Disclaimer: I do not own Junjou Romanica. All credit goes to the writer/creators of the show/Manga.

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Chapter Six

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Usagi watched Misaki from the corner of his eye. He had Misaki, Izumi, and Aikawa over so they could talk about the Manga. They were close to finishing and the first chapter would be released soon.

At first, he'd only agreed to do this because Misaki had seemed so excited about it, but he didn't think he'd like it nearly as much as he did. Izumi was brilliant.

Misaki looked a little pale tonight and he didn't like that. Was he sick? He hadn't said much, nor had he eaten much. He looked like a ghost of a person.

"I think this is fantastic, Izumi. I still have to run all this past Masamune, but I doubt there will be any problems." Misaki said. He leaned on the table some, feeling a little lightheaded.

"Awesome, Izumi said as she stood. "I look forward to hearing from you."

Misaki nodded, though he wasn't sure he even understood what she said. Man, he was coming down with a cold or something. "I'll call you tomorrow."

Usagi went to Misaki, worried. He looked like he was ready to pass out. "You have a fever," he said after putting his hand on Misaki's forehead. He was burning up.

Misaki moves, intending to brush Usagi off, but the world spun and he was out.

"Oh no!" Izumi shouted.

"It's okay, we just need to get his temperature down," Aikawa said, going to the kitchen.

Usagi, sat on the floor holding Misaki. His heart squeeze with worry as Aikawa took control of the situation. He was going to be fine. He had to be fine.

Usagi looked over at a feverish Misaki as he spoke him his sleep. He'd called out for his parents a few times, and that was heartbreaking. Takahiro has said Misaki blames himself for the death of his parents, so he wasn't surprised that Misaki would dream about them.

The doctor said Misaki would be okay. If the fever lasted longer then four days he was to bring him to the hospital, and if it ever got too high and they couldn't bring it down, he was to bring him to the hospital. Misaki had the flu made worse, apparently, by self-neglect.

He mostly slept, which was a good thing. He also preferred to be on the couch. Something about not wanting to be stuck in the room. He seemed eased some by the TV, though the moment he laid down on the couch and turned the thing on, he was out.

Usagi didn't mind him out there though. It gave him access to easily keep an eye on him and after bringing his computer out, he could watch him and work.

Misaki moaned, his aching muscles likely behind the sound. The poor man was just miserable. It made Usagi feel helpless at times. He wanted to do something. Anything to ease him, but all he could do was be there in case Misaki needed something.

"I love you, Usagi." The words came it mumbled, but that didn't stop Usagi's heart from leaping with joy. He still loved him! God didn't that just fill him with a warmth that spread through him.

He went to him, kneeling by the couch, and moved some of Misaki's hair out of his face. His handsome face, currently too pale, no longer held the roundness it once had. Even his eyes had matured. He's seen things. Experienced things that aged him far quicker than needed.

Usagi's stomach clenched as he thought about what Misaki went through. It seemed unreal that something like that could happen to the love of his life. It angered him and annoyed him that there was nothing to do with that anger.

Then, he had questions. Did he report the incident? Does he know who did it? Had he talked to anyone about it to help heal? He figured he knew the answers, but he wanted to know anyway.

"I love you, too," he said, kissing Misaki's forehead. He really, truly, unconditionally did.

Usagi turned, resting his back against the couch. He had to explain himself. Tell Misaki why he'd broken things off with him two years ago. Maybe then he can…Would that be selfish? To pull him into the drama his family would bring?

"It's hot," Misaki grumbled.

"Hey," Usagi said, turning. He touched Misaki's forehead, which was now sweaty. "Your fever broke. Let me get you some water."

"How long have I been asleep this time?" He hated feeling this out of it.

"It's almost one in the morning," Usagi helped Misaki sit up before handing him the cup. "you hungry?"

"No. I'm not." He took in Usagi's expression. "You made me eat dinner. I'm sure I'll survive until breakfast."

"Yeah. You're right."

Misaki finished his water before standing. He would have laughed if he had the energy because Usagi looked so anxious about his standing.

"I haven't lost the use of my body," Misaki informed him. "I can make it upstairs by myself."

"Sure," Usagi said, walking over to the stairs with him. "It just so happens I need to go up too." He just wanted to be sure Misaki was steady enough. There was nothing wrong with that.

Usagi was locked out of the bathroom, not that he was surprised. He was surprised, However, when Misaki found him a few minutes later, beet red.

"What's wrong?"

