(A/N: don't ask me about the logistics or the rules of this fic, just accept everything that happens LOL also this is not terribly proof read so please forgive any mistakes you see)
Masamune rubbed his eyes as his alarm went off, signaling it was time to get up and get ready for work. Unfortunately, Masamune was waking up alone this morning. He should be used to being in bed alone by now, but knowing what it was like to share his bed with the person he loved made it all that much more difficult to deal with the vacancy. He sighed, grabbing his phone and shutting his alarm off before laying on his side. He looked at the empty half of his bed, knowing that the person who should be there was only one apartment away. Briefly, Masamune wondered if Ritsu was avoiding him so he could also avoid breaking their new rule, but he dismissed that train of thought quickly. Masamune could always tell when Ritsu was avoiding him, and he hadn't been doing so recently. Ritsu had actually been acting totally normal (his version of normal, anyway) and it was honestly starting to get on Masamune's nerves.
When Ritsu put a temporary ban on sex until he was able to give Masamune a proper confession, Masamune could tell that he was serious about it, but he hadn't thought Ritsu would actually be able to stick to the rule. Though, it wasn't like everything was totally off the table. The two of them had already exchanged some heated moments, but even that small allowance of intimacy didn't make much sense to Masamune. If there was going to be a ban then shouldn't there be a ban on everything? Because being touched by Ritsu in any sexual context absolutely set Masamune on fire and if Masamune didn't already know that Ritsu was incapable of being a flirt then he'd think he was being teased at this point.
The thing that irritated Masamune the most though was that Ritsu appeared relatively unbothered by this new development in their relationship. Masamune wasn't going to break the rule nor was he going to put pressure on Ritsu to break it because Ritsu deserved to date not-an-asshole at the bare minimum…but he had hoped that Ritsu would decide to break the rule on his own. Or just confess. But, a confession seemed a lot less likely considering the amount of times they had slept together without one. However, it seemed Ritsu was completely fine operating by these new rules. Did Ritsu not enjoy sleeping with Masamune? Was this some sort of test for Masamune? Or did Ritsu not really care about sex that much? Was Masamune not as attractive to Ritsu as Ritsu was to him? Ugh, Masamune had never felt so simultaneously insecure and horny, a very weird and upsetting combination. The only other time he could recall feeling like this was maybe in high school, and no one ever wants to feel how they used to feel in high school.
Masamune got a quick (cold) shower, stop thinking about Ritsu, brushed his teeth, stop thinking about Ritsu, got dressed, stop thinking about Ritsu, went into the kitchen to start making coffee, stop thinking about Ritsu, started to wonder what he should make for breakfast, stop thinking about Ritsu, wondered if Ritsu was going to eat a proper breakfast this morning, STOP thinking about Ritsu, and pulled out his phone to text Ritsu, damn it!
Do you want to have breakfast together? Masamune sent the text before he started to cook. He didn't even know if Ritsu was awake yet, so he didn't fully expect to get a text back. Yes, the two of them always seemed to leave at the same time for work, but Ritsu rarely ate beforehand and always seemed like he was rushing to get out the door, which to Masamune meant that Ritsu wasn't waking up early enough to give himself time to have a proper morning routine. Yet another problem that could be solved if the two of them would just move in together. Masamune would give Ritsu breakfast in god damn bed if he had to as long as it meant that Ritsu would eat!
It came as a pleasant surprise when Masamune's phone dinged with a response: Sure, I'll be over soon, it said. There was a very brief sense of panic as Masamune hadn't expected his invitation to be read, let alone actually be accepted! That panic was quickly replaced with an embarrassing amount of excitement and giddiness because Ritsu was coming over for breakfast! Maybe, just maybe if Masamune made a good enough breakfast he'd be able to seduce Ritsu into moving in with him with the promise of consistent home cooked meals. It hadn't worked in the past, but it was always worth trying again.
You can let yourself in, Masamune texted back as he failed at trying not to smile. He hoped Ritsu still had the key that Masamune had given him before. He wouldn't be surprised if Ritsu had thrown it out in prideful outrage or something dumb like that. Masamune continued to cook, waiting for the sound of either his phone going off again or his front door opening. He couldn't help but to feel a sense of satisfaction when he heard the front door unlock and open up, happy that Ritsu had in fact held on to the key. He heard Ritsu shuffle a bit, assumingly taking off his shoes, before he started to venture deeper into the apartment.
"Sorry for the intrusion, but, um, good morning, Takano-san." Ritsu said as he came in, sounding nervous, but that wasn't really anything new.
"Good morning." Masamune said back, still facing the stove as he made breakfast. "I'm almost done, so you can just go ahead and sit down. Or you can get yourself a cup of coffee if you want."
