Authors Note: Happy Early Halloween Everyone! I thought you guys deserved another chapter this month since I was so slow in putting the other one up _ anyways! I wanna thank everyone for continuing to read and review on this story. I hope everyone enjoys and adores this chapter. Remember! please Read and Review!
"How - do I keep getting myself into these situations?"
Standing there in front of the long fully length mirror happened to be Onodera. He was dressed in this white bunny costume, now it wasn't even a cute sexy bunny outfit it was one of those full body outfits complete with the hood that had ears all the way down to the fluffy cotton white tail. He stood there continuing to gaze at himself and feeling completely stupid. He had no clue how his life had taken this turn. What person did he piss off in a past life to get stuck wearing this ridiculous outfit? He rose his hands upwards that were covered in the same material making his hands look like paws, this was just way too stupid! Damn Takano!
- FLASH BACK -
"Congratulations!" The sounds of those paper poppers begun to fill the rather spacious office where members of the Emerald team had all gathered. Of course as soon as Takano and Onodera both stepped off the elevator they were hit with these bunches of small colorful confetti pieces that came flying out of the end of those hand poppers.
"Huh? Did I miss something?"
The 30-year-old editor turned looking straight towards Onodera with a completely perplexed expression on his face. Did he really not know? He was certain the announcement was displayed across the company website. Didn't he check the sucker every morning before coming to work?
"Uh Ricchan - Takano-san he won a huge award for Best Editor-In-Chief in Japan. It was announced on the company website. Didn't you check?"
The small group of editors stood around all eyes seemed to be falling to rest on the younger editor. He really was clueless to this whole award. Surely they had to be joking. Takano was getting an award? Why was he always the last to know these things and just to further prove the point Hatori wandered back over to the small group carrying a laptop displaying the happy announcement.
"WHAT?"
Oh great, he really was the last to know. After hearing the small group assure Onodera that it was not his fault and offer some kind words of helpful encouragement before disappearing to do their jobs. They had their own manga artists they needed to get in contact with and mangas that needed to be edited. That left Onodera alone.
The moping little editor had taken his dead weight body towards the vending machines attempting to grab a can of black tea. How on earth was he suppose to know that he won an actual award? He always knew that Takano was brilliant at his job but he had never imagined that he'd actually win an award that showed his ability for the job. He didn't even know such a thing existed.
"Why didn't he say something when we left this morning? I'm sure Takano-san looked a this laptop." He growled low in his throat slamming his index digit on the button and watched as the can of black tea rolled down into the drop and he would sigh heavily before reaching down and grabbing the can. Suddenly, he didn't want it. He must have really seemed insensitive. How could be made this up to Takano? He needed to clear his head and immediately moved into the men's restroom.
Once he was inside the room he looked directly into the mirror. Onodera wasn't a complete butthead and of course, if he had known about the award thing he would have mentioned it to Takano this morning - wouldn't he? Onodera reached over turning on the water on both sides letting it run before he cupped his palms under the rushing water and splashed his face rubbing his palms out of frustration.
"URGH! What the hell? I certainly would have said something to him if he would have mentioned it this morning. Maybe I can make it up. Uhh lets try. Good Work Takano-san!" He begun running over what he wanted to say in the mirror except this one - seemed a little too forced. He viciously rubbed his hands against his face once more clearing his throat.
"Okay, how about this one. Congratulations Takano-san." He put on this cute expression and looked inside the mirror that totally lasted a whole three seconds before Onodera would flush across his face and yell out in anger. He didn't want it to sound forced and he certainly didn't want to sound like one of those love-sick puppies.
"You know, if you just relax it wouldn't sound so awkward Onodera." Oh my god! The sudden sound of Takano-sans voice literally sent Onodera jumping straight towards the ceiling as if he was a cat that was about to be introduced to water for the first time.
"T-Takano-san. I-I didn't know you were in here." Onodera instantly shoved his hands under the water pretending he was washing them. Takano had walked out from one of the stalls and at that second, Onodera knew he should have checked the stalls before he begun to spill his guts like a shojo-manga girl. He closed his eyes wishing he could die right there and now as Takano walked up to the sink at Onoderas right and begun to wash his hands.
"Practicing for something?"
"N-No! of course not! What I mean is - uhh -" It was now or never. Onodera could feel his throat getting dryer and dryer. He could really go for a drink of water but he knew if he didn't get it out now he was never going to work up the nerves or have the opportunity again so he bit the bullet and winched both eyes closed before yelling out.
