One day on a very late, chilly evening Yanase Yuu went to convenience store on his way home from a mangaka's atelier, which was on the other side of city. Nothing peculiar happened. That was before he ventured in the tea and coffee section hunting for pineapple tea.

It was on the top shelves and with his height, it was nearly impossible to get it and none of the attendants were close by. So he stood on toes and inched with fingers for the tea when - A kid bumped into him and Yuu lost balance, losing grip on the plastic shopping basket with tonight's dinner's ingredients.

The kid stared at him as Yuu regained his balance. A kid. Out of his politeness, he helped the kid stand up and knelt down, smiling. "Are you alright?"

Child nodded, as his eyes lit up and hugged him. Yuu wasn't prepared to be hugged by some strange kid in a convenience store.

He patted the kid's head, while the other customers walked by and Yuu knew they labeled his as a suspicious character. This is the first and last time he shows his face in this place, probably. "Eh, kid, are you here alone? I could lead you back to your parents, if you want."

"No, I don't want to! You look and and smell just like my mother!"

Huh?! Yuu froze as the kid hugged him more fiercely. What is this, is he experiencing imprinting?!

"Be a good kid and let go, so I can gather my things, okay?"

"No! I won't!"

Yuu's head spun and he was getting a little bit pissed off at the kid, when -

"Yamato! That's where you are! Don't run away from me like that." A tall man with short brown hair and fair skin approached them, worried and when he saw the hugging, he halted in his tracks and looked (more like ogled) Yuu from head to toes and a approving smile formed on his lips.

Yuu didn't want to be rude to the kid or that man who evidently had some connection to the said kid, but he was dead tired and not in the mood for some pranks or whatever this was.

"Um... is this child yours?" Yuu asked of the tall man who nodded, closing the distance between and stood really close, so close he could feel the cologne the man was wearing. It made his head even more fuzzy...

"Yamato, let go of him. The good man is tired and he looks like he'll drop dead any moment."

Kid let go very unwillingly and sniffled. "But... mister is just like Mom..."

The man placated the kid. "Look closer, Yamato. He is not your mother."

The kid turned with tears in eyes. "I know that!" Before Yuu could stop the kid (why did that urge to stop the kid came over him so suddenly?), he ran away towards the exit.

Mysterious man shook head several times, then he proceeded to help pick up Yuu's ingredients. Yuu blankly stared at him. "There you go. I am sorry that Yamato bothered you. He's in a rebellious age and he misses his mother. I am sorry for the trouble." He bowed and Yuu came back to his senses. It wasn't the man's fault, heck not even that kid's, Yamato's.

"It's okay. But shouldn't you go after him?"

He looked over the shelves, all the way to the entrance. "He's standing outside, but you're right. I shall bid you farewell."

He left and Yuu took a moment to identify this feeling when that kid called him "Mom." He chuckled. A mom, him. He was acting like a mother hen with Chiaki, but that was for a different reason. But this...

Yuu sniffed his coat. Does he really smell like that kid's mother? What happened to her that the kid got them mixed up? He resembles his mother so much? Again, he chuckled. What is he thinking about? It's none of his business. That child and... father or uncle or whatever were none of his business, so why get curious about them.

The freelance artist waited for the tall man to make his purchase and only then he went to pay for his purchase. He paid and looked around the street if the two were in the vicinity. They weren't.

Thank the god, Yuu thought and carried on to the subway, where he bought ticket and the train arrived soon.

On the train, he remembered he forgot something to buy.

His pineapple tea! No!

Devastated, he slumped on the seat. His only way to make it through the hellish week with that dreadful mangaka. That tea can only be purchased in that area. Now he must wait another day to buy it.

;:;:;:

Six days later, Yuu received a call from another mangaka, asking for his help. Being a freelance artist had its perks. He got ready and went to sensei's place.