"Do you have any creamer?" Ritsu asked, knowing that Masamune usually took his coffee black so he suspected that the answer was no. Ritsu could tolerate black coffee, but he didn't love it.
"I do, it's in the fridge."
Ritsu shuffled over to the fridge, opening it up and grabbing the creamer after a moment of searching. He set it on the counter before opening the cabinet where Masamune kept the mugs and Masamune couldn't help but to pause and watch him.
Ritsu turned toward him, meeting his eye and swallowing nervously. "What?" He asked.
Something odd, something Masamune couldn't quite put his finger on shifted inside him when their eyes met, but he ignored it. "You know where the mugs are." Masamune pointed out.
Ritsu grabbed a mug and shut the cabinet quickly, looking away with a huff. "So?"
Masamune wanted to make a comment on how domestic the whole scenario felt and that Ritsu knowing the layout of his kitchen meant he was starting to spend more and more time here, but he was cut off by Ritsu's voice.
Why does he have to say these things? Is he trying to embarrass me first thing in the morning?
However, when Masamune heard Ritsu's voice, Ritsu's mouth didn't move this time.
He's still staring at me, why is he still staring at me? If he keeps looking at me like that I'm going to spill this coffee all over myself and then he'll have the nerve to scold me for giving myself burns when it'll be his fault in the first place!
Masamune noticed that Ritsu's hands were in fact shaking as he tried to carefully pour some coffee into the mug. He then grabbed the creamer and opened it up, cracking the seal that indicated it was brand new. I wonder if he got this just for me. Ritsu's face turned a little pink as he added the creamer in. No, that's silly, stop thinking about silly things.
I must be going crazy or something, maybe I'm still half asleep, Masamune thought as he forced himself to focus on the food again. "Go ahead and take a seat."
He heard Ritsu open the fridge to put the creamer back before he opened a drawer to grab silverware for them both. Ritsu then shuffled over to the table to pull out a chair and sit.
He better not comment on me knowing where the forks are too. Of course I know where they are, it's not like that means anything…ugh, why does he have to be handsome from behind too? He has to have at least one bad angle and damn it I'm gonna find it one day. It's just not fair. No wonder he's so cocky.
Masamune swallowed hard, getting two plates out. There was no way Ritsu had said that out loud and there was also no way Ritsu was thinking that about Masamune. Masamune must be projecting or fantasizing or something. At least, that's what he told himself, but deep down he knew that wasn't true. Masamune had engaged in plenty of fantasies in the past, after all, and nothing quite like this had ever happened before. He took a deep breath and served the food, setting their plates down on the table.
It looks good. I want to be able to make breakfast for him one day too.
Masamune started to entertain the fantasy of waking up to Ritsu cooking breakfast, wearing nothing but an apron and instead of even bothering with eating food, he'd push Ritsu against the kitchen counter and ahhhh, horny brain turn off!
"Itadakimasu." Ritsu said before he dug in.
Ahhhh, I'm so glad I agreed to come over. When was the last time I even had breakfast?
Masamune narrowed his eyes at that. "When was the last time you even had breakfast?"
Ritsu physically tensed. Ack! Why does he have to ask me that?! He'll definitely scold me for not taking care of myself if I answer honestly. "Y-Yesterday."
"Liar." Masamune frowned, not even missing a beat.
"I did!" Ritsu insisted.
"What did you eat then?" Masamune asked, leaning forward slightly, watching Ritsu expectantly as he waited for an answer.
"Oh-um-" Ritsu faltered. Why can I suddenly not remember a single breakfast food?!
Masamune sighed. "How many times do I have to tell you to take care of yourself, Ritsu?" He asked. "It makes me worried, knowing that you're not eating properly."
Ritsu didn't reply, attempting to make himself smaller in his seat, and Masamune assumed it was because he was embarrassed about being caught in his lie, but Ritsu's thoughts revealed something much different.
Why does he have to say my name? Dropping it so casually in conversation like that, it's just not fair. If I randomly called him Masamune he would jump across the table and drag me to his bedroom! Ugh, stupid Takano-san, and his stupid cooking skills, and his stupid handsome face, and his stupid sexy voice-NO-not sexy-what am I thinking-stop thinking about Takano-san-just stop thinking in general! Ritsu punctuated his thoughts with a particularly aggressive bite of food as if that would put an end to his internal conflict.
