Chapter 33: Date Night

In a small bar outside the Tokyo's busiest streets, a few men from Marukawa sat and drank in contentment. The bar was filled with some noise from the crackling jukebox, the full bar, and the two waitresses with full trays of beer. In the far corner: Takano, Benedict, Yokozawa, Ritsu, Hatori, Shouta, and Mino drank slowly their pitcher of beer. They chatted about random topics about the company, manga and anything that interested them.

Benedict giggled and said, "what about this new homosexual bill? Any thoughts?"

"Ridiculous," Yokozawa said simply and added, "The bill proves nothing! Men get married with women, so that is enough. Why allow more marriage to add more problems in the court house…it will only evolve into more divorces any ways. Save the pity of lawyers and cancel the whole thing."

Ritsu said, "I believe all people should have that choice…" He blushed when Takano turned to him.

Takano smirked and said, "Would you marry a man?"

Ritsu snarled, "never but…it should be a choice." His red face turned purple…Takano could not help but tease.

Benedict said, "I agree with Ritsu; men and women have been able to get married for years. But the true power of a country can be shown with their changes with this bill can bring."

Yokozawa stared at Benedict and said, "How? What does allowing homosexual marriage change in Japan?"

Benedict said simply, "empathy for other kinds of people than heterosexual."

Everyone stalled as they turned to Benedict's and Yokozawa's chat. Yokozawa continued, "Homosexuals are deemed lower than standard anyways. Not many people agree with your point of view, Parjure."

"Well, you seem to." Benedict said as he smirked.

Yokozawa stiffened and said, "How so?"

Benedict said, "You like a man…so, wouldn't you like to get married?"

Yokozawa turned red quickly as he snarled, "THAT…oh, was so UNCALLED FOR!"

Everyone laughed but Takano. He knew for a fact that Yokozawa was a homosexual…not an open one, but a dear friend of his. Yokozawa helped Takano through so rough times when…Ritsu and he broke up. Sure, Takano asked for Ritsu to break up but…Ritsu was the only source of happiness for Takano for a long time. Even now, he smiled with his whole heart seeing his teenaged love beside him. Ritsu still ignored and tried to remain stiff around Takano…but he knew better. Ritsu did care and possible loved him…but he wanted confirmation. The sexual tension was tough especially when they sat beside each other. Takano stretched and landed an arm behind Ritsu's chair.

Ritsu stiffened at the intrusion of his space and snarled, "do you mind?"

Takano smirked and said, "Do you?" He leaned forward and kissed him.

Yokozawa gasped, as the others watched… They made no movement towards the kissing pair as Takano just enjoyed himself.

Ritsu, of course, was trying to resist. Takano could taste some release…he gently coaxed his mouth deeper into Ritsu's mouth and defenses. Ritsu gripped Takano's shirt and tried to resist harder…both men just wrapped their arms around each other and deepened their kiss.

Takano leaned forward as he allowed Ritsu to kiss back…he did! That made Takano's hands force Ritsu forward as Ritsu bent forward…their conjoined mouths slowly parted when Takano said, "you…are something—"

WHAM! Takano was thrown out of his seat as Ritsu snarled, "you are the worst!" Ritsu stood, red faced and stormed from the party.

Takano rubbed his face as Benedict said, "Had fun, Takano-chan?"

Yokozawa was devoid of any emotion but clear bubbling fury under his facial mask. He slowly crossed his arms and stared at Takano.

The other men just sat there and blinked in confusion.

Takano stood and said, "well, I will pay Benedict later…see ya!" He ran after Ritsu and nearly collided into Haruhiko.

Haruhiko moved out of the way in time as he said, "problem?"

Takano shook his head and ran out of the bar. He found Ritsu having a slight head start, but he chased after him.

Ritsu stopped to breath but realized Takano was after him. He shrieked and ran faster away. His voice was husky from running as he yelled, "leave…me…ALONE!"

Takano yelled, "NEVER! We need…to talk! Please!"

Ritsu spun gracefully and snarled, "Go to HELL!" He spun away and ran into the crosswalk while the crowd grew…Takano lost sight of him.

Takano chased after him as the red light turned green…Takano stalled when the car horn blared at him. He gulped as he closed his eyes—

WHAM! He was winded as he landed on the sidewalk and the driver cursed at the men. Takano sighed and said, "so you do…Benedict?"

Benedict groaned, "pay attention to the lights, asshole!" He turned to the right and said, "your little boy toy is getting away, but I have a rough idea where he is going. If you want to beat him, come with me." He stood and offered his hand to Takano.

