "Where are you going?"

Cass's cheeks reddened and she stood straight. "Well, Teo asked me to join him for dinner at this new restaurant that just opened up…and I said yes."

Hiro's eyebrows disappeared behind his bangs. "Who's Teo?"

"Just some guy I met," Cass said flippantly.

"Some…guy," Hiro said. "Some guy? Really, Aunt Cass? Some guy?"

Cass smiled sheepishly for a minute before she shrugged. "Okay, so, he's a doctor," Cass said and rolled her eyes. "I met him a few weeks ago and we've been…hitting it off quite well…"

Hiro wondered briefly how much he had missed his aunt's life and sighed. "So, a date then, tonight?" he asked, teasing a bit.

"Maybe," Cass said as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I hope so. I really like him, Hiro."

Hiro smiled at her. "I'm glad you do, Aunt Cass. You should get ready then."

Cass grinned back, obviously excited about her date-to-be. Hiro felt slightly guilty for neglecting her. He should've been the first person to know about Teo and yet, here he was, after weeks of Cass with Teo, he just heard about him now.

Hiro vowed he would pay more attention to his aunt. He had ignored her enough.

"Speaking of people we like," Cass said. "How long is Tadashi staying?"

Hiro shifted his weight from one foot to the other before he said, "Well—is it alright if he stayed for a while?"

Cass frowned a bit. "Is he going to stay for long?"

"Yes?" Hiro said, shoulders tensing when Cass frowned even more, confusion coloured her eyes.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "Shouldn't he get back to his job soon? Last I heard, he had movie offers lined up. You told me that yourself."

Hiro rubbed the back of his neck, smiling warily at her. "Right, about that," he said. "Tadashi…quit his job."

Cass's jaw went slack and her eyes widened, shock clear on her face. "What?" she asked.

"Yeah," Hiro said with a sigh. "He told me he wasn't happy about his job and he quit. The contract ends tonight, midnight."

"But he worked so hard!" Cass said, still shocked. Hiro nodded at her before he shrugged.

"He's feeling what I'm feeling, Aunt Cass," Hiro said. "He wants out like I wanted."

Cass sighed as well before she smiled warmly. After a second, she nodded as she shrugged. "He can stay," Cass said. "He's nice to talk to."

Hiro grinned and chuckled. "He is nice to talk to, I agree," Hiro said before he nodded. "I'll tell you more about it later when we don't have dates to get ready for." After a minute, he furrowed his eyebrows and frowned, "That sounded weird."

Cass laughed. "Go on, check on him. We'll talk later."

Hiro opened his bedroom door and walked inside, freezing in his steps when he saw Tadashi, hands on his belt. Tadashi froze too, hair damp from the shower and shirtless. Hiro's face reddened and he made a strangled noise at the back of his throat, turning around quickly.

"What the hell, Tadashi!" Hiro said, hands flying to his eyes even though he had turned around. "There's a bathroom for that!"

"What?" Tadashi asked, sounding amused. "Never seen a shirtless man before?"

Hiro felt the back of his neck heating up. "God, you could've changed in the bathroom instead of in my room!"

"I don't like changing in the bathroom," Tadashi said, unapologetically. After a second, he laughed. "Come on, Hiro. It isn't as if you hadn't seen me shirtless before."

Hiro bit his inner cheek from yelling at him that it was different now. He huffed out his breath and dropped his hand from his eyes, crossing his hands. He glared at his door. "What? Just because I happened to have acted with you shirtless at times doesn't mean I got used to it!"

"Why?" Tadashi asked and Hiro realised that the man had gotten closer, especially when his voice seemed louder. "Shy to see me all of a sudden because it means something now?"

Hiro's face, if it was any possible, turned redder. He growled under his breath, annoyed and turned around to point to Tadashi's face that he wasn't shy! But then his finger met the flesh of Tadashi's chest and Hiro took an automatic step back, his back hitting the door when he noticed that the actor was less than inch away from him—still shirtless and his jeans hanging low on his hips, the belt loose.

