Title: The Key to My Heart: Chapter 1

Author: JadeHeart

Located/Archived: Found on & If anyone else would like it, please ask me first

Fandom: Gravitation

Rating: M

Warnings: Bad language/sexual innuendo

Summary: Just how far would Yuki go in search of Shuichi?

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this, they belong to the creators of 'Gravitation', nor am I making any profits from this.

Chapter 1

Yuki pulled into the parking space with a squeal of rubber.

Damn meetings, he thought to himself, as he angrily pulled the park brake on. The radio murmured in the background as he reached across to snag his coat. Another bloody editing meeting! Don't they think he knows how to write his own god-damn books by now!

The music ceased as he opened his door.

'We interrupt here to bring you a news breaking report. Word has just been received that flight…' the sounds stopped as Yuki pulled the key and swung his tall frame out of the car and stalked away, still thinking dark thoughts.

Bloody early morning meetings! They knew he wasn't a morning person, as most of the time he was pulling all-nighters on his books to meet their deadlines! His phone buzzed again, the vibration running up his leg. Damn thing had been going almost constantly, and it was really beginning to piss him off! Angrily, he stalked inside to begin his day.

The door swung shut behind him. He stood outside the building and lit up a cigarette. The meeting had been just as boring and pointless as he had predicted. He had tuned out for most of it, and found his mind wandering to thoughts of his partner.

Shuichi had left late last night for a promo trip to the USA. He was only going to be gone a week, but it was to help promote Bad Luck further, with the view of running a live tour across the country next year if the feedback was good. It would be a big break for them. The boy had been overly enthusiastic, so much so that he had completely driven Yuki mad by the last night, and been banished to sleeping on the lounge, much to his dismay.

That alone had then put Yuki in a bad mood, as on their last day together they were both so busy they didn't spend any time together at all, and then K had picked Shuichi up to take him to the airport, and Yuki had had no intention of accompanying them. Three's a crowd and that sort of stuff. He may be a lot more comfortable in showing his feelings towards Shuichi personally, but in front of people like K, he felt they were viewing him more as an interesting exhibit of gay love or something. Something about that man just really rubbed Yuki up the wrong way.

So instead of a nice couple of days spent together before Shuichi left, it had been more of a complete whirlwind and lost opportunities. Yuki was still in a bad mood from it, but he still couldn't help his mind thinking about his young partner and wondering how he was doing. At the earliest possible moment, he had stood and rudely ended the meeting, escaping the meaningless prattle.

He took a moment to savour the cigarette, before leisurely strolling over to his car, shrugging out of his coat, and clicking the central locking. He tossed the coat in and felt the phone go again. Damn thing! He reached in and pulled it out, and without looking at it, carelessly tossed it onto the passenger seat. Not many people had his number, and he was damned if he was interested in talking to any of them at the moment.

And if it was Shuichi, well, he's probably left some tender lovey-dovey sappy message for him – and that was better to listen to in the privacy of his own home, perhaps even in bed. Just the mere thought was enough to make his pulse race a little.

Enough, he thought, as he got in and started the engine. Gods, he needed a coffee. The stuff they gave him at the meeting was crap! He merged with the morning traffic and headed for his favourite café. As he parked on the corner, the aroma wafted to him, assaulting his senses. Ah, that smelt good!

He grabbed his coat, but left his phone behind. This was his time, for himself, and he had no intention of being interrupted by the blasted phone!

He settled down at an outside table, coat thrown over the other chair. His order soon arrived with the morning paper, and Yuki settled back comfortably, cigarette between his fingers. The warmth of the morning sun put even him into a better frame of mind.

As he finished up, he glanced at this watch. Better go. He had said he'd meet Tatsuha for brunch. Neither brother was a morning person so they never did breakfast, and because of that they would rarely do lunch. So brunch it was.

He dropped the required payment on the table and wandered back to his car, pausing to light up another cigarette before getting in. Curious really, he seemed to smoke more when Shuichi wasn't around. Probably because the kid wasn't there to constantly distract him! He shrugged the thought away and started the car.

The news was just beginning on the radio as he found himself caught in a line of traffic. Damn! Now what?

"…and again, the ground breaking news for today. Flight number…"

Yuki hit the window control and it rolled down, letting in the full force of the noise of the road-works, as drills and jackhammers pounded away, drowning out all other sound.

He leant his head out, looking forward. Oh, great! Stuck in bloody traffic! He frowned. He wasn't exactly the most patient person at the best of times, and Yuki didn't have too many 'best of times'! And this certainly wasn't one of them!

