Disclaimer. I don't own Sekaiichi Hatsukoi.

Warnings: slight OOC-ness

Prompt #19: Lost

-.-.-

He really, truly, did not want to be here.

Onodera had ended up being dragged with Takano-san to see fireworks as the new year started. Takano-san was just looking for an excuse to pull some sort of trick on him. Tradition my ass, he thought, grumbling as he recalled the memory.

"Why are you here?" Onodera asked tensely, the way he almost always got around Takano-san.

Takano-san took a drag on his cigarette, blowing the smoke away to the side. "It's New Year's Eve, and they're having fireworks downtown. We're going to start a tradition. And you're coming with me." Takano-san's last statement clearly said "I'm not going to take no for an answer."

Why bother? his mind whispered, you know you're going to end up going with him anyways...No, he mentally shook his head, he wasn't! He wasn't going to let Takano-san sweep him away with his amber eyes and tall figure and- oh God, did he really just think that? "I'm sorry," Onodera fumbled with his words, "I'm...busy."

"With what?"

"S-stuff," he waved his hand, "you know, the u-usual?"

"Sorry, I don't," Takano-san deadpanned. And with that, he tugged Onodera out from behind his door, dragging him away.

"Stop! Takano-san!" he wailed. "I'm not dressed properly!"

"Ah." His boss cocked his eyebrow. "So you want to dress nicely? Didn't know you put that much thought in your clothes."

Onodera huffed in annoyance, muttering quietly, "I didn't either." Then, louder, "Well, it's going to be cold and-"
"Oh, right, I keep forgetting you get cold easily. Well, you better get to it. The firework show's starting soon." Takano-san let him go back to his apartment, although he continuously reminded Onodera that he was still there.

The memory dissipated as the first firework shot up. As it boomed, releasing bright colors, the crowd "ooohed" and "aahhed." It was pretty, Onodera couldn't help but think. Fireworks were pretty amazing, and perfect for a lively event - especially for New Year's.

The people around him seemed to compact and move closer together, shifting him away from Takano-san. He swore under his breath as he looked around. "I'm lost," he said aloud, cringing at the fact that he, a grown, adult man, could actually be lost. Onodera had never been good with directions anyways. Especially at night.

"Darn it, gotta find Takano-san," he mumbled, checking his pockets to find his phone. They came up empty. Oh no. No, no, no. Checking them again, he patted them once, twice, three times before doing a fourth check. "No!" Onodera wailed. He had lost his phone. It was probably lying somewhere on the ground in the dark where he had been standing previously. Onodera winced at the high chance that his phone was going to end up crushed beneath some stranger's unsuspecting foot.

A hand touched his shoulder and he choked, spinning around.

"Be more careful next time!" Takano-san said angrily. "You even dropped your phone! How would I have reached you?!"

"I'm sorry! The crowd just shifted and-" Suddenly he became aware of just how many people were eavesdropping on their conversation.

A girl off to the side giggled to her friend. "Someone's having a couple's fight," she sang delightedly.

"Seriously," her friend whispered, loud enough for both Takano-san and Onodera to hear. "The seme should just be glad that he found him!"

"Jeeze, you're always on the uke's side," the other girl whined. "The uke should just be happy he got his phone back," her voice slipped into a higher tone with each word, "and that his seme was there to save him!" Both of them squealed.

Onodera was reeling from their conversation, blanching at the words "uke," and "seme." What the hell was that, anyways? It was as if they have been talking like Takano-san and him were an...item. Immediately, his mind rejected that thought. They were definitely, absolutely, not anything of the sort.

A warm hand slipped into his and the side conversations he was vaguely aware of slipped away. "Don't want to lose you again." Takano-san said simply when Onodera had given him a questioning look. He complied, letting their hands intertwine, even squeezing a little, because he could see the hidden message in Takano-san's words.

Despite his bad navigational skills, they had managed to watch the fireworks, cheering with everyone as the show ended with the flag of Japan. And when the countdown ended, right at zero, Takano-san tugged him in for a kiss - the cliche, movie kiss at midnight. But Onodera really didn't care. Because Takano-san was right there with him, his warmth keeping away the cold, chilly air. And faintly, as they kissed, he thought back on the words Takano-san said to him earlier - their hidden meaning.

I want to spend New Year's with you. Can't you see that? I want to spend a least one time when you aren't fighting me. When you aren't complaining. So please, it's New Year's Eve. A time for change.

Author's Notes:

1) Somewhat inspired by that one manga chapter where Takano and Onodera see fireworks. And Onodera gets lost. Don't say this is plagiarism because it's not.

2) A great, giant, enormous hug to masterb2 for being my wonderful beta reader/editor! Hugs!

3) Sorry for the lack of updates! Dx I'll try to get them up more often (with NaNo done, I think I'll be able to manage). Anyways, happy holidays, everyone! Christmas special, or no? Seems like our fandom hasn't gotten into the holiday spirit! We should change that, ne?

Thank you for reading! All the alerts and favorites (and reviews, can't forget them!) I'm also very thankful for! Reviews are lovely. 10 alerts now guys! Even though it's a small number, I still feel honored. :)

-Eraser Bitz