Masamune hadn't even touched his food yet, far too stunned by Ritsu's monologue. While Ritsu may have not said any of it out loud, that didn't mean it didn't have an effect on Masamune, especially the sound of Ritsu's voice saying his given name. Ritsu had never done that before and so hearing it now-when Masamune was completely unprepared for it-felt like a jolt of electricity being sent through his body. And had Ritsu used the word sexy-sexy?!-to refer to a part of Masamune? He took a shuddering breath, feeling his face start to get a little warm.
Is he okay? He looks a little flushed and he hasn't touched his food yet…
Ritsu's concerned tone went straight through Masamune's heart, not helping his current predicament of trying not to jump across the table and drag Ritsu to his bedroom (hey, it had been Ritsu's idea, not his, but it was still a very good idea).
"Are you feeling well, Takano-san? You're not overworking yourself, are you?" Ritsu asked.
"I'm fine." Masamune assured, picking his fork up to finally start eating. "Just didn't get much sleep last night." He added, hoping that excuse was as good as any.
Ritsu hesitated before he nodded. I'll keep a close eye on him today at work.
Masamune hoped he didn't look overly pleased as he quite liked the idea of having Ritsu's eyes on him all day.
The weird mind-reading ability Masamune had suddenly gained did not go away after breakfast and he couldn't decide whether this was a bad or good thing.
Why does he have to be so close to me?
Masamune and Ritsu had very little space between the two of them as they stood on the train to work. It was quite crowded, so the only option was to stand close to one another. Ritsu's back was to Masamune since he would not be able to face Masamune head on without becoming extremely flustered. However, that wasn't working very well as he was already quite embarrassed just from their proximity. Ritsu appeared a little tense, but Masamune would have assumed that was because he was feeling crowded or because he wanted to get away from Masamune in general. In a way, Ritsu did want to get away, but not for the reason Masamune thought.
It's not fair, he's not even touching me and I feel like I could fall apart at any moment. If he doesn't get away from me soon I don't know what I'll do. Can't this train go any faster? I feel like I'm going crazy, I want his hands on me, I want him to kiss me.
Ritsu felt like he was falling apart?! Felt like he was going crazy?! Masamune was going insane being so close, but not being able to touch, at least not like how he wanted. Sure, he could press closer under the guise of the train being crowded, but Masamune would basically just be torturing himself at that point. Masamune wouldn't even be able to sate his urges later on in privacy because of the freaking rule! Not only that, but now having the knowledge that Ritsu wanted him to touch him too?! Masamune felt like his heart was going to give out.
This whole mind reading thing is definitely a bad thing, Masamune decided. Sure, it was good for his ego and soothed any insecurities and worries Masamune might have had, but it felt like he was being punished.
Eventually they were able to get off the train and both men felt like they could breathe again as they left the station to walk to the Marukawa Publishing building. Though, Masamune admittedly still felt quite warm under his coat. Masamune didn't think that he was a person who was easily flustered, but apparently it was a different story when it came to Ritsu. It was probably partly because Masamune had never heard Ritsu say these things. It was such a shock to the system!
"Are you sure you're alright, Takano-san? You look a little red." Ritsu reached forward to press his hand against Masamune's forehead. He's warm.
"If I say no will you take care of me?" Masamune asked, his instinct being to tease so he could try to take control of the conversation.
"Don't be ridiculous, you're a grown man who can take care of yourself." Ritsu huffed, pulling his hand away, much to Masamune's disappointment. Of course I would, if you really needed me to…I wouldn't be able to just pretend like nothing was wrong, I'd be worried sick about you. Idiot.
Masamune's heart filled with affection at Ritsu's thoughts, so much so he couldn't contain his confession as he said, "I love you."
Ritsu's face burst into flames. "W-What the hell are you saying, Takano-san?!" He exclaimed. What sort of response is that? He's so weird.
"What? Is it a crime to tell the person I love that I love them?" Masamune asked.
"It's just-don't say it at such weird times! You don't ever make any sense." Ritsu huffed.
Masamune could only smile, amused and unbelievably in love with this idiot.
He's so annoying…
Ritsu glanced toward Masamune briefly, his eyes flickering downward before staring ahead.
I want to hold his hand.
Masamune wanted to hold Ritsu's hand too and Masamune hardly ever denied his own desires, so he reached out to clasp their hands together.
"T-Takano-san, what if someone sees?!" Ritsu immediately protested.
"Then they can mind their own business." Masamune replied.
I'll never understand how you're so confident. I wish I was the same way. I wish I didn't care about what other people thought.
Masamune had to fight back the urge to correct Ritsu. True, Masamune didn't care about what the general populace thought, but Masamune would do anything to be in Ritsu's good graces. Maybe that just made him a lovelorn, completely whipped idiot, but Masamune wouldn't change it.