That was when Yuu met him again. That indescribable, mystery man with that constant smile plastered on his face. He introduced himself properly. Mino Kanade, that was his name… Yuu didn't like him (how he stared at him) and when sensei made them work together on the same pages… and their hands touched, he felt something strange, like electricity connected through their skin.

Also, how he followed him everywhere (more like latched on him!) it was creepy, eerily creepy as that guy asked him out even. Yuu remembered that event in convenience store all too well and it somewhat distracted him from Chiaki, momentarily. That was five months ago, when Chiaki turned him down for good.

After Yuu turned that freak down, he stopped stalking him. Since then, nothing.

He didn't know that something would change his fate forever. He carried on with usual daily life, unaware of office conversation in Marukawa Publishing.

XxX

Mino was trying to be patient with Yanase, but all had its limits, most of all his patience and his wounded heart. It's the first time after the divorce he wanted to be with someone and Yanase is in the same business, which makes things easier.

My first time falling in love with a man. Maybe I should get advice from my colleagues and Hatori most of all, seeing he has some history with Yanase, was Mino's reasoning.

With that in mind, he approached Hatori who came back very late at night, just when he was about to leave and get home to his son.

Hatori wasn't perceiving him, he walked by to his desk and collapsed. Mino knew that look.

"Love problems?" He accosted carefully and Hatori grunted. "Say that again."

"I don't want to add more to the fire, but can you help me with a certain…. person?"

That got Hatori's attention and he straightened his back, looking at his co – worker and friend. "Who are we talking about?"

"Yanase Yuu."

Hatori snorted upon hearing his name. "What's this about?"

"I know that you, your author and Yanase have some… history. You told me back then when you needed to vent and I listened in. But… a week ago, I met him in person and something sparked in me. I can't describe it yet, but… I think it's love. I've been thinking about him since then. Even Yamato, my son was captivated by him, calling Yanase his mother. He does look like my deceased sister, but only the hair color is the same… and the kindness in his eyes is identical. Then we met at my author's place where we stayed for an all – nighter to finish the inking on pages. Four days ago, I asked him on a date and he… turned me down."

Hatori's brows furrowed. That punk must still be in love with Chiaki and Mino loves Yanase. This turned into a quadruple, not love triangle. Then again, maybe not. It's a crazy idea that came into mind.

"Mino, you might not know, but we've a little challenge going in office."

"Yes, I noticed that you four leave all the time lately with long periods and come back even more exhausted than before you went off. What is that challenge about?"

Hatori shook head, like he was annoyed just thinking about it. "Yoshikawa Chiharu, you know he's a man, right?" A curt nod from Mino, followed by Hatori's speech. "Well, I've been dating him. Lately things haven't been going well and Yoshino challenged me to a dodge ball match with a bet. That is not all. Takano was challenged by Onodera, then Kisa challenged his lover. Other three men were challenged in the same fashion, too. If Yoshino's team wins, they get a month free from sex."

Mino snorted and it broke out into a cacophony of cackling. "Interesting game. And what's your team's reward for winning?"

Hatori very uncharacteristically smirked, leaning over and whispering in Mino's ear.

Mino's eyes widened. That is so interesting. He can't miss out this opportunity! "When is the match due?"

"This Saturday. We've been training like crazy and working as usual. I don't know about others, but I'm so tired, I don't know if I can keep this up until Saturday." Seeing Hatori's circles underneath his eyes, Mino thought he was sleep deprived.

They can't stay like this. "Can I ask for a more personal favor with Yanase, Hatori?"

"Ugh… yes, why not?"

"Can you call up everybody and I mean everybody. The challengers and the ones being challenged. I'd like to try something and add some… personal stipulation, if possible."

Hatori knew it would come to this if he told Mino about the match. The more the merrier, right?

"Your case is certainly special, so I don't think anyone will mind, maybe Yanase will. What we don't do for love, right?"

Mino found himself smiling as when Hatori sent out mass emails and called his lover for a special favor regarding Yanase. Tricking him into coming won't be easy, but he'll come.