"You know, people would ask if I've ever had the flu and I would say I wasn't sure, well, I've never had the flu and this is the worst sickness I've ever gone through."

Usagi wasn't sure how to respond to that. Misaki looked embarrassed and flustered. "You're still tired?"

"I'm exhausted and my body feels like it weighs a thousand pounds, but I need a shower and I'm just too tired to stand." He looked away now. "So I thought I'd settle for a bath, but I'm not sure I'd be able to get out of you deep tub on my own…" he trailed off. He wouldn't be asking but he really needed to have a proper shower. Or in this case, bath.

"You're asking for help?" Usagi tried not to smile, but he did. He stood, taking Misaki's hand. "You're still adorable," he said as he led a frowning Misaki to the bath.

"I don't need your help getting in," Misaki pouted. Really he was too sick to care as much as he normally would.

Usagi ignored his pouting and started the bath. "Get undress and get in," he told him. He was a bit surprised when he obliged.

Once settled, Usagi sat outside the tub. "You scared the hell out of me, you know. I nearly panicked when you passed out on my floor."

"Don't remind me."

"Why didn't you tell me you were feeling sick?"

Misaki brought his knees up to rest his head on them. The hot water of the bath felt amazing, but it made him more tired than he already was. "It's not your problem. Besides, I didn't realize it was so bad."

"I still care about you. You can tell me things like that."

"I can't. It' would make it seem like we were lovers, and we aren't."

Ouch. He decided to switch gears. "So I was going to go to your house to pick up some things for you, but I can't find your keys."

"Oh…" hell what did he say to that? "Maybe that's because I don't have any." He grew quieter as he spoke.

"You don't have keys?"

"They would be useless without an apartment."

Usagi turned to him. "What happened to your apartment?"

"I don't have it anymore."

"I gathered that. Why? Where have you been staying."

"Here and there." Misaki closed his eyes as Usagi stood. He knew that look on Usagi's face. He was upset.

"Misaki, you mean to tell me you're homeless?"

"That's a strong word. I'm just in-between places. I wasn't planning on needing to get a place and none are available."

"Misaki, you have to fill in the gaps here. Did you lease run out?"

It was unavoidable. He tried to come up with some explanation that didn't include Haruhiko, but his brain was way too groggy for that. So he told him everything. From running into him outside the restaurant to all the care packages and how he technically had a place to go, but he refused to go to it. He did however keep out the part about them dating and why. There was no need to bring that up.

Seething. Usagi was seething. That bastard. He was sick of him trying to get Misaki to be his. Even if Misaki was no lover his lover, over his dead body would he allow him to end up with Haruhiko.

He said nothing as he grabbed the shampoo, and washed Misaki's hair, trying not to show how upset he was. "Well, you can stay here until something opens up. If you want."

"I don't want to be in your way." Though the idea of staying here was pleasing. He liked it here, and Usagi was here. Not that he should consider that. They weren't together and being under the same roof would make things awkward. Not to mention Haruhiko wouldn't be pleased. Jeez, this was a mess. Haruhiko was already mad that he was sick and staying here instead of going there.

"When will you get it through your head?" Usagi said as he rinsed Misaki's hair. "You're never an inconvenience to me."

Misaki pulled away from Usagi. He was suddenly aware of the intimacy of Usagi helping him in the bath. "I'll think about it."

"Good," Usagi replied, not missing the shift in Misaki. But right now, he had bigger fish to fry.

"Do you have any idea the hour? Haruhiko said as he stood on the stairs looking down at a fuming Akihiko. Did this mean Misaki spilled the beans?

"He told me you broke his lease and made him homeless. You stupid bastard!"

"I did no such thing. He has a place to stay. He just refused to do it."

He hated that uncaring and arrogant tone. The same one he'd use when they were kids. "Does it not matter to you that you make him uncomfortable? He doesn't like you that way."

"Someday he might," Haruhiko smiled. "I'm sure in time he will."

Akihiko moved, going up the stairs and grabbing Haruhiko's shirt. "You stay away from him!"

Haruhiko cocked his head to the side. "Funny, I'm not sure you two are on the same page."

"What are you blabbing on about?"

"Misaki and I are dating. Why should I have to stay away from him?"

Usami stood there, anger flooding through him to the point where his hands felt numb. His jaw clenched as he fought the urge to punch his brother right in the face. "You lie."

"Do I? Why don't you run home and ask him? Surely he will tell you the truth of things."