I love his hands. Is that weird? I love watching them work, or cook, or flip a page in a book, or unbutton my shirt, or touch my chest, or-stop, stop, stop, STOP! Onodera Ritsu, where is your shame?! I swear, ever since I put this rule in place I've been thinking more and more humiliating things…
Ritsu's face was pink and normally Masamune would assume it was from the hand-holding alone, but apparently Ritsu's mind was wandering far past that.
"You're killing me, Ritsu…" Masamune mumbled under his breath, making Ritsu perk up slightly as he tried to understand him.
"What?" Ritsu said. I'm pretty sure he said my name.
"Nothing." Masamune said. "Just thinking out loud."
I want to know, Ritsu thought with a frown, but he didn't insist. Instead he dropped Masamune's hand once they approached the entrance of the Marukawa Publishing building. My hand feels cold now. Ritsu shoved his hands into his pockets and marched ahead.
Mine too, Masamune thought, my hand feels cold now too. Masamune paused, watching him push forward and open the door. Ritsu held it open and glanced back toward Masamune.
"Are you coming?" Ritsu huffed. He keeps looking at me in a weird way today…I can't put my finger on it, but I swear my heart is going to jump out of my chest.
"Yeah, sorry, I'm coming." Masamune said, following quickly.
Okay, maybe the pros outweighed the cons on this mind-reading thing.
Well, he seems like his normal self, so maybe he really is feeling alright.
Masamune's heart warmed when hearing the thought. Knowing that Ritsu cared and worried for him made him extremely happy, probably unreasonably happy, but he didn't care. Masamune wasn't sure how much longer this weird phenomenon would last, so he wanted to indulge in Ritsu's secret little thoughts for as long as he could. Technically, it was a breach of privacy, but it wasn't like Masamune was choosing to read his thoughts! He couldn't control it! So, he didn't think it was so wrong to enjoy it.
He seems like he's in a good mood today too. He hasn't thrown anything at anyone's head yet. Maybe I should have breakfast with him more often? Ha, that's pretty conceited of me to think that I'm the reason he's in a good mood. It's probably something else.
Masamune looked over toward Ritsu, noticing how the brunette deflated ever so slightly, seemingly disappointed at the possibility that he wasn't what made Masamune happy.
As if anything could ever make Masamune as happy as Ritsu did.
Masamune took his cell phone out and texted Ritsu.
Thanks for coming over this morning by the way. You should come over more often. I like starting my morning with you. He hit send, not wanting to be too obvious in his text message. If he came right out and said 'you're the reason for my good mood', that might be a little weird and way too coincidental.
Ritsu checked his phone when it buzzed, obviously trying to be discreet so Masamune wouldn't see, but ultimately failing at his attempted stealth.
Why is Takano-san texting me? What could he possibly want? He should be working! And he has the nerve to yell at Kisa and I when we talk….oh. Why does he have to text me these kinds of things right now?! I'm trying to focus! Is he trying to trip me up?! So annoying…
Masamune felt his phone vibrate and he checked his messages. He had, unsurprisingly, received a text from Ritsu that said: Shouldn't you be working instead of texting me?
Masamune smiled in amusement. I like texting you better.
Stop texting me, Takano-san… Ritsu thought as he pulled his phone out. He glanced at Masamune and their eyes met, making Masamune smirk. Ritsu flushed and looked away quickly. Is he teasing me? I can feel my face getting hot. I hate that stupid smirk of his, he's so smug and so damn attractive I can't stand it. Is he doing this on purpose? Because of the rule? Is he trying to work me up?
Masamune really hadn't been attempting anything like that. He had just wanted to shoo away Ritsu's insecurities. But was a few nice words and a smirk from Masamune really all it took to get under Ritsu's skin? Damn it, now Masamune was getting worked up from how responsive Ritsu was to him. Knowing that Ritsu wanted him made Masamune want him more.
Masamune's phone buzzed again and he checked it a little too quickly.
You might not care about getting your work done, but I do, the message said.
Masamune tried not to smile at the predictability of Ritsu's reply. He decided to stop bothering Ritsu with his nonsense at that point, getting back to work, focusing as best he could with Ritsu's thoughts in the back of his mind.
Oh, he didn't text me back…I hope he doesn't think I'm actually upset. Whatever, it's a good thing he didn't text back, now I can focus on my work. Focus on my work. Focus…on…my…work. Focusonmywork. Focus. On. My. Work. FOCUS. Focus. Focus...I can't focus.
Masamune held back the desire to snort at Ritsu's train of thought. He looked over to the newbie and noticed Ritsu's forehead was pressed to his desk at this point. Masamune grabbed a piece of paper and crumpled it up before throwing it at him, barely bonking Ritsu on the head.