XxX

It was 2 am. in the morning as they all gathered in the Marukawa parking lot, behind the building.

It was nearly empty, only two cars were parked in. Hatori and Mino waited for the first ones to arrive. They arrived in pairs, curious to know the nature of this meeting, no doubt.

Mino got acquainted with others he didn't know. Kisa's lover, Yukina, the professor Miyagi and his lover Takatsuki. Then the famous author Usami –sensei and his lover Takahashi. And at last, the doctor Kusama and professor Kamijou. Then, came Yoshikawa – Hatori's lover in tow with Yanase, who as soon soon as he saw Hatori, clenched his fists and turned, but the author stopped him.

"Yuu, I don't know what's the meaning of this gathering, either!"

Yanase turned and when he saw Mino, his blood froze.

What is that man doing here with all these people? Why did Chiaki bring him here?!

XxX

Mino braced himself for what he planned to do. Half the gentlemen who have gathered, he only got to know them now. And he already chose a side. It will also help Yanase resolve the past conflicts. He kills two birds with one stone with this.

The men stood in a loose circle, glancing from one another, while Yanase avoided all the glances aimed at him.

Mino inhaled deeply, approaching the freelance artist, index finger pointed at him. The look on Yanase's face was utter amazement and confusion, mixed in one.

What's coming will knock his breath of him then, Mino thought, menacingly pointing as he proclaimed: "I hereby challenge you to a match in dodge ball, Yanase Yuu! And you can't decline!"

Yanase's reaction was to expected. "Whaaat?! I don't have time for this bullshit! I'm leaving…"

He turned on heels, when Mino caught his wrist. "You're not leaving before accepting. You see all the good men here? They are undergoing the same challenge. However, since you have rejected my advances, I can't take on their side of bets."

Yanase forced himself free of the editor's grasp, feeling all the eyes on him and Mino.

"What are you babbling about?!"

That's when Chiaki inserted himself into the exchange. "Yuu, it's… kinda embarrassing…. We made a bet with… our lovers…"

Yanase was seriously getting pissed off for even listening to this nonsense. Why was he still here? Because Mino stopped him with his iron grip? No, that's not it…

"If my team wins, we…. have a month free from sexual… pursues."

When Chiaki said it, Yanase turned a bit red in the face. And he noticed that some of them got also redder. He shook head in denial. He didn't want to think about Chiaki and that bastard Hatori in the same bed. No, he didn't. Another thought popped up, him and Mino… he slapped himself mentally for even going there. He barely knew him, why think of him?!

"I must apologize for my selfish request, but I'd like a different prize. I want to date Yanase for a month if we win."

That exclamation left everyone breathless, some even gasped.

"I fell in love with you, Yanase and I won't accept defeat without even trying. Accept the challenge and state your prize."

All gazes expectantly switched to Yuu, who thought about it. Seeing as Mino went so far to get involved in this charade, there is no way he will stop. If he declines, the stalking of his will get even more intense.

Fine, he wants him to enter, he will!

Yuu strutted towards Mino, who eyed him for a reaction. Yuu grabbed him by the coat's collar, yanking him down to his level, glaring deadly serious into his eyes. "I accept your fucking challenge, you happy now!"

Mino didn't retort back, as he wasn't counting on him becoming so aggressive. Got him aggravated, that's good. He'll take the challenge seriously and will think about him.

Mino touched his hands and Yuu retreated, taking a step back, coming back to his senses. He just agreed, didn't he? Aaagh, he's gone stupid. That was a provocation and he fell for it, took the anchor, hook and sinker! How distasteful.

"That's all good, so state your prize."

Yuu looked at Chiaki, as if he wanted some mental support, but Chiaki had a supportive smile to offer him. If there is no backing out now (Yuu was a man of his word), he'll make sure it's the last time they'll meet.