He looked around him, taking note of where he was, as the traffic crawled forward a little further. Yep, he was right, there it was. Great. He swung the wheel and cut dangerously close in front of the oncoming traffic to slip down a narrow side street. It was mainly used for loading and unloading to the shops on either side, not usually for general traffic. Yuki had discovered it a while ago. He now navigated it easily and came out a block away, before continuing on his way.

He wound the window up again, blocking out the external noise and smells. The music on the radio had gone to pop, and Yuki recognized the tune immediately. It was Rage Beat.

He turned up the volume immediately. This song brought back many memories for him. If he was to be really corny, he would have to call it 'their song' - he and Shuichi's. It was this song that had been there right at the start. All through their tumultuous initial meetings and developing relationship.

Yuki wasn't a great fan of the general pop music culture, but he always found himself unconsciously listening to Bad Luck's songs. Not just because his partner was Shuichi, but probably because every song had a memory attached for him. A time spent with Shuichi. Individual moments when his life had changed.

The song was nearing its end as he pulled into a parking spot near where he would meet Tatsuha. He had been bloody lucky in finding a spot in this area of town so close to where he was going. He turned the volume down as he maneuvered the car, and the radio announcer came back on.

"Reports are still coming in with regards to the death toll, as the numbers climb. Emergency contacts are still being made regarding the identification of victims for flight.."

Yuki switched off the ignition and locked the car, before setting off. He only had two blocks to walk so it wasn't far. He could soon see Tatsuha's dark head propped in his hands, elbows leaning on the table, as he animatedly chatted to a pretty redhead.

Yuki grimaced. Typical. His horny brother couldn't help but pick up a girl wherever he went. And not just girls. He continued approaching. Suppose it's not really Tatsuha's fault. His kid brother was damn good looking and had the charm, when he wanted to use it. Probably came from all the training to be a monk, exuding that sense of calm, reassuring confidence that immediately attracted people. Especially women.

"Hey," Yuki said as he stopped at the table. Two faces swiveled upwards to look at him.

"Hey, bro." Tatsuha said with a broad smile of welcome.

The girl's eyes widened as she took in Yuki's golden good looks, and her mouth opened in a small gasp of "Oh!". She flicked a glance towards Tatsuha, and then back to Yuki, obviously making the connection immediately that they were brothers. No two people could look this good, and alike, if they weren't related.

"Sorry, love," Yuki said bluntly, "but I've got a prior appointment with my brother, and you're not invited. So you'll have to excuse yourself."

"Oh, but.."

"Better do what he ways." Tatsuha said with a gentle smile, softening the impact of Yuki's words. "Give me your number." and he pushed a napkin towards her.

She hurriedly scribbled down her number, hand beginning to shake a little with nerves as Yuki's shadow loomed over her. She pushed the napkin back to Tatsuha and quickly stood, shooting an unsure glance at Yuki's bland face. Tatsuha also stood, and reached out to squeeze her hand.

"Don't worry. He's not as bad as he seems, but we do have things to do. It was great talking to you. Thanks." and with a bright smile he sent the girl on her way.

Yuki sat in the chair she had vacated, as his brother reseated himself.

"You really could try to be more pleasant, you know." Tatsuha said, laughter in his voice.

"Why? You're the one trying to get into her pants."

"That's because I'm not whipped like you are, dear bro."

Yuki glowered at him as he lit a cigarette, tossing the packet on the table. "You want a bloody nose?"

"Nah." Tatsuha reached for the cigarettes himself. "Wouldn't want you to mess up my good looks. Got a hot lunch date."

"Humph!"

"So how's the USA tour thing going?" Yuki shrugged. "Haven't you heard?"

"He only left last night."

"Oh, yeah. Suppose he'd only be just settling in."

"Shuichi had arranged to meet up with Ryuichi somewhere along the way, I think."

"Hey, you never told me that!"

"Why should I?"

"Damn you, Eiri! You know I like Ryuichi!"

"Can't help your unrequited lust, can I?"

"Ahem." a small cough above them signaled the arrival of the waiter, and they placed their order.

Tatsuha yawned.

"Out late again?" Yuki said, leaning back.

Tatsuha flashed him a devastating smile, a smile that had laid low many a woman, and man. Fortunately Yuki was completely immune to its effect. "Met a very rich lady last night."

"Obviously a bored married woman."

"Of course, but she's so rich she can have all the body work done she needs and wants, so she looks bloody fantastic."