Well, that was one of the more pleasant things he could have thrown at me, RItsu thought, maybe if I pretend I didn't feel it he'll leave me alone.
Masamune rolled his eyes. Surely even Ritsu had to know that would never work. "Wake up! You can sleep when you're dead." Masamune scolded.
I wish I was sleeping. At least then I could be blissfully unconscious.
"I'm awake." Ritsu snipped, sitting up.
"Then stop wasting time and get to work, Onodera." Masamune snapped back, though the anger in his voice was more of a performance.
Oh, so it's 'Onodera' now, huh? It was 'Ritsu' this morning, Ritsu thought sarcastically before he started to take another crack at his work. I guess the demon editor-in-chief has clocked back in.
Masamune almost scoffed. If he called Ritsu by his given name at work with the others around, he's pretty sure Ritsu would literally kill him and Masamune very much preferred living. So, Ritsu had no right to think about him with such a sarcastic bite.
Trying to sleep on the job doesn't scream 'caring about your work', Ritsu. Masamune texted him once more, purposefully using his given name.
Ritsu turned pink at the text message and he shot Masamune a glare. I wasn't trying to sleep! Ritsu both thought and texted.
Get to work, Ritsu, what are you doing checking your phone anyway? Masamune messaged, just to mess with him. He couldn't help it! Ritsu just made it so fun!
What?! Ritsu thought, putting his phone away instead of replying, but Masamune didn't need a reply when he could literally read Ritsu's mind. You texted me first, you jerk. Ugh, he's so impossible. He's like a child in need of constant attention. I can't believe I'm in love with someone like him.
Masamune froze and stared at Ritsu, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly agape.
Did…did Ritsu really just say that? Or, well, think that?
He's staring at me again. Why is he looking at me like that? I'm just going to ignore him…WHY IS HE STARING AT ME? I can't work when he's burning a hole into me with his eyes. What does he want? Does he want me to text back? He's the one who told me to get to work!
Masamune stood. "Onodera." He said, hoping he didn't sound as wrecked as he felt. "I need you to come with me."
"H-Huh?" Ritsu blinked, caught off guard. "Why-?"
"No time, just come with me." Masamune went up to Ritsu, grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him out of his chair and out of the room.
"Takano-san, what's going on?! Is there some kind of emergency?" Ritsu asked worriedly.
Yes, the emergency is I'm going to die if I don't kiss you right fucking now, Masamune thought, pulling Ritsu into an empty meeting room and locking the door behind them.
"Takano-san, wha-?" Before Ritsu could continue questioning him or begin to put the pieces together, Masamune surged forward and cupped his face in his hands, kissing Ritsu deeply.
Ritsu was still at first, seemingly in shock as even his thoughts seemed to come to a complete halt. Then the initial panic set in as Ritsu pulled away. "Takano-san, we're at work!" What if someone catches us? Is this seriously why he pulled me away? It's way too risky to do stuff like this at work! How many times do I have to tell him that?
"I love you." Was all Masamune said in reply before he kissed Ritsu again.
A soft gasp left Ritsu's lips at the confession and Masamune took the opportunity to slip his tongue past Ritsu's parted lips. Oh…oh no, my legs are getting weak, I can't stay standing when he's kissing me like this, Ritsu thought.
Masamune wrapped his arms around Ritsu's waist, both to support him and hold him closer. Ritsu hesitantly followed suit, shakily folding his arms around Masamune's neck as he started to kiss back.
I'm getting swept away, I have to stop this, Ritsu thought, but his actions spoke otherwise as he held onto Masamune tighter.
Masamune, possessive thing he was, moved his hands to unbutton the top of Ritsu's shirt and expose more of his neck and collarbone so that he could leave marks on the skin. He pulled away from the searing kiss to press his lips against his neck, but Ritsu started to push at his shoulders in protest.
"Stop, you can't give me hickies here!" Ritsu choked out, knowing Masamune well enough to figure out his intentions. If I leave the office without hickies and come back with hickies that'll be way too obvious! And Kisa's too nosey to mind his business! He would definitely point it out!
"Then can I give you them at home?" Masamune breathed out, his breath hitting Ritsu's skin and making him shudder.
Not fair, so not fair, Ritsu complained silently. "If I say yes will you stop?"
"Maybe." Masamune pressed a few more kisses along his neck.
That's not an answer!
"Spend the night at my place tonight." Masamune implored, the kisses becoming gentler as he pressed them to Ritsu's cheek and forehead.
I already know he's gonna try something funny…but I don't wanna say no.
