He saw Usagi less and less – he went to training after I went home from ours and he stayed out long. When he got home, I was leaving. I did say he should lay off, but this... He could at least acknowledge my presence when I'm in the room. Stupid Usagi –san.

Misaki pouted in the canteen. Today, it's Wednesday. The time for their match drew near. Misaki wondered if Usagi was preparing or not. He takes everything seriously – him being the exception. Maybe they should cancel the whole match altogether. If only Usagi listened to him, not just assumed he's fine with this relationship.
Their problem is that they never talk seriously about the future, which he wants to discuss. But what does Usagi do? He ignores him! Every single time he tries to bring up their relationship goals, he just... leaves the room or goes to work on his novels. Just like that. After winning, he has to listen to me!
Misaki slammed the empty bowl of pork cutlet on the table, earning amused/irritated looks from onlookers. He blushed when he saw the Devil's glance from the teacher table. His colleague, professor Miyagi wasn't eating with him. He went to training – with Usagi and others. Seems like they intend to beat us. Ha! They got no chance. Out of six matches, we'll win at least four, with Kamijou – sensei's instructions.

His gaze dropped on the clock on wall. His last lesson of today ends on 14.25. He might be the first to appear at the training, but he wants to win so badly against Usagi. He's not the same 18 – years old Misaki Takahashi he met. It's time he opened Usagi's eyes. The hard way if he doesn't want to listen normally. He was about to stand up, when Shinobu showed up, equally pissed off with a bowl of tomato soup. Misaki stared at the pissed off younger man who slurped down on the soup as if it hurt him. Someone is ticked off. He'll listen to him and then head for his last class of day.

XxX

The old man should have learned some manners by now. I waited for him to show up, so I can give him his lunch, but he never came to their usual meeting place at university.
How dare he! I got up this morning earlier to make this, but mister almighty didn't reply to my message. He's being really irksome. I'm his lover, how dare he ignore my messages! The lunch ended in the nearest trash bin.
This is because of the last few days, isn't it? I may have left our bedroom, but only because he'd pull his moves on me and my body would hurt, thus I wouldn't be able to train.
But no, he thinks I'm rebelling or something. The old man should get that idea out of his head or I'll knock it out in the match.

It's not Shinobu's fault their rocky relationship has been so bad lately. Whenever Shinobu initiated something in the past months, he'd turn him down, but whenever Miyagi started something, he always gave in.
This whole situation was giving me headache. He's nothing but trouble, that shitty old man. I've reached canteen, where the queue was short, for once. My gaze flickered at the tables. I saw Kamijou – sensei by the teacher table. Also Misaki –senpai was eating alone. It was my turn to get my food.

A slam on the table nearby. I turned and saw Misaki's face. He saw me approaching and sat down. I had to let off some steam. Dipping spoon into the bowl, he began eating, feeling Misaki's stare. "What would you do if you made your lover lunch, sent a message and he didn't show up and instead went to stupid training?"
Misaki flinched, tsking. "Now I know what made you fume. I feel your pain, Shinobu – san."
Shinobu grinned. "Please, drop the –san with me. Just Shinobu is fine and I also ask that you do the same, Misaki."
The older one of the two laughed. "Okay, Shinobu. And thank you for agreeing to... you know." He seemed kinda down himself, Shinobu thought, swallowing the food and glancing at the teacher table. Kamijou – sensei was leaving. His last lecture is with him, then, onto the training.

"Misaki, do you feel like you're distancing yourself from your lover?" He asked of him, sensing he struck an accord. Flabbergasted, what was he to say? That he's been thinking about it. Still they need to be taught a lesson. Usagi should realize that he, Misaki has matured and he expects more of their relationship. Usagi – chichi approved (kind of) of him, so there is nothing left to stop them from taking the next step. Ah yes, there is one thing. Usagi's unwillingness to listen to him.