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
A blush easily worked across the younger men face and that certain little bold move caught the elder editor-in-chief off guard. He wasn't expecting Onodera to be so bold as it say it right there and now. A soft smile spread across his lips after he had tossed off the puzzled expression. He really wasn't expecting his shy Onodera to suddenly become such a bold man and speak that out loud so suddenly.
"Thank you Ritsu."
Hearing the reply of a "Thank you" Ritsu almost immediately blushed across his face and then began to stutter with his words once more. He really wasn't sure what to say to Takano at the current moment.
"Y-Yeah well - I've got work I need to finish. Later."
Onodera snagged up the Black Tea can and then turned rushing as fast as his legs could carry him out of the bathroom leaving Takano standing there wearing that confident smirk he always seemed to display after winning a discussion with Onodera.
Takano had walked out of the bathroom minutes later only to catch Yokozawa standing there with the members of his team also. Now this was strange. Onodera had walked out of the bathroom only to be literally tackled by Kisa-san and surrounded by the rest of the remaining "Emerald" team. They were all suppose to tell Takano something important together.
"Takano, management has sent me down here to tell you all that at this months Halloween Celebration we're going to be giving Takano the award he won. So you're all instructed to attend the meeting it is MANDITORY. Along with members from the publishing company, all the manga authors and printers staff are permitted to attend as well. But since you guys happen to be apart of the group Takano is receiving the award for you all MUST attend in costumes and to make things more interesting Isaka has written down specific costume choices on these slips of paper. You are all to each pick one paper and wear that costume to the party. If you do not you will be docked a weeks pay."
A costume party? Was Yokozawa serious? And with the other manga authors as well? This couldn't possibly get any worse. He wasn't down for these sorts of parties but it seemed like the sucker was going to be forced upon them so he simply nodded. Now he was going to have to rely on his luck to grab the right costume so that way he wouldn't be stuck with something stupid.
"Now, since Takano got the award he'll go first and we'll just move towards the last person in the team which would be Onodera."
Kisa actually liked the idea of dressing up and he was completely ecstatic that he could bring Yukina along with him. This was surely going to be the best Halloween Party he had ever been to here at Marukawa publishing.
Hatori was glad as well, once again he'd be allowed to take Chiake to one of these events and not have to worry about hiding who he was. It was actually something he was looking forward too.
"Takano go ahead." The words eased out of Yokozawas lips as he held up the coffee cup with a bunny printed on the side holding a wand. Strange cup for Yokozawa to have that's for sure but now Onodera was trying to focus - he needed to envision the right costume. He didn't want to be stuck wearing the "silly" of the choices. Takano faintly nodded his head and then reached inside snagging the first paper his fingertips touched and brought it back out beginning to open it and smirked at the words wrote inside.
"Vampire." He twisted the small piece of paper so that everyone was allowed to view it knowing that Takano didn't cheat. Everyone was glad, Takano seemed to have this mysterious look about him so a vampire would really suit his personality.
"Perfect. Just what he needs." Onodera mumbled the words under his breath before Yokozawa would shift looking over towards Hatori since he was the second in charge and lightly shook the cup giving him the signal that it was now his turn to pick. The elder man sucked in a sharp breath before reaching down inside and grabbed a paper before, like Takano, pulling the sucker out and unfolding the paper to read the words listed inside.
"Robin Hood."
The good choices of costumes were very slowly winding down. The chances of actually getting the ridiculous costume was growing more and more. Now it was time for Mino to pick. Mino was the only one to not show any fear and stabbed his left hand inside the cup grabbing the piece of paper and read it over like the others had.
"Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hide."
Damn it! Onodera could feel his pulse beginning to pick up - god, he was praying over and over that, unfortunately, Kisa would choose the cute costume besides with his cute face he should be able to pull the look a lot better than he could.
"Kisa your up."
The baby-faced editor knew that his reputation was on the line. He sucked in a sharp breath and then in what seemed like slow motion, reached on inside the cup where only two pieces of papers happened to be inside. He swished them around trying to pick one and eventually he picked one. Kisa pulled it out and after a small brief pause he then opened the paper and a gigantic smirk spread along his face. It was Onoderas worse nightmare come true.
"Mad Hatter."
