Disclaimer: Takumi-kun does not belong to me.

PURENESS

"Okay..what in the world is that?" Misu frowned as he looked at his young lover strangely as Shingyouji wrestled with his white fluffy costume.

"I'm a bunny rabbit. I'm doing this as a favor for my boss. It's his kid's birthday party. Isn't it cute?"

Idiot, you're already cute even without it. Misu smirked but he won't say it out loud. "So when do you start your rabbit gig?" Misu sat on the chair and merely observed Shingyouji who was admiring and waving at at his reflection in the mirror.

"Tomorrow." Came the response. Shingyouji proceeded to take off the costume and stuff them in the big bag along with the fluffy bunny ears and pink nose.

"Alright." Misu stood up and went to their kitchen and saw there was curry on the stove. He poured some of it in a bowl and took it to the table while Shingyouji began setting the table. This particular dinner time was special as they didn't share the same schedules. Misu being a hospital intern and Shingyouji balancing his part time job as a convenience store clerk and college taking up Phys Ed.

"By the way, I have a surprise for you." Shingyouji smiled and pulled out two tickets out of his messenger bag.

"Where did you get these?" Misu looked at them surprised.

"My co-worker sold me those tickets last week since he won't be able to attend it with his girlfriend due to some family matter. I thought it was so timely since the tickets have already sold out even online."

"These premiere movie tickets are for tomorrow night." Misu stared at them. Premiere tickets to Francisco Nagoya's art film feature. He had been a fan since high school. He was quite impressed that Shingyouji managed to get tickets for this.

"Yes. I figured since my rabbit gig will be in the morning and I don't have classes tomorrow. I have already informed my boss that I will take the night off for tomorrow so we could watch the movie and maybe have dinner afterwards. What do you think, Arata-san? Will you come with me?" Shingyouji looked at him with his eyes sparkling with hope.

"Well, I don't see why not. It's my day off tomorrow anyway. Yeah, sure. Let's go." Misu shrugged.

"Yatta!" Shingyouji lunged forward and gave an amused Misu a tight hug. "Thank you, Arata-san. I'm so happy." He whispered to his ear and as their eyes met, Misu gave him a light kiss on the lips but still melted the younger man.

"That was a really good movie." Misu nodded as he read the movie pamphlet. Shingyouji looked at him proudly. Actually, he didn't quite understood the film being cerebral and a bit too artsy for his taste but spending time with Arata-san was all worth it. How he wished they could spend more time like these but he knew living together was the ultimate dream he had that's come true. He should be more than happy. As they were on their way to the lobby, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"Misu-kun!"

"Sagara-senpai!" Misu turned and his eyes lit up. Very pleased to see his old friend and senior. Shingyouji could only look at him in shock. What is he doing here? Why now?

"I wasn't expecting I'd see you here. This is a nice surprise." Sagara-senpai smiled as he patted his kouhai's head.

Get your damn hands off him! Shingyouji's jaw was clenched. He was fighting the urge to drag Misu away from the older man but he could only clench his fists inside his coat pockets in silent frustration.

"Ah...Shingyouji-kun, yes? I remember you. It's been a long time. It's good to see you." Sagara-senpai patted him lightly on the shoulder. Shingyouji could only manage a slight bow and a forced smile. "Yes, it's been a long time, Sagara-san." He couldn't do it. He can't risk embarassing Misu. He loved him too much.

"We're going out for drinks. Would you like to join us, senpai?" Misu asked an amused Sagara who easily agreed. Shingyouji wanted to fall apart but kept his cool and nodded in agreement instead.

They arrived at a relaxing yet classy bar. There weren't much patrons around and happened to be Misu's favorite as was suggested by his co-interns. A piano player onstage playing jazz music. The atmosphere was sublime. The waiter was courteous and attentive who took their orders. It had a nice air of privacy and comfort. But Shingyouji was finding it difficult to absorb the atmosphere because right before him was his beloved who is now deeply engaged in a conversation with his senior and old friend. Tonight was supposed to be just for the two of them. He could have been the one Misu would be deeply engaged in a conversation with. He could have been the only one Misu would be focusing on right now. He could have been enjoying all that attention right now. This was an evening for only the two of them. He felt oddly out of place now. He knew too well that once these two met, there was no pulling them apart. Shingyouji looked at them sadly and manage a polite smile.

He considered just walking out of the bar and not looking back. Make up some lame excuse. Would Arata-san follow me? Would he leave Sagara-san to be with me? He felt his insecurities rising again at rapid speed.

He reached for his cell phone and pressed for a ring tone. What the hell am I doing? But I can't stand this...I don't wanna embarrass Arata-san. The longer I stay here...I'll embarrass myself as well.