"Once we win, things will change for better for all of us. I... think? Ehehe, what I'm trying to say is they'll be forced to open eyes and see that we're serious, or want some reassurance or... you know. This is embarrassing talk..." Misaki stood up from the table. "See you later, Shinobu!" He said, dashing from canteen in mad rush.
Shinobu blinked in confusion at the fast escape of his friend. It seems he's not the only one thinking about relationship goals and future. If everyone was so determined to win, they will win.
Thinking about what ifs won't do him much good, Shinobu thought as he distastefully dug in. Some girls scrunched up their noses and left his table vacant. He glared at them, but otherwise his mind was wandering elsewhere.

XxX

Nowaki has taken this maybe too seriously. Hiroki never thought the aspiring pediatrician would take the challenge so seriously. This morning was so stiff and Nowaki left, prior to their lack of wanting to talk about many things, the challenge among the undesired topics. But sooner or later, they have to discuss them. Hiroki wanted to officially tell him parents about Nowaki to ease his mind. Also, his constant nagging about it and eagerness to get to know his parents was oddly replaced by indifference and standoffish.

Whenever Hiroki brought up the subject of meeting parents, he retreated to a meeting with that flirty senpai of his, or went on a shift because of "emergency at clinic" all of sudden, faking he got a message to come.
A week ago, before the challenge, Hiroki observed a change in Nowaki. The smiling brat changed to overly serious fellow, practically overnight. Only detail that didn't change was his sex drive, choosing most inappropriate times to do it - like when the grading season was slowly but surely coming and he had tests to prepare for all his classes. Their different times schedules were at fault, he knew it. Hiroki didn't want to pin down the blame on Nowaki sorely. They see each other for a brief time of day and when they do, it's mostly to have, well, sex. In their... what, eights years of being together, their relationship is like this – one misunderstanding from either of them, apologize and clear up the situation and have make – up sex.

Hiroki knew what was their major problem – lack of communication. And not just these past weeks. When his team wins, he'll make him listen to all of his complaints and he'll raise a point and make a proposition. He loves Nowaki, but love cannot survive on having sex alone.
The associate literature professor glared above the heads of countless students, who dispersed from his path like mice.
He was always straightforward in everything. He'll make Nowaki listen. Tie him down with duct tape if needed to a chair, so he can't escape like he always does. The match will be their turning point. Hiroki is past the age of only sexual attraction, he needs Nowaki to face the truth and make some sacrifices. He too, will make sacrifices.
Sub – consciously, he reached his last class of today, slamming the door open. The gaps of students brought him back to imminent reality.

Personal stuff can wait, he's a teacher. He stood before them. Some were shaking from fear as he scanned their faces. Hiroki saw Takatsuki in the back, who shortly nodded.
Nowaki can't run away forever, they have to think of their future and discuss all the feelings they both feel. Frequently, not once per eight years.
He began teaching, turning gaze at the blackboard.

XxX

He sneezed, rubbing his runny nose. Damn it, you can't have a cold now, Chiaki! He scolded himself for having such weak immunity system. Being a mangaka is his passion and curse at the same time. His second curse is having his lover as editor. Work should stay out of bed, right? Not in Tori's case.
The "punishments" have gone too far. He wanted to try something for while now, he said. Like the gullible fool he was, Chiaki let himself get swallowed by Tori's sensual attacks on his body, then tied him up and...
His head hit the work desk at his home studio with a loud thud.

Damn it, damn it! He was thinking about it again!
Frustrated, he raised his gaze meet his assistants, one of them was Yuu, of course. He gave him quite the amused look, before going back to the pages still in progress.
"Something is wrong. I can feel the ominous aura emanating from you."