At the same time everyone else involved in the Emerald team immediately turned towards Onodera knowing that there was only one costume left. There was only one choice Onodera was going to have to make.
"Y-Yokozawa don't you have to -"
He wasn't even able to get the words stammering past his lips. Yokozawa turned his hard eyes immediately towards the shorter male and replied. "I don't have to pick from your teams cup sine I'm in the Financial department. Besides I already chose I'm going as the Devil."
"How Appropriate." Onodera couldn't resist turning his head and muttering the words under his breath. There went his last hope and not getting the "cute" costume out of the bunch. Yokozawa tilted the cup upside down allowing the last slip of paper to come sliding out and opened the sucker reading out loud with a small smirk shinning from the corners of his lips.
"Bunny Rabbit."
- FLASH BACK END -
It was at that very moment his life seemed to stop. He looked upwards seeing his reflection once again in the mirror and immediately brought both hands up covering his face. How was he going to get through this night looking like this? This had to have been part of Yokozawas plan or something. Well, Onodera very well couldn't hide out all night inside the men's restroom. Sooner or later someone was going to come in searching for him so at least this was going to be on his terms. He growled low in his throat taking in a deep breath.
"Here goes nothing."
After taking in that breath for courage he then turned walking out of the room and into the party. Tons of people where there all dressed in costumes and dancing around to some Halloween music that was blasting across the speakers. Everyone was either dancing, eating some of the wonderful dishes stretched out across the table or simply having a conversation with fellow quests which happened to range from members of the publishing company, too authors all the way to popular store clerks that sold their merchandise. The room was littered with different Halloween decorations truly showing what holiday it was.
"Just two hours - just two hours." Hopefully repeating that one phrase over and over inside his head would make the night go by quicker. Onodera just wanted this night over with so that he'd be able to burn this costume and never speak of wearing it again.
Right as he was about to grab some punch he heard the familiar excited voice from one of his fellow Editors. It could only be the baby-faced editor of the group, Kisa.
"Ricchan! You look absolutely adorable!"
At least he could handle seeing Kisa. The younger editor turned spotting the man dressed head to toe as a "Mad Hatter". The whole outfit consists of an overly large hat that had the usual uneven fraction listed on the card along with this overly large black trench coat, orange vest on the inside and green pants. He looked absolutely handsome.
"O-Oh thank you. Wow, Kisa-san you look fantastic in your outfit."
"Thank you. I had a little help picking it out!"
"Kisa-san! I've got our drinks!"
Onoderas attention immediately turned hearing the sudden voice and was shocked to see a rather attractive blonde haired man rushing over to where he and Kisa were standing. The guy had been dressed from head to toe like one of those storybook princes. He almost sparkled in the surroundings lights. Even He had a cooler costume then the damn Bunny Rabbit one.
"Oh Ricchan allow me to introduce you too Yukina Ko. He's in charge of the Shojo-manga section at Mamiro Bookstore. Yukina this is Onodera Ritsu, he's one of my co-workers."
Yukina who happened to always be so bright and happy immediately put on this big smile and lounged his hand forward instantly grabbing his hand and giving it a fair shake. Yukina was shaking his hand so vigorously that it nearly knocked him off his feed completely.
"Oh wow, how cute you are Onodera-san. You really do make an adorable bunny."
The two would then make their way away from Onodera Kisa coming up with some reason for leaving and quickly disappeared. Onodera was kind of glad to have his piece of mind back. At least he didn't have to parade around in this outfit in front of everyone. He kind of disappeared into the background with everyone else hosting discussions and dancing.
"Least I can be a wallflower." His dark eyes darted down towards the watch that was on his wrist and saw that he only had about another hour before he'd be able to actually leave maybe, just maybe he'd be able to sneak out of here without Takano catching sight of him. If only he'd be that lucky. "Only a few hours - just a few hours."
Onodera was way too focused on his watch when he suddenly felt a breath of cool air against his neck instantly driving him out of his little world and unfortunately down into reality. His head suddenly sprung up right and was surprised to see Takano standing there dressed completely as an old Victorian vampire. He wore the classic white puffy shirt with the little black vest and pair of pants and a nice little black cape that truly pulled the look together complete with real fangs.
"Little bunny - you're not trying to sneak out of here without seeing me are you? You look mighty tempting."
He was absolutely the last person he wanted to come face-to-face and he certainly didn't want Takano seeing him in this state. Onodera had been sneaky enough to get out of the house and changed into the outfit once he got to the establishment. He didn't want a single soul to see him dressed like this. Well, so much for that wish.
