Thank you to those of you who have reviewed! It means so much to me that you took the time to tell me what you think! I am pathetic and after I post a chapter I literally check my email every half hour.

Chapter Three

Usami entered through the metal gates of the Region Three headquarters. As he looked around, he dangled a cigarette between his lips. Nothing had changed since the last time he'd been here: same drab décor and cheap furniture. Yet, for how dingy everything looked, the atmosphere, like always, was quite homey. Sweet and delectable aromas wafted from an open door, everything was clean and relaxed (much unlike Usami's own room), and the couch was well-used, not shabby. Everything was so different than his own Region Four, and Usami wished he lived in such a comfortable place.

Takahiro's region was often used for the weekly meetings because his headquarters were were located in the center of Tokyo. It was also the center of all of the fighting. He often wished he lived on the outskirts of the country or on one of the smaller islands. They weren't involved in the war. It was safer there.

"Ah, Takahiro," Usami called, catching the man's eyes.

"Usagi-san! Welcome!"

The relationship between the two men was awkward at best. They were supposed to be enemies on opposing sides of war, supposed to dislike each other, but they considered themselves to be friends.

The leaders of every region had been assembling every week for over a year now. During that time, Takahiro and Akihiko had become quite close. After every meeting adjourned, they would get together and talk— not about war and peace, but about their lives and the people in it.

Akihiko had family issues that consisted of an estranged brother and father. He tried to avoid them, but they kept on showing up at the oddest places. This annoyed Akihiko, as he wanted nothing to do with them, but Takahiro believed that the man was lucky to have family who cared for him. "Care for me?" Akihiko had scoffed, "No, they don't care for me. They just want to screw my life up and take what is mine." Takahiro laughed his words off, but he was secretly hurt. He would consider himself lucky to have parents, even if they were annoying at times.

Takahiro always raved about his "adorable" and "cute" little brother. The man was absolutely obsessed with him! It was always Misaki this and Misaki that! How could he not realize that Akihiko didn't give a damn about his brother? Akihiko didn't even know what this Misaki boy looked like, so why would he care about his latest "cutest thing"?

Akihiko was selfish though; he wanted Takahiro all for himself. The man was tall and lean, with a think mop of dark hair. He imagined his body often, every inch of his flesh. But alas, Takahiro was straight as an arrow. Akihiko believed that he could convince him to play for the other team, but as long as he was fixated on his pesky little brat, that wasn't going to happen. The stupid boy took all of his attention, and Akihiko hated him for it.

The meeting transpired as usual. Every region stated their peace objectives, they argued, and then they split up without resolving anything. Akihiko, as usual, didn't contribute anything to the conversation. He was only there because he was a leader of Region Four and because he was able to stare at Takahiro.

He watched him the whole time. Arguments went on all around him, but he was oblivious as he watched Takahiro try to be polite and hospitable while others yelled and ranted. Region Three was, unfortunately, the poorest region by far (a result from the massive bombing and raids they endured), so they were often the scapegoat for most of Tokyo's problems.

Takahiro knew that his region was poor, but he never seemed to mind. Of course, like in every region, there were a few wealthy families, but in general their area was poor. He and his brother had substantially less money than just about everyone else he knew. Every other family had a mother or a father to contribute financially, but Takahiro didn't have an older figure to care for him. He wouldn't allow his younger brother to get a job, so all monetary burdens were on him. Yet another reason why Akihiko didn't like this Misaki boy…

After the meeting was over, Takahiro and Akihiko took their usual spot by the fireplace. It was warm and the blankets on the chairs were soft. Not for the first time that night, Akihiko found himself wishing he was with the boy from last night. He wanted him sitting in his lap so that he could play with his silky brown hair and touch his smooth body. Takahiro, as usual, talked and talked about Misaki, and as usual, Akihiko ignored his ramblings. Instead, he thought about the nameless boy he ran across.

"I love Misaki so much…"

I wonder what they boy is doing right now…

"He is trying so hard in school. Why just the last week he did the cutest thing…"

I wonder if he even remembers me…

"I get worried about him. I think that the lack of parents in his life is hurting him…"

He was so small, so adorable…Of course he remembers me!

"Last night he snuck out."

Akihiko snapped to attention, his eyes sharp. "What did you say?"

"I know, I was shocked too," Takahiro sighed, "It's so unlike him. He's normally such a good boy. I'd say that this is his rebellious stage, but it's a little late for that."

"Just how old is he?"

"Eighteen, but he's always been—"

"EIGHTEEN!" Akihiko threw down his hands and gawked. "Takahiro, by the way you talk about the boy I thought that he was nine or something."

He widened his eyes. "No, no, I've told you before how old he is. I thought you knew."

"Oh," Akihiko looked away. He really should learn how to listen. "I don't remember that."

"Well, anyways, he just hasn't been himself recently. He has been distant lately and now last night…" Takahiro rested his head in his hand and closed his eyes. "I'm afraid that I was too harsh with him. I yelled a lot. It was the most I've raised my voice at him since our parent's death."

"Takahiro, don't worry." Akihiko reached out to pat his shoulder. He was never good at consolidation.

Takahiro groaned and shook his head. "I'm just worried about him. He's all I have left."

Akihiko sat there, unsure of what to do. He doubted that Takahiro's Misaki was the same boy he met last night. But he had to know for sure.

"Do you want me to go talk to him?"

Takahiro's eyes poked over his fingertips. "Would you?"

Perfect.

Three short knocks sounded on Misaki's closed door.

"What?" He grumbled.

"It's me," Takahiro said, dejected by his brother's angry tone.

Misaki threw his pillow at a wall. "For the last time: I'm sorry I snuck out. I won't do it again."

Takahiro tried to open the door. It was locked. "I'm not here to yell at you. I just want to talk."

He waited for Misaki to come out, but there was no movement or noise.

"Please, Misaki, I brought someone to talk to you."

Still nothing.

"He's really nice. You'll like him."

After a moment, he heard a soft click as Misaki unlocked the door and then opened it.

Akihiko stared at the boy in front of him.

Eh I feel like this chapter was very boring and uneventful. I am aware that this chapter is short; however, I got my wisdom teeth removed a few days ago, and unfortunately developed TWO (!) dry sockets. I didn't do anything I wasn't supposed to do, yet somehow I still got them. I wrote this because I couldn't sleep in my pain, so please forgive any mistakes. I assume there will be many things spelled wrong as I am high on painkillers that aren't working, so please tell me whatever is bad or confusing. Now that I have finished writing, I am going to go curl up in a ball and cry. Thank you!