A/N: Just an important note I forgot to make; Hunter Keegan is NOT an OC. He's the nameless Australian guy from Season 2 episode 8 (or just episode 20). Remember the Engrish scene? Yeah, now you know who he is~

Junjou Flame

The new semester had begun before I realized it.

I no longer had the demon Kamijou as my professor, but I would still see him at Shinobu's. Yet every so often he'd pull me aside when I'd least expect it while walking in the hallway with my friends and mutter the same few words to me.

"You didn't tell anyone, right?"

And I'd always answer no, which was the truth, but I was afraid of what would happen if I said yes.

Takahiro and Usami were still pulling through together in the meantime. They still had their stressed out moments since that "Haruhiko" guy persisted to send Takahiro numerous gifts. It got so bad that at one point he and Usami had a war between buying my brother glorious mountains of shit he didn't need. At one point I think the closet full of stuffed bears was about to meet its match along with the separate rooms for Usami's other useless toys- like his mini Great Wall of China set.

I would complain about it. My brother would ignore me, claiming that I was overreacting and then say something to Usami once the situation was to get worse. Usami after that would rage about how Takahiro doesn't love him despite the fact that he already has since the night they were engaged. They go back and forth for a while. Words are tossed. Wrists grabbed. Backs against the wall. More angst.

And then the happy couple would make up.

At night.

The cycle wouldn't be complete without me losing hours of sleep, of course.

As for Shinobu, he and I remained friends. It was easier talking to him than I had judged earlier when it came to anything- life, family, video games. I could run my mouth around him like it was nobody's business and he was there to listen.

But the one thing that bothered me was that Shinobu still refused to show much emotion. Maybe it was because I was the only happy-go-lucky kid of the pair laughing at my own lameness and I made myself look even more stupid. Maybe it was because of whatever reason that he still wasn't happy, yet he seemed content with "just being friends".

Or at least, I hoped he was.

And after a day of classes, I was busy doing chores.

A basket of laundry smacked against the floor and I started out by taking the clothes and putting them on the loveseat as I felt it was a simpler task to sort them this way when I did that.

Once I took out everything, I noticed something catch my eye that sat at the bottom of the basket. Curiously, I took a closer look at it.

Act 2

Part 1

All that Glitters isn't Gold

Just like that they collided, practically meshed together as one, running their hands through the other's hair frantically as they kissed with greatly hinted desperation until one of them decided to go further than that by drawing a hand from down back to the front.

"M-Misaki!" he cried out in surprise as the older's boy's hand swiftly ran along and tugged on his swollen shaft. "W-what are you do-doing? We can't do it here"-

"Do what?" Misaki asked innocently as he raised his lips to the boy's, engulfing him in a warm and passionate kiss. "You mean that?"

The boy gasped and nodded in embarrassment under Misaki's touch. He was laid back against the wooden table for support and his legs were spread apart.

"I-if you really want it then, I'll g-give it to you," he stammered, lifting up his shirt to reveal a pale and thin physique, "But j-just so you know, it's my f-first time. Be g-gentle, okay?"

"Oh, I don't know. Try saying it with confidence. Make me believe what you're saying," Misaki said seductively.

Shinobu blushed a furious shade of pink and looked away shyly. "Do I have to have to? It's s-so embarrassing!"

"Well, I guess if I'm not needed, I'll just leave you alone," he smirked, gently squeezing and stroking the exposed manhood.

"N-no! Please! Enough of the teasing, just f-fuck me already!"

"Oh, you want me then? I can take care of that," Misaki said, pecking him on the lips once more as he inserted a finger into the boy's entrance, spreading it wide. Shinobu shivered from the sensation.

"Ah-ah! I-it hurts, Misaki!" he whined. Misaki kissed his forehead sweetly, probing in another digit inward as another high cry echoed into the nearly empty library.

"Don't worry, Shinobu," Misaki whispered, "You'll start to like it soon." And the couple-

"USAMI!" I screeched, trembling so much that the book fell out of my hands. The stupid rabbit came rushing down the hall after hearing me scream.

"What? What is it now?" he asked, annoyed.

"J-ju-what the hell was-whatisthisIdon'teven…" I fell onto the floor, not even feeling the pain in my knees as I did so, trying to ease the violent frustration morphing inside.