"W—what the—" Hiro began but Tadashi only raised his eyebrows, clearly amused.

"Your face is all red," Tadashi said as he took another step forward, his chest bumping against Hiro's. Hiro's brain almost melted and his mind blanked. He had no idea what was happening.

"Tadashi," Hiro began as he frowned at the man. "You're being a bully again."

Tadashi, the jerk, simply grinned. "Come on, sweetie," he said as he placed his hands on Hiro's cheeks, caressing them with his thumbs. "You have to get used to seeing me shirtless soon. You know, when the time comes, we both have to be shirtless anyway—or even more—"

Hiro spluttered out a response, making a noise borderline embarrassing (he would deny it was a whimper, damnit!) and slapped a hand over Tadashi's mouth, face and neck as red as a tomato. "What the hell is wrong with you all of a sudden?" he demanded hotly, feeling shy and unlike himself.

Tadashi made an impressive move with his eyebrows, nonverbally asking Hiro what he meant. "You know what I mean!" Hiro said as he dropped his hand. "You're being extra teasing now."

Tadashi's grip on Hiro's face tightened a bit and he pulled Hiro closer until their noses touched. "I like seeing you all red like that," Tadashi said, his voice low.

Hiro's eyes widened, his heart racing in his chest. Who was this man in front of him? Where did his sweet innocent boyfriend go? Who was this seductive piece of teasing jerk here?

But Hiro liked it and that was even more embarrassing to admit.

"Especially when I know I'm the one who caused you to turn all blank and pliant like this," Tadashi continued, one hand dropping to Hiro's waist.

Hiro's entire body flushed and for a moment, he was lost in Tadashi's eyes clouding with something dark and primal—and then he snapped out of it when he realised where he was. He quickly pushed Tadashi away, taking in gulps of air, back plastered on the door and eyes wide.

His knees felt weak as he slid to the floor, eyes still on Tadashi like he was seeing a new person. Tadashi grinned, his entire demeanour changed from dangerous to childish glee.

"What…happened," Hiro asked himself and Tadashi chuckled, crouching down to look at Hiro.

"You okay?" he asked, some concern in his eyes. "Sorry. I didn't mean to push it too far. I just like teasing you."

"You teased way too much," Hiro said, brain still catching up to what he had witnessed.

God damn.

Woah.

Yeah, okay, Hiro definitely liked that new side of Tadashi, judging from how fast his heart was racing in his chest.

Tadashi immediately frowned, amusement washed away and seriousness coloured his features. "Hey, I didn't mean to scare you," he said. "I would never do anything you don't want. Never. I was just playing around."

Hiro's attention snapped back to Tadashi before his brain registered what Tadashi said. He breathed out in affection for the man. God, what a dork. Such a considerate, idiotic dork—except for whenever he decides to be seductive—then that's…hot. Hiro scowled. "I know that," he said. "I meant—who the hell did you portray just now? You look so…different."

"What?" Tadashi asked, confused for a bit. "Uh, that was all me?"

"You mean you're going to turn into that whenever we do anything—uh, stuff?" Hiro asked, his cheeks reddening again. Tadashi tilted his head to the side a bit before his eyes shimmered in glee. Hiro scowled again.

"Are you telling me I look hot to you when I want to kiss you and touch you and practically devour—" Tadashi asked with a teasing smile, trying to scoot closer. Hiro simply glared at him.

"Shut up," Hiro cut him off as he crossed his hands. "Just. Shut up."

Tadashi grinned though, as if Hiro had handed him the moon. It melted Hiro's stubbornness immediately and he sighed.

"Yes, okay," Hiro said, but refusing to look at the man, knowing Tadashi was grinning even wider like the idiotic dork he was. "You looked really—hot when you're in the mood. Can we change the subject now? And can you please wear a shirt already?"

Tadashi, however, scooted closer before he touched Hiro's cheeks. "Hey, look at me," he said. Hiro looked at him and tilted his head upwards a bit, raising his nose.