"Oh, I'm sorry..I have to take this call." Shingyouji waved slightly and stood up and walked to the corner of the bar as Misu watched in passing.

The waiter arrived with their drinks and so did Shingyouji with the most apologetic face he could express.

"Anou...I'm really sorry. But something's up at work. I need to leave. It was very nice meeting you again, Sagara-san...Arata-san." Shingyouji bowed and turned to leave quickly. Misu having noticed the change of mood from Shingyouji excused himself to follow him to the door.

"Where are you going? You told me that you took the day off. Now they want you to report for work?" Misu held squeezed his arm slightly to make the younger man face him.

"Yeah. Well, it's rather unexpected. But it's alright. I'll see you at home, Arata-san." Shingyouji tried to smile. Misu studied his face for a minute before releasing his hold on Shingyouji's arm. There was an unsteadiness in his tone. The smile that didn't quite reach those eyes yet continued smiling nontheless. He understood Shingyouji's work ethic and dedication to his job but why did it seem so hurried?

Shingyouji walked inside their apartment and the first thing he did was lay his cell phone on the dining table. He reflected for a moment what he was about to do next. He paced around scratching his head. He sits on the chair and stared at the bed they shared. His eyes wandered to the calendar on the wall. He had planned for this evening two weeks in advance. He knew that Arata-san had always admired the films of that movie director so he was so excited when he got to buy those premiere tickets. He wanted to see his lover smile and take him out of his stressful job as a hospital intern. He wanted to make the evening special and the unexpected presence of one person simply dashed those dreams away for him.

Perhaps he could have been more assertive and insisted that Sagara-san leave them be. But he couldn't do that. He didn't want to appear childish and selfish to anyone especially to Arata-san. He didn't want him to worry. He wanted to appear as adult and pragmatic as possible. That he was all over this. That it was okay. That it was alright. That it totally made sense for Arata-san to be chummy with his senpai since they haven't seen each other for quite some time. The fear of rejection from Arata-san weighed more to him than his truest desire to monopolize his lover to himself.

Shingyouji's lips quivered and suddenly tears ran down his cheeks. He wiped them off impatiently and grabbed his messenger bag, grabbed his keys and walked out of the apartment.

His cell phone remained on the table.

11:00PM

It was the umpteenth time Misu had been glancing at his wristwatch while trying to keep up with the conversation with his senpai. Sagara-san had been exceptionally chatty. Misu smiled at the thought since he knew that the alcohol had added to that chattiness of his. They talked about a lot of things and discussed about the movie they just watched. They were both fans of the director and wouldn't miss any of his films when they were in high school.

11:35PM

Misu excused himself to make a call. All he got was a continuous ring. Shingyouji was not picking up his phone. Normally he would pick up in three rings but this was different. Must be busy at work. Damn it where the hell did he work again? He knew it was a 24-hour convenience store. But what the hell's the name of that store? Which branch was it? A 7-Eleven? No. An independent one? What the hell is it? It suddenly dawned to him that he was at a loss. Agitation started to set in.

Damn it...I don't know where he works and he's not answering the phone. Why didn't I even bother asking him about it?

He returned to his seat with Sagara-san who noticed the change in his mood.

"You look worried. What's wrong? Is there an emergency? You need to go to the hospital?" Sagara-san looked at him concerned.

"Ahm...kind of an emergency but it's a different matter really. I'm really sorry, senpai. I wish I could stay longer but I really have to go." Misu stood up and bowed.

"Oh okay..I hope nothing too bad happened. I think I'll stick around here for a little while longer." Sagara-san smiled.

Misu felt the rising anxiety creeping inside of him. Something was definitely not right. Shingyouji would never have dreamed of not answering the phone whenever he called. He would never miss out on something like that at all. But where could he be at this hour? How was he going to find him? Where would he start? He thought he'd return to their apartment and hopefully find some clues around there. He felt so stupid for not even asking his lover's work place. He thought he knew enough but something as simple like this made him feel pathetic. He failed at this. He didn't like the sound of it at all. What kind of a couple were they if he didn't know about these things? Has he been so absorbed in his internship and taken it all for granted that Shingyouji would be fine as things were?

The apartment was quiet. He turned on the lights and saw that everything seemed to be in place as they have left it. He sees the cell phone on the table and his heart sank. Did he leave this intentionally or forgot about it?

12:15AM

Misu's eyes were bleary as he stared onto the wall clock. He's gone through Shingyouji's phonebook but all it had were names he didn't know of other than Hayama, Saki and Akaike. He could call Hayama perhaps he knew where Shingyouji worked but quickly dismissed the thought. That would have made him a complete idiot and Saki's sensitive lover would have worried too much. Worse, he didn't want Saki to be involved either. Not that he'd care anyway. They somehow managed well enough to tolerate each other's presence. Hayama and Shingyouji were good friends though.