Takano took it as a black Lincoln stopped by them. Haruhiko rolled down his window and said, "Benedict, what are you—"

Benedict snarled, "No time! We need to go to the park especially the ferris wheel."

Takano and Haruhiko said, "Why?"

Benedict rolled his eyes and said, "TRUST ME! I know where Ritsu is going…" He got into the car as Takano followed.

Haruhiko rolled his eyes and said, "this is a great first date…" He spun easily in the street as he drove to the ferris wheel. His face turned to Benedict as he said, "after this…we might not have time to go to dinner."

Benedict sighed and said, "Chill. I have packed a picnic in my car. We will have that supper later, but for helping Takano-chan…I expect a bottle of liquor for our food." He turned to Takano and smirked.

Haruhiko snickered and said, "A double date…why not."

Takano snickered and said, "hopefully Ritsu…how did you know?" He saw Ritsu entering the ferris wheel…alone.

Benedict patted his shoulders and said proudly, "I am good. No need for thanks."

Takano rolled his eyes and said, "I will get the answer later…will you two wait?"

Benedict and Haruhiko turned to each other. Haruhiko said, "We will be back. Benedict needs to get his lunch and—"

Takano took out his credit card and said, "Buy two bottles of whatever liquor you want. Be back in twenty minutes…okay?"

Benedict said, "thank you, and good luck." He took the card as Takano got out of the car and quickly went to the ferris wheel.

His timing was perfect as he jumped into…Ritsu's car. Ritsu shrieked and tried to get out, but the car rose into the air. Both men slowly sat down on opposite seats as they looked at each other. Ritsu was…crying. Takano felt his heart freeze at the sight of his ex lover's reaction, but he could not bear his own loneliness…he moved to sit beside Ritsu.

Ritsu snarled as he wiped his tears away. He moved to the other seat; Takano giggled and followed.

They slowly turned to each other as Takano wiped Ritsu's tears away. Takano said, "If you will not say it…then I will…I love you, Ritsu. I always have. That is why…I broke up with you. I was scared of myself and the powers of your love…but I never forgot you. Nor I ever will…so please. Can we try this out? I want to be your special one…"

Ritsu turned red as he growled, "you had your chance…" He gasped when Takano leaned close to Ritsu's face.

Takano said, "please…I will take this second chance better than the first…I love you."

Ritsu moaned as Takano gently kissed him. Again, Ritsu stiffened but…they turned to each other and allowed the emotions to ride on. Their mouths glided on each other as their tongues wrapped and touched each others' teeth. Ritsu moaned as Takano sighed happily and continued their tongue twisting. They twisted their bodies so they could better their kiss…Takano opened his eyes to see Ritsu's face.

Takano shivered in pleasure…Ritsu's eyes were lightly closed as his face was flushed… Takano closed his eyes again and continued to kiss him.

They were wrapped into the kiss when their car stopped. Their kiss was interrupted by Benedict saying, "Some people are hungry, you know."

Ritsu froze and shoved Takano away. He turned red as he barely spoke, "we were…nothing…it was nothing…"

Benedict smirked and rolled his eyes. He said, "Please, that was something. Common, I want some food. Also, we got some great wine and liquor. I hope the pair of you do not mind a red wine and whiskey for drinks."

Takano smirked as he stood and came out of the car. Ritsu slowly crawled out as he tried to hide his red face. Takano saw it and came out as he said, "great, but it is late…" He checked his watch as he moaned, "I guess me and Ritsu have to find a hotel later."

Ritsu snarled, "No thank you!"

Benedict snickered and said, "All of you can stay at my place for the night. But of course, I am a man that expects favors in return for my services. You will owe me, Takano-chan."

Takano went to Benedict's side and said, "I owe you plenty more…thanks."

They laughed as Haruhiko came to them. Haruhiko said, "So, where are we going?"

Takano slowly parted from Benedict, but amazingly…Haruhiko looked emotionless. Haruhiko said, "Well?"

Benedict said, "We are going to the beach."

Ritsu moaned as Takano and Haruhiko said, "It is in the middle of winter…the water is cold."

Benedict snickered and said, "so what? The beach is empty and perfect for a romantic walk…common. Come with me." He held out his hand for Haruhiko's.

Haruhiko smiled as he reached for Benedict's hand. They got closer as they looked at Ritsu and Takano.

Takano snorted and said, "Let's go then." He smirked at Ritsu, and they followed Haruhiko and Benedict to the Lincoln. Haruhiko kissed Benedict's cheek as he entered the driver side. Benedict went in the passenger side behind Haruhiko as Ritsu went beside Benedict. Takano went to the seat beside Haruhiko as they drove off.

