Hey everyone! thanks for all the Reviews. :3 sorry it took so long but here's the next chapter of the story. Things are gonna start getting a lot more interesting with Dante from here on out. I hope you all love the chapter and please review! Thank you.

Ritsu Onodera had taken Tanakos hand, and followed his lead around the busy streets of the city. They had made their way around other couples lingering about, the occasional street salesman trying to con someone into buying something was either stolen, or possibly broken trying to earn a fast buck where ever they possibly could. The beams from the sun was slightly shinning down on the duo it was actually surprising how clear and beautiful the day was surely it was going to remain that way - hopefully. Last night was all rainy and storm like so it had that fresh, crisp scent lingering in the air. Onodera had stopped for a fraction of a second to really inhale deeply. He loved the sent that was in the air after a fresh storm had passed.

"I love that smell."

"Onodera keep up or your going to get lost."

"Y-Yes."

Takano wasn't going to admit it but he had taken a small pause long enough for Onodera to catch up to him before continuing to make his way down the sidewalk. Onodera couldn't help but feel a wee bit uneasy around his boss especially when they weren't in the work environment. His hands gently began to mess with the ends of his shirt even as they swerved around the every day obstacles, he wasn't expecting Takano to stop so suddenly. Onodera wasn't paying him to much attention rather his mind happened to be on where this date could possibly be, why Takano wanted him to go so badly, why he wouldn't let Onodera get out of it and much more when he lightly ran into Takanos strong back. The sheer movement had forced Onodera back a few steps and a blush to cross his face at the exact same moment.

"Oh - sorry Takano."

"It's all right Onodera. We're here."

"Uh, Where's here .. exactly?"

The young editor shifted his body standing up onto his tip-toes so that he was barely able to peer his eyes over his boss's shoulder. He looked at the stretch of empty lot - well usually it was. However, this week it happened to be filled with different stands which shocked Onodera he hadn't heard about any sort of fair or anything new in town.

"W-What is this Takano?"

A slow smirk spread along the raven haired devil's lips. He was pretty confident that Takano had picked the perfect place to bring Onodera. More specifically - it was because of one stand in particular. Takano saw the bunch of people moving in and around each stand that happened to be selling all sorts of objects ranging from plates, all the way down to floor rugs and funky art pieces for home decorating. Also amongst the stands of stuff happened to be various carnival games along with a few rides.

"Follow me. There's a certain stand I want you to see."

He reached his hand down grabbing Onoderas hand in his own purposely so they wouldn't get separated from one another in this much larger bunch of people. The touch of his natural warm hand against his own was enough to bring, yet again, another blush across his face. He certainly wasn't expecting such an intimate move so early in the day. At least he wasn't being pushed up against a wall - or down onto the ground or something along those lines.

"Wait. W-Where are we going?"

"Just hold on to my hand."

Takano's hand wrapped around Onoderas making sure he kept a firm hold on it as he lead him around the groups of people making his way around the various stands and different little food carts that littered the area. After swerving through the population that was there he finally came to a stop wearing this big grin across his lips.

"Hey Tatsuha."

Onodera was caught a bit off guard when he heard Takano addressing someone else, someone that apparently worked here. How did he know someone that actually had a job here? And why on earth did it bother him deep down that he knew someone so intimately enough that he'd be calling him by his first name? As Onodera got closer he saw a fairly young man - he had to be in his late teen years. He had dark red hair that was cut short and brushed against his ears and the very back of his neck along with a set of piercing emerald green eyes that surely could melt the iciest of hearts with one glance. He was pretty short for his age not to mention his features happened to remind Onodera of a young woman than a male but he naturally wasn't going to say anything about it out loud. He had his back turned towards the two as he was setting down one of the boxes that just so happened to be placed on the floor but when he did finally turn around he saw Takano along with the oh so cute guy he had called out to earlier accompanying him at his side.

"Oh hey Takano - this is the first time you've ever brought a guest with you."

Right when Onodera was about to jump to some risky conclusions his eyes fell down on what exactly this little stand happened to be selling. It was filled row-to-row with tons of different books. It had been something Onodera had been into since he first met Takano in the library all those years ago. He was amazed at the mass amount of different books all ranging in small, medium and large sizes and all sorts of different colors on the sleeves and outside spines. It was truly one big beautiful sight for Onodera. It was as if he was seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time in person or the Grand Canyon.

"Oh - is this the guy Takano?"