"If he's dating you, then why is he at my house?" He was violently angry as he spoke. He shook with rage.

"Because I told him to stay there. I can't afford to be sick just now. He might not love me yet, brother, but once I show him all I can offer? He will be begging me to let him stay. Soon enough I will have him crying out my name while I fuck…Umph."

Usami struck him and hard. Haruhiko went down, losing his footing. Before he could make a return hit, their father walked in the front door and demanded they both stand down.

"Akihiko? Why are you here?"

"I was just leaving," he said, before looking over at Haruhiko. "You watch your mouth and where you put your hands."

He felt sick as he drove home. Raging mad as he thought over his brother's words. Was it true? Was Misaki really dating him? How? Why? Misaki had always been made uncomfortable by Haruhiko. So, surely it wasn't true. Right? Please, he thought as his eyes burned with hurt. Please don't let it be true.

Misaki jumped awake, taking a moment to ground himself. He wasn't feeling too awful at the moment, and he prayed that it would stay this way. He sat, picking up his phone off the side table. There was a text from Haruhiko, which informed him that Usagi went to see him early this morning and he told him they were dating, and he was to say the were if asked, as well as keep the reason behind it out of it. To make things worse, he'd sent a picture of Usagi and him kissing as to prove he had the higher ground. From the angle, it wasn't clear that it was an old picture.

He sat there, his heart pounding hard as it broke. How had Usagi taken that? It must have hurt him, and that made Misaki feel horrible. He never wanted to hurt Usagi. Oh god. He let his head hang as he cried some. How could he ever face him?

It had to be done sooner or later, however, so he was soon walking downstairs to find Usagi already awake and sitting on the couch. He had a cigarette in his mouth and a book in his hands. He looked like he hadn't slept and Misaki figured that it was likely the case. Would Usagi ask about it?

"Morning," Misaki said as he crossed to the kitchen. "Hungry?"

"No," Usagi replied, his tone seemingly indifferent.

"Well, I'm starved." It was true enough. For the first time in days, he actually felt hungry.

"Good," came the quick response.

Unnerved, Misaki took time making breakfast. He took as long as he possibly could, but all too soon he was sitting down at the table, and he could feel Usagi's angry glances as he ate. Or tired to eat.

After ten minutes and a few bits of the meal he no longer intended on eating, Misaki stood. He couldn't take the tension anymore and he wasn't sure whether to come right out and ask if he knows, or to wait for Usagi to bring it up.

"You didn't eat," Usagi said, looking over at him. There was concern in his eyes along with the anger.

"I guess I'm not as hungry as I thought I was." He started for the kitchen and stopped when Usagi spoke.

"Are you dating Haruhiko?"

Misaki has to swallow the lump in his throat. He'd expected the question to sound angry, but Usagi's tone was full of pain. "yes."

"Yes?" Usagi stood, watching Misaki go to the kitchen. "Yes? You say it as if it means nothing."

Misaki simply shrugged. He was unsure of what else to say.

"I can't believe it. Why would you be with someone like him? How could you do this to me?" Usagi shook as the pain crept in and settled heavily on him. He couldn't believe this was true.

"Do this to you? You broke up with me, remember?"

"I forbid you to see him!" Usagi said, banging his fist on the counter.

Misaki scoffed. "You forbid me? You have no right to tell me who I can and cannot see!" He wasn't angry. Not at all, but he couldn't see any other way to get Usagi to back down.

"No. Please don't date him. Anyone but him." He couldn't handle it. Knowing his brother could at any point in time lay his hands on Misaki? And their father wouldn't approve.

"You have no right." Misaki grew still now. He was starting to feel some anger, but it wasn't because Usagi didn't want him seeing Haruhiko. He didn't want to be seeing him. No, it was the fact that Usagi felt like he had the right to ask him not to see Haruhiko. "You broke my heart, Usagi. You have no right to choose who I decide can help me put it back together."

"He's using you!" Usagi shouted as Misaki's statement cut into him like a knife. He followed as Misaki stormed toward the front door. "Where are you going?"

"To find a place to live. I assume last night's offer no longer stands?"

Misaki had the door open slightly before Usagi had it closed again. He had each hand on the door on both sides of Misaki, blocking him in. Misaki waited for the fear to kick in, but while he felt a little uneasy, fear never came.

"Don't go." Usagi nearly whispered the words as his thoughts went a mile a minute. He couldn't let Misaki walk out that door. He didn't understand why Misaki was with Haruhiko, but he would let it go for the moment if it meant Misaki would stay.