Ritsu leaned to Benedict and said, "I thought you two were…you know…fighting?"

Benedict said loudly, "we were, but we made up."

Takano smirked at Haruhiko and said, "I bet Benedict is a handful."

Haruhiko smiled and said, "No more than he wants to be…" He smirked into the rear view mirror as Benedict flushed and smirked at Haruhiko.

Takano sighed and turned to Ritsu. He said, "So, can we call this a date or a friendly outing?"

Ritsu crossed his arms and snarled, "I will agree to this in one condition…" He turned purple as he groaned.

Takano sat up straighter and held his breath. His body just felt like it was on fire…Ritsu was finally acknowledging their love and possibly allowing their love to grow! He never felt so happy and listened to every breath that escaped Ritsu's perfect lips…

Ritsu said, "We will not have sex until I verbally say so. Deal?"

Takano smirked and said, "I will give it a week, besides…the Emerald Department knows about us. Thank you for accepting my offer to be my boyfriend." He turned away and smiled broadly. His heart was racing as he could not help but giggle under his breath.

Ritsu snarled, "LIKE IN HELL I WOULD SURRENDER TO YOU!"

Everyone in the car except Ritsu laughed heartily. Haruhiko snickered, "I am so glad you stopped me Benedict…this is way too fun."

Benedict leaned forward and kissed Haruhiko's cheek when they came to a red light. He said, "You will not get me to admit those words yet…"

Takano saw Haruhiko's face slowly flush from Benedict's touch as he smiled happily. Haruhiko turned to Benedict and said, "No…say the words when you want to…as will me."

Benedict reddened and backed away smirking. He groaned, "You are so damn embarrassing…"

Haruhiko continued forward and said, "I only speak the truth…Benedict."

Benedict sighed and said, "Damn, I will hurt you later." His face turned almost purple when Takano turned to look at him.

Takano turned back as he said, "well…we are here."

Haruhiko turned to park near the sand. The men exited the car as Benedict took out the picnic basket and thick blanket. Benedict picked a spot nearly fifteen feet away from the water as the others watched the water. Haruhiko turned to Benedict and helped him set up the plates and silverware.

They smiled at each other as Takano and Ritsu waited for them to finish their setting up. Benedict pulled a few boxes of Tupperware from his basket as he said, "common! Who is hungry?"

Takano and Ritsu sat down on the blanket. They all got their fill of cucumber sandwiches, potato salad, boiled eggs, rice with thick cheese curds, and a choice between two drinks. Ritsu and Takano had the some of the red wine as Benedict and Haruhiko took some of the whiskey.

They clicked their glasses as Takano said, "to…life and second chances."

Ritsu blushed and said, "to…good fortune."

Benedict said, "To the perfect book!"

Haruhiko said, "To a good meal and people…"

They laughed as they ate Benedict's meal. The cold weather made them shiver with the cold food, but it was good. Takano smirked and said, "Well Haruhiko, you made a good choice in a cooking partner."

Benedict flushed as Haruhiko smiled and said, "Yes…I believe so as well."

Ritsu snarled, "I can cook too, you know!"

Benedict giggled and said, "There is no need to be jealous. You can cook for the next picnic."

Ritsu moaned as the other laughed. Takano leaned close to Ritsu and said, "I will help…if you want."

Takano smirked when Ritsu turned and flushed a fresh pink on his cheeks. They smiled at each other as Takano kissed Ritsu's cheek. Ritsu shivered and said, "Maybe we should do this when it is warmer! I am…" Takano enclosed Ritsu into his embrace as he said, "better?"

Ritsu gulped hard and nodded slowly.

Benedict took a long sip of his whiskey and got up. He ran off…

Haruhiko blinked and yelled, "Where are you going?"

Benedict stopped a few meters away and screamed.

Everyone stared at him as Benedict stopped. They all followed Benedict and watched as Benedict screamed again.

Haruhiko said, "What is wrong?"

Benedict said, "There has been such a tense air between all of us. Scream it out!" He screamed again as Ritsu breathed a small scream.

Takano snickered and screamed with Benedict.

Haruhiko grimaced and said, "What does screaming do to help?"

Benedict laughed and said, "Scream and feel the power of your voice! Scream! Common Haruhiko and Ritsu! Show me your screams!"

Ritsu took a deep breath and screamed.

Takano screamed with Ritsu as Benedict and Haruhiko screamed. Their voices blend and twisted over the cold water. They slowly allowed their screaming to die down as Benedict laughed, "feel better?"

