Hello! Holy schnookums! I'm sorry for such a late update. My internet connection's down and I'm currently at my granny's and steadily draining out her own one as we speak. I hope this doesn't have any particular errors. If it does, feel free to PM me where :)

So... How are you guys coming along? School been hectic for me and I've been sleeping at about 1AM for the past few nights. Even on weekends. It's kinda strenuous though, when you get about 3-4 hours of sleep only ;;u;;

A whole bunch of thanks to : damons-hot-as-hell, ifellinloveandhatedit & Guest-san.

Guest-san, thank you for leaving me positive feedback in Spanish :3 I'm glad I took Spanish classes to understand what you said~ Just know that even though I'm not giving you a proper reply in Spanish, I'm really happy about what you said w

And of course, more thank-yous to : AkaKyo, April Twelving, InfinitePanicAttacks33, Jnaruko, Lori de Bartoni & Potterwatcher for following this story~ I really appreciate it guys!

(Ignoring my thank-yous and part, there are about 1,100+ words here so do enjoy my short chapters :3)

Chapter 11 : Acceptance

Tapping away at his keyboard, Akihiko couldn't help but occasionally glance at Misaki. He had intended to get some work done in the sitting area but even though the manuscript was slowly progressing, the image of a sleepy Misaki seemed to distract him.

Akihiko's warmth had engulfed Misaki in a tight embrace the previous night and the two of them had slept quite late after giving into the pleasure of being in each other's company.

While Misaki's footsteps thudded lightly on the wooden floor, Akihiko couldn't help but keep a watchful eye on the boy who was slightly swaying as he folded laundry.

It's impossible...

Unable to hold back any longer, Akihiko extended an arm and wrapped it around the brunette's waist, successfully pulling him to the couch. All the while, inhaling his homely scent.

"H-Hey, stupid Usagi! Let go!"

His struggles were weak and Akihiko let a smile play on his lips. Pulling him closer, he settled into a comfortable position on the couch and let one hand run through his brown hair.

"Oi, Usagi-san? Is something wrong?" He mumbled sleepily, using the back of his hand to rub at his emerald eyes which were steadily closing from his need to sleep.

"Nothing. I just want to hold you."

Either Akihiko hadn't heard the doorbell or they had gone out.

Takahashi Takahiro contemplated on his options of either entering or coming back some other time. Pushing the latter to the back of his mind, he straightened himself and carefully entered the code to the novelist's condo.

Although Akihiko had given it to him so long ago, Takahiro wondered if him entering without the novelist's knowledge was a good idea. Shrugging off his reasoning behind the visit, he entered the dark corridor and felt about for the switch.

The spacious condo lit up with its warm lighting and Takahiro settled his bags on the floor and made his way to the sitting room, calling out Akihiko's name as he did.

"Shh."

Takahiro blinked. Following Akihiko's soft tone that beckoned him to be quiet, he took a seat opposite them and gazed at his brother.

His eyes were peacefully closed and his breathing was soft but seemingly relaxed which gave Takahiro the impression that he was in the middle of a good dream.

"It's been a while since I saw him look so peaceful." Takahiro mumbled quietly. "After our parents died, he tried to show me that he was fine but sometimes at night, he would wake up and cry over a recurring nightmare."

Akihiko's violet orbs gazed piercingly at Takahiro. "After he came here, I don't think I ever saw him cry over a nightmare..." He began thoughtfully.

"But Usagi's room is downstairs. How could you hear him if your place is soundproof?"

"Misaki has always slept with me. Perhaps not every single day but it's been the usual." He cut in smoothly.

"What are you talking about? Baka Usagi..." Misaki murmured, rubbing at his eyelids and trying to free himself from Usagi's strong grasp. After focusing, it didn't take him long to realize that his brother was there and he stiffened with a start. "N-Niichan?!"

The cups of coffee seemed particularly warming to Takahiro's cold hands. His hard work for the company had yet again paid off and his day off was being occupied by his younger brother and his best friend, but he really didn't mind. Manami and Mahiro had gone out to the aquarium and his wife understood the situation and didn't hold his reasons against him. Her only objection had been that he had better return before dinner.

He glanced at Misaki who seemed to be fidgeting nervously and Akihiko who had draped an arm around the boy protectively.

"I know... I haven't been accepting." He began softly.

"As an elder brother, I really shouldn't have lashed out at you like that and left the two of you worried about what I was going to do. I'm sorry for being so difficult about this situation. Misaki's happiness is my happiness and if being with Usagi makes Misaki happy, then he should stay with him. I can't even compensate for the happiness that would be lost if I ever separated the two of you..."

Akihiko opened his mouth to speak but Takahiro silenced him.

"But you have to realize that for me to understand such a situation was hard. I didn't know what to think. Of my best friend and younger brother being in a relationship for four years without telling me? I was hurt. I wanted to know why you didn't trust me but now I know that admitting this kind of love wouldn't have been an easy thing for the both of you either."

Takahiro bowed his head apologetically. "I'm sorry for being such a bad brother and friend."

"Nii-chan. Stop getting so sentimental." Misaki broke in, his face flushed but indignant. "I overreacted too okay? I think it's normal. We don't hate you for that."

Akihiko nodded. "Misaki's right. You've been my best friend and past love for so many years. While omitting the past love since I've moved on, I'm still grateful to have had you as my best friend. If it weren't for you, I don't think I would've gained much of my confidence in writing since your feedback in high-school was what inspired me."

"If there's anyone I want Misaki to be with, I think there's no better person than Usagi. I'm incredibly proud of you, Misaki and I always will be."

"I honestly didn't expect him to come around so soon." Misaki stuttered after having waved Takahiro goodbye. His shaky hands managed to pour the cake batter into its tray and he set it in the oven.

"People change. Nothing is ever the same. Aren't you happy?" Akihiko inquired after a few moments of thoughtful silence. Leaning against the counter, he watched Misaki fidget about nervously.

"O-Of course I am! Don't start thinking stupid stuff you idiot! I.. I'm just embarrassed." Misaki huffed, letting a warm blush tint his cheeks.

"Embarrassed? What for?" Usagi chuckled, walking up to him and pressing a soft kiss on his forehead. He sighed contentedly, burying his face in Misaki's soft hair. "I don't think you can make me fall in love with you anymore than this." He whispered, bringing him close and hugging him tight. "You really are mine."

"W-Who said I was yours?! And hold it! Where do you think you're touching?! GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME YOU PERVERT!"