Chiaki knew he couldn't hide the feelings of desperation from Yuu. How should he explain without revealing anything?
He put the inking tool down, his eyes flicking from one curious face from another, finally stopping at his friend's.
"Here is a plot that has been on my mind lately. Character A is uncomfortable with the relationship with character B, so character A makes makes sort of bet with B. B has been acting strange for a while and is making A really worried and questioning beliefs. In reality, all A wants is for B to distance work from personal life, but B doesn't listen. And I'm currently thinking about the climax and possible conclusions to the plot. Do they reach a common ground and B finally listens or A loses the bet they made things just go from bad to worse for A and it spirals all down into primordial first stage of madness?"

His female assistants' eyes widened and the youngest started cackling. Soon all joined in. All but Yuu, whose eyes sparkled dangerously. He looked at the papers, but his lip quivered. "From what I gather, B is an asshole and A should look elsewhere for love. If B is as annoying as you just described, in A's shoes I'd abandon that loser. Would serve B right for disregarding A's feelings and only using A for selfish reasons, because it benefits and conveniences B. A should open eyes and –"

Something in Chiaki screamed no so adamantly, he whammed the desk in fury and blushed afterwards, realizing he acted like he was involved. He's busted.
"I mean, it's just a storyline. Ahaha, it's a silly concept, right? Who'd want to read about that? Sorry for bringing it up, everyone. I'll wait for less complex idea to pop up. We should get back to work." He stood up and cheerfully smiled at his assistants, who seemly dismissed the ridiculous storyline already.
Yuu didn't. He knew Chiaki and he knew he's having a personal crisis with that bastard he loves, Hatori. Still, Chiaki did turn him down and he's content enough with remaining friends. If Chiaki breaks up with Hatori, then it's another story. He hoped Chiaki will lose that bet he mentioned.

Chiaki felt Yuu's eyes on him as he went to make coffee for everyone. They'll be staying over the night to compensate for the hours he's away, training with others. The assistants all know he's leaving and will stay to work on his parts (for double pay, of course), but they will and Chiaki had no problem with money for really good cause. He checked his watch. One more hour, it's about time he left. The gym they are using is pretty far from his home.
The author's own dignity as man was on the line here. Tori is taller and much manlier, so Chiaki is at disadvantage here. However, he's working on a technique with the literature teacher, Kamijou – a throw he called Topple Shot. So far, he knocked out all five of his team mates with this unsuspected move. Tori won't see that move coming.
He grinned slightly as he brought back the large order of coffee and excused himself for now.

XxX

I can't concentrate! Pull yourself together! His face met his laptop, re – introducing again. Kisa was angry at himself for making simple idiotic mistakes. That he had to correct countless times.
On top of his schedule as editor, he and Yukina met only when one or another was asleep – or "persuaded" other awake by having sex. They talked about many things, but due to the lack of hobbies on his sides, he mainly listened to Yukina go on a monologue about his favorite painters and styles they used on this or that painting...
His hobby was his work (it gradually became like that), since high school he had no opportunity or time to practice volleyball, which was his hobby in both middle and high school.
The challenge made him remember the times he enjoyed himself as libero, who saved the team. Heck, his nickname was guardian deity at some point.

Kisa snickered, cutting out the panels from new Girl's Master manuscript. While he was in high school, Yukina was... well, still a kid. He heard from Takatsuki that the age gap is making things complicated between him and his lover – seventeen years is much bigger gap than nine years, but if they manage, surely he and Yukina can reach the upcoming goal for their relationship. They already live together (more or less) and they take turns with cooking and cleaning, it sort of feels like they're an old couple, right?
Hell no.

Kisa isn't as energetic as Yukina. Work is wearing him down mentally and it reflects on his physical side, when they...
He slammed head against laptop again repeatedly to get the embarrassing image of him and Yukina in compromising positions out of his head.
Thank god Hatori and Takano weren't around. Rittie was copying an intimidating pile of documents, while Mino was snoozing off. On top of having daily hard practice, they had work of course and if that wasn't hellish enough; the hell week was here. Joy of joys.