That seemed to perk up Onoderas ears capturing his attention from the artworks that sat on the surrounding shelves. So Takano had been talking about some guy while he was around this teen? Now he was really curious. So curious that he really couldn't zip his lips on how curious he was and before he knew it the words had slipped out of his mouth without a thought. "What does he mean Takano?"

"Uh -" With a blink of an eye the devilish editor had his arm wrapped around the younger male, whom happened to be named "Tatsuha" if Onodera's memory was serving him correctly, neck. He was watching as Takanos forearm squeezed the red head as he squirmed in his strong arm trying to pry himself out of the technical hold but wasn't really having much success. Especially since Takano was obviously a lot stronger than Tatsuha was.

"T-Takano! All Right - All right. I wont say anything. At least let me breath!"

Okay the more he watched the two interact he was either getting extremely annoyed - or jealous because they weren't including him in the conversation and acting like he was just vapor standing there or the fact Takano was actually getting "close" to someone else. Sure Onodera had witnessed his interaction with Yokozawa and the elder man had already admitted to previous "encounters" the two had shared - but he never had to witness THIS kind of closeness in person. It was really starting to get to Onodera.

"Can you two flirt somewhere else?" Onodera had slightly shifted picking up one random book just so he wouldn't have to look Takano or Tatsuha in the eye after making such a daring statement out loud. But even with his back turned towards the two he could sense Takanos eyes on his body.

Takano had turned his head noticing the slight troubled look across his date's face. This, deep down, kind of interested Takano to see Onodera getting so jealous out in public. But Tatsuha wasted absolutely no time disproving what he said even if he was still stuck in the crushing arm of the Editor.

"W-What? Me and Takano flirting? You've got to be kidding me! This guy's nuts about you Onodera. You should hear him every time he stops by here." Even from his current position he put on this "Fake-Takano" sounding voice attempting to match the pitch like Takanos own original voice, "Onodera this - and Onodera that. You really should just let the guy lay you already so he cant stop being a pain in my -uffptt."

Tatsuha didn't get a chance to finish his statement to Onodera, Takano had literally moving his free hand, with lightening-like speed, outwards slapping his palm straight across Tatsuhas lips before he was able to complete his little comment. He kept his hand right there including adding in holding his strong arm pressing against the neck of his new smaller and weaker foe. Anything to get him to stop talking about "private" conversations. This boy really did have no tact. Those kind of things were not meant to be said out loud - at least not right now anyways.

"Don't mind him Onodera. Why don't you go pick out a few books you really like and I'll purchase them for you. And YOU!"

He released Tatsuha who was more than happy to have his new found freedom. Once he was free Tatsuha rose his hand upwards placing it on his neck checking for any signs of instant bruising and coughing a few times sucking in gulps of fresh air into his lungs. God he had nearly died down there! Onodera had yet to turn around to scan the books for any certain one. He was far to interested in seeing these two converse with one another than looking at the beautiful covers of these master pieces.

"Shouldn't you be getting the boxes out from your car? I know your father sent you with a few new books."

"Hey - I just saw my whole young life flash before my very eyes underneath your arm. Your armpit stench reeks. Don't you use Deodorant?"

"GO DO YOUR WORK!" Takano had reached out to punch at Tatsuha's forearm but the younger male had more speed at this point and was able to simply side-step a few blows that he was sure would have hurt if Takano had actually landed them against his arm or worse his head and made his way towards the car the way Takano had instructed him in the first place.

"I'm gonna go get those boxes of books but NOT because you told me too."

Man, it was like baby sitting all over again. Takano had made the decision to bring Onodera here because of the books hoping that he would enjoy seeing old favorites that he couldn't get at regular book stores in the city now-a-days. But Tatsuha was making this hard to be a very enjoyable date. He let out a shaky breath before turning to see Onodera whip his head around to the closest book he could find. He was trying to make it look like he had been looking at the book the entire time instead of spying on the two.

"Onodera - Hey."

He stepped a few footsteps closer trying to get Onoderas attention knowing it shouldn't be that heavy into the books since he had just caught the younger male's head slashing around to face the book but he was curious on one minor detail. He wondered if Onodera knew the book was actually upside down.

"Y-Yes Takano? I was just looking at this very interesting novel."

"You do realize the book is upside down right?"

GAH! He was right! His eyes got as wide as they would in a cartoon seeing that Takano was indeed correct and spun the book around upright before shoving it back randomly onto the nearest shelf. He tried to hide his embarrassment and stumbled with his words. He decided to turn the focus back onto Tatsuha.

"S-So how do you know Tatsuha?"

