In honor of the wonderful Scriverane, I am changing it so that regions are not all of the way across Japan, but only in Tokyo. It's not that different, so I don't think that you will be confused, but if you are even the slightest bit, tell me and I will be MORE than happy to clear up any confusion.

Just so you know, because I think some people are confused, the peace meetings take place in the Region Three headquarters because it is in the center of Tokyo.

Chapter Six

It didn't take Akihiko long to get over the border into Region Three. There were guards posted as usual, but they all knew and liked him.

After a short conversation with the men, Akihiko took off straight to the Takahashi's apartment. He remembered right where it was. It was located in a rather downtrodden neighborhood just to the east of the Region Three headquarters. Like most things constructed in Tokyo, the exterior was reinforced with metal.

It made him sad to see the place where Misaki lived. The building was gray, cold, and unassuming. He doubted the boy liked it. Misaki deserved to live in a place of color and warmth, a place that made him feel good inside. He could give Misaki that place; he wanted to give it to him.

These thoughts shocked him. He had never before felt such a strong connection to someone; not even Takahiro had aroused these feelings. Never before had he wanted another person's head on his pillows. Never before had he wanted someone else sleeping between his sheets. Never before had he wanted to wake up in the morning to see another's sleeping form next to him. The intensity of it all scared him.

Before Akihiko could continue his fantasy, Takahiro opened the door.

"Ah, Usagi-san!" He motioned for him to come inside. "Thanks for coming."

"Of course." He reached out to give Takahiro a hug. When he easily let go, he realized that Takahiro's touch didn't send tingles down his spine like it used to. A week ago he would have extended the hug just to prolong the contact, but now… Takahiro's embrace just didn't have the same effect.

"I know that Misaki is excited to see you," Takahiro continued, leading him into the kitchen. "He's been in his room all day. No doubt he's waiting for you."

"Waiting? You think?"

Takahiro nodded. "Yeah, he gets so red whenever I mention you. It's so cute." He opened a cupboard and took out a cup. "Would you like some tea?"

"Thanks, but I'm fine. I should go talk to Misaki." Should? No, more like want, or need to talk to him.

Takahiro chuckled and apologized for keeping him.

Akihiko bowed slightly and left the kitchen. He remembered exactly where Misaki's room was. The apartment was small: the ceilings were low and the walkways were narrow. The enclosed spaces weren't to his tastes, but it was clean and comfortable, completely unlike his own penthouse loft.

The door was ajar. He knocked slightly.

"Misaki?"

When there was no answer, he pushed slightly and peeked inside. The boy was asleep on the bed, curled over on his side.

He kneeled next to the bed and rested his chin on the sheets. How adorable, Akihiko thought.

Misaki's mouth was parted slightly. Drool dripped out the corner of his lips, creating a wet spot on his pillow.

"Misaki," he breathed. He didn't really want to wake him; he just wanted to feel the name on his lips.

The boy groaned softly and reached out his arm. Akihiko kissed one of his outstretched fingers. It was warm and soft under his lips.

He wanted more. His body ached with the need to touch the boy. Just touch him, get their bodies in contact with one another. It didn't need to be sexual, just warm and close.

The bed was small, but it would fit them both. He walked over to the foot of the bed and crawled on. The sheets were soft as his legs and palms slid over the fabric.

Soon, his body was aligned parallel with Misak.

"Miasaki," he whispered again. The boy didn't budge.

Only one pillow fit on the small bed. Akihiko dropped down onto the part of it that wasn't covered by Misaki's head. Like this, with the boy's back touching Akihiko's chest, it was almost like they were lovers, spooned in unbreakable embrace. To further his fantasy, he brought his arm around Misaki's waist, pulling the boy closer.

Their whole bodies were touching now. Akihiko felt a warmth and calmness overcome him, a sensation he hadn't felt in a long time. He didn't want to ever let go.