"What?" Hiro asked. Tadashi grinned before he leaned in close and kissed him.

Hiro froze for a second before he kissed him back, hands by his sides, curled into fists.

"What was that for?" Hiro asked under his breath when they broke apart.

"I wanted to kiss you," Tadashi said. "God, you mean so much to me."

Hiro felt his heart skip a beat before he raised a hand and placed it on Tadashi's cheeks, staring into those honest brown eyes.

"You mean a lot to me too," Hiro said. "You have no idea how much."

"I might have an idea," Tadashi said as he leaned in again. "Because I'm starting to realise I'm better off by your side."

Before Hiro could respond, he was being kissed again and Hiro didn't fight back.

Tadashi's words wrapped his mind and heart and blanketed him in the warmth he craved for so much.

"Are you sure the paparazzi won't find you here?" Hiro asked as they walked at the sidewalk. Tadashi wore a cap on his head and a pair of glasses on his face. Hiro thought that was the worst disguise ever but Tadashi thought he looked unrecognisable enough.

Hiro wasn't so sure.

Tadashi glanced at him before he shrugged. "Henry and the company are releasing the news two days after the contract ends. They won't know until then."

Hiro wasn't convinced. He knew how nosy paparazzi could be. They literally swarm around like flies on these types of news. Especially if it was regarding about Tadashi. "Does Honey know?" Hiro asked after a minute of silence. The hand that was currently holding his, tightened.

"Yeah," Tadashi said and looked at Hiro from the corner of his eyes. "She knows."

"Oh," Hiro said.

Hiro waited for the usual flare of jealousy whenever her name was involved in a conversation but was surprised to notice that he had felt—nothing. He glanced to see that Tadashi was looking at him carefully, eyes searching his to find any trace of hurt. Hiro only grinned at the man.

Tadashi blinked, clearly taken aback at Hiro's sudden casualness. "You okay?" he asked.

Hiro nodded. "I'm not jealous of her anymore," Hiro said as he squeezed their hands.

Tadashi raised his eyebrows. "Oh?" he said, amused once more, his lips curling upwards. "Why is that?"

"Because," Hiro said and stopped walking to look at the man in the eyes. "Because you're mine now. Forever and ever—and she can never have you. And I trust you that you won't leave me either."

Tadashi looked happy to hear that, his entire face beaming as he pulled Hiro closer by their joined hands and placed a hand on his cheeks. "That's right," Tadashi said. "I'm yours, forever and ever and I won't leave you either. You're as good as mine, Hiro. Too late to back out now."

"Don't wanna back out anyway," Hiro said as he leaned in and pecked Tadashi's lips. "What about the dating rumours though?"

"I have to give a press conference sometime soon to clear everything up, from why I'm leaving to clarifying that I'm not dating Honey," Tadashi said with a shrug. "But it'll be fine. I'll make sure of it."

Hiro placed his free hand on Tadashi's hand that was on his face and squeezed. "I trust you," Hiro said, looking the man. "I mean it this time. I trust you."

Tadashi looked like he finally got what he wanted and nodded. "I promise to never break your trust and cherish it carefully. Hiro, I promise you that."

"And I promise to cherish the trust you have in me too," Hiro said and grinned. "Forever and ever."

"Forever and ever," Tadashi agreed.

Hiro then took a step back and looked ahead. "Come on," Hiro said. "We should probably eat dinner now. Did you know Aunt Cass is dating this doctor named Teo? I didn't even know that! She's on a date with him tonight."

"Oh?" Tadashi said. "You do realise your aunt needs a partner too, right?"

"Yeah," Hiro said, reluctant to admit that he was a bit scared of losing his aunt's attention if Teo came around. "I should meet him soon."

"Uh oh," Tadashi teased. "You're gonna assess him if he's good enough for her or something?"

"Yes, of course," Hiro said, matter-of-factly. "I want the best for her! And if this Teo guy is it, he better be the best man I have ever met."