"If it'll get you off my back and let me get back to work, fine." Ritsu said.
Masamune smiled, forcing Ritsu to avert his gaze. I'll never get used to how he looks when he's smiling…it makes me feel dizzy.
Masamune, of course, had to kiss him one more time after hearing that.
"Y-You better not be expecting to get anything out of tonight." Ritsu said hours later after the two of them had left the office and arrived back at Masamune's apartment. I can't let him think I'm starting to give in on the rule!
Masamune raised an eyebrow. "What I 'expect to get out of tonight' is time spent with the person I love." He replied, unlocking his front door.
Yeah, right, pervert, Ritsu thought sarcastically as his cheeks turned red. Masamune tried not to chuckle as he went inside, taking off his coat and shoes. Ritsu did the same, making a point to keep some space between him and Masamune.
"What did you want to do for dinner?" Masamune asked, feeling quite hungry himself.
"I thought it was your job to figure that out, Didn't you say you'd always take care of the meals for me?" Ritsu said sarcastically.
"That's only if we move in together. Is this your way of saying you want to move in together? We can start bringing your things over right now." Masamune said.
"No! That isn't what I meant at all!" Ritsu said quickly, fearing that Masamune actually would go over to his apartment and start packing things. Every time I try to tease him, he always turns the tables on me.
Masamune went to make some sort of sarcastic comment like, 'then I guess you're helping with dinner', but was stopped in place as Ritsu thought:
There's no point in moving in anyway, since he'll probably realize soon enough how bored he is of me now that we're not having sex.
Did Ritsu seriously think that? Well, obviously he thought that, since these were Ritsu's unfiltered thoughts.
"Um, Takano-san? Are you coming?" Ritsu asked when he realized Masamune was standing in place. Ritsu didn't just want to go into Masamune's kitchen and help himself, not feeling comfortable doing so, but he was hungry too.
"You know I love you, right?" Masamune said instead of answering. How many times did he have to say it until the message finally stuck? "I would be glad just to sit next to you for the rest of our lives. I really don't 'expect' anything out of tonight and I'm fine with that. I'm just really happy to know that I'll wake up with you next to me tomorrow morning."
Ritsu shifted from foot to foot nervously and looked down shyly. How does he always say just the right thing to make me feel weak?
Masamune took a few strides forward to close the space between them, cupping Ritsu's cheek to lift his head and kiss him gently.
I love him, I want to tell him I love him…
Masamune pulled away to bring Ritsu into a hug, holding him to his body tightly.
"Takano-san, you're crushing me." Ritsu mumbled into his shoulder.
"And you're dealing with it."
Stupid…Ritsu thought before slowly hugging Masamune back.
"I love you, Ritsu." Masamune said again. He felt like he could never say it enough.
If he keeps saying it then I'm gonna want to say it back, I can't say it back right now, I told him it would be perfect, shut up Takano-san, just shut up, stop making me feel warm and dizzy, you jerk. Ritsu's internal tirade went on as he started to push Masamune away. "We should-um-figure out what we're d-doing for dinner." Ritsu managed to get out, trying to pivot the conversation elsewhere. This is dangerous territory, I have to change the topic before I say something stupid.
Masamune kissed his forehead before he could fully pull away and he nodded. "Yeah." He agreed, leading Ritsu into the kitchen. "You were my guest this morning, but this evening I'm gonna put you to work." He added.
Great, he spent the whole work day bossing me around and now he's gonna spend the evening doing it too.
Masamune looked away from Ritsu so the brunette wouldn't see him smiling in amusement.
Cooking dinner was surprisingly uneventful. Ritsu didn't accidentally cut or burn himself and he followed Masamune's instructions without a fight, all the while having passing thoughts of how he was 'secretly' enjoying their time together.
It really wouldn't be such a bad thing, doing this every night…no! Absolutely cannot even entertain the thought of moving in together until I confess, Ritsu scolded himself, much to Masamune's annoyance as he started to make some tea for the both of them.
Maybe it had been a mistake on Masamune's end to encourage Ritsu's plan to deliver a spectacular, shoujo-esque confession because now it was keeping the two of them a certain distance apart. Masamune just wanted to skip to the happy ending already, but he knew that once Ritsu set his mind to something there wasn't any possibility of changing it. So, Masamune could only hope that Ritsu would come up with something fantastically romantic soon.
The two of them made up their plates once the food was finished and sat down at the table together. Masamune hoped that someday soon he could start and end all of his days like this with Ritsu.
"-and I swear Kisa is starting to piece things together. You need to stop being so reckless." Ritsu was talking as they ate, but Masamune had only tuned in for the last bit as it was quite difficult to focus on what he was saying since he was also hearing Ritsu's thoughts.
