Tadashi was woken up by a phone ringing. He squinted one eye open, able to see sunlight shining from behind a thin, white curtain. Reality set in as he remembered where he was and how he got there. The ringing stopped and Tadashi slowly sat up and groaned, pressing the heels of his hands against his closed eyes. He sighed deeply, dropping his hands to his lap as he looked around the room.

There was no sign of Hiro. The side of the bed he assumed Hiro had slept on was neatly made and the clothes Hiro had on the floor were gone. Tadashi thought he might be somewhere else in the apartment, but then he figured if he was, he would have answered the phone.

The telephone began to ring again. Tadashi found the receiver and picked it up.

"Hello?" he mumbled.

"Good morning, sir." It sounded like the older woman he'd met at the front desk the night before.

"Oh, uh…"

"Sorry if I woke you. Hiro asked me to call and let you know he had to leave for work and won't be back for a few days."

He was called to work on such short notice? Or did Hiro know and just not think to tell him?

"He said you're welcome to stay, but please be advised that the door will lock and the alarm will be set after you leave."

"Alright, thank you. I appreciate the call."

"Of course, sir. Have a nice day."

The call ended with a click and Tadashi hung up. A calm silence fell over him as he looked around the sunlit room. It was impeccably designed with crisp whites and modern furniture, though it really didn't fit Hiro's style. He got up and walked over to the large windows, his jaw dropping in astonishment. The view of the city was simply amazing from where he was standing.

Tadashi found his clothes on the floor by the bed and knelt down to pick them up. He tugged on his jeans and draped his work shirt over his shoulder. He wandered around the large apartment, briefly looking in the rooms he passed. There were at least two other bedrooms, an office, and a space that looked like it was intended for meditation. The kitchen was equipped with dozens of brand new gadgets, though they all looked as if they had never been used.

He checked the fridge to find it practically bare. A nearly empty carton of eggs, some Chinese takeout boxes, and a few bottled waters was about the extent of Hiro's supplies. The cupboard near the fridge, however, was stocked full of expensive scotches, whiskies, rums, and numerous other hard liquors.

"Whenever I'm off, I do anything I can to clear my head. Drinking, random hookups, whatever else..."

Hiro's words echoed in his head. Tadashi had no idea what his job was or why it stressed him out, but it seemed like he prided himself on causing fear in people he didn't even know. Did Hiro even have any friends? He had only ever seen him sitting alone at the bar, not really talking to anyone. Going out to get drunk and fuck random guys whenever he wasn't working his stressful job...

What a lonely life.

Tadashi didn't feel comfortable sticking around the apartment without Hiro. He finished getting dressed and gathered his things in the foyer. The scrap piece of paper Hiro had written his address on was lying beside the front door. Tadashi picked it up and glanced at the small table in the hall. He hesitated before tearing off a blank portion of the paper, writing his number on it, and placing it on the table. Tadashi took a last look around the apartment before he left, unsure if he'd ever see it, or Hiro, again.


It had been at least three weeks since Tadashi had last seen Hiro, possibly longer. He'd picked up a few extra shifts at the bar after he hadn't heard from Hiro for a week. He told his manager that he needed the extra money, which he did. But he was more so hoping to run into Hiro if he came back to the bar.

Ten minutes until two in the morning, the bar was getting ready to close. Tadashi was at the sink in the back, spacing out as he scrubbed, dried, and put away the remaining dirty glassware. The manager walked through the double doors to the back of house, gesturing to the front with his thumb.

"Hey, the last group left," he said. "Could you-"

The bell over the front door jingled, prompting the manager to groan.

"I got it," Tadashi said, grabbing a towel to dry his hands as he walked out front. "I'm sorry, but we're getting ready to close."

"That's a shame."

Tadashi furrowed his brows, placing the towel on a random table as he walked further into the entrance's light.

"Hiro!" Tadashi gasped. The exclamation was happy at first, but his smile soon disappeared as he saw more of Hiro.

His right arm was in a sling that was also bandaged to his chest. His jacket was draped on his shoulders and he was slumped over, looking like he didn't have much energy to stand. Regardless of how he looked, Hiro's smile was still as innocent as ever.

"You should see the other guy," Hiro joked.

