Takaritsu Week: Day 5 - Jealousy
Takano tries out a different approach to dealing with his jealousy.
I'm not sure whether this one is completely canon compliant, but here's my third entry for @takaritsuweek :)
Takano was fully aware that Ritsu had built a life and a career for himself in the years before he joined Marukawa, and that in those years he'd made connections with some well-known people in the world of literature. Therefore, when he noticed him talking to one of Marukawa's most acclaimed authors, he didn't think much of it at first. He knew that his lover had edited several of Usami Akihiko's works during his time at Onodera Publishing.
Initially, it had looked like an innocent attempt to reconnect with an old acquaintance. They'd bumped into each other in the hallway and the conversation had blossomed organically. It probably started off with them reminiscing about their professional relationship as author and editor. That part, Takano couldn't complain about.
However, when Ritsu appeared to be getting a little too comfortable, his irritation flared up like a barrel of oil catching fire. Ritsu's voice pitched higher than usual as he spoke and he was smiling way too much.
It didn't help that the author took on a relaxed stance, one hand in his pocket and the other resting casually against the wall, as their conversation carried on. Like Ritsu, he smiled almost the entire timeânot a full smile, but a slight curve of the lips that radiated an air of mystery.
Takano wandered over to a vending machine and pretended to check out the beverages it contained, making sure to stay out of Ritsu's sight. Unfortunately, keeping his distance also prevented him from discovering what exactly they were talking about.
Minutes ticked by, but neither of the men made any move to wrap up their conversation. Takano glanced at them every few seconds, his muscles growing tense.
'I don't care how much time Usami-sensei has on his hands, but you have plenty of work to do.' He glared at Ritsu. The shoujo editor remained blissfully unaware of his presence.
When Akihiko put his hand on Ritsu's arm, ushering him out of the way of another employee passing through the hallway, Takano's patience snapped. He marched towards them, quickly replaced his glare with a fake smile and stood next to Ritsu. The latter jolted the moment he saw him, but Takano kept his eyes trained on the author.
"Usami-sensei, what a pleasant surprise to run into you here," he greeted politely. "I'm Takano Masamune, Editor-in-Chief of the Emerald Department. I'm a longtime fan of your work."
"Oi, Takano-san! What do youâ"
"Nice to meet you," Akihiko replied just as pleasantly. Although his smile didn't reach his eyes, he seemed unbothered by the sudden interruption. "Editor-in-Chief, you say? You must be Onodera's superior then."
"That's right. He was a complete newbie to manga editing when he joined, but thankfully he got the hang of it very quickly." Takano let his gaze wander towards Ritsu, not missing how his face flushed at that last comment.
"That doesn't surprise me. Onodera has always been a diligent worker."
The smirk that tugged at Akihiko's lips made Takano's blood boil. He wanted to grab Ritsu's arm and drag him away, but out of respect for the author he composed himself. Forcing out a chuckle, he squeezed the editor's shoulder.
"Though I have to admit, it's shocking to hear that there are people in the shoujo department who enjoy my works," Akihiko continued. "I thought that type of manga was all about heart-fluttering romance and innocent love."
"Do you have something against romance, Usami-sensei?"
The author chuckled, shaking his head. "Not at all, but my novels aren't exactly known for being 'romantic'. Surely you must've noticed, as an avid reader of my work."
Ritsu, who had been completely excluded from the conversation, was trembling in Takano's grasp, obviously not happy with his lover's interference. His silence ignited a spark of deviousness within Takano.
"Love may not be a common theme in your writing, but I can't imagine romance hasn't crossed your path yet. A successful man like you must receive mountains of fan letters with love confessions. It's hard to resist such eloquence... and you're not hard on the eyes either."
The trembling promptly turned into vicious shaking, and Takano could actually feel the rage pouring out of Ritsu. He smiled subtly yet victoriously. Oh, how the tables had turned.
"You flatter me. I've heard that the Emerald Department is renowned for its handsome employees, and from what I can see that's not just some baseless rumor." Akihiko raised an eyebrow suggestively.
"You're too kind, Sensei."
Suddenly, the soft buzzing of a cell phone interrupted their pleasant exchange. Akihiko sighed.
"That's my editor, no doubt. I'm afraid we'll have to cut our conversation short. It's been a pleasure talking to you, Takano-san."
"The pleasure is all mine. I'll see you around."
With a nod and a swift goodbye, the novelist went on his way. Takano removed his hand from Ritsu's shoulder and turned towards him without saying a word. Green eyes shot daggers at him, but it didn't intimidate him in the slightest. If anything, it made the whole situation all the more satisfying.
"What was that all about?!" Ritsu seethed.
"We were just having a nice talk. I don't see what the issue is."
"A nice talk? You just appeared out of nowhere and started flirting with him!"
"Sounds like you're jealous." Takano stifled a laugh at the sight of Ritsu's face turning bright red. "Don't worry, I would never choose anyone over you. Besides, you're more Usami-sensei's type: brown hair, green eyes, easily flustered..."
"I'm not easily flustered! How would you even know what Sensei's type is? You talked to him for like five minutes."
Takano turned around. "Enough talking. It's time to get back to work." He walked off, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"Whaâhey, don't ignore me! Takano-san!"
Even as Ritsu went after him demanding an answer, the the man's lips remained sealed. Takano couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face. He hated getting jealous over his lover, but he sure loved it when it was the other way around.
