Ritsu leaned against the inside of his door, twisting his hands together in an attempt to stop their shaking. Takano had been stirring as he'd left, and Ritsu had barely escaped. If Takano had looked at him, had asked him even once to stay after last night, Ritsu knew all his resolve would have crumbled and they would have been in the same place as before, or worse, after the admissions he'd made. It was the right thing to do. He knew that, had known it for a long time. He didn't really feel hungry, so he skipped breakfast, showered quickly and left for the office, hoping to get ahead of Takano and avoid getting stuck on the same train.

At work, Ritsu found himself looking up at every sound, not sure how today would go. Finally, late in the morning, Takano arrived, looking cool and composed, with an expression that was so like the one he wore habitually in high school, before Ritsu ever spoke to him, Ritsu felt chills.

"I'm sorry for being so hard on all of you yesterday," Takano apologizing? "I was distracted by a personal matter, but that situation has been settled now. Let's get to work." He didn't look at Ritsu even once.

"Aah!" said Kisa a little while later, "Ri-chan, isn't it great to know someone like Takano-san has things get to him sometimes, too? I feel like there might be hope for me."

"Ah. Yeah." Ritsu didn't look away from his computer screen. When he realized that might have been just a little rude, he added, "I guess everyone has things like that sometimes."

"I know, but still, Takano-san. I wonder what happened." Kisa whispered.

Ritsu shrugged.

As the day went by, Ritsu noticed that while Takano didn't treat him any differently in regards to work, he also didn't lean in close to check on projects or find excuses for the two of them to be alone. In fact, he hardly looked directly at Ritsu at all if he could avoid it, it seemed.

Takano had taken him seriously, it appeared. That should be relieving, right? Why did his stomach feel so strange? That same hollow lightness from yesterday evening was blossoming in his chest, but it wasn't nearly so pleasant as he'd first thought it to be.

Misaki hissed as he managed to slash another papercut into his finger. The cycle was coming to a close, and he'd found himself with all of the detailed cut and paste work from the other editors. It wasn't the most glamorous part of the job, but it was nice to have something he was good at. He'd been going full bore trying to stuff down his irritation at Usagi, who hadn't come to bed last night at all.

Time to get a drink in the break room. Misaki was glad to be out of Emerald for a few moments-the atmosphere in there was decidedly weird today, and he didn't think it was just his own mood. He was sipping a soda when Aikawa approached him, "Misaki-kun," She said with the warmth she characteristically showed him, "I've hardly seen you since you started working so close! It feels strange. Are you free to join me for dinner tonight?"

"Ah-" Misaki hesitated. "I usually try to make sure Akihiko eats something good in the evening. When I'm not there during the day I think he lives on cigarettes and coffee."

Aikawa put a gentle hand on his upper arm. "I'm sure he can fend for himself for one night. I did mention to him that I was planning to ask you."

"What did he say?" Misaki asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh." Aikawa chuckled. "He agreed to it more or less, though you know he'd prefer to have you all to himself."

The way Usagi had been this week, he sort of doubted it, but Misaki found himself blushing anyway. Aikawa knew more than anyone else about the true nature of his relationship with Usagi. There was always a risk that she might try to get him to divulge which of his bunny's perverted pennings were taken from experience. Even so, these inquiries were always lighthearted, and Misaki never felt that Aikawa confused the fictional Misaki with the real one. He would probably never admit it, but he actually found it quite comforting to have at least one person in the world who fully supported their relationship, even if that support included occasional fangirling. "Alright, then, Aikawa-san." Misaki had said. "Let's get together after work."

They made their plans, and he texted Usagi to let him know he'd be out for the evening. In truth, Misaki was grateful for the invitation. Evenings in the condo were a bit lonely when Akihiko was so busy with work.

Misaki pushed the elevator button impatiently and hoped he hadn't kept Aikawa-san waiting too long. He'd stayed a few minutes after he'd finished his tasks to tidy up the Emerald office. He'd noticed Hatori-san watching him with a strange smile while he did so. He didn't quite know what that was about, but he got the sense that the senior editor appreciated neatness.

She was seated in one of the lobby chairs, long legs crossed with her head leaned back against the wall and her eyes closed. "Aikawa-san?" He called gently. "I hope I haven't inconvenienced you."

"Not at all, Misaki-kun," she smiled, "I hardly ever get the chance to just rest for a few moments."

Misaki politely held the door for the woman and then her his arm to support her as she walked on her spindly high heels the way that Usagi often did. Doubtless, Aikawa could manage quite well on her own, but she giggled closed her small hand around Misaki's elbow anyway. "Misaki, you've grown into quite the young gentleman." She smiled. In yet another one of the high-end, well fitted suits Usagi had foisted on him, he hoped he looked just a bit dashing. He thought maybe he did, even if the heels made Aikawa a little taller than him and he felt rather awkward being so close to her.