Misaki stirred as he tried to stretch out of his arms. Akihiko just held him tighter, restricting the boy's movements. The sleeping boy relaxed after a moment.

It smelled so good there, like freshness and Misaki's own special scent mixed together. He nuzzled his face into the neck in front of him, then took another deep breath and let it melt into his lungs.

The smell was more concentrated in his hair. Akihiko dug his nose into the brown locks, trying to get closer. It wasn't enough; he still wanted more.

The pressure of their bodies lying next to each other coupled with the scent in his nose aroused Akihiko. He could feel the blood flowing hot and heavy between his legs. He pressed it against the boy's butt.

"Misaki…" His lips moved over the neck in front of him. It was soft. He did it again.

The next time he was more daring. As he closed his mouth over Misaki's skin, he let his lips slide slowly, poking his tongue out to allow himself a small taste. Of course, it wasn't enough, it could never be enough, but for now it would do.

The wet lips on his neck tickled Misaki. He raised his arm to rub the area, but halfway up he froze. Opening his eyes, he saw a large arm wrapped over his chest.

Instinctively he rolled over, trying to get away. There wasn't much room left on the bed, and he fell onto the ground with a thud.

Akihiko jumped up to a kneeling position, staring down over the edge of the bed.

"Misaki, shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you fall."

The boy was sprawled out on the floor, eyes clenched. Akihiko stood and held out a hand.

Misaki didn't reach out to take it. He just lay still, trying not to move.

There was a pounding coming down the hallway before the door burst open.

"Misaki!" Takahiro widened his eyes. He rushed over and hoisted the boy up under his arms. He set him down gently on the bed. "Are you okay? What happened?"

Akihiko took a step forward. "He fell."

Takahiro rubbed his brother's shoulder. "You need to be more careful."

Misaki lowered his eyes, ashamed. "No, I didn't fall, exactly. I just… I was sleeping… And then something was in my bed, it was holding me back." He rubbed his head. "Maybe it was my imagination. I don't know. Something just startled me, I guess. I'm sorry."

Takahiro looked to Akihiko. "Did you see anything?"

He played innocent. "No, I was just sitting in that chair waiting for him to wake up. Suddenly he yelped and fell out of bed."

"Misaki," Takahiro whispered, looking back at his brother, "You need to be more careful. You could hurt yourself." He smoothed back Misaki's hair and spoke lower. "Did you have a dream?"

Misaki shook his head. "No. I'm sorry, Nii-chan. I just… I'm sorry." He looked down at the carpet.

Takahiro kissed his brother's forehead. "Don't worry. It's okay." He stood up and smiled, clearing the tense atmosphere. "I made tea. You guys can have some if you want."

He led them out to the kitchen, where a small pot was steaming on the stove.

"I have to go out for a few hours." He picked up a bag sitting beside the microwave. "I have some business to take care of"—he turned to Akihiko— "but you are welcome to stay however long you wish."

He bowed slightly and then left. Once he was gone, the air was thick and awkward.

Misaki coughed. "Would you like some tea?"

Akihiko smiled brightly, trying to ease the boy. "Yes, thank you very much."

Hearing the man's voice sent shivers down Misaki's spine. It was as if the words went through his ears and directly down into the chest. There was a wild pulsing inside of him as his heart fluttered.

He avoided Akihiko's eyes as he walked over to a cabinet. He reached inside and pulled out two cups.

Red covered his face. This was so embarrassing. "Sorry, but I haven't done the dishes yet today." He set them down on the counter. "They don't match." He made sure to give Akihiko the unchipped one.

"Don't worry about it, Misaki."

He looked up into the man's eyes. Too late he realized his mistake. Bursting purple irises stared directly at him. It made his heart race and his palms sweat. The man had beautiful eyes.

Trying not to stare, he quickly turned around and picked up the teapot. Steam wafted upwards as he poured.

"Do you know why your brother wanted me to come?"