"If you're not telling me, then I'm going back to work to finish a manuscript. I don't have time to deal with you," said Usami.

"But you have time to make stuff like this!" I picked up the novel by its corner showing a dreamy cover with two flashy men near in height hovered over each other with a bunch of frilly flowers in the background, adding in obnoxious sparkles that made the intention of this thing more obvious than it had been. What really pissed me off about the cover was that one man was a brunette hunched over a honey blond. I was sure that was anything but a coincidence.

"Oh. You saw it." It wouldn't have been a surprise if I was foaming at the mouth when he spoke of it in such a dismissive way-as if it meant absolutely nothing that his perversions (once again) crossed a major border and were selling like hot cakes.

"YEAH. I SAW IT. WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?"

"Misaki, calm down. You're so loud," Usami growled.

"YOU WROTE A PORNO ABOUT ME AND SHINOBU. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO CALM DOWN?" Usami was able to keep a straight, almost responsive mocking poker face to my yelling.

"So what? I told you ages ago that I always make sure to write a note that characters in this book are completely fictional." He looked over the page I had read that fell onto the floor. "And the least you could have done was read a little further. You missed the best part."

"That's not the point!" I strained, "It's the fact that you used my name in the first place along with Shinobu's! You're freaking sick! My God this is worse than when you wrote about your self-insert with nii-chan!"

"And look at what happened there," Usami mused.

"Don't remind me!" I groaned. Usami laughed and ruffled my hair like I was eight years old again.

"Think of it as a 'peek into the future' if you will," he suggested with a smirk. I sucked in my breath, attempting not to self combust at the vulgar thoughts entering my mind.

"Firstly I am not gay! Secondly, Shinobu and I are just friends. Thirdly, I don't act like whatever character you gave my name to! I'm not the 'semi' or terminology you and Aikawa use nor is Shinobu the 'ukelele'."

"'Seme' and 'uke'," Usami corrected.

"Whatever! It's still really fucking weird. Fourthly, I am not gay!" Usami stood in thought for a moment.

"You're right. Maybe I should have switched the roles."

"Are you even listening to me?" I yelled, "I-repeat- am not gay!" Usami yawned like an uninterested and lazy cat.

"Mhm. Keep telling yourself that." I suddenly remembered the rest of the clothes in disorganized piles on the couch and began to fold them. The rabbit observed me as I slowly filled the laundry basket. "At least admit it. You have been spending an awful lot of time with him lately," he noted.

"Uh-huh," I mumbled absent mindedly, folding a large shirt.

It was undeniable that he and I had been hanging together whenever we could. Sometimes we included Sumi along with, starting the day before, Hunter although it was a little awkward being around him since he and Shinobu would speak English back and forth and I wouldn't understand what they were saying. And it made me feel more ashamed that I hadn't done well in English class.

We'd walk around town and eat out. Then we would go back to his place or mine-unless Sumi was with us. Usami still held a grudge against him for whatever stupid reason so he wasn't allowed inside.

"You're getting pretty close to him." That was also true.

I had learned a lot about Shinobu these past few months. I probably knew him even more than Senpai did and could read his thoughts clearer than before we became friends. Shinobu more than likely could say the same to me.

"He seems to have taken a liking to you, if you know what I mean."

The reason why all this started in the first place was because Shinobu flat out said he was in love with me. Sometimes he would still confess his feelings out of nowhere and with no starry eyed look or gentle embrace. Rather it was a serious and dead-pan stare sitting a few feet away from me that freaked me out more than the random confession itself.

"You're… just seeing things," I said, gripping the fabric tightly in my hands, "He's a friend. Just because we talk and stuff doesn't mean it's romance or something like that. It's all in that perverted head of yours-and that BL piece of garbage."

"Oh? What do you call your relationship then? Is it really just friendship?" asked Usami with a snicker.

"Well fine then. If you don't call it 'friendship', then how about 'bromance'?."

"You can't spell 'bromance' without 'romance."

"Shut up."

He laughed as my cheeks flushed and I squirmed a foot or so away from him, finishing the laundry in a rushed panic as I didn't even care about the sloppiness of the folding.

"At least try to fold the clothes correctly. Concentrate."

"Usami, you don't even know how to fold laundry! And I can't exactly concentrate when you're standing there watching me. It's annoying," I growled.