He could call everyone in the phone book but that would only raise unnecessary panic on them at this hour. What would he tell them anyway? How would he introduce himself to them? Just a concerned friend? Was that all really?

Misu changed into his sleepwear and laid down on the bed. He pressed his face on Shingyouji's pillow and inhaled his scent. They shared the same shampoo but somehow it always smelled pleasantly different on him. His mind must be playing tricks on him. He shouldn't worry so much, right? It's not like his lover was a child and would get lost. He's an adult for God's sake. I have to trust him. He probably is just at work. He'll be home soon. I'll be here when he does. It's gonna be alright. I am worrying for nothing. He only forgot his phone. Nothing more. I should definitely ask him where he works.

4:30AM

Misu stirred as he heard the door click. He rubbed his eyes and adjusted to see Shingyouji trying his best not to make a sound as he carefully laid his bag on the chair.

"You're back." Misu broke the silence as he sat up on the bed.

"Eh? Ah...anou...I'm so sorry, Arata-san..I didn't mean to wake you. I just came for a change of clothes. I'll be leaving soon." A very startled Shingyouji stared at him.

Misu stood up and turned on the lights. Shingyouji kept his head low and was obviously trying to avoid his intense scrutiny. He felt Misu's hand slowly cup the side of his face and lifted his chin slowly to finally face him.

"Where have you been? I was worried. But I didn't know where to find you. You even left your phone." Misu tried to keep his tone low and evenly paced. He didn't want to frighten his already-agitated lover. It was painfully obvious that Shingyouji's eyes revealed fatigue and sadness.

"I was at work." Came the reply.

"Where is it? I mean...where do you work?" Misu felt like a complete idiot right about now but he didn't care. It felt like the right time to ask such a question.

"Sakura Grocery. The convenience store ten blocks from here." Shingyouji blinked at him. He was rather surprised to be asked since Arata-san didn't seem the least bit interested in his work before.

Misu made a mental note of that information and considered visiting him there one of these days. His confidence returning. Relief overswept him to have the younger man before him. Talking to him again. He's safe. He's home. That's all that mattered. They remained standing at the center of their apartment just looking at each other.

"I'm sorry about last night." Misu whispered which elicited a shocked look from the younger man.

"Eh? It's no problem. It's okay really. I understand. Besides you and Sagara-san haven't seen each other for a long time. It was rather sudden for him to show up like that but I guess it was a good time for you both to catch up on things. I'm sure you have lots of stuff to talk about. And then there was that call...and I needed to be at work anyway...so yeah...it's fine really. I mean...I wasn't expecting you'd be already home either. I thought you guys would be hopping at bars and stuff. It's a good time to unwind, you know...I remember a friend of mine had this reunion and they..."

"Shingyouji! You're rambling!" Misu interrupted him and shook him and right there he saw the tears that the younger man had been forcing to keep at bay began to flow unstoppably. He pulled him into a fierce embrace and tried to soothe him by gently rubbing his back with circular motions. As the tears subsided he felt him slowly relax in his embrace and Misu closed his eyes.

So that was it. Shingyouji's insecurities have played up again this time. He's tried to assure him that there was nothing between him and Sagara-senpai but he guessed he can never ease the unrest in his lover whenever his senior appeared. He always seemed at a complete loss. Like he didn't know where to belong. But instead of exercising assertiveness, his lover chose to retreat like he did in the past.

Though he loved him in his own way, their relationship in high school cannot be clearly defined despite Shingyouji always keeping close to him as much as possible. He has admitted to himself he actually enjoyed the devoted attention basked upon him by the younger man. But it is only when they moved in together and has been together for a year that finally they have a semblance of a relationship they can actually clearly define now in their terms.

Several minutes passed. Misu looked at him with his eyes thoughtful. A slight curve of a smile evident in his lips. Ah, yes..he loves Shingyouji. He knew he can never find another lover as devoted as this. He knew it would be a torture to not have him close like this. But he did admit that there were lots of times that he did find a guilty pleasure of getting his lover flustered around him. Call it possessiveness. Call it whatever you like but by doing so also proved that only he had that much influence to make Shingyouji feel this way.

If only...

"Arata-san..." Shingyouji's eyes wandered nervously and curiously as he felt Misu taking his coat off. His mind began to protest as he watched him begin unbuttoning his blue-checkered shirt. But no words came out of his mouth. Misu looked very focused in the task and he sensed that authoritative silence. It didn't frighten Shingyouji but he knew better than to stop the quiet ministrations from the older man. It was almost a similar feeling he had when they were in the dressing room not so long ago as Misu buttoned his shirt up and that kiss they shared.

