The sun was already beginning to set behind the surrounding buildings when Akira left the Nihon Kiin with Hikaru in tow. Today had been the first time that he had lost to his rival in an official tournament and it was still bothering him. On the other side seeing Hikaru so happy made him smile inside, though he tried to keep it from showing on his face.

"Ne, let's play another game; it's still early," Hikaru said. "Let's go to my place. It's closest!"

He's so oblivious, like always, Akira thought. But then I kind of like this side of him.

He stopped without warning and Hikaru bumped into him, grabbing onto his shoulders so he wouldn't stumble.

"Hey, don't stop suddenly! That's dangerous!" Hikaru yelled angrily.

Akira felt himself blush from the feel of his rival's closeness, but he fought the urge to turn around and kiss or hug him. They hadn't touched each other intimately since that time in San Francisco. It seemed like a lifetime ago now.

He pulled his coat closer to protect himself from the cold winter weather, ignoring his friend's grumbling. He started off towards Hikaru's apartment. He had helped him search for a place close to the Nihon Kiin when it was clear that Hikaru had not wanted to stay in his parent's house anymore and his grandfather's home was just too far away to be convenient.

That time had been hard for them both.

The constant questions from friends, family and reporters.

All the formalities concerning Hikaru's inheritance.

And worst of all, the funeral ceremonies for Kuwabara-sensei. And Hikaru's parents.

He had been by Hikaru's side through all of this and he was glad it was over now. Still, it would never be like it had been before.

Lost in thought, Akira hadn't noticed that Hikaru had stopped talking. Now that it was quiet again he felt like something was missing and looked at his friend who was walking by his side. He could see the sadness in his face, even if it was hidden as well as it was from most other people. Feeling guilty, he began talking, conversing on some matter or another and Hikaru willingly joined in.

After only a few minutes they were standing in front of his apartment door. Akira waited patiently while Hikaru searched his pockets for the key. It was dark inside and reflexively Akira reached out for the light switch only to already find Hikaru's hand there. He drew his hand back instantly. The light snapped on. Ignoring what had just happened Hikaru asked if he wanted something to drink. He stepped out of his shoes, while giving his approval and followed him into the small but clean kitchen. He glanced briefly over at the waste bin, taking note of all the empty instant ramen cups. It was probably a good indication of what Hikaru ate solely for his meals nowadays.

He finally noticed the glass of orange juice that Hikaru held out to him.

"Orange juice? I thought you didn't like it?" He took the glass willingly.

Hikaru took a cola can out of the refrigerator and then pointed at Akira's glass. "I might not like it, but I know that you do, so I bought you some," he answered with a smile.

"Th… Thanks!" Akira finally managed to answer, surprised. He had never said anything, but it seemed that Hikaru had noticed his slight dislike of anything carbonated.

Holding his drink with both hands like something precious he followed Hikaru back out to the main living room. The goban stood in the centre. Along the wall were a small TV and a desk, flanked by shelves holding a large collection of Go-books and a few select manga. A crumbled futon lay below the window.

"Ah, sorry for that!" Hikaru said, starting to make a roll out of it to put it away.

Akira stopped him. "I don't mind. Just let it be. Let's play."

They sat down at the goban.

"Onegai shimasu!"

"Onegai shimasu!"

It was an interesting game. Akira was thinking about Hikaru's last move which had been quite puzzling when he felt a warm hand on his. When he looked up Hikaru had already crossed the distance between them.

And then he kissed him.

It was an innocent kiss. But for Akira it tasted like the sweetest thing he had ever known.

Closing his eyes he gently deepened the kiss and Hikaru answered him fully. When they finally stopped for the trivial matter of needing to breathe, they were both very flushed.

"I am sorry for making you worry so much," Hikaru said. "It's okay now."

Akira stared at him surprised once again, but then he felt a smile forming on his lips.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes," Hikaru replied simply.

Not being able to contain his emotions any longer Akira pulled his friend close to him, embracing him like his life depended on it. He revelled in the clean smell of Hikaru's hair and his body's warmth.

Then he kissed him.

If it was at all possible then this kiss was even sweeter than the first.

Finally, it's over, Akira thought.

Akira let himself fall down on the futon pulling Hikaru on top of him.

Then there was only sweet warmth.

The End


Author's note: That was the first time I really felt like writing something long. There were so many things that had happened in the RR and I felt like I had to get them all together into one story and finish it the way my mind told me to. If you have read so far then I would really appreciate a review. Thanks for your time.