"And every part of her is probably completely fake. You may as well screw a mannequin."

"Plastic dolls don't squirm like that. Even better, she's been so bored that she's willing to try anything. And I mean, anything."

"Humph." Yuki snorted as he stubbed out his cigarette. "That would suit your perverted tastes."

Tatsuha just continued smiling. "I just like trying something new. Experimenting, you know."

"You're such a horny little bastard. You're going to get yourself killed by a jealous husband one day. Or one of your conquests will realize just how much you've been playing the field, and cut off something you wouldn't want to lose."

"Don't even joke about that!" Tatsuha blanched a little at that thought.

"Why not? As a monk, being a eunuch should be perfect."

"Just because Shuichi's away and you're not getting any, don't take it out on me."

"Whatever." Yuki said off handedly as the food arrived, and they settled down to eat.

"Got to go." Tatsuha said, looking at his watch and standing.

"How are you going to have a lunch date after scoffing all that down?" Yuki asked, peering over the top of his sunglasses at his brother.

Tatsuha smiled broadly with a, what could only be called 'evil', glint in his eye. "Who said anything about food being part of it? I just had to make sure I have heaps of energy."

"Get lost then."

Tatsuha laughed and reached down to snag the packet of cigarettes. "Get yourself some more. See ya."

"Yeah, whatever."

Yuki sat there a little longer, smoking the last of his cigarettes and sipping his coffee. The shadows moved towards the afternoon. He looked at his watch. It showed 1.30pm.

He stubbed out the cigarette and went in to pay the bill. Tatsuha had stuck him with it again. How typical. He had a few things he still wanted to do today. He'd stop off at the shops on his way home. He wanted to get another suit for when he had to do interviews, as the one he currently had was getting on a bit, and then grab some groceries.

He stepped into the car and eased into the traffic. He would have to go right round the block as it was all one way around here, which made driving quite painful.

"Shit!" he shouted, and leant on the horn as an idiot cut directly in front of him, causing him to yank the wheel hard to the right to avoid his bumper bearing the brunt of the impact.

"Fucking moron!" he shouted futilely, fuming to himself, trying to straighten up and get back to the business of driving. The music on the radio leapt into a high pitched girl band, irritating him further. Angrily he hit the off switch and there was silence.

He continued on his way and finally reached the parking complex. He picked up the previously discarded phone and put it in his pocket. He fought his way through the shopping crowds. He hated being amongst these milling masses.

He got to the menswear store he wanted, a high class expensive place no less. One thing Yuki had always been particular about was his clothes. He took his time in selecting and trying on items. They knew him here, and did not hassle him into buying anything, but left him to his own devices which suited him fine.

Finally he had what he wanted. A suit, as well as two new shirts, and a casual pair of trousers. The suit required some minor alterations, which he impatiently tolerated as they measured and pinned. He paid the bill, agreeing to return in two days time to collect the altered suit, and left with his other purchases packed in a bag.

He made his way towards the supermarket, wanting to just get out as quickly as possible and get home. As he walked past a jeweller's store, something caught his eye. He stopped, and looked more closely.

It was a gold necklace. Two pendants hung from it, a small unadorned heart, and a small key. How clichéd, he thought. You hold the key to my heart, is what it was trying to imply. Even he could figure that one out. He snorted to himself. Pathetic.

He turned away, then paused midstep. However, it was just the sort of thing that Shuichi would love. He'd be so proud of having it. Yuki could just picture him posing, holding the necklace up. "Oh, Yuki! You shouldn't have! It's wonderful!" Then he'd throw his arms around Yuki, squeezing him tightly. "I love it! Look, it fits perfectly, don't you think so?"

Yuki walked away firmly. Damn brat! He always made such a big deal out of things when there was no need. Well, it wasn't his birthday, nor was it Christmas. Damned if he was going to spend that much money on such a trifle like that, for no particular reason. He continued resolutely on his way.

As he stood at the register, he felt the phone buzz again. Damn, but it had been going almost non-stop all day! Stupid thing! He continued to ignore it. He'd clear the messages when he got home, that was soon enough.

He juggled the bags onto the back seat and got in his car. He fought his way back into the traffic. It was getting heavier as it neared the end of the day and people were starting to make their way home. He should just miss the worst of it all. He flicked the radio on, keeping it turned down so it was nothing more than background noise, his mind paying little attention to it.

The phone went again. He had forgotten to take it out of his pocket. The vibrations were close to his groin, sending shivers up his spine. His brother would no doubt have come up with some sort of disgusting sexual comment about that. Typical.