"What happ-"

"You busy later?"


"He has strict instructions to remain on bedrest for the remainder of the week, so I've unlocked his door for you."

Tadashi thanked the front desk employee and turned to board the elevator. Approaching the apartment door, he gave a few soft knocks before slowly opening it.

"Hey, it's me," Tadashi called out.

"Come on in."

Tadashi closed the front door, removed his shoes, and dropped his knapsack on the floor. He heard some faint music and followed it back to the bedroom. Tadashi saw Hiro sitting up in his bed, staring out the window at the city lights. He cleared his throat, smiling sweetly when Hiro turned to look at him.

"How's it going, Busboy?" Hiro asked with a playful smirk.

"I think I should be asking you that." Tadashi walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, leaning his elbows on his knees and gazing at Hiro with concerned eyes.

"I'm fine," Hiro said, using his good hand to point at his bandaged shoulder. "Just a minor… bullet wound."

"Bullet wound?!" Tadashi exclaimed.

"Only a minor one."

"How the hell did- is there even such a thing as a minor bullet wound?"

"Apparently," Hiro replied. He strained to reach for his glass of whiskey. "Do you mind?"

"I don't think you should be drinking in your condition…"

"You sound like the doctor," Hiro chuckled. "He didn't want me to leave the hospital for another two weeks."

"So why did you?" Tadashi asked.

"I can't be out of commission for that long," Hiro explained. "Besides, I wanted to see you."

Tadashi's cheeks flushed a light pink, clearing his throat in an attempt to hide his smile.

"Uh, well, you could've called instead…"

"I've been in France, so I didn't see your number until I got back from seeing you at the bar," Hiro said.

"Wait, so… you went straight to the bar after leaving the airport?"

Hiro smiled sincerely, eyes gleaming ever so slightly as he nodded.

"Seems as if you've gotten under my skin, Tadashi," Hiro spoke softly, dropping his gaze to his lap. Hiro opened his mouth to continue, but was ultimately left speechless after Tadashi pulled him into a hug.

Hiro gradually began to relax, letting his eyes slip closed as he leaned into the warm embrace.

"I was worried," Tadashi mumbled. He pulled away, a hand lingering on his uninjured shoulder. Hiro eventually opened his eyes, a few tears spilling down his cheeks.

"Hiro…" He sat back as Hiro looked away as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"You were worried?" Hiro muttered, glancing up at Tadashi.

"Of course," Tadashi assured. "I didn't even know you were leaving. Then you're gone for weeks, I don't see or hear from you… and you come back like this."

Hiro lowered his gaze guiltily. After a few moments of silence, he muttered, "No one's ever worried about me…"

Tadashi felt his heart ache as he looked at Hiro. He didn't know Hiro that well, if he even knew him at all. Hell, he'd only ever seen Hiro act cocky and intimidating. But Tadashi was beginning to understand how much of a front Hiro put up, and it was disheartening.

Hiro finally lifted his head, reaching to successfully pick up his drink. He took a sip before placing it back on the side table, turning to glance at Tadashi.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" Hiro asked. Tadashi glanced around nervously and Hiro chuckled as he said, "Don't worry, I won't do anything. Well, more like I can't do anything."

"Um," Tadashi hesitated. "I… guess I could, yes. I'll stay."

Hiro smiled, reaching to hold one of Tadashi's hands and squeezing it gently. "Thank you…"


Tadashi groaned as a ray of sunlight shone directly on his face, giving him no choice but to wake up. He squinted against the light, letting his eyes adjust before glancing around the room. The television was showing the menu of the DVD they had put in the night before, though it was muted now. Tadashi moved to sit up, but stopped when he realized Hiro was nuzzled against him.

Hiro was lying on his back, his good arm tucked against his chest while his forehead rested against Tadashi's neck. He looked to be sleeping soundly, his breathing soft and steady. Tadashi gently brushed aside a few stray hairs that had fallen over Hiro's eyes. He couldn't help but smile warmly and he lay back against his pillow, closing his eyes and relaxing as he listened to Hiro's breathing.

Tadashi was on the verge of falling back to sleep when Hiro suddenly sat up with a gasp, followed by a sharp cry of pain as he clutched his injured shoulder.