"Funny Takano-san shouldn't you be mingling with your guests? Yokowaza must be searching for you."
Takano closed the distance leaning his forearm lightly against the wall so that he was able to lean that much closer towards Onodera. He was sure being risky tonight but it was well worth it. Takano never imagined how tempting Onodera would look dressed in the bunny body costume but there he was. The last thing he wanted was for another person to come and scoop him up.
"It doesn't look as bad as you think you know. Stop concerning yourself with small details."
How the bloody hell could he tell that he was embarrassed about the outfit? Onodera immediately flushed across his face spinning around so that he was able to completely face the Editor-In-Chief.
"I-I am not. Don't you have guests to mingle with?"
There was the Onodera he knew. A sly smirk spread along his lips as he inched closer to where the distance between the two grew smaller and smaller. His dark eyes latched onto Onoderas until he was able to actually force the cutely dressed editor against the wall.
"Maybe you're the only one I'm concerning myself with? Maybe you're the only one that really needs me attention, Ritsu."
CRAP! He was doing it again. Onodera could barely look into his eyes before finally shifting his hands pressing one against his shoulder and attempting to give it a fair shove enough so that he'd be able to maneuver through the elder to gain his freedom.
"Stop it. What are you gonna do if someone sees you?"
Takano was about to reply something when he suddenly heard a voice. It belonged to none other than Hatori himself and he was dressed as the costume he had picked. It was a modern-day Robin Hood complete with dress hood that covered his head and all the usual trimmings you might find on that costume. Hatori wasn't sure if he really saw what he thought he did - Takano getting awfully close to Onodera but it really wasn't any of his concern to beginning with.
"Takano-san I thought I'd tell you that the person you asked me to inform you when he arrived has finally arrived."
Takano gripped his hands down as he tried to keep his cool the last thing he wanted was to signal Onodera on who it happened to be. Takano wanted to have a small discussion with said person before he had the opportunity to reach the brunette editor. Onodera had turned an even brighter red shade if that was even possible at the current moment. He tried to act as if he was an inch tall and no one was able to see him but Hatori popped that little bubble of hope.
"Onodera, you look - charming."Yeah, Charming - he was attempting to be nice but it really wasn't going over so well. He narrowed his eyes trying to keep his cool but it was Takano that decided to speak out.
" Onodera wait here. I'm going to go handle something but when we get back we need to seriously talk."
Last thing Takano wanted was for Onodera to have an altercation with Dante here so Takano decided he was going to cut the problem off at the top. Now all he had to do was find the man among all these guests and find a private place to host a conversation.
"Whatever Takano go handle what you need too."
Takano rose his hand upwards and ruffled his hair attempting to give him comfort once again since he knew that Onodera was stressing out about the costume thing. He suddenly pulled his hand away and continued to head towards the direction Hatori gave him. Meanwhile Onodera was left completely alone.
The "Monster Mash" song began to blast across the speakers as Onodera leaned against the wall battling with himself mentally on why he had yet to move from this spot. He knew it wasn't because of Takano but maybe, it was. Maybe he wanted to hear what Takano had to say. It'd probably be the same old "I love you" confession but the way Takano looked when he said it. It almost gave him the chills. It had to be something extremely serious to get to Takano at such an extreme level.
"This better be good Takano-san."
"Ritsu."
That voice - Onodera didn't need to turn around to know exactly who that was. He was stunned standing there that very spot. It couldn't be. But it would make sense Dante was a manga author so of course he'd be here at this celebration. Onodera drew in a deep breath and slowly turned around to face him putting on a smile.
"Hey Dante - nice costume."
Standing there wearing a Frankenstein costume happened to be none other than Dante. He wore the complete look with a tattered brown shirt and pants to match and even had the little bolts on the side of the neck that added to the look. He smiled the moment he saw Onodera and had to come over to talk to him especially the way their last conversation had went.
"Onodera we need to talk."
"D-Dante I can't right now. You see its - Takano-san!"
Out of no where Takano had come rushing back towards Onodera after catching out of the corner of his eye that Dante happened to be there. Takano had been scanning over the party guests trying to find the man before he found Onodera but it was obvious that he failed that little mission. He immediately closed the distance between the three and moved his body to stand protectively in front of Onodera glaring towards Dante.