The memory of that kiss made him feel a little hazy. No way he can stop Misu now. He knew too well that what Misu wants, he gets it and who was he to deny him that when he wanted it so much as well?

The younger man could only stare in silent awe to what his lover was doing. First the coat then his shirt and now he felt fingers slowly unfastening his belt buckle. He wondered if Misu could hear how loud his heart was beating now. But even if he did, the older man did not show any signs of stopping with his activity. The belt dropped on the floor with a mild thud. And now his pants has dropped to his feet and he stepped out of it. Shingyouji was only wearing his boxers and his socks.

A naughty glint showed in Misu's eyes which made Shingyouji both excited and nervous at the same time.

"I'll get you a robe." Misu left him standing there for awhile and he knew what that meant. He took off his socks and walked into the shower and closed the door behind him and took off his boxers. Shingyouji turned on the cool shower as it sprayed generously on his heated body. He leaned his forehead on the bathroom wall and allowed himself to calm his wildly beating heart. He then adjusted the water temperature to warm when he felt his nerves calming down. All the frustrations and stress he felt last night was slowly draining away as quickly as the water drained on the floor.

When he opened the bathroom door, Misu was standing with the bathroom robe ready for him to slide into. He felt Misu's fingers loosely tie his robe around him then motioned for him to follow to the bed.

Misu sat on the bed and held the towel he placed on the bed earlier while Shingyouji was in the shower. Shingyouji was feeling his body slowly heat up again as he approached and stood before him patiently waiting for his next instruction.

Misu looked up to him and he could see the glassy look Shingyouji was giving him. He surely had no idea what he had in mind and he liked that...very much.

"Kneel." And Shingyouji obeyed and knelt before him while Misu took his sweet time massaging and drying his dripping wet hair. Shingyouji closed his eyes, raking in all the gentleness and control. His hands are now on Misu's thighs. He rubbed his hands slightly on the cottony material of Misu's pajamas. This was a rare occurrence they were having now. He wanted to enjoy every second of it. He never expected how good it felt when you have the person you love do something like this for you.

From Misu's perspective, he could feel Shingyouji's muscle relaxing. His hair was nearly dry and as he took off the towel, the younger man still had his eyes closed. He smiled. He held his face with both hands and Shingyouji opened his eyes to look deeply into his lover before him.

"Arata-san..."

"Shingyouji..."

Their foreheads touched. Their noses touched. Shingyouji felt Misu's cheek rub on his face and a light kiss on his forehead. He felt himself being pulled forward. The gentleness in Misu was making him weaker in the knees. If this went on, he was sure he'd fall back on the floor.

Misu sensing this guided him to lie on the bed. As he lay down, Misu sat beside him and leaned towards his side. One hand slowly fiddling with the bath robe tie. Shingyouji felt a shiver run from the his nape down to his...

"You know...you should learn to be a little selfish sometimes." Misu's voice was deeply seductive and resonated to Shingyouji's ears. "Our relationship...has already come to this...there's no turning back and we both know that."

Shingyouji nodded and tried to keep his eyes focused on Misu's.

"Now tell me what you really desire..."

Shingyouji felt his heart race at those words. Really? What he really desired? And then it dawned to him the reasons why Misu behaved earlier when he took off his clothes. It wasn't the actions of someone who merely cared for him. He was making up for the time they could have spent together last night. It was Misu's way of apologizing and oh, what a truly seductive apology it is. Every bit of uneasiness he may have felt had already disappeared now that they lay so close together on their bed.

"I only want you to be mine. Mine alone. I don't want to share you with anyone...not even Sagara-san...you're mine. You're mine first...and always." Shingyouji's words though seemingly possessive sounded more like he was pleading which made Misu smile.

"You know I'm yours. Stop being afraid, Shingyouji." He slowly lowered his head and as their lips touched, Shingyouji clung to him. He matched his kiss with much fervor and passion. The bathrobe now undone and revealing the dewy and smooth alabaster skin. The scent of his shampood hair only further ignited the flame inside of Misu as his lips traveled down Shingyouji's neck. His hands tracing every inch of his lover's taut skin. Shingyouji strectched his neck allowing more access.

"I love you...Arata-san..." He moaned so sweetly which made Misu's heart swell with even more hightened desire.

"Shingyouji..." He breathed into his ear and Shingyouji felt every pore in his body come alive. He smiled in complete satisfaction. The fears and insecurities disappearing fast. No matter what happens in the future, they will always have this moment to reflect and treasure. To each other, they truly belonged. No one can ever come in between them.