"What? Am I in your personal bubble or something?" Usami asked innocently, "Maybe it's because you wish I were someone else? Shinobu perhaps? After all, he is a good looking fellow"-

"If you like Shinobu so much, why don't you go out with him instead of my brother?" I snapped.

"Touchy, aren't we? Lucky for you, he's not my type," Usami shrugged, "I'm more attracted to sweet-hearted air-heads." As if I already didn't figure out that important bit.

"Yeah, and apparently so is this 'Haruhiko' guy." My mouth closed. It happened so suddenly that I didn't even have time to shut it in the first place. Right then and there I knew I had picked the wrong time to say anything all caused by my annoyance.

Because in an instant, even without looking, I could sense that the man had turned stone-statue expression of a deer in headlights within a second. I was afraid to accidentally move my head towards his direction, curious whether or not his reaction played true in my mind. Never had I been so scared of him throughout all the times I heard his arguments with Takahiro and how grouchy he was in the morning.

"What did you say?" He took slight pauses between each word. The saliva in my mouth grew heavier with each nervous swallow. There was no turning back now. Usami heard it. He knew I had found out a portion of his personal business and bullshitting him at this moment would do no good.

I coughed. "Well…uh… there's this guy that sends presents to Takahiro…"

"Look at me when I'm speaking to you," Usami spoke curtly.

"Right! M-my apologies!" And I looked him right in the eyes-another mistake on my part I realized after feeling emotionally and mentally drained. "Well… of course I throw them out. I also hang up whenever he calls," I said carefully. Usami brought a hand to his mouth and covered it, trembling a little.

"That bastard…" he mumbled.

"Um… Usami," I spoke with more caution, "May I ask who this guy is? It's just that he's obviously creeping after Takahiro, who mind you is my brother, and I remember he is an Usami as well"-

"So what? There are other Usamis out there! It's not exactly a rare surname," he interrupted. Then I was starting to get more pissed off than earlier. I knew exactly what was going on, so why did he bother on trying to hide whatever secret there was from me?

"Yeah but he also has a lot of money too. I can tell because the both of you carelessly spend it."

"There are a lot of people that spend what they can't afford. Your argument is invalid." Of course I wouldn't give in to him.

"Is he your brother? Or some kind of a relative? How about that?"

"Stop asking questions already. Kids like you shouldn't even be involved in an adult's situation." Usami took the porno book with him as he stormed back to his office. "And by the way, I have no brother!"

Of course I would have shouted after him that I never mentioned anything about a brother, but it was best to leave him alone. My mouth had been blabbering all day and the last thing the man needed to do was have an ulcer or take in enough nicotine to smoke out the stress as I could tell he was trying to whenever I would happen to pass by his office continuing to sweep and clean while smelling cigarettes in the air.

I don't recall seeing him for the rest of the day after that either. He didn't even bother to eat dinner with Takahiro and me, who had to open Usami's door and send the food to him. My brother did question me if anything happened, but I denied it right away. It was an obvious lie, but I didn't care. I felt like putting off making amends at the moment.

"You know, Misaki," Takahiro said to me, chop sticks toying with a lone strip of meat sitting on his dish, "Usami is a very insecure person."

"Could have fooled me," I shrugged, already taking my plate to the sink. "Are you going to finish that?"

"No, take it, Misaki. I'm not hungry anymore." I took his dish, emptied the sole content into the garbage and began to scrub it clean. "But there's something I have to tell you. Promise me that you're not going to say a word about this to Usagi. I figured you should know this because it was quite obvious and I'm sure you've had questions."

I placed the clean plate in the sink, and then faced towards Takahiro. "Sure, what is it?"

"Usagi does have a brother. Well, technically they're half brothers. His name is Haruhiko Usami."

"I knew that part," I admitted.

"Was it really that easy to tell?"

"The man leaves his name in presents and phone calls. It doesn't sound like he's going to stop either for a while," I said. Takahiro sighed and for the first time, I could see visible dark circles under his eyes.

"I'm not sure how much longer I can last. Between the battle of 'who can buy the most strawberries' or whatever with work and keeping Usagi under control is draining my energy majorly," he confessed.

"So why don't you just get a restraining order?"