"Fuck…" Hiro exhaled, panting heavily with his eyes clenched shut.

"You okay?" Tadashi asked as he sat up. "What happened?"

Hiro shook his head. "Nightmare," he muttered, his breathing starting to calm down. His hand slowly began to relax and he finally let it drop to his lap, releasing a long breath before he opened his eyes. He glanced to Tadashi, who was looking at him with a concerned face. "I'm fine."

Tadashi was unconvinced, but let it slide for the moment. "Do you need anything?"

"Scotch," Hiro replied, sounding absolutely serious in his request.

"It's seven thirty in the morning."

Hiro grabbed the collar of Tadashi's undershirt, yanking him close.

"Then I need you."

Hiro forcefully claimed Tadashi's lips, clinging to his shirt. Tadashi's eyes grew wide as he barely managed to pull away.

"Hiro, what-"

"Please," Hiro begged, tears stinging the corners of his eyes. He pressed light kisses along Tadashi's neck and jawline. "Please…"

Hiro's pleads and desperate touches made up Tadashi's mind for him.

Tadashi threw off the blankets and pinned Hiro beneath him, leaning down to kiss him roughly. Hiro moaned and arched his back as best as he could without disturbing his shoulder. Tadashi placed a hand against Hiro's chest to force him back against the mattress. He trailed his hand down Hiro's torso, yanking his boxers down to his knees with one forceful tug.

"T-Tadashi…"

Tadashi gripped Hiro's cock firmly and thumbed the head. He broke their kiss in time to see Hiro shut his eyes, his body shuddering in pleasure. Tadashi released his grip on Hiro, bringing his hand up to coat three fingers in saliva. Hiro opened his eyes in time to see Tadashi's hand disappear between his legs.

"Ah, ah!" Hiro gasped as Tadashi circled his entrance with a cool, slick finger. Tadashi slowly pushed his finger inside, feeing himself get hard as he heard Hiro's gentle gasps. He added a second finger, alternating between scissoring and thrusting in and out. Tadashi groaned when he noticed Hiro's erotic expression, biting his lip as he added a third finger.

"Hnn, ah…" Hiro's cock twitched as his prostate was teased by Tadashi. His good hand had a death grip on the sheets as sweat began to bead under his hairline. "Tadashi, I need you…"

Tadashi removed Hiro's boxers completely and pulled his own down to free his erection. He gave his palm a quick lick and ran the slickness across his cock, pressing the head against Hiro's entrance.

Hiro glanced up to lock eyes with Tadashi, a light pink tinting his cheeks as he panted. "Tadashi…"

"Hiro," Tadashi muttered huskily. He cupped Hiro's cheek and smiled. "You've gotten under my skin, too…"

Hiro tugged Tadashi down by his shirt, kissing him passionately. Tadashi thrust the rest of the way inside Hiro, grinning against his lips as he heard him moan. He would slowly pull out and slide back in a few times before thrusting in quick and hard. Hiro broke their kiss to gasp each time before moaning and reclaiming Tadashi's lips fiercely.

Tadashi wrapped his fingers around Hiro's cock, rubbing and fisting in time with his thrusts. It didn't take long for Hiro to fall back against the bed and arch his back, crying out as he came hard against his stomach.

Tadashi slowed his thrusts to a more sensual pace, laying his body carefully against Hiro's and kissing underneath his jaw. Hiro panted against Tadashi's ear, slipping his tongue out to gently lick his earlobe.

"I want your come inside me, Tadashi," Hiro whispered. "Come for me…"

Tadashi moaned against Hiro's neck, thrusting a few more times before he started to come. He gripped the sheets until his knuckles turned white, riding out his orgasm until the last of his energy left him.

Tadashi wanted to collapse against Hiro, but quickly remembered his injury and fell on the bed beside him instead, panting heavily. Hiro kissed Tadashi's sweaty forehead, smiling when Tadashi looked up at him.

"It's a shame you're not gay," Hiro said with a playful smirk. "I could get used to that."

"Yeah?" Tadashi grinned. He slid his hand to the back of Hiro's head, pulling him close enough to give a gentle kiss. He stared into Hiro's dark eyes. "I think you could convince me."