A/N: Hey guys! Here's the sequel to 'secrets.' Thank you so much for your support and reviews. I'm excited for this story! Please Review! (Btw: Ah-Pa** is like 'dad'. They say it in countries like Korea. I have Ritsu call his father that because he knows Korean and it just sounds like something he'd call his dad. c: And also the book "Passion" By Jude Morgan is a real book. So I do not own that! Nor do I own the Sekai ichi Hatsukoi characters. You all know this. Please Review!Thank you!)

Memento Mori

Chapter 1: Forgiveness

One month later:

Ritsu sat at back in his chair, finding himself relaxed as his therapist spoke. 'One deep breath, two deep breathes, hold it….' Ritsu let out a slow breath, resting his eyes closed as the breath escaped his teeth.

"Now Onodera-Kun," The therapist spoke softly, gathering his papers together. "You have to take it easy. Try to stay away from things that stress you out or give you anxiety. And when you feel like you want to take pills, what are you going to do?"

Ritsu looked at his therapist, and smiled softly and calmly. "I will use the coping skills I've learned to resist. And if I can't, tell someone so they can help me." The therapist nodded slowly, and placed his papers into his bag.

"Well, Onodera-Kun, I'll see you in two weeks. Shall we go?" The therapist stood, and Ritsu followed him out to the lobby. Ritsu bowed to his therapist, and headed towards Takano, who's attention was absorbed in a magazine.

"Oh, Ritsu, are you done?" Ritsu nodded, and Takano set down his magazine. The two walked towards the car, hand in hand. Takano opened the door for Ritsu, then closing it after he was inside.

Takano set himself firmly in the driver's seat, then started the car. "How'd it go?" Takano pulled them out of the parking lot, eventually flowing along the busy streets of traffic. Ritsu gave a soft smile, and studied the outside from the passenger window.

"It went well, I think. Hika-San will be out for the next two weeks for his wedding though." Ritsu continued to smile small, and turned to Takano who said nothing. Takano met emeralds with his own golden eyes, and ruffled his lover's brown locks.

"I'm so glad that you're trying your best. Thank you Ritsu." Takano flashed Ritsu a smile, making a blush spread across his cheeks. Ritsu turned his head away, heart pounding, and thoughts muddled.

"Um…Takano-san…it's been a little over a month now…"Ritsu twiddled his thumbs, and shifted through his seat as Takano continued to drive. Takano's attention was on the road ahead of him, but he gave a short glance at Ritsu as he spoke. "I…I have an apartment you know…and I have to pay my rent and other bills…I just think it's time I go home…" Ritsu kept his eyes on the car floor, hoping saying this didn't hurt his lover.

Takano said nothing. He knew this day was coming. He knew the month was over as of today. And he knew Ritsu had his own place…but they were together now. They were dating. They were in love. And they belonged together. He was afraid that if he let Ritsu go, then maybe he would never come back. Maybe he was just being paranoid, maybe he was being overprotective, maybe he was just overthinking…but he is only doing the things that he should've done eleven years ago.

He should've said 'I love you,' more than just one time, barely audible. He should've been more careful in his actions back then. He should've spoiled Ritsu back then. He should've showered him in kisses and warm embraces. He should've bought him chocolate on White day, a present on his birthday, a special event on Christmas; all these things he should've done, and been able to do. But instead, all he gave Ritsu was unbearable agony.

And it was time he made up for it.

Takano stopped at the red light, and pulled Ritsu by his chin. "I love you Ritsu." He gave a soft, chaste kiss, and ran his fingers through the back of Ritsu's hair. "Move in with me. I'll take care of you." Takano smiled, and gazed into the shocked emeralds before him.

Emerald eyes were wide, and turned themselves away from the hypnotizing golden ones. Ritsu stuttered, "I..I-I, Takano-san…I l-love y-you too…but…i-I don't want to be a bother." Ritsu looked back at the car floor, avoiding any gaze with Takano. "But…we even work together…don't you think you would get tired of me?"

Takano pulled Ritsu back into a kiss, and whispered into his ear, "Never."