Takano had a minor grimace on his face but he chose not to let it carry to far the last thing he wanted to do was upset Onodera on their special day together. He simply pushed his hands into the pockets of the jeans he was wearing after turning around and resting his back against the book shelf shifting his body so that he was able to keep a look out for when the young salesman was going to be returning.

"His grandfather, Ran, usually runs this book shop. He used to work at Marukawa Publishing in the sales department. It was a few months before you came to the company Onodera so you wouldn't have known the gentleman. But he was very fond of books and collect a mass amount of them. But there were budget cuts and Yokozawa had to cut a few select few. Unfortunately Ran was amongst those numbers. "

Onodera faintly nodded his head a bit surprised honestly, he hadn't known anyone to get the axe at the company but every company had to have ex. employees it was just the way things went. He turned his head holding one of the books in his palm as Takano continued his explanation further in more details so that way he would answer Onoderas question.

"Well I happened to past this side of town early on my way to work about a month or two ago and when I stumbled across this book stand I was hooked. I had been searching vastly for these rare sort of books and had settled on borrowing them from the local library even though I wanted my own copies for my collection. Well, you can image my reaction when I found this place and my reaction when I found out it was ran by a former member of the company AND it had the very books I had been searching endlessly for."

His voice got a little more serious, Onodera could tell in the tone and the way it was starting to sound.

"But a few weeks ago Ran got very ill. He was unable to run the stand and because he's the only source of income his youngest son Tatsuha chose to give up his early college years so that he could keep the family business a float until his father gets better."

Onodera was impressed. The teen was doing something completely unselfish when he could literally just go about his life and leave his dad to crumble in his own looses. Instead the son choose to help his father. At least there was some hope for the future generation of this world as long as they had this young mans sense of morals and honor.

"I try and stop by every week and purchase a few books. Besides, this place is the only place where you're going to find these really hard-to-find novels at."

Wow, so Takano was a really good guy still. He had caught a first glimpse of this nicer side of him when he saw the teenager version of Takano pick up that stray kitten in a box and obviously kept it through the years.

"That's not all either." The sudden voice had made Ritsu jump slightly dropping the book he was holding down to the floor and listening as it made its own "thumping" sound as it connected with the ground. Takano had merely looked over his shoulder but it was Onodera that had asked the question. "What do you mean?"

Tatsuha was walking back carrying two boxes full of, what Onodera was guessing, was books like the rest of the stock here. Once Tatsuha was back inside the little stand he shifted the boxes placing them down on the floor near the table so that it would be easily to go through them. Once the books had been placed on the ground the elder teen dragged his wrist across his forehead wiping away the slight cover of sweat that had developed on his forehead.

"Tatsuha does a lot more than purchase a few books here and there. He also advertises for the Swap Meet."

"So that's what this place is."

"Yup, most of the families here have a hard time making ends meat. This business is the main income for a lot of them here. Takano makes it to where we're always selling something to someone. We do pretty good business here and thanks in large part to him. I can't tell you the countless business men and women who have floated over to our little stands and purchased great amounts of product."

Now that's what Onodera called impressive. He slightly turned his head watching as Takano just stood there but the black haired adult soon shifted pulling off the shelf and walked over towards Tatsuha and without another word instantly began dragging his knuckle of his index and middle finger against his scalp quickly in a scraping motion. He was giving the teen a knuckle-sandwich at the top of his head.

"Shouldn't you be working rather than flapping off at the gums?

"O-ow, Ow, OW - Takano that hurts! Let go!"

Suddenly, Tatsuha found himself back in the same situation he was before battling for his freedom from the devil Takano but this time it had grew much more difficult. Damn him and his devil like strength. Takano was pretty amazing at least in Onoderas eyes. A smile had spread along his lips after he swung down and snatched up the book he had accidentally dropped on the floor.

"Your pretty amazing Takano."

There it was - word vomit. You know, when you don't really think about what you're going to say it just sort of "pops" out without giving it further intellectual thought? That's what happened and it really caught Takano off guard the most because Tatsuha was allowed to use that as the perfect distracted and gained his freedom once more.

"Yeah Takano - your amazing." Tatsuha wasn't talking in a normal voice, but one that he had raised the pitch slightly enough to where Takano knew he was being made fun of.

That's it - Takano had instantly turned slamming his fist against Tatsuha's arm a few inches beneath his shoulder not with great amount of force but surely enough to get the point across. Instantly the red-head trouble maker hissed holding his forearm and immediately wanting to put more distance between the two so he darted over circling around to Onoderas other side using the love interest as a human shield from the devil.

