Nowaki was already at the convenience store when I got there. I could tell he was not happy. I was grumpy by then, with a red face flecked with snow and numb fingers. He took the duffle from me, even though it wasn't heavy. Nowaki liked taking care of people no matter how old they were, something I was slowly accepting.
"It's about fifteen minutes from here," I muttered.
"Hiro-san, you should get warmed up first," he said softly. He didn't touch me, but I could tell he wanted to. I shrugged and looked around uncomfortably. We were the only ones in the store and had the clerk's undivided attention. I spotted a hot drink machine and bought us two hot cocoas before Nowaki could fumble for his wallet. I declared myself warmed up and strode out of the store, knowing my lover would be at my heels.
Neither of us was in a talking mood. I was trying to think of how to avert any possible disasters idiots Nowaki and Akihiko could create. When their powers combine . . . no, I didn't want to think about it. Just thank Akihiko for the use of his spare bedroom and drag Nowaki into it before either could speak. Yes, that would work nicely. My cell rang.
"Hello?"
"Kamijou!" an all too familiar voice wailed. I tried to keep my temper as my boss whined into my ear. "The power is out at my apartment and I'm freezing to death! Let me come stay with you!"
"You'll have to find somewhere else to go; the power is out at my place, too."
"So cruel, Hiroki! We could snuggle." I winced. Miyagi's voice was loud; Nowaki had to have heard.
"No we couldn't. Goodnight, professor." I hung up on his wailing, with no small sense of satisfaction. "That felt good," I joked, trying to break the silence. Nowaki gave me a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes. I sighed, bent my head against the wind, and trudged toward Akihiko's.