Ritsu smiled and said, "Slightly…"

Takano laughed and said, "Yeah…"

Haruhiko blinked and said, "I just feel strange for doing it…"

Benedict kissed Haruhiko's mouth fully as they embraced each other. Haruhiko rubbed Benedict's back as they moaned and smirked at each other. Benedict said, "You are too stiff. Relax and be with me…right here…right now…"

Haruhiko smiled and said, "I never been so involved with anyone…as much as I am with you…"

Benedict smirked and said, "Good…scream again."

Haruhiko backed away from Benedict and sighed. He said, "Screaming does nothing for me…"

Takano said, "Try again."

Haruhiko looked at Takano and sighed. He took a deep breath and screamed.

Everyone watched him as he slowly stopped. Haruhiko snickered and said, "I do sort of…feel better."

Benedict smirked and said, "Catch me…" He ran off as Haruhiko chased him.

Takano laughed as he said, "one minute I can figure him out…the next…I am clueless."

Ritsu nodded and said, "he is something…I sort of like him as a friend!" He blushed at his own comment as Takano hugged him. They embraced as their faces rubbed each other. Their smiles came when they looked into each other's eyes.

Takano said, "I might not be like Haruhiko…but…I will admit openly. I love you, forever and always…Ritsu."

Ritsu sighed and said, "well…I might…sort of like you…" He turned red instantly as Takano kissed his cheek.

Takano said, "Say it when you want to…my love."

Ritsu shivered as they embraced each other closely. They just held each other as Takano turned to Benedict and Haruhiko. Benedict jumped onto Haruhiko as they rolled onto the ground. Haruhiko pinned him down as they kissed…Benedict let all his barriers down as they made out on the sand.

Takano would love to do that…but he just hugged Ritsu. His heart was enjoying this moment for the lightly falling snow, the closeness of Ritsu, and his happiness…finally found and could touch Ritsu again. Sure, waiting would be a pain…but Takano could wait. He would wait a million years for this…it felt so amazing to be near Ritsu. His body, heart, soul and mind needed this…so he could only hug Ritsu close to his body as they shivered together for warmth and yearning.

Ritsu sighed and said, "can we leave soon…I am so…cold."

Takano said, "I could warm you up." Ritsu turned his head up and snarled, "I want heat! Not…your…damn you…" Their mouths reconnected as they kissed each other for a few seconds. Ritsu shoved Takano off and said, "How late is it?"

Ritsu blinked as Takano slowly checked his watch. Takano moaned and said, "It is midnight."

Both men moaned at the thought of their workload…Takano yelled, "rabbits! We need some rest before the rush! Common! Is fucking each other in public that thrilling?"

Ritsu turned purple and snarled, "you are so—"

Benedict laughed as Haruhiko glared at Takano. They parted as Benedict yelled, "yeah…we better go." They stood as they quickly packed up the mess and went back to Haruhiko's car.

Takano and Ritsu followed. They entered the car as Haruhiko started it and drove it to Benedict's apartment.

Benedict said, "we might have do this more regularly…so, when are you two free?"

Ritsu snarled, "I am not eating at a cold beach again!"

Takano snickered and said, "Not on a beach…right? Like, double dating…right?"

Benedict said, "yeah, if Ritsu does not—"

"YES!" Ritsu said quickly and finished with red cheeks.

Benedict smirked and said, "sure, why not. I do not mind company unless Haruhiko wants to fuck me."

Haruhiko stiffened and said, "Watch your tongue, Benedict."

Benedict and Takano laughed. Takano said, "So, who is on top?"

Haruhiko snarled at Takano as Benedict admitted, "Haruhiko, of course. But he does not—"

RRRRRRKKK! Haruhiko slammed on the brakes as the men were slightly rattled. Benedict laughed, Takano smirked, and Ritsu held onto the handle of the door.

Haruhiko said, "Can you refrain from telling other men about our sexual…interaction, Benedict?"

Benedict laughed harder and said, "I know your weakness now!"

Haruhiko turned to Benedict as Benedict said, "my body…you do not want anyone to know—"

Benedict's mouth was covered by Ritsu's hand as Ritsu said, "he is not the only one who does not want to hear it! Please! Refrain from yourself…besides…you two will not have sex tonight, right?"

Haruhiko turned and slowly found a parking spot for his car. He said, "I prefer not to do it when Benedict has guests."

Benedict moaned dramatically and said, "But I wanted to make some noise!"

Takano laughed, Ritsu moaned as Haruhiko turned and said, "Then you can scream."

Everyone including Haruhiko laughed. They all exited the car as they went to the entrance and into the elevator.