The two lovers walked towards the elevator silently. Ritsu hadn't agreed or declined Takano's offer. But Ritsu knew deep down he really wanted to be with Takano all the time. If he could, he'd tell Takano these things, but everything always seemed to come out wrong. If he tried to explain himself when they fought, he would yell and say things he didn't mean. Though they didn't argue much, (except at work), he knew that the rotten words that blurted out of his mouth through pressure, pained Takano.

Ritsu loved Takano. And Takano loved Ritsu. But something held him back. What was it? Oh yes-they could break up, or cheat on each other. They could realize that after being in the same apartment, that they weren't as compatible as they thought. And where would that leave Ritsu? No where. Absolutely nowhere. Why? His parents wouldn't take him in after what had happened this past month. An-Chan would take it the wrong way. He had no friends. And he was practically broke from taking a month off to recover. And even though the pain was bearable, it still hurt. And he still craved for painkillers. They gave an interesting high.

It reminded him of those ten years he and Takano were apart. All those promises and swears he made. All the crap he got caught up in, and ran away from. He only came back to Tokyo to get away from people in England. Yes, he was a runner. When something hit him hard, he'd hurt it as much as he could and then take off. Disappearing out of sight, out of mind, out of nowhere. Just like he did to Takano.

And that's what held him back from burning down all his bridges.

"Takano-san," He began, taking his hand from Takano's.

".." Takano turned his eyes to the brunette, and waited. Ritsu stopped in his tracks, and nervously began again.

"I'll um….think about it.." He mumbled; Takano tried to keep a slight grin from spreading on his face, but how could he help it? Ritsu was so adorable. He was so cute. He was so loveable. And he loved him, loved him enough to die for him.

"Take as long as you want Ritsu, I want you to be happy." Takano kissed Ritsu's forehead, and they stepped into the elevator. Ritsu was standing nervously, dark shades of embarrassment on his face.

"H-how can y-you say such embarrassing things…?" Takano stood and shrugged,

"I don't think it's embarrassing. It's true. I love you so much that I want you to be happy. I want you to take your time, and I want you to be sure. Of course, I've waited eleven years…" Takano's voice trailed off in a sort of annoyed and pained tone, leaving Ritsu uneasy but secretly amused.

"Well, if you love me like you say you do than I guess you wouldn't mind waiting another ten." Ritsu spoke playfully, laughing at what Takano's expressions or comments would be.

"I would wait. If that's really what you want, then I'll wait ten years." Ritsu's playfulness stopped there. He stood in awe, secretly, and horrifically happy. The elevator did a 'ding,' and the two men stepped out to their floor.

Takano strode to the door, pulling out his keys to unlock it. Ritsu followed right behind, and uneasily stepped into the apartment behind Takano. They both took their shoes off, and Ritsu hurried to the room. Takano watched curiously, but headed towards the kitchen for a drink. Ritsu came out a few minutes later, a full bag in hand, and him shuffling to the door.

Takano watched in silent horror as Ritsu picked up his books, manuscripts on the table and clothes that lay in a pile. "What are you doing..?" Takano tried hard to keep his voice from cracking, but the unwavering in his question seemed to give his fear away. Ritsu looked up from the pile of clothes on the floor, holding a sweater in hand, ready to place it into the bag.

"Oh, I'm getting ready for laundry day." Ritsu smiled, and put the sweater in the bag, and turned back to the books he set near him. "And I'm going to read these. I've been eyeing them for a while but I've never had time…do you mind if I read them..?" Ritsu blushed at his own statement. He hoped he hadn't upset Takano. He just really didn't want to leave a mess all over the house and not pick it up. And he really wanted to read the books that sat next to him, they were some that he read back in high school with Saga-senpai.

Takano sighed of relief, and headed in Ritsu's direction. Ritsu was about to speak again, but found himself in a tight embrace. "Oh Ritsu," He whispered, "I thought you were gonna leave again…" Ritsu's heart pounded. It was loud. So loud, Takano could probably hear it screaming off of the walls.

"Ta-Takano-san…" Ritsu found himself speechless once again, but didn't try to run. His body felt warm cuddled into Takano's chest. He felt safe physically, mentally and emotionally with Takano's broad arms warped around his waist. He was happy.

