To say they had come a long way was an understatement. It was quite the understatement, actually, considering the fact that not but a month ago the little jerk would have spat in his face and quite literally tried to kick him off the bed. Now, however, as he held Onodera's sleeping form tightly against his own, he'd realized that perhaps he'd lost his bite.

Onodera, that is. Takano would never stoop to such a low. His fight would rage on, because as he'd mentioned prior to their current situation, he was prepared to fight until Onodera's heart and body became his.

Tomohisa was a fragment of the past that they'd both long since forgotten. If anything he wasn't really sure that Onodera clearly remember the situation or the uncomfortable positions he'd put himself in at the worst times; or if the little jerk had just tried to block it all out again.

Petty as it may seem, Takano had won the prize of Onodera—which was why the no-longer little jerk had, though reluctantly, agreed to move in with him. The celebration had taken place little over a year ago.

He cracked a small smile as Onodera began to stir.

"Finally awake?" he chuckled as he lowered himself to gently meet Onodera's lips.

Onodera had barely registered the situation. He wasn't quite sure of what to make of this, until..

"Hey, little jerk, are you awake?"

Ah, that's right, Takano! He was in Takano's house..again..of course..because they lived together.

He was never going to get used to that.

"What are you doing so early in the morning? Go back to bed, tyrant.."

So he wanted to play that game? That was fine. "That's not what you said last—"

"Finish that and I'm breaking up with you."

He chuckled to himself again and nuzzled against Onodera's forehead. Mornings like these were a blessing; after all this time they'd finally managed to carry conversations with one another. Albeit a bit mean, but they were much better than the nonsensical rambling that carried on, prior to long instances of silence which led to Onodera's obvious discomfort.

He shoved the thought away, however. He was happy with Onodera, happy with the little arguments they'd have, with the mornings they shared where Onodera looked as though he'd had enough of Takano's remarks and he looked forward to every day and so on.

Eventually he was lucky enough to figure out, and hear from his own lips, that Onodera actually quite enjoyed their mornings as well. Or rather, maybe it was just the thought of togetherness that aroused the blush that quickly spread to his cheeks, or the red face of innocent anger when Takano would tease or pick on the little jerk for sport.

Perhaps that wasn't important now, however. The alarm, although it had just gone off, signaled a pressing matter that should have been taken care of at exactly 12:00 in the morning or midnight.

He reached across his side of the bed, took Onodera by the chin and pulled him in for an unexpected, but welcomed kiss. Takano pulled away and rose to his feet, extending a hand, "It's time to get up."

Onodera, for the life of him, tried to figure out just what had Takano in such a good mood this morning, but shrugged it off. It was Takano and the answer was likely something corny; or worse. Something that was most likely ripped off of a shojo manga pertaining to fifteen year old girls.

But, there was no harm in asking.

"What's with your attitude?"

Takano shrugged him off as he should have expected and said in the most casual tone, "I don't need a reason to be happy. The fact you exist is fine with me." He knelt down to his knee just as he had so long ago and took Onodera's hand. He gave it a quick, gentle kiss, "Happy Birthday, Onodera."

Onodera fought the urge to blush. He owed Takano so much more.. but for now—

He gave Takano a quick kiss on the lips, but avoided his gaze.

They'd already come quite a long way, after all.