"Look Dante I'm not sure how you were able to come across Onoderas house number but this stops right here and now."
"Oh really? Maybe you should be telling yourself that stuff Takano-san. Haven't you been following Onodera around as well?"
"That's different! You're-"
"Takano-san!"
Onodera had grown tired of listening to the two bicker back and forth and if someone was going to talk to Dante it was going to be him. The younger male would slightly shift so that he was facing Takano and pressed his hands down against the sides of his hips trying to look as threatening as he could muster up dressed as a fluffy bunny.
"Look, I can handle Dante okay. Just give me a few minutes. Follow me Dante."
He needed the chance to speak to Dante without all the ears around. He needed to clear everything up the right way and he certainly didn't need Takano getting involved in his business and there really wasn't anything Takano could do. He couldn't follow Onodera and go against his wishes so he did the only thing he could. He faintly nodded his head and watched as Onodera disappeared with a smirking Dante outside towards the balcony. Takano would clutch his hand tightly before then walking a few steps closer keeping his eye on the two at all times.
Onodera had led him around outside to one of the many balcony scenes and sighed the moment she felt the cool night air touch his skin. He even rose his hands upwards pulling back the bunny hood so he was able to look Dante dead in the eye without looking ridiculous.
"Good now just the two of us can talk. Onodera happy Halloween."
He knew this wasn't why he brought Dante out here. Onodera knew he had to be direct and to the point so he sucked in a sharp breath and opened those brown eyes to look him dead straight in the eye trying to be as firm as he possibly could.
"Dante, you're always calling me and texting me. You even have my house number and no one can figure out why you have such a thing."
"Don't you want me to call you Onodera? You don't want to spend time with me?"
Okay honestly Now the conversation had begun to turn down that road of creepy that Onodera was hoping to avoid. He sighed a bit raising his hand upright and pressed his fingers against his temple trying to figure out a way to settle everything. He wanted to figure away to push Dante away without really hurting him but he was beginning to lose his patience with this kind of stuff.
" Dante it's not that it's just. You're everywhere. We talk constantly on the phone and it's just - too much. It's too much to handle Dante. You and I are strictly partners in this business. We just work together on your manga and that's all - this is ever going to be."
Onodera stared straight towards Dante and saw the slight shift in his eyes. He could tell that his words were really starting to sink in and well he figured he should quietly make his escape before things got too out of hand.
"Now if we're done I have to get back inside."
The brunette editor turned beginning to make his way inside. He figured that Dante could use the moments to gather all of his thoughts that were thundering around inside of his head. Also, it would kind of put the period on the situation. They both needed some time apart from one another. Onodera had his back directed towards Dante when suddenly his voice called out to Onodera making him stop in his steps.
"Are you going back inside for Takano?"
Onodera slowly turned around to look Dante in the eyes and questioned what he had said.
"Excuse me?"
Dante didn't hesitate to say something. He slowly turned those eyes upwards and looked him dead in the eye, the once loving and soft Dante was not replaced by something much more harder - something even darker then before.
"I said - are you going back inside for Takano?"
Oh no he didn't. Onodera had a faint blush ease across his face as he clutched his hands trying to control his temper and try to sound serious but that was getting a little hard to control. "N-No I'm not. Now see ya later Dante."
"WAIT!"
Out of no where Dante snatched up at Onoderas wrist grabbing it with a tight grip enough to keep Onodera from moving so much as another inch from his current spot. Onodera was caught by surprise as well. He turned looking those eyes towards Dante's face and then sucked in a sharp breath.
"Dante let go."
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I CARE FOR YOU ONODERA!"
Onodera had begun to really struggle against Dante's grip hold on his wrist. He was trying to get free but this guy had a kung-fu like grip. He continued to move trying to break free but he wasn't able too. Those dark eyes begun to fill with worry and concern.
"Dante just - let me go!"
"YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG I'VE BEEN CARING ABOUT YOU! YOU DON'T EVEN GIVE A DAMN DO YOU! ITS ALL ABOUT TAKANO ISNT IT! ISNT IT!"
Dante suddenly jerked at Onoderas arm and it immediately shot pain straight up his arm. The sudden jerk movement caused Onodera to stumble a few footsteps as he tried to loosen the painful feeling trembling up across his arm. How was he going to get out of this one? How was he going to get Dante to let him go? He was really losing his mind now and Onodera knew he had to get away but the question was - how?