Aikawa sighed happily as she sipped her cocktail, she'd convinced Misaki to join her in trying some of the specialty drinks offered by the bar. She ate out with her authors far more than anyone else, and as a business woman, she didn't dare indulge in anything frilly for fear that she might not be taken seriously. It was wonderful to be out with a friend for a change. The drinks were fruity and delicious, not to mention beautiful. Misaki clearly enjoyed his as well.

"How are you finding Emerald, Misaki-kun?" She asked mildly.

"It's really fun!" Misaki answered brightly, "I mean, I don't know that much yet, but I like working with the authors and helping to put together the manuscripts."

"Kisa-san mentioned you've been picking up everything really fast."

"I thought it would be hard to know what to do with romance stories, but I guess I absorbed something from all your work with Usagi-san. It's really thanks to that I'm handling most things okay."

Aikawa felt charmed by Misaki's modesty and his earnest eyes. "And what do you think of your coworkers?"

"I really like them, everyone has been helping me out, and they are all so handsome." Aikawa giggled at this. Apparently there was enough liquor in the drink to go to Misaki's head or he doubtless wouldn't say such a thing.

"They are! Especially Mino-san." She giggled again. Clearly Misaki wasn't the only one feeling the effects of alcohol. "His smile does things to me."

"He does smile a lot." Misaki said, "but I always kind of feel like he's up to something."

"Exactly." Aikawa nodded emphatically feeling a wicked smile stretching her cheeks. "Keep an eye out for me, Misaki, and let me know if I'm wasting my time. I don't need to be pining after another gay man."

Oops. Misaki buried his face in his hands, and Aikawa could see the bright red tip of one blushing ear peeking out from his dark hair. He was muttering something not quite intelligible that might have been "damned fujoshi."

Then he looked up sheepishly and leaned forward. "Actually," Misaki whispered, "Aikawa-san, I don't want to start thinking the way you and Usagi do, but I think Kisa-san actually might be . . . "

"Oh, yes, I think that's quite clear. He wouldn't say anything outright of course, but he's not even trying in the slightest to fool anyone." Aikawa leaned forward conspiratorially, "Actually, have you seen the guy who runs the shojo manga section over at Marimo?"

Misaki nodded and blushed sweetly again. Aikawa wished she could find out exactly what thoughts about the young man prompted Misaki's fresh wave of embarrassment, but she didn't dare ask. Even, tipsy, Misaki wasn't the type to discuss such things. She didn't want him to run away. "They're definitely dating. There was a whole thing a while back when this businessman type was all over Kisa, and the bookstore guy made a pretty big scene of it. I wish I could have been there to see it!" She hoped the grin she knew she sported wasn't too maniacal.

"Hush." Misaki said fervently, "It's creepy to fangirl over real people like that."

Aikawa did her best to channel Usami with a calm, "Why? It's not hurting anyone."

"It's none of our business." Misaki insisted.

Aikawa shrugged. "It's not like I'm peeking behind closed doors or anything, it happened out in public."

They moved to other topics for a while, and Aikawa waited until they'd both finished another drink before she brought up the real reason she'd wanted to have this outing. She hoped she wasn't overstepping her bounds, but she felt she needed to support Misaki. He'd been so good for Usami.

Finally, when their conversation lulled, she broached the subject. "Actually, Misaki, I did have a particular reason for asking you here. I don't want to make things awkward or difficult for you at all, but I thought you might want to know that Takano-san was asking me-as resident queen fujoshi-I believe, if I thought Usami-sensei might ever date a man. I think he might be interested-" Misaki's look of recognition and his resigned nod stopped her short. "Did he say something to Usami already?"

Misaki shook his head. "I just kind of thought he might like Akihiko a bit. It seems maybe he had a crush on him in high school?"

"Oh." Aikawa hadn't known that. Honestly, she didn't know much about Takano's personal life. When he first came to Marukawa, she'd heard he was a real player with men and women both. Until very recently, she could have sworn there was something going on between him and Onodera, but now she suspected that must have been her fujoshi brain running wild. "I wouldn't worry, Misaki. Usami-sensei is very loyal."

Misaki knew that was true. Still, his whip smart, handsome boss had a very appealing side that made him a little nervous and, if Usagi was to be believed, he had a reputation for seducing men and women both, with no care to what prior attachments anyone might have. Of course, Usagi was worried that Takano might try to steal Misaki away from him, so he might be letting his thoughts run wild. Maybe Aikawa would know. "Aikawa-san," He all but whispered, "Usagi-san said he played around so much it caused a scandal at his last job, is that true?"

Later that night, Misaki reflected on the grave nod Aikawa had given in response. If Takano wanted to seduce Usagi, Misaki didn't know what he could do. Takano was all the things Misaki was not, good looking, well read, witty, and probably wouldn't think twice about doing any perverted thing Usagi wanted if the rumors about his promiscuity were true. Still, Misaki definitely wasn't going to give up without a fight.

