A/N Chapter 5!

Hey! I finally figured out how to separate time-jumping paragraphs! I kept using dashes but they kept disappearing.

But that shouldn't happen anymore. Hooray for being less of a n00b!

Also, I want to thank reviewers alloftheotherpenameswheretaken, Haruhi-kun, and SuzukiChiyeko (I was excited to hear from you Suzuki, because I've read some of your stories! Sorry for never reviewing, I was shy. But I decided to start, so I'll let you know. I love them! :D)

So thank you guys, you're the reason I'm posting this chapter now, because I got excited.

That, and we got a blizzard, so no school today!

Here is Chapter 5!

Misaki looked into Akihiko's eyes. The moonlight bounced off of them, going well with the velvety blue color. In that moment, he found himself admiring the man's unusual beauty. His shiny silver locks were perfectly arranged, and it was as though his face was carved my angels. Akihiko knew what he Misaki was thinking, and couldn't help but smile.

"Well?" He asked, standing up and offering his hand to Misaki. Misaki blinked a few times. He didn't understand how or why, it was almost as if this man had put him under a spell, but he felt like he could trust him, and he wanted to be with him. Misaki reached out and took Akihiko's hand in his own. Akihiko pulled Misaki up gently, but strongly enough to get him up in one swoop. Misaki, still uneasy from the drugs, lost his balance and tipped over again, but was caught in Akihiko's strong arms.

"Those bastards used drugs..." Akihiko said. "Can you walk? You seemed to run just fine."

"I... um..." Misaki hesitated. He could only run efficiently because of the motivation he had; get the hell away from Takana. But walking now, he wasn't so sure. He took a step forward, and didn't go any further before crouching at the sudden rip of pain in his stomach. He groaned in anxiety as he felt the tears began to form again, but he suddenly felt warm and calm when he felt Akihiko's hand ruffling his hair affectionately.

"Don't hurt yourself trying," Akihiko said. "It's okay."

Misaki was surprised when Akihiko lifted Misaki up in his arms bridal style. His face snuggled to Akihiko's chest, he flushed a bright shade of pink at the sudden close contact. Akihiko felt warm and caring, not cold and heartless like Takana did. Akihiko proceeded to carry Misaki to his car. On the way, Misaki found himself looking into Akihiko's eyes again.

This person...
Is caring...
And he seems... so familiar.

Akihiko laid Misaki in the back of his car very gently, determined not to hurt or scare the boy any further. He strapped him in securely, and shut the door. Misaki was still in a state of slight shock from what was going on to think of avoiding what was going on. He didn't know why he was allowing this stranger to sweep him away, but it didn't seem to be bothering him, either, so he just stayed silent. Akihiko got in his own seat, started the car up, and drove off. Misaki laid his head against the window, lost in thought. He thought about his past, his present and his future. He thought about Akihiko. He couldn't shake the feeling that this man was all too familiar, but he couldn't remember a time they had met. If they had, it would have been a happy memory, and Misaki knew nothing of those any longer. Still, he continued to be baffled as to where he might have seen this man. He was so deep in thought, he didn't realize he lost the will to keep his eyes open, and fell fast asleep.

The luxurious, aerodynamic beauty pulled into the parking garage of the penthouse. He parked in his usual spot, putting it in park and shutting the car off for the third time that night.

"We're here," Akihiko said, unbuckling his seatbelt. He began to open his door, but blinked at the lack of response. "Misaki?"

Akihiko turned around to see a sleeping Misaki. He clucked his tongue, finding the boy helplessly twee. He quietly climbed out of the car, and removed Misaki from the car. He carried Misaki up to his rather large share of the building.

Unlocking the door and passing through it, he set his keys down on the counter when he heard it shut. He then toted the tired flower up to the bedroom. He laid Misaki down on the bed, intending to turn around and leave to leave the boy in peace. But when Misaki was securely in the bed, Akihiko couldn't help but look down on him, admiring his beauty. His perfect skin and skin tone, his beautifully colored hair, those small, adorable lips, hands, every part of his body was utterly precious. He was startled when Misaki shifted a bit in his sleep, letting out a small noise as he did so. His eyes fluttered open as he raised one fisted hand up to rub them. He then looked at Akihiko who he was surprised to find already looking right back at him.