"What? You don't want our coworkers to know we're together?" Masamune asked, assuming that was what Ritsu was talking about.
"Of course I don't!" Ritsu exclaimed.
"Why not?" Masamune frowned.
"Because dating my boss isn't a good look for either of us." Ritsu said. "It makes you look like a creep and makes me look incompetent at my job."
Masamune smiled a little to himself.
"What?" Ritsu huffed, why is he looking at me like that? It makes me want to hide.
"So you admit that we're dating?"
Ritsu's eyes widened. "Shut up!" He shouted.
"You're not denying it."
"I don't-you should know better than anyone that it's complicated." Ritsu said before shoving some food in his mouth so he didn't have to talk anymore.
Masamune rolled his eyes. "It's only complicated cause you make it complicated."
"No, it's complicated because you don't know the proper way to go about a relationship." Ritsu huffed, sinking a little bit into his chair.
"I'm doing my best to do things 'properly' now, it's you that I'm waiting on." Masamune pointed out.
I know, Ritsu thought, sounding a little defeated, but I don't want to mess this up. What we have feels so fragile and unstable and it terrifies me. Ritsu pushed around the food on his plate silently.
"Sorry." Masamune said. "I'm not trying to push you, really I'm not, I'm just…I'm here whenever you're ready, Ritsu. I'll wait for as long as I need to, as long as it's not forever." He said. "I want to be able to spend some time with you as your official boyfriend before I die, after all."
"D-Don't be so dramatic, I wouldn't make you wait that long." Ritsu said. I wouldn't be able to wait that long, I think I'd go crazy if I tried.
Masamune smiled. "Alright, I'll take your word for it."
"I should probably pop by my place just to grab a few things." Ritsu said at the end of their meal and Masamune narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"You're not just trying to wriggle your way out of spending the night, are you?" He asked.
"No!" Ritsu huffed. I need clothes for work tomorrow, dummy.
"I think I should come with you anyway." Masamune said. "Just to make sure you're not living in a trash heap. Again."
"I-I'm not!" Ritsu denied. Laundry doesn't count as trash…
Masamune sighed. "You are impossible." He said. "What am I going to do with you?"
"You don't have to accompany me to my apartment, I'm right next door." Ritsu insisted.
Masamune sighed. "Fine. But if you take longer than fifteen minutes I'm dragging your ass back here." He said. "And don't think that means you're getting out of helping me clean up."
I hadn't thought of that, but it would have made a good excuse, Ritsu thought as he gathered his empty plate and used utensils to start cleaning. "I'm not that inconsiderate, Takano-san." He huffed.
Eventually, once they finished tidying up the kitchen, Ritsu slipped out of Masamune's apartment to go over to his own. It seemed the distance did not stop Ritsu's thoughts from reaching Masamune.
Should I shower before I go back? No, Takano-san said I only had fifteen minutes and I don't think he was joking. I could always shower there, but who knows what sort of mischief that pervert might try to get up to if I do. Do I have any clean pajamas? I think I washed the blue ones recently, but where did I put them…aha, there they are! Now, what should I wear to work tomorrow?
Ritsu's stream of consciousness continued as he packed to spend the night and Masamune found it strangely comforting, until he heard Ritsu go:
OW!
Masamune tensed and went to rush out of the apartment until Ritsu's thoughts continued;
Stupid fucking table, owowowowowowwwww, fuck, my toe, that fucking hurt!
Masamune snorted and rolled his eyes, relaxing since it hadn't been a serious injury. That idiot would stub his toe in their brief time apart. Ritsu was just accident prone like that. The pain seemed to pass, though, as Ritsu's thoughts took a different turn.
I know I told him I'd come back, but…maybe I should just lock my door and hide.
If you do that I'll quadruple your workload tomorrow! Masamune silently threatened despite Ritsu not being able to hear him.
I…I don't know if I'll be able to handle sleeping in the same bed as him. And I can't sleep on the couch, that's silly, and I can't kick Takano-san out of his own room, that's just rude. But if I get in the same bed as him I'll want to touch him.
Masamune's anger quickly dissipated, his mouth going dry at Ritsu's silent confessions of desire.
Ahhhh, why did he have to kiss me like that at work?! Now it's all I can think about…I want Takano-san to kiss me again, I want him to touch me…
Masamune swallowed hard and started to move toward his door again as Ritsu's thoughts continued to assault him.
I still have a few minutes, maybe I can…
Ritsu's thoughts trailed off, making Masamune think can what? CAN WHAT? as he left his apartment and stood in front of Ritsu's apartment door.