"It's not that simple, Misaki," said Takahiro, "Usagi and I are going to be married soon. That means he's going to be part of the family and just… it doesn't feel right to shut him out."

"Well, it's either your marriage or dealing with a guy you don't even know well." Takahiro left it that. The chances of him speaking to me about this again seemed to be a one in a lifetime deal at the moment.

I had no classes the next day, but I was still outside of Mistushashi. It became sort of a habit previous from last semester that even if Shinobu or I didn't have classes and one of us did, we would wait until our classes are finished and walk each other home.

Not to say that I wouldn't have done the same for Senpai, of course, but him being banned under the watch of Usami made things more difficult. While Takahiro was against Usami's "insecurities" when it came to Sumi, the whole thing with Usami and his brother had to make him change tactics. I was no longer allowed near Sumi in exchange of there being less of a reason for Usami to have a breakdown. It's not like I could lie easily when alone around Senpai if Takahiro called me and wanted to know where I was. I'm a terrible liar. Proof? Attempting to get Shinobu off my back by telling him Aikawa was my girlfriend (and I'm not sure if she realized that either).

So there I was, waiting. Shuffling footsteps approached me and I turned.

Then I slumped a little in disappointment. But he smiled at me, making that sunny blond hair of his even brighter than it was the day before.

"[Hey] Misaki!" he greeted me. I blushed, already frustrated and tried to think of how to greet him in English.

"Hunter, hi!" He looked at me, astonished as if me remembering his name was a miracle and draws closer.

"[Are you waiting for Shinobu?]"

All I did was nod my head slowly. He smiled.

"[Do you know when he'll be here?]"

I shook my head indifferently, and then he slapped his hand on my back a few times.

"[Something wrong, mate? You look like a man itching to see his lover!]" Hunter then started to laugh and I had no choice but to laugh along with him, somehow able to stay in game of pretending to understand him since it seemed he didn't know I couldn't speak English.

"Misaki! Hunter!" Shinobu called from the entrance, shoulder bag swinging with him as he ran over to us. "Sorry I took so long. The professor held us back for a bit." He glanced at Hunter. "[Did your class go well today?]"

"[Yes! It was really interesting! I'm already liking it here better than back at home]," he says excitedly. It really makes me wish I knew what the hell they were talking about.

"[That's good. I'm glad you're getting along well]" Hunter struck a pose, straightening up and pointed to his chest proudly.

"[And why wouldn't I? Sure my Japanese isn't that up to par yet, but just leave it to me! I'll be fine]" They began to walk and all I could do was follow them.

"[So where are we going today?]" I could hear the question mark at the end of Shinobu's sentence, and he looked at me too. A string of curses ran through my mind. So I shrugged my shoulders.

"[Well we went to my place yesterday]," Shinobu said, thoughtfully, "[And you just moved in. So I'm sure your dorm's a mess right now.]" Hunter put a hand behind his head.

"[Yeah, what can I say? I can't recall the last time I cleaned a window so well that I could see my face in it clear as day.]" Shinobu smirked devilishly.

"[And it probably broke right?]" Hunter burst out laughing whole-heartedly.

"[Man I forgot you can be such a wise ass.]" He began to go his own way. "[Anyway I better get going.]" Shinobu put both hands on his hips.

"[Eh? You're leaving us already?]"

"[Mom's being a tight ass. She wants me to have everything 'all nice and organized' and take a picture of my room when it's all done so she can see it.] Bye [now]! [Good to see you], Misaki!"

I sighed in relief at an angle where Shinobu couldn't see as he shouted after him. "[Just stuff it all in your closet already! You've got enough room! That's what you were gonna do anyways!]" Hunter just chuckled again and waved Shinobu away, who was also giggling a little. To be honest it fooled me for a second that he might just be normal.

"You alright, Misaki?" Shinobu asked suddenly. I blinked.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Just that you hardly say anything around him. It's a little strange, that's all. Thankfully he doesn't notice a thing." Which he truly doesn't, but I still was hoping it wouldn't be long before I could understand him.

"Sorry. It's not him." It was sort of a lie, but there was something else on my mind. "I know we went there yesterday, but is it okay to go back to your apartment again? Home's not really where I wanna be right now."

Shinobu stared at me with concern. "Is it more about that Haruhiko guy again?" I nodded.