"Ritsu, I love you." Takano placed a kiss on Ritsu's cheek, and nuzzled his face into the crook of his neck. Ritsu subconsciously wrapped his arms around Takano's neck, and mumbled a thought aloud.

"I want to live with you." Takano's eyes widened, and quickly picked his head off of Ritsu's shoulder. Ritsu blushed madly, realizing he spoke aloud.

"Then let's move in together this weekend. I'll talk to the landlord tomorrow." Takano cupped Ritsu's warm cheek, and smiled at his shyness.

"O-Okay.." Ritsu bit his lip, and shyly wrapped his shorter arms around Takano's neck.

That night, they lay silently together on the bed. Ritsu rested his head on Takano's chest, wrapping one of his legs around his body. Takano petted the silky hair of his partner, and thought quietly to himself. Ritsu sat up suddenly, giving a short sigh. Takano raised an eyebrow, and he too sat up.

"What is it?" Takano asked concerned. Ritsu turned to face his lover, with great pleading on his face.

"I really wanna read that book." He whined, clenching the blankets in his hands. Takano sat shocked momentarily, then changed to amused quickly.

"Well, why don't you go get it? You can read it to me." Takano smiled, and ruffled Ritsu's hair between his fingers once again. Ritsu smiled and swung his legs over the bed.

"Okay!" He gave a great smile and happily raced out of the room momentarily. Seconds later, he came in with a thick book in his hands, holding it to his chest. He hopped in bed, and snuggled comfortably in Takano's arms. Takano gave a small, happy smile, and listened as Ritsu read the title.

"It's called Passion. By Jude Morgan. It's an American book. Are you sure you want me to read it aloud?" Ritsu watched Takano with curious emeralds. Takano kissed his hair, and nodded.

"I love listening to you read. Please read it to me." He spoke softly, giving a little blush on his cheeks.

"O-Okay," Ritsu nervously, yet excitedly read the beginning of the book. "Prologue: No one is watching the woman on her way towards death. She is seen, unconsciously witnessed. A tall handsome woman in a white muslin gown and red handkerchief shawl walking alone in the October rain…"

Ritsu finished the prologue, and looked up to meet Takano's gaze. Takano smiled at him, and took the book in hand. He read aloud as the first chapter began. "Let us recollect our sensations as children. What a distinct and intense apprehension had we of the world and of ourselves…We less habitually distinguished all that we saw and felt, from ourselves. They seemed, as it were, to constitute one mass…Sorrow is knowledge…Thou are a dreaming things, a fever of thyself." Takano sat quietly, thinking of the words written on the page.

To recollect yourself as a child, and realize that the world is cruel and that people are selfish, it's such a shame. But at the same time, isn't better to realize that love and people are ruthless? Isn't it better to guard your heart before you get hurt? Passion, huh?

"Takano-san, what are you thinking about?" Ritsu spoke softly, and Takano fixed a loving look onto the brunette.

"What do you think of that quote?" He asked. Ritsu cocked his head to the side, the question running deep within his brain.

"Hmm, well I think it's interesting. I used to think that way too." Was all he said. He rested his head back onto Takano's bare chest, and held the ends of his sleeves in his hands.

"What do you mean?" Ritsu smiled, not lifting his head to face Takano. It was silent for a minute, and then he replied.

"The title is 'passion.' Passion about love. About hate, about life. Who knows exactly. The point is, is that the character's are thinking this way because they have been through something that has hurt them and led them to guard their hearts. It says 'Sorrow is knowledge,' But I don't think that. I think it's the other way around. I think that Knowledge is sorrow." Takano breathed lightly, and thought about what was said. He rested his head on the pillow underneath him, and sat the book down on the nightstand.

"I think you're right." He said after a few moments of silence. Ritsu lifted his head again, and watched his lover through the darkness.

"What?" He blushed, realizing he had actually spoken his thoughts without any protest. Takano sat up, and ran his hand through his hair.

"I said I think you're right. I think that it hurts to know the truth. To know a secret that you 'knew' but didn't want to be true. That is painful. And I know you know what I mean. And I'm sorry Ritsu." Takano gave a sad grin, and shifted his way out of bed to the bathroom.