Misaki shook his head.

"He thinks that you have been troubled lately."

The boy forced his head up. "I'm not troubled." Why did his voice sound so unsure?

"He says that your grades are dropping and that you've been acting up."

"Oh." Misaki chewed his lips. He didn't mean to make his brother worry.

"He doesn't think he's been enough of a parent figure towards you."

Misaki put down his cup. "That's not true."

"Maybe not. I think you're perfect just the way you are." Misaki blushed. "But he thinks that I'll be a good influence on you."

"I'm not a child."

Akihiko looked him up and down. No, Misaki definitely wasn't a child. He wanted the boy with such passion that he could imagine it now… Them in bed together. Surely, it would be greater than anything he had felt before. He licked his lips. "Trust me. I know."

There was such smoldering heat in his words that Misaki had to look up. The man's eyes were burning with heat. It made him weak in the knees.

He coughed. "A few minutes ago… Was it you?" Misaki took a sip of tea.

"Was what me?"

Misaki couldn't breathe. "You know, in bed…"

"Was I in bed with you? Yes. Why? You want to go back there?" Akihiko smirked.

Misaki's hair stood on end. "No, no," he waved his hands in front of him, trying to create a barrier between them. "I'm perfectly fine in here." He took a step back and stared at the tile, grinding his teeth.

As much as it bothered him, he had to admit, a small part of him wanted to take Usagi-san up on his offer. He wanted to go back to his room. Wanted to be covered by the man's heat and strength.

He stopped those thoughts in their tracks. Men didn't do that stuff to other men.

"Maybe you should leave." Misaki forced the words out of his lips.

"Takahiro wanted us to spend time together."

There was a long silence as both men thought of what to say.

Akihiko spoke first. "If you want, you can come to my place."

Misaki looked up, surprised. "I don't know. I don't think Nii-chan would want me leaving."

"He wouldn't mind. He trusts me."

"But—"

"It's decided then." Akihiko interrupted. "Grab your coat. It's cold outside."

Misaki frowned but did as he was told. Nii-chan really couldn't be angry. It wasn't as if he was doing anything wrong. Yet, he still felt like he shouldn't leave their region. They didn't go into "enemy territory" very often, and when they did Takahiro kept a close eye on him.

But if Usagi-san was with him, then it'd be safe. Usagi-san wouldn't let anything happen to him.

It had snowed the night before, leaving the ground covered in a white blanket. It looked like it would be soft, but it crunched under his boots. The cold seeped through the soles, freezing his toes. He really should get new winter boots; they were just so damn expensive for something you wear only a few months out of the year.

He looked up at the sound of Usagi-san clearing his throat.

"My apartment is near the edge of the border. It's not too far away, maybe only another fifteen minutes."

"Oh," Misaki replied quietly. He tried to imagine the place where Akihiko lived. He bet it was big and nice looking. Probably had a nice heating system too.

The wind suddenly gusted harder. It bit into his skin, sucking the warmth from his body. He shivered.

Akihiko stopped walking. "You're cold."

Misaki smiled. "I'm fine." No need to make him worry.

"You mean that you're cold."

"Really, Usagi-san, I'm fine." Misaki waved him off and began to walk again.

Akihiko quickly caught up to him. He draped his arm over the boy.

Feeling the weight on his shoulders, Misaki stiffened.

"I was going to give you my jacket, but you wouldn't have taken it. My arm can keep you warm instead."

Misaki looked down and blushed. He thought about pulling away and yelling something about his personal bubble, but he didn't. Usagi-san's arm felt nice wrapped around his shoulder. It was warm and heavy. Comforting. He decided that he liked it there.

I'm messed up. I'm a total pervert.

But hey, at least we can all be perverts together.

If you have any suggestions, please give me ideas. I feel writers block coming on, so give me something to work with. Unless, of course, you want more fluff/sexy times. Which is good too, but I'm just worried about crossing the M rating.