"Uh-huh. I'll tell you more about it later."

What we saw on the door when Shinobu and I got back to his apartment was a sign on the door.

Shinobu-chin,

Hiroki and I are going to be in a meeting. We won't be home until after 8, so I'm afraid you'll have to eat alone.

Miyagi

P.S. Please do me a favor and heat yourself some ramen. Don't let my nightmares of you burning down this place come true.

"Oh well," Shinobu muttered, opening the door with his key. "I think there's some cabbage left over…"

"Ah, Shinobu how about I make dinner tonight?" I asked quickly, trying to prevent my eyes from totally bugging out. "It's been a while since I cooked."

"It's my home. You're the guest," he insisted.

"Right…" Meanwhile, an angel in Heaven must have been rolling on the floor laughing. "What was I thinking?"

We spent the next half hour or so watching The Kan on TV. Shinobu was sitting boredly on the couch and I next to him, eyes glued to the screen as if it were going to grow legs and run away.

"Why do you even like this stuff?" Shinobu questioned, "It's so… flashy and hyperactive. I'm surprised you don't need glasses."

"Hey, come on. The Kan is awesome! Don't diss it! Just because you're into boring things it doesn't mean this isn't amazing!" I said in defense. Shinobu shook his head and hid his eagerness for the credits to roll.

"I don't like 'boring things'," Shinobu spoke monotone.

"Oh yeah? Prove it!"

"I like you."

Sucking in my breath, I tried to hide my face from Shinobu who didn't even seem to notice.

It was weird. Every time he said that I felt more uncomfortable. I mean, who wouldn't be? It was uncalled for and creepy and-just what the hell is that? Yet I wasn't repulsed like before we became friends. I wasn't attracted either. In a sense, it sounded more like I was "accepting" of it or whatever. Because what was I supposed to do? Usami and his porno vs. my actual brain had two totally different ideas of this friendship or bromance.

…Unless I didn't want to admit having not thought about it. Then I shook my head furiously, trying to erase that image.

He was staring at me then, his eyes clear of any emotion until nearing closer to me. Our hands brushed against each other, but I don't think he meant to do that. The momentary sensation of his skin startled me.

"Uh…Shinobu?"

"Tell me what happened," he demanded, "Seeing you this way makes me feel... upset." I tilted my head to the side until I figured out what he was referring to.

"Oh, the Haruhiko thing? It turns out he's Usami's brother-half brother to be exact."

"Usami told you that himself?"

"Ha, no," I sighed, "Takahiro did… After Usami and I got into a fight over it because I opened my big mouth. And just… things between us-everyone in the house, I think- have been terrible lately. Not that Usami and I ever got on the right foot in the first place, but you get what I mean."

"It's not like they're gonna break up," said Shinobu.

"No, of course not. I haven't seen Takahiro this crazy about someone. That Manami chick he was planning on proposing to doesn't even compare to Usami. It's just really hectic right now. My brother has never been this stressed and it's really worrying me. I'm not sure what's gonna happen," I said.

His arms wrapped around me into a light embrace. I flinched at first, mainly because he pressed his cheek against my messy hair. Hesitantly I did the same with his upper chest. We stayed like this for a while.

I couldn't recall the last time I felt truly tranquil around someone. If I allowed myself to, there was a good chance I could've been lulled to sleep so suddenly. Yet a month ago this never would have even happened. And I wasn't sure when this happened, but my hands were itching to grab his and then-

"I should make dinner." My senses came together and I instantly jumped away from him.

"…Yeah. You should."

Shinobu got up from the couch and I began to follow him.

"Do you at least want any help?" I offered.

"No thanks. Just sit back and relax," Shinobu dismissed me, dragging out one of the refrigerator drawers with a full selection of cabbage to choose from.

There I was, laying on the couch wondering what exactly just happened. I think the angel laughing their ass off from before had another trick up a sleeve if not a camera.

A/N: Ugh terribly late chapter is terribly late! I'm so sorry! At least this is the longest one I've written.

Well, now that exams are finally over along with my terrible writer's block, I can actually get down to writing more. Don't worry; this story isn't going down without a fight! And to make up for all the time lost, I'm going to try updating every Monday. …Okay that probably isn't going to work, but bear with me because I will try!