Takano-san…touch me more, please…
Masamune was going to fling himself off the roof of the apartment building because he couldn't handle Ritsu begging to be touched, presumably touching himself while imagining it was Masamune doing it for him. His knuckles hovered over Ritsu's front door. What the hell was he supposed to do here? If he knocked then Ritsu would act like he wasn't doing anything, but Masamune couldn't stand this!
Takano-san…Takano-san…Masamune!
It took all of Masamune's self restraint not to break the door down at the sound of Ritsu's voice saying his name like that. He decided that the best course of action, for his own sanity, was to knock frantically on the front door.
Shit, has it been fifteen minutes? Did I lock my front door?!
Masamune decided to try to turn the doorknob and it clicked open. Freaking idiot, doing something like that with the door unlocked! He thought as he let himself into Ritsu's apartment.
"Ritsu?" He called out.
Fuck!
"O-O-One minute!" Ritsu sounded a little wrecked, which made Masamune breathe hard out of his nose. "Um, I'll be over soon, n-no need to wait for me."
I can't calm down…especially not after hearing him say my name.
Masamune went deeper into the apartment and reached his bedroom door. "What the hell is taking you so long?" He asked despite already knowing. He went to open the door, but Ritsu quickly flung himself against the door to keep it shut.
"D-Don't come in! My room is a mess!"
While Masamune was sure that was true, he knew that wasn't the real reason Ritsu was keeping him out.
Go away, go away, go away, go away, Ritsu implored and Masamune couldn't tell if he was talking about him or his 'problem'.
"Ritsu." Masamune said.
Don't say my name! Masamune could just barely make out a strangled whine that left Ritsu's throat.
"Let me in." Masamune said, trying to sound calm and collected and not too demanding, but his hands were shaking with the effort to not shove the door open.
"N-no, it's embarrassing." Ritsu said, still pressing his whole weight against the door to keep it shut.
"You don't have to be embarrassed around me, Ritsu." Masamune said.
I can't…I can't let him see me like this…I…
Despite Ritsu's thoughts, the door knob slowly turned and barely opened, revealing Ritsu's flushed face, sheening slightly with sweat. "T-Takano-san, I-"
Masamune didn't let him finish, pushing his way into the room and kissing Ritsu hard. Ritsu gasped and almost lost his balance, clinging on to Masamune to keep himself standing. The two of them nearly fell over some laundry that was on the floor, but Masamune elected to ignore it for now as he led them to the bed. He pushed Ritsu down onto it, climbing on top of him.
"I want to touch you." Masamune breathed out when he broke the kiss, staring down at Ritsu's beautiful pink face.
Ritsu swallowed hard and let out a shaking breath, shutting his eyes tightly before he nodded.
The no-full-on-sex rule was still standing at the end of the night, but the itch that had been under Masamune's skin all day had been scratched ever so slightly. They showered together afterward, though Ritsu refused to face Masamune the entire time.
"Wanna still spend the night at my place?" Masamune asked, pressing a kiss to Ritsu's bare shoulder.
"Well, I already packed a bag…" And your bed smells like you.
Masamune smiled and pressed another kiss on Ritsu, this time to his cheek. "Good, cause I don't wanna twist my ankle trying to navigate around all your laundry tomorrow morning."
"It's not that bad." Ritsu frowned.
"It's pretty bad."
"It's been worse." Ritsu pointed out.
Masamune snorted and rolled his eyes. "I'll give you that."
Ritsu smiled a little. "But your place would still be better." He said. "So you can make me breakfast again."
"...are you admitting that you don't have any food here?"
Shit!
"N-No!" Ritsu exclaimed.
Masamune sighed, wrapping his arms around Ritsu's waist and resting his forehead on his shoulder, ignoring the water spray that hit them both. "We'll go grocery shopping this weekend."
"...okay." Ritsu conceded, deciding not to put up a fight. "And…maybe…m-maybe I could make dinner for you afterward." It's only fair, right? He made dinner for me, so I'll make dinner for him…definitely not inviting him over for any other reason…ugh, I don't even sound convincing to myself.
"I'd like that a lot." Masamune said. "Just promise me you won't hurt yourself when you do."
Ritsu gently elbowed him, not with any intention to actually hurt him. "I won't." He huffed.
I'd take care of you even if you did, Masamune thought.
"Don't say embarrassing things like that." Ritsu complained, still not facing Masamune.
Masamune blinked. "Like what?"
"That you'll t-take care of me and crap!" Ritsu huffed, looking down with a red face, but Masamune couldn't hear what he was thinking anymore.
Oh.
Oh,
Well, Masamune was going to have a lot of fun with this.