"If my team wins, I want you to stop pursuing me. Forever."

Mino knew this would be Yanase's stipulation and he was prepared for it. "I am alright with that, Yanase. Then, since I am the challenger, I shall take my chances with the rest of challengers."

That statement dropped everyone's jaws. Mino loved how everyone expected him to be on the team with the challenged. It is a logical supposition, but where is the fun in that, right?

"I'm more than okay with that, Mino –san, but I don't know about others…" Onodera spoke and Mino looked at his to-be team mates, who each had a doubtful expression to a different degree. The professor Kamijou approached him, studying his figure. "Hmm… alright! We'll be taking you, gladly! Nobody is opposed to Mino joining?"

He asked (as the impromptu leader and coach in one) and the others shared looks. Misaki was being skeptical about this giant of 6'0 feet tall on their team, but the challenge was so heart – throbbing, it got him right in the heart. "If you really want to win, you picked the right team, then." Misaki said, earning some not so much amused half glares from the semes.

Kisa didn't think much about it. He knew Mino for years and he's reliable at work, so… he must be good at dodge ball. He had yet to find something at which Mino wasn't good at. He smiled and gave thumbs up to his colleague. "Welcome aboard, Mino!"

Shinobu wasn't as easily convinced than others, since this man was complete stranger, but he saw his past self in him, as he was so determined to win Yanase's heart. It's the same, like when he and Miyagi were... Seeing someone so driven on succeeding, he found himself rooting for Mino already. "I am okay with joining forces, but you better not let us down."

Chiaki didn't know much about the elusive colleague of Hatori's, but like all challengers, he's serious and that's what is most important. He joined his team mates, shaking hands with Mino. "I'll be looking forward to your play."

Mino squeezed the author's hand with enthusiasm. "I won't disappoint. I really want to win."

While the ukes (plus seme who joined them) were talking about the next training and Hiroki was enlightening Mino with the rules they set, the semes (plus a very unhappy uke) all looked very, very perplexed.

Yuu didn't like how Mino manipulated him into this. Most of all, he loathed the fact he's on the same team with that bastard, Hatori. Oh, no… this must be a nightmare. Someone, wake him up…

The semes forged a telepathic link of sort. In unison, they encircled Yanase and cut off his escape routes. "Yanase. Come with us." Hatori whispered and Yanase gaped at the much taller men and he felt like a cornered cat. Takano and Hatori nodded at once, grabbing each hold of their newest addition to team, so he won't escape.

Yuu tried to pry them off him, but with them dishing out the six on one, he had no chance of escaping. Where were they taking him?!

He called out towards Chiaki. "H- help me! They are abducting me!"

To his horror, Chiaki grinned, yelling back at the group who was set on dragging him off somewhere, with or without his approval. "You're in good hands, Yuu! Don't worry!"

Huh?! Good hands?!

Chiaki's team mates were all engaged in a conversation with the man who started this…

Mino suddenly looked straight at him as he was being dragged off god knows where and he gave him that smile that Yuu hadn't encrypted yet, and the man waved at him.

Yuu gave up on resisting, since no one would come to his rescue from the clutches of his abductors/team mates.

Probably dragging him to some super extra training or strategy meeting. These people had no restraints.

The six ignored the looks from people on the streets as they walked with Yanase, who was much shorter than them.

Yuu only hoped the meeting wouldn't take much long. He needed to absorb why this crap was happening to him.

At least, he has a consolation at home waiting for him. The delicious tea that he loved so much.

TO BE CONTINUED_

Author's Notes – I am calling the pairing Mino Kanade/Yanase Yuu Agape. Every OTP needs a name and seeing as Erotica was taken, I had do with this one. So… the surprise might not be good, but I really think it's decent, pairing and very logical, when you think about it. By the way, the name of Mino's son is canon, I read the manga yesterday for that single purpose. Thoughts, anyone?

P.S. – Yuu is a pineapple tea lover, like me.