Time

"You don't need to do this," Akira reminded the other man who was sorting boxes in his new apartment.

"I have nothing on for the rest of the day." Takumi shrugged. "Besides, you cleaned everything up before I came over. I can keep you company."

Akira was grateful for the company. Being an associate at a large, well-known law firm meant that he could finally move into a new apartment at a location closer to the office. It was larger and it came with a proper bedroom, a nice shower and new furnishings.

It also meant long and sometimes punishing hours. Between their busy schedules, they haven't seen each other much. So it was good to spend some time together this weekend.

"I appreciate it. Really," he said.

Takumi merely gave him a cheerful smile. He noticed two marked boxes. "Want me to sort these out? I know how to organize clothes."

Given the size of his wardrobe, Akira had no doubt and nodded. "Thanks."

Takumi opened the boxes and began taking out various pieces of clothing.

"Do you still buy different colors of the same piece?" he questioned, clearly unimpressed.

"Yes. It's easier," Akira answered.

Takumi muttered, "Not much for me to organize then."

He heaved a pile of clothing and stood up. "Are there hangers in your closet?"

Akira nodded. "I took them out yesterday."

"Okay, then." Takumi headed to the bedroom.

Akira noted Takumi's outfit. His definition of casual wear could grace the cover of one of those fashion magazines. He also had the ability to pull of clothes which would look awkward or ridiculous on most people.

He shook his head and continued to unpack files, books and an assortment of stationeries.

"New bed?" Takumi called out from the room.

"Yeah," Akira replied.

"Your bedsheet is boring!"

Akira sighed. As far as he was concerned, the piece of cloth covering his new bed was gray, comfortable, and served its purpose. "It's functional."

Takumi stuck his head out of the door. "Boringggg!"

Before he could retort, the phone rang. Akira grimaced when he saw who the caller was.

"Work?" Takumi guessed.

"My boss," Akira answered flatly and picked up the call. Takumi just gave him a sympathetic smile and went back inside.

His superior's agitated and trailblazing voice blasted over the phone. Akira listened patiently as he announced a new deal triumphantly, barked out the orders and grudgingly admitted that the client had asked for Akira to be staffed on the file.

A warning. "Don't mess it up and disappoint me."

Followed by a gruff, "Well done, Hasegawa."

"Thank you. I'll get started," Akira replied.

He hung up and the list of things to be accomplished was already churning in his brain.

The initial tasks were mostly administrative and organizational in nature. He had to arrange for a call with the client and organize tasks for his juniors. The following week would be brutal.

He was typing emails when Takumi emerged from the bedroom again. The model assessed him quickly.

"You're going to be stuck at your laptop. What will you do for dinner?"

Akira hadn't considered it.

"We can order in," Takumi decided.

"I'm not being good company today. I'm sorry," Akira said regrettably. He was already incredibly irritated that work was getting in the way of spending time with Takumi. But it had to be done.

Takumi waved him away and yawned. "You're buying dinner. Mind if I take a nap?"

"Of course not."

"Can I use your bed?"

Akira wasn't sure why Takumi would want to sleep here instead of going back to his luxurious apartment but at least, they could spend time over dinner later. "Sure, go ahead."

"Wake me up when you're done."

xxxxxxxx

The bedsheets still smelled crisp. A whiff of lemon. A hint of a masculine scent which could only be Akira's.

Takumi stretched on the bed, relishing the moment.

He was being childish and he knew it.

Before anyone else could climb into Akira's new bed, Takumi wanted to be the first.

Nevermind that he was alone.

It was fine. As long as Akira kept him by his side.