A/N I'm baaack!

I know I said a few days at most, but... I do have some excuses!

I found myself in a spec of trouble when I somehow managed to disregard a chemistry assignment, that was apparently mentioned many times in class but in that two seconds my teacher took to explain it each time I was either not in the room or dozing off, thinking about yaoi or something, and I'm currently paying the price which involves temporary limited access to all technology.

It sucks.

I have some other excuses too but you probably don't feel like listening to them. xD

Anyway, TGIF! I finally found some time to update.

So, here is said update! Chapter 9!

Akihiko had managed to keep his comforting distance from Misaki, wanting him to feel like a guest, not a prisoner. But Misaki had taken his own charge. Akihiko woke up one morning to find the house completely spotless. The penthouse had been agonizing cluttered before, but Misaki changed it for the better. He also continued to cook meals for the two of them. While eating, Akihiko and Misaki talked about many things, and got to know each other better. They spoke of the past, but not the future. Nearly a week had passed, and Misaki never really left. Paranoid thoughts crossed his mind on the subject, but he never found himself able to take responsibility on those thoughts.

Surely Usagi doesn't intend for me to stay here forever, does he? I mean.. as much as I'd like to.. I'm sure he only took me in to calm me down and set my feelings straight again. Now that he has.. what exactly does he expect me to do..? He's given me no intimation to leave, but.. I still can't help but feel as though I'm being bothersome.

Misaki knew he would have to discuss it with the rabbit sooner or later. He was unable to deal with the uncertainty of the outcome. The next time they found themselves at the table eating breakfast at the crack of dawn, Misaki took a deep breath.

"Hey... Usagi?"

Akihiko looked up from his newspaper when he heard Misaki's small voice. "Yes, Misaki?"

"Umm.." Misaki twiddled his thumbs in anxiety. His whole life, he had been the most introverted individual a person could ever know. His nervousness faded away when Akihiko gave him a warm smile.

"It's alright, Misaki. You can talk to me about anything."

Misaki flushed the tiniest bit before continuing timidly, "well... I don't really know how to say this, I guess... I mean do you... think I should... leave?" He forced the words out candidly.

"What?"

Misaki averted his gaze to the table. "I mean... of course I love being here with you.. a-and I'm more than grateful for everything you've done for me... but I really don't want to cause you any trouble, and... I think I definitely will if I keep being selfish and staying here."

Akihiko blinked a few times, processing Misaki's lament. He wondered if he had done something to make Misaki want to leave, until he saw the look in Misaki's eyes. They were full of sadness, as he knew it wasn't want he really wanted to do. Akihiko once again felt that familiar glow in his heart at Misaki's innocent grace that knew no bounds. Misaki didn't want to be selfish, but in fact he was quite the opposite- presenting an enterprise that would not meet his best needs, but Akihiko's. At least, so Misaki thought. Akihiko knew that he himself did not want Misaki to leave.

Over the past week, he got used to the idea of having Misaki around. The sudden thought of him not being there scared Akihiko deep down. He had grown more and more enticed to Misaki with every passing minute of every day. They say nobody is perfect, but- Misaki's very existence discredited that theory. If there was one word to describe the teenager, it's perfect. Akihiko found himself reaching out to pet Misaki's hair, as he normally did.

"You're no trouble at all, Misaki. In fact, I believe my life has gotten better with you here."

"Really?" Misaki perked up.

Akihiko nodded as he took a sip of his coffee. "I was so alone before, and it hurt me. Yes, it did," he said when he saw Misaki's face convey disbelief.

"Don't you have any family?" Misaki asked.

"I do," Akihiko said. "But, we don't get along. My older brother was a numbskull who was always toying with me, as if I were some kind of animal. My father never supported my ideas or desires, and my mother never paid any mind to any of us anyway, so I haven't much to say about her." Akihiko took another drink before continuing, "so I got out as soon as I could. It must've been ten years ago, and I've been alone since then."

"I guess I can understand... the whole brother thing, but... I don't understand why you would want to leave your family if you still had them," Misaki said sadly.

Akihiko's eyes met Misaki's again, suddenly becoming aware of the thin ice he had been treading on. Complaining about his family when he knew Misaki had none, or at least none of good company. Although he had known Misaki for many years, as far as Misaki knew, he was only aware of what Misaki had told him in their conversations in the past week. He spoke much of his brother, and his parents, and how much his life turned upside-down when he lost them. He sighed, and set his coffee down.
"I'm sorry, Misaki. I guess I'm being a little insensitive," he said. "I'm in no position to nag about my 'difficult' past, am I?"

He patted Misaki once again. Misaki imbibed the affection by closing his eyes when he felt the warmth of Akihiko's hand on his head.

"But you know, Misaki," Akihiko broke the silence. "Not all family is terrible. It's true... in fact, I consider you my family."

Misaki blinked. He considers me family...?

"So, in answer to your question," Akihiko said, crossing his arms and resting them on the table, "would you want to leave family when you still have some?"

Misaki's eyes widened a bit when he heard Akihiko's counterclaim. His heart was overwhelmed with joy as he felt all the blood rush to his face, turning his cheeks that familiar shade of pink.

It had been long, too long, since he felt this way. He wasn't even completely sure what he was feeling, exactly... the way Akihiko made him feel inside was so unlike the way he had been feeling for the past ten years. He felt warm, and safe, and happy, and loved...

Loved?

Is this what love feels like?

His thoughts were interrupted when he was suddenly pulled into the lap of Akihiko, who had gotten up and taken the seat next to Misaki. Misaki's deviant green eyes shook with emotion, taking in Akihiko's tenderness as his eyes were facing Akihiko's chest. He rested his hand on his chest, unconsciously caressing the bare skin revealed there, as Akihiko's shirt was not buttoned all the way. Akihiko held him in a tight, but snug embrace, and buried his face in Misaki's soft hair.

"Please don't leave, Misaki," Akihiko whispered. Misaki gave a small nod, closing his eyes and resting against the warmth of Akihiko's chest completely.

"I won't, Usagi." Misaki said with a small smile painted on his face.

"I'm glad..." Akihiko continued. "I'm glad because... I don't know what I'd do without you. You haven't been here that long, I know. But for too long, you hadn't been here, either. I've cherished every moment. Misaki... I lo-"

The moment had been broken by a sudden loud crashing at the front door. Both startled, Misaki and Akihiko diverted their attention to said area. A woman came stumbling through the door. She had long, orange hair, an excessive amount of makeup, and formal attire that screamed "business."

"Aikawa?" Akihiko asked, raising a brow. "What are you doing here?"

She brushed off the potential dust that came from the vehement entry, and eyed Akihiko with anger."Usami-sensei! You are overdue!"

Misaki continued to gaze upon her, bringing himself closer to Akihiko's embrace.

Who is this woman?

A/N A woman bursting in on them?

Someone who seems to know Akihiko pretty well?

Is she some kind of... partner of Akihiko's?

*Hearty laugh* OF COURSE NOT.

But, what is Misaki supposed to believe?

TBC!

-Tiny