He sprawled on the huge expanse of Usagi's bed and tried to convince himself he enjoyed all the extra space. Last night, Usagi hadn't come to bed at all, and it was once again very late. Was his author ever going to sleep? Maybe it would be a good idea to encourage him to rest. No. He didn't want to interrupt Usagi-san.

Misaki closed his eyes and willed his brain to sleep. Then he opened them again and counted all the objects hanging from the ceiling, thinking that probably many of them needed to be dusted. He was too tired to do that now, though. After a great deal of tossing and turning, Misaki finally crawled out of bed and trekked over to Usagi's office.

He rapped lightly on the door and was greeted with Usagi's sensual voice "Misaki? Come in."

"Usagi-san, have you slept at all?"

"A little while today. I've just had so much material to work with after I was able to talk to Onodera earlier this week. A few stiff drinks and he's almost as good as Hiroki." Misaki tried to puzzle out what that last comment meant, but decided to leave it for now.

"That's great, Usagi-san." Misaki was proud of his writer for properly doing his work. He fingered the little coupon he'd removed unnoticed from the night stand and shoved into the pocket of his pajamas that morning, wondering if Usagi deserved a bit of a reward. "The translation project is going well, then?"

"Yes . . ." Usagi quickly masked his surprise, but Misaki knew him too well to be fooled.

He leaned over the computer screen, coupon forgotten in his hand. His blood started to boil as he read the first line on the screen. "Masamune pushed the other man and-".

"Have you been writing shitty BL this whole time, Usagi-san!"

"I've been writing delightfully erotic BL, thank you very much." Usagi quipped. "I can't help it if I get inspired." Misaki was now definitely not in the mood for the disconcerting way Usagi's liquid shrug made him feel.

Suddenly, he felt very cold. Masamune—that was Takano-san's first name wasn't it? In a voice that he hoped sounded a bit less brittle that it felt he asked, "Usagi-san, is this character perhaps based off my boss?"

Usagi gave a little affirmative hum. Misaki wanted to slap the deliciously wicked smirk right off Usagi's face. Instead, he shoved him hard, trying to dislodge him from the chair.

"Miskai, what do you think you're-" Usagi broke off as he noticed the crumpled paper in Misaki's hand. "Oh, Misaki, you missed me?" He sounded entirely too pleased and Misaki still felt incredibly pissed.

"Go to bed!" Misaki yelled, still shoving.

"As you wish." Usagi licked his lips enticingly and allowed himself to be moved. When Misaki had pushed him through the door he closed and locked it immediately, sealing himself in the office.

"I have a key, you know." Usagi said, "and back-ups you can't get to."

"Go to bed." Misaki snipped. "Here I was trying to be considerate of your real work for days and you were in here messing around with this filth!"

"Filth you apparently can't wait to read." Usagi's gravelly laughter floated through the door.

Misaki felt his face burn. That was true, but not for the reason that perverted rabbit was thinking. He needed to find out if he should be worried.

"I'll just wait for you to come collect on your request then, hmm?"

"Not a chance, stupid Usagi!"

"You know, you lose just as much as I do by punishing me that way. If you were feeling lonely before, reading that isn't going to help matters any. Don't tell me you'd prefer to do it yourself again tonight?" Goddammit, how did he always know! "If you insist I suffer, you might check behind the closed doors on the bottom of the far right bookshelf for a more entertaining approach."

"Go away!" Misaki yelled, casting a wary glance at the aforementioned shelf and then turning away. He was well acquainted with the kind of things Usagi kept in plain view on his bookshelves. He didn't want any part of whatever that pervert thought deserved to stay behind closed doors.

Misaki sat down in Usagi's chair and pulled the computer close. What was the main character's name, Oda? Not Akihiko then. That was probably good. Still, the physical description of intelligent dark blue eyes and lean strength, that was definitely Takano-san. Usagi had caught every attractive detail that Misaki had intentionally shied away from noticing and dwelt on in it lush text. His heart ached with jealous irritation, and another part of him wondered if would ever again be able to look at his boss without all of these dirty thoughts running through his mind. That made him even more angry. He didn't want to feel that way about anyone, really. Usagi was kind of okay, because he was Usagi, but even so, Misaki usually tried not to entertain lewd ideas if he could help it. Now all these filthy images of his boss, of all people, were stuck in his brain.

Shitty Usagi. Everything was his fault.

When the house had been quiet for some time, Misaki ventured to his own room, unwilling to share a bed with his stupid rabbit after what he'd just read, no matter how much he'd wanted to before. Unfortunately, Usagi was right about the damned BL not helping Misaki's physical predicament at all, and he didn't dare handle it on his own. If he even slightly touched, he was sure the great Usami-sama's freakish seme powers would kick in and he'd be there to "help". Misaki's track record at resisting Usagi was bad enough. In this kind of mood, there wasn't a chance he wouldn't give in, and he was too mad to let that jerk touch him right now.

It ended up being a very long, very uncomfortable night.

Thank you so very, very much for reading. Your reviews and comments make me really happy and have been encouraging me to update quickly. Please let me know what you think of this chapter and of the story so far!