Still, things should change, he should find out more about Yukina's passion and his family. Sex alone can't satisfy his thirst for a real relationship. After the match is done, he wants to go to an exhibition with him and learn more. One should know the hobbies of his lover. Otherwise, he's be doing a shoddy job as boyfriend and as the older of the couple.
He stopped on the manuscript and began writing a project proposal. His fingers typed on their alone, while he thought about, well Yukina.

A red exclamation mark in the middle of document appeared, asking to save the changes. Thoughtlessly, his fingers on mouse slipped towards the "No."
The document was discarded. "Goddammit! Stupid laptop!"
He fumed, but the work couldn't be brought back.
His head buried in hands, he sighed internally. He'll come back to this later, after the practice. He should grab Rittie and head there with him, seeing he's not getting work done, either.

XxX

He stopped inviting himself into my apartment. It's a good thing, right? Why the empty feel of shallow victory? Somehow, Takano has taken the challenge seriously, somewhere in the middle.
Plus, he stopped assaulting me altogether; his attitude at work got even worse, making fun of me to the point of bullying. Was this his personal sick idea of vendetta for rejecting his advances?
I can't train properly with my body hurting all over, Ritsu thought, blankly staring at his inbox of messages, barely registering he had a ton of new unread mail.
Takano abused his power as boss in private many, many times. So why did he stop now? It's not like he listened previously to him, so why?

Why? Why? Why?
They have nothing in common – perhaps reading books is the only thing they have in common. The romance from ten years ago was restarted two and half years ago and still, Takano wasn't the senpai in he loved in high school anymore. He should let go of the past. He loves Takano, but his love is tested everyday. This isn't some simple high school romance. Ritsu vividly remembered how they parted ten years ago, all because of their stupidity and misunderstanding. If he stayed and demanded an explanation, would Takano give it or deny?

This wasn't the time to be wondering about past. If he wants to save their crumbling relationship and make a sound point - that they should talk freely without fear when they are alone was one mark of the point Ritsu is going to deliver after the match. For now, all he can do is train like crazy. He's developing a special move, he nicknamed it Fast Attack for now. Kamijou was impressed, so Takano should prepare for a very anticlimactic, quick end of their one - on - one.

Before Mino -san passed out about a half hour ago, he gave him documents to copy for a meeting next week. Thank god, it will be after the match. A meeting with all the intimidating people (sales and management) would break him down into a mumbling moron. A man can only take on so much mental stress. Right?

Ritsu strutted to the copy machine with the papers, reminiscing about how sweet Takano used to be in high school. He gets it that he had to grow up, like everyone else. He too, became pretty jaded. He typed a number in the machine, absent - minded and gasped when he saw the number he set. 100?! He tried to stop it, but the fucking machine malfunctioned on him, adding 100 more.
A vein popped on his forehead.
Screw it! Screw it!

Gloomy, he stood there, waiting for the machine to finish.
What a nice day this was turning out to be, Ritsu thought sarcastically to himself. The machine was only at number 16 of copies out of 200.

Ah, this will take forever. Should I go back and retrieve the papers later? Luckily, no one else on this floor needs to use it now. With a grin of misery, he stared at the accumulating stock of papers coming out from the blasted machine. It would be a bad idea to work on something like a storyboard and end up making splotches of ink or something more insulting on the manuscript. thus ruining all the work of his author, who worked on it. He'll get back to it, once the practice is over. He and Kisa are coming back.

A hand of his shoulder and equally pissed off face of his friend proved him right of the decision to leave now. The practice will start soon and it takes a while to get to the gym they are using.

Ritsu grabbed his coat, his training gear and bag, leaving after Kisa in a hurry.

TO BE CONTINUED_

Author's Notes - In case there is another Front Mission 3 fanatic out there like me, you'll notice I'm naming chapters since second chapter from the FM3 ost or skills of wanzers. I'll end my nerdy ranting here. I can go on for hours, so I shall spare you.
Kisa is a guardian deity, eh. Little easter egg, because I like easter eggs. xD