"I'm going to finish my work now." Yeah, right now work sounded better than being pummeled by the upset Takano. He wasn't going to risk the knuckle sandwiches or the squeezing of his neck as if it was a raisin or something. Oh no, he was much safer just putting the books up. Besides, things between these two were starting to get too lovey-dovey and that was just nasty. He didn't want to toss up his burrito he had for lunch. Tatsuha wasn't against the whole "guy-to-guy" dating but he was when it came to one partner being Takano. He had looked up to the guy like an elder brother so it was just weird to picture him making out with another guy but Onodera didn't seem that bad. He kind of reminded Tatsuha of a gigantic teddy-bear just life sized.

"Uh - what I mean is." Takano had literally lost count how many times he got his young editor-in-training to stumble on his words or blush. It was being unbearably cute today. Takano couldn't resist raising his hand and capturing the stuttering Onoderas chin and leaned down sneaking a quick kiss against Ritsu's soft lips that very vastly silenced Onoderas words.

"Did you pick a few books you'd like?"

It took a few seconds to realize that he had just been kissed by Takano - in front of someone else - that wasn't a complete stranger. Oh if he could melt and disappear under the book cases right now he totally would. He blinked his eyes a few times having this expressionless look across his face. The question wasn't even registering deep inside his brain.

"Look - you broke him Takano." Takano made a flinch like he was going to immediately attack Tatsuha once more and at once Tatsuha grabbed the closest book and held it up at the level of his head shielding it from any further attack.

"That's it. I'm calling your father."

"WORKING!" By that time Takano had a undersized smile on his face seeing that Onodera had been so star struck by one kiss and one alone.

"Onodera. I can always give you a proper kiss."

That sure did it. Onodera came flying out of his little blank mind expression thing and held the book out towards Takano while tilting his head downwards a bit. He really didn't like it when Takano, or anyone else for that matter, bought things for him but at this point Onodera would rather take that disturbing feeling than risking getting kissed in front of Tatsuha again. He was still very shy about public displays of affection.

"This one."

"That's it."

Takano reached out and lightly took the book from Onoderas hands momentarily brushing his fingers against the back of Onoderas and really living in the touch. For right now, this would have to do but don't get Takano wrong he planned to be holding Onoderas hand later and hoped to make this one hell of an evening for him. He turned the book around and recognized it was one he had read in high school - in fact it had the same panda-like book cover on a tan background.

"Wasn't this - one of the books I read in High School."

"I-I read it back than as well. I've had a hard time coming across it again and have resorted to constantly checking it out at the local library."

"I see - all right then." Takano wasn't going to push Onodera further at least not for right now. He knew the real reasons behind Onodera picking up the book. In High School Onodera had basically stalked him around the city and it didn't surprise him when he learned Onodera had been checking out the same books he had and reading them.

"Here Tatsuha. Give the tip to your dad."

Rather than waste time on waiting around for change Takana slipped a few bills equaling way over the amount of the book on the top of the counter near the register. Takano always made sure to leave more than the price of the book, a small token to help Rans family back at his place and besides he knew Ran would eventually share the money with Tatsuha.

"All right Takano - thanks for the purchase man."

"Work Hard Tatsuha"

He didn't bother Tatsuha for a bag, he reached over the counter and carefully snagged a few paper bags with the name of the swap meet scribbled across it in bright red letters and fanned out the bag placing Onoderas precious book inside and Onodera was about to reach out to take the back from Takano so he could carry his own item but Takano easily maneuvered the item inches from out of his reach.

"Oh no. I don't think so. What kind of date would this be if I made you carry your own bags."

Onodera wasn't about to be seen as someone helpless and immediately moved attempting to reach the bag but Takano being a few inches taller than Onodera was able to keep the bag just out of his reach. The two continued like that tussling around with the bag containing the book for what seemed a few minutes. It was so amusing to watch the shorter editor attempting to snag the bag from the incredibly handsome editor-in-chief. Finally, Onodera simply gave up hanging his head low in defeat.

"Fine. Thank you."

Takano wouldn't show that smile, but he had won - again. The two turned towards the exit of the stand and into the assembled people standing around and once more Takanos only free hand reached out taking a hold of Onodera's mumbling the same excuse as before. "I don't want you getting lost." and rather than argue Onodera simply went along with it.

"Where are we headed too now?"

"We're getting something to eat."