Tadashi chuckled. "I thought I'm the best man you ever met?"

Hiro rolled his eyes and bumped his shoulders against Tadashi's. "You know what I mean."

Tadashi nodded before he halted and pulled on Hiro to make him stop too. "Hiro," he started. "You do realise she's never going to stop loving you, right? Even if Teo came around?"

Hiro looked at the man for a second and sighed, crowding Tadashi's personal space and let his head drop on Tadashi's shoulder. "How did you know what I was thinking about?" Hiro asked, solemnly.

"It's easy to read you when I've paid attention to you for so long," Tadashi said with an affectionate sigh. Hiro felt Tadashi's fingers caressing the back of his neck softly. "She'll be fine."

"What did I do to deserve you both?" Hiro mumbled as he broke their joined hands and hugged Tadashi tight, burying his face deeper into Tadashi's shoulder.

"You deserve better than me," Tadashi said. "But I'm too selfish to let you go and want you to settle for me instead."

Hiro chuckled under his breath and shook his head. "Don't be an idiot," Hiro said as he pulled away a bit and looped his hands around Tadashi's neck. The actor's hands circled Hiro's waist, smiling. "You're so good to me that sometimes, I wonder if you'll ever realise that I'm too much trouble one day and leave."

"Never," Tadashi said. "I'm in it for good."

"For good, huh?" Hiro teased. But Tadashi nodded seriously.

"For good," Tadashi said. "There's nothing you could do that'll make me leave you. Nothing. We might as well get married soon because that's how serious I am."

Hiro's eyes widened as he stared at the man, speechless at what Tadashi had said. "What—marrying?" Hiro squeaked out. The grip on his waist tightened and Tadashi nodded again. His eyes were dead serious and Hiro felt his heart skip a beat at that. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," Tadashi said without hesitation.

"But you haven't even said you loved me yet," Hiro said, wanting to take a step back, unable to due to the hands on his waist. "Tadashi—"

"I'm getting there," Tadashi said. "Contrary to popular beliefs, I'm not that good with emotions, Hiro. But I'm so damn sure that I want to be with you forever and permanent—including the married stuff."

Hiro couldn't believe what he was hearing, his ears turning red and his eyes just wide open. Tadashi then started to look nervous when Hiro remained silent. Hiro realised that Tadashi had really meant them, especially when the man's shoulders drooped as if Hiro's silence was rejection itself.

Oh god.

Hiro couldn't help but to feel this swell of affection bursting in him as he hugged Tadashi tight, burying his face against Tadashi's neck, laughing and almost crying at the same time. "Goddamn you jerk," Hiro said. "That's the worst proposal in the history of marriage proposals."

Tadashi chocked on a relieved laugh. "Is that a yes?"

Hiro pushed himself away, hands on the actor's shoulders before he rolled his eyes, emotions whelming him. "What do you think? Did you think I was going to say no?"

"You might," Tadashi said, biting his lips. "It's too soon."

"It is," Hiro agreed. "But I still accept it. If you think you can handle me and my issues."

"I can," Tadashi said. "And only if you can handle mine too."

Hiro laughed and grinned. "You're amazing, Tadashi. You can throw anything in my way and I'll still think you're amazing. I love you, so much. You're never going to be anything short than amazing to me."

Tadashi looked relaxed now and smiled. "You too, Hiro," he said as he leaned in close once more. "We're engaged. That sounds nice. You're my fiancé."

"Dork," Hiro said as he rolled his eyes and kissed him.

Fiancé. That did sound nice. To think once that they weren't even sure where they were headed to when they started this. "Come on," Tadashi said as he pulled away from the kiss. "I really am hungry."

Hiro nodded. "Yeah, me too, fiancé," he said and watched in satisfaction when Tadashi's face reddened, a happy grin on his face. They linked their hands again, fingers intertwining as they continued to walk.

"Fiancé," Tadashi said. "I really like the way that sounds."

"Dork." Hiro rolled his eyes, even though he agreed secretly.

He really liked how it sounded too.