Ritsu sat silently, knowing how much Takano regretted a lot of things…But he couldn't change the past…not the cheating, not the misunderstanding, not the ten year gap, not the painful assault a month ago…he couldn't change those things. They were in the past. And even if he didn't want to remember,

It would be forever engraved in his skin.

Ritsu slipped out of bed, heading towards the bathroom. Hoping he could somehow tattoo the pain on Takano's heart away with a second of sincerity. Ritsu knocked on the bathroom door, and peaked it opened. Light peered out of the crack, and Ritsu could see Takano staring at himself in the mirror. He looked so pained. And the sight caused a wave shock of agony to shoot through his body. What was he really without Takano? Who was he really? He had grown so attached to Takano over the past year of reminiscing, dilemma and acceptance. If Takano disappeared, could he face the dark without him?

Takano didn't look away from the mirror when Ritsu stepped in. The purple, button down shirt Ritsu wore lightened in color. His disheveled hair was exposed, and his emerald eyes grew into more beauty as the light encircled around them. He wrapped his arms around Takano from behind, burying his face into his back.

"I forgive you. So please….forget it. And let's move on…" Ritsu practically begged. He didn't want to see Takano hurt like this. It brought back old demons. Takano didn't move, and he almost held his breath.

"How can you just forgive me? I did something wrong. Very wrong." Takano placed a hand on top of Ritsu's, who's hands rested around his stomach. Ritsu said nothing, but he tightened his grip on his hands.

"I love you Masamune. Please, I-i…I really do f-forgive you…And..i-I know that…I know that you regret it…but I love you….and I can't stand to see you so unhappy…I thought we were happy…I thought that you were happy with me…" Ritsu began to cry, tightening his embrace around Takano. Takano's heart broke at the sudden realization. All this time, he had been blaming himself, and it was killing Ritsu inside. How could he hurt him again? How could he be so blind? He had to fix this, he just had to.

Ritsu choked out sobs, and sniffled. He pulled his hands away, turning back into the bedroom. Takano rushed to his lover's side, pulling him into another hug.

"I'm sorry. We'll move on. I promise. I just didn't know if you hated me.." He forced back unbinding tears, holding Ritsu close. Ritsu looked up into the raven's eyes, and held his hands tightly on Takano's bare back. "Ritsu….can I kiss you?"

Ritsu blushed at the question, but nodded in approval. Nothing more had to be said, for soon enough, they were passionately mouth to mouth.

Ritsu sat at his desk, tapping a red correcting pen on his chin repeatedly. Work was slow, but there were still obstacles that had to be overcome. He sat quietly, and glanced at the empty chair across the room. Takano had a meeting all afternoon, and wouldn't be back until late.

Ritsu shuffled through papers, trying to find something to occupy his time. Kisa swirled in his chair, Mino napped quietly, and Hatori talked on the phone with one of his authors. All seemed normal. All was normal. Except something continued to bother Ritsu secretly.

His parents. He'd been getting calls and messages repeatedly through the past week. And, of course, he never answered any of them.

Ritsu sighed, standing up from his chair. "I'll be back, I'm going to get a coffee."

"Alright Ricchan!~" Kisa continued to spin in his chair as Ritsu headed out of the office.

Down the hall, Ritsu noticed someone familiar. Someone…Way too familiar….

"Ritsu. Let's go." He flinched at the sound of his father's stern voice, and bit his lip nervously.

"Ah-pa*…" He shifted from foot to foot, and noticed Isaka in the back. "I have work.." He tried to turn to leave, but found himself cornered by two familiar bodyguards. Ritsu turned around, ready to protest to his father, when he was picked up by one of the men. "Ah-pa! I said I can't go! Put me down!"

His father waved goodbye to Isaka, and led them out of the office to the outside. Ritsu protested the whole way, and grew embarrassed knowing that he not only looked ridiculous, but that now he would definitely be recognized as Onodera Ritsu, daddy's little boy now.

Ritsu struggled, but gave in as the man put him inside the black limo awaiting them. His father stepped in, then closed the door. He gestured to the driver,

"To home." He said, and Ritsu shut his mouth. This could not be good….