"I don't think I should stay." Why was he suddenly so calm?

"Misaki." Usagi closed his eyes as he pressed his forehead to Misaki's. He heard that little gasp Misaki had always made when he made advances. That erotic sound that also managed to be cute made him want to take Misaki right here and now.

"Usagi." Misaki closed his eyes too. His heart pounded as he waited to see what Usagi was going to do. He was conflicted. Part of him didn't want Usagi to be this close. However, there was another part of him that wanted him closer. He wanted Usagi's lips on his own and those large hands touching him.

Usagi pulled away, though it was not easy. "Please, stay. At least until you find a new place. Besides, you're still sick. You have a fever."

Misaki wasn't surprised to he was feverish. He'd felt warm as he was trying to eat, though he'd thought it was Usagi's angry gaze that had him feeling flushed. "I'll think about it."

Usagi released the breath he was holding when Misaki replied. "Good." He said, going over to where the fever reducer was. "Take these."

"I won't answer any questions you might have about us," Misaki said as Usagi headed for the stairs. "Can you agree not to ask?"

Usagi's stomach clenched as he thought about the two of them together. "I won't ask." He agreed because he didn't want Misaki to leave. But he wasn't stepping down easy. He wouldn't let this happen. No way was he losing the love of his like to that asshole. No freaking way!

Usagi woke the day to the smells of breakfast cooking. When he saw Misaki in the kitchen, he smiled gently. It made him extremely happy to see him there. Not only because he looked like he was feeling better, but because he'd missed seeing Misaki in the kitchen. Hell, he missed seeing him all over the house.

"Good morning," he said, sitting down at the table. He was determined not to think about Harihiko and Misaki.

Misaki snorted. "It's three in the afternoon."

Usagi glanced at the clock, then shrugged. "You're making breakfast food. We can pretend it's morning."

Misaki walked over to him with the coffee. "I just got up myself about an hour ago. I feel partially human today."

"I can see that. Some of your color has returned. But after you're finished, I want you to rest. No jumping back into life."

"It can't be avoided much longer. I need to get back to work. Masamune said I can work from home for a few days starting tomorrow."

Usagi didn't like that, but he held his tongue. Misaki had a good work ethic and couldn't deny the pride he felt for him. "Still, try not to overdo it."

"Sure," he replied before heading back to the food.

Over "breakfast" the talked about mindless things before getting into the manga topic. Usagi was happy with the way things were going, and Misaki was delighted to be apart of it. He couldn't wait to start working on his favorite storyline, and he told Usagi as much.

"The second book being made into manga hasn't been approved yet," he reminded Misaki.

"You don't think you're going to approve it?"

"We haven't talked about it yet. Assuming the manga sells well, and the author wanted to continue with the next book. The first book alone will be about four or five volumes."

"True." He shrugged. "Well if it ever comes to it, I'll be excited."

"Then I hope it does come to it."

Misaki blushed because Usagi was looking at him like he was ready to ravish him. Did this mean he was no longer angry about the Haruhiko thing? That whole conversation kept playing in his mind. He wanted to tell Usagi the truth because this lie was eating at him.

"So, on to more important things. Do you agree to stay here until you find your own place?"

Misaki sighed some. He had thought about this off and on since the day before. He wanted to tell him no. That he'd be fine, but really, besides rooming with his brother and their ever-growing family, where else did he have to go? And he knew he liked living with Usagi, so he wouldn't have to stress over living with a roommate he didn't like.

He supposed he could go to that apartment, but he didn't want to. Really really didn't want too. If he did, he felt like he'd be stuck with Haruhiko forever and he didn't want to be. These five months honestly couldn't pass fast enough.

"I think I might like to. If that's truly okay."

"It's perfectly fine by me." Yes, he was jumping with joy on the inside. "Okay. Now that, that is settled, where are your things?"

Misaki looked over at the bag he'd been lugging everywhere. "I packed up my books and I'm storing them at Takahiro's. But besides those, everything else is in that bag." He was embarrassed to admit that to Usagi.

Usagi said nothing, though he felt a little irked. Misaki left this apartment with a hell of a lot more than a duffle bag full of stuff. But that was okay. He would be back under this roof and Usagi would slowly make sure he got stuff before leaving again. Assuming he couldn't convince him to stay.

"Don't be embarrassed," he said, knowing that expression. "You're not measured by what you have. Not by me anyway."

"Thanks," Misaki replied. Really, that meant a lot.

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I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D