Akihiko flinched and took a step back. As much as he admired Misaki, he also respected him. Misaki's assurance of comfort and satisfaction came before anything else in his book. If he can get the boy to cooperate that is.

"Hey there," Akihiko said gently. "You fell asleep."

Misaki blinked a few times. His eyes were droopy, indicating he could've fallen asleep again right then and there.

"Well... you should stay in here for awhile. I'll give you some time to think, and rest. Take as long as you need."

Misaki now looked at Akihiko with not a tired face, but one of awe. He looked as though he was seeing a beautiful sunset or a painting, the expression he was giving Akihiko was endearing. No matter how confused he still felt, he couldn't help but always gaze upon the man and his charm.

"Hey," Akihiko said, seeing the hint of incomprehension in Misaki's expression. He brushed Misaki's hair out of his face. "It's okay. You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Misaki's eyes widened a tad. Not only did this man know his name, but potentially of his past. But it's not hard to judge, someone wearing nothing but a coat, had chains around their wrists, and their body revealing a scar or a bruise here and there, that they had been through a rough time. But Akihiko knew much more than Misaki fathomed to presume.

Akihiko was already at the door, about to leave before turning to Misaki. "I'm going to see if I can find a way to get those chains off. You can relax. And if you need anything, just come let me know," he said with a smile. Misaki gave no answer, still conflicted. Akihiko left the room, closing the door gingerly behind him, leaving a woozy Misaki behind to remain at war with his mind.

Akihiko sat quietly on the lower level of the penthouse. Positioned at the dining table, his glasses preventing his obscuring vision were placed on his face. A cup of hot coffee to his right, his laptop to his frontside, and a cigarette hanging from his mouth, he spent hours researching how he could remove Misaki's chains. When he realized how much time had passed, he looked up at the bedroom door, wondering if the shaken mess would ever come out. Thoughts rushed through his head about how horrible this night must've been for the poor teenager, and every day before.

(Flash back)
"We are here to remember the lives of Ritsu Ashina Takahiro, and Manani Yukiya Takahiro, father and mother of Takahiro Chiaki Takahashi and Misaki Reini Takahashi..."

"Neh neh... Takahiro..." Akihiko tapped his friend's shoulder when the speaker began the ceremony. Takahiro shot him a cold look.

"What?"

"Well... it's not much, but I brought you something. I grew it myself," Akihiko said shyly as he began to pull something out from the inside of his coat.

"Not now, Usami," Takahiro snapped.

"Oh, alright... I understand." Akihiko sighed in disappointment. The depression of the funeral that was permeating the room was finally starting to get to him. Especially after he heard a sudden loud cry into the silence.

Misaki couldn't hold in the tears any longer. He let it out freely, breaking away from Takahiro's hold and running out of the church. The expressions of pity remained on the church's face as they watched him go. Akihiko's especially. He and Takahiro had been best friends since freshman year. Now that they were seniors, Akihiko even developed a loving attachment for Takahiro over time. But in that moment, his focus was on Misaki. Akihiko quietly slipped out of the church, and followed him.

Misaki sat on his hands and knees at the edge of the pond, filling it even more with his tears. The way was dark and gloomy, the cold wind going perfectly with the drizzling rain. Misaki didn't care, he just wanted to be out of the church. He continued to sob silently to himself into the pond.

He felt cold, scared, and hurt- this was only the beginning of that awful mixture of emotion. He opened his eyes to let more tears fall, and look at his reflection in the pond. But, there was another reflection. He was not alone. He turned around suddenly when he felt a large, warm hand on his shoulder. He looked up at the comforting person standing behind him, Akihiko, who gave him a warm smile. Misaki looked back in awe when Akihiko pulled a rose from his coat, and gave it to Misaki.

Misaki took the rose cautiously, looking at its divine beauty. His face was still drowned in tears, but this small act of kindness that was just done overwhelmed him. He couldn't resist the small smile that formed on his face. He looked back up at the man to thank him, but, he was gone.

(End of flashback)

A/N Whew! I've been longing to get this chapter posted.

Now you finally know about the first time they met!

But it's still a mystery how Akihiko knows so much about Misaki.

Stay gold guys! (:

-Tiny