Eat? With Takano? He blinked those dark green eyes a few times battling around with his inner thoughts but Takano was able to beat him to the punch and answered the inner questions Onodera had or at least silence his protests.

"I know you haven't ate a decent meal since you've moved here. I could tell from all the Energy drink containers and the empty convenient store containers that were in your living room. You can't live like that so I'm going to treat you to a decent cooked actual meal."

It wasn't like Onodera was really going to be given the opportunity to voice his argument over the whole "eating" thing. So once more he simply nodded his head trying his best to focus on not blushing while they held each others hand and walked away from the stand towards wherever Takano had planned to take them to grab some food. But it was right than when he felt a vibrating sensation in his pocket and reached his free hand down into his pocket.

"Who is it?"

Did Takano really need to ask who it was? Why was he being so nosy anyways? What if it was an emergency or something? Onodera flipped open the top of his phone momentarily choosing to ignore the on-going complaints coming from his mouth.

"Dante?"

The name had caught on Takanos ears but he knew he had to trust Onodera with Dante. He simply kept looking straight forward allowing Onodera the chance to read over the text message.

- DANTE TEXT MESSAGE -

Onodera! I went ahead and rented this killer movie! You should come over and watch it with me. I'm lonely T^T

Onoderas eyes slightly peered over the top of his black phone towards Takano really thinking that he could use this as away to get out of this whole date day. He could say Dante had an emergency and he needed to get there right away to help with the story board but Dante gave him that creepy feeling - man which was worse right now? He really wanted to avoid being alone with Dante all together. He sighed moving his hand and beginning to type the letters down to send his reply.

- RITSU ONODERA TEXT MESSAGE -

Sorry! Too busy today and can't make it. Rain check? ^^;

Dante had been sitting at his apartment all day bored out of his mind, unfortunately he was able to get the feeling of Onoderas body off his hands and the way his skin tasted. God, he was really beginning to lose control once again. He had been stretched out on the couch smelling the pillow that Onodera had been resting on with his back and sighed. The whole "text message" thing was on a whim and he had hoped that Onodera would accept when he sent it.

"Hurry up Onodera."

When he heard the soft "clink-clink" of a ring tone symbolizing that he had gotten the reply he had been so desperately waiting for he snatched the phone off the table in such a rush he almost fell completely over onto the floor. Dante swung the phone and glanced at the screen with his balloon full of hope was high only to have the balloon of hope inflate and fall immediately to the floor. His heart immediately sunk when he saw the message and immediately begun to reply to it with another text message.

Onodera wasn't expecting another reply and apparently neither was Takano with each little ring it seemed to drive further and further into Takanos happy vibe that was going on. Onodera made a mental note to go ahead and end this conversation with Dante as quick as possible. His eyes darted down towards the small screen of his phone and read the next message.

- DANTE TEXT MESSAGE -

Maybe I can help you? Then afterwards we can watch the movie

Help him? Onodera momentarily glanced towards Takano and realized deep down - he didn't want to leave Takano. It had been a really long time since he had been out with Takano alone like this that wasn't something related to work. No, he was happy deep down though he would deny it if anyone ever found out. That kind of stuff was so embarrassing. So he quickly typed his reply back to Dante with his thumbs and afterwards pressed the power down button on his phone shutting it off completely.

"Was it Dante again?"

"Uh yeah - but don't worry about it. I'm shutting my phone off."

Now that gave Takano more encouragement. His hand that was currently snaked around Ritsu's only shifted his fingers to they were inter-twined like laces on a football. He would also proceed to give his smaller hand a squeeze of praise as if it was a silent "Thank you" that would forever go unspoken. Onodera ,however, caught onto the meaning and smiled sweetly as they headed down the street.

"Come on - reply Onodera!"

Dante was biting down on his fingernails and bottom lip waiting with anticipation for the reply. This time he was hoping for the "okay" to head over to wherever his crush happened to be to play the knight in shinning armor and save him from whatever he was working on and than completely sweep him off his pretty little feet but once more that dream was completely blown to bits as he read the next and apparent last text message from Onodera.

- RITSU ONODERA TEXT MESSAGE -

Uh No thanks. Takanos actually here helping me. Phones going to die - Chat tomorrow Kay?

"Takano"

For the second time his plans were foiled because of Takano, Onoderas boss and apparent Lover. Oh he was not going to get away with doing this. Takano was not going to steal Onodera away from him. Dante had grown so upset growling low in his throat he instantly threw his phone with all the force in his body watching as it smashed into pieces against the wall and hit the floor. He was going to get back at Takano for this if it was the last thing he did.