He arrived home in good time and gathered up his parcels, making his way to his apartment. He opened the door, toeing his shoes off and dropping his coat casually on the hall table. He leant down and flicked the TV on as he made his way to the kitchen.

"And now for the latest update of today's headline news of the crash in the USA of Flight number 365 from Japan."

Yuki froze, and slowly turned.

The news reader was there on the screen. "We cross now to the location for a report from our on the spot correspondent."

The picture changed. Now there was a woman on the screen. Behind her was smoking, flaming wreckage. Emergency personnel rushed around in the background.

"Here at the crash site, it's still a scene of chaos. It looks more like a war zone, and the devastation is immense. The fires have been burning since early this morning, giving off intense heat, as though we were standing by a volcano. There is still no clue as to the cause of the crash, and investigations are still underway. Flight 365 was on a routine flight from Japan, and there had been no indication of any problems being experienced, until radar contact was lost early this morning. We have received word that there have been a few survivors, but how many has not been made clear. Our sources indicate that it is no more than a handful, out of the more than 200 people on board. The grisly task of collecting the victims' remains from the site for identification, has been hampered due to the still burning wreckage."

The shopping slipped from Yuki's hands, crashing to the ground. He was heedless of the broken glass and pooling liquid at his feet, eyes fixed on the TV before him.

"Airlines staff are attempting to contact next of kin for all passengers on the manifest, and if you have any concerns please contact the information line on your screen."

Yuki fumbled his phone from his pocket. He turned it on and the screen told him that there were more than 20 calls. Clinically, he noticed his hands were shaking as he dialed into the message bank.

"Yuki!" Hiro, Yuki identified the voice. "Where the hell are you! Is Shuichi alright? I just head the news report. Call me."

That had been first thing this morning. Probably when I was going to my meeting, he thought absently, as it moved automatically to the next message.

"Yuki, you bastard! Call me! Tell me if you've heard from Shuichi!" Hiro again.

"Eiri, I've just heard the news. Are you okay? Did Shuichi go on that flight? Have you heard anything? Let me know." Mika.

"Yuki! I'm going to kill you if you don't tell me something, you prick!" Hiro. His tempers degenerating, Yuki noted.

"Eiri, I knew Shuichi was flying out last night. I've had a call from the airline. It was to confirm that he had got on the plane. They wouldn't tell me anything else because you're listed as the contact name. Call me." Tohma.

Next were calls from Sakano and Fujisaki, closely followed by Noriko, and then Shuichi's sister, Maiko. Even that maniac, K, had called. A couple of official calls from the airline, asking him to contact them urgently, telling him nothing,

"Hey, bro!" Tatsuha, he recognized, though the voice sounded almost too serious to be his brother. "I just caught the news. You didn't say anything at brunch. Guess that means you had heard from Shuichi and he was okay. I'm glad about that. I panicked when I first heard it, but you wouldn't have been so calm if something had happened to Shu. So I'm just glad. Anyway, just wanted to say I'm pleased he's okay. He's got to have nine lives, doesn't he? Catch you later."

A few more calls followed, mostly from Hiro, alternating between threatening and pleading. The last one almost sounded like the boy was in tears.

So many calls, but none, not one, was the voice he so desperately wanted to hear, needed to hear, hoped to hear. Not one.

He eyes burnt, as he stumbled towards the house phone. The light was blinking, indicating messages waiting. With shaking hand, he pressed the playback. They were much the same people, all asking the same thing. Where was Shuichi? Was he okay? Two questions Yuki's own mind was screaming repeatedly. But there was no answer.

Again , none was the cheerful voice he was so desperately seeking, saying something totally inane like, "Hi, Yuki! Hey, don't sweat it. I'm okay. Would you believe I missed the damn plane! I got lost at the stop-over. The LA airport was huge! You should have seen it...".

There was no call like that. After the messages were finished, there was only silence. A deep, suffocating silence that closed in around him, cutting off sight and sound.

He dialed the number the airline had left him. "Airline Crisis Line"

"I'm looking for someone." Yuki said flatly.

"Are you a family member?"

Yuki paused. "I'm his…partner."

"I'm sorry, but only family are being notified…."

Yuki interrupted, his voice cold, dead, and dangerous. "You people contacted me, and told me to ring this number. Now give me the fucking information."

"Really, sir…." the operator huffed.

"Fucking tell me!" he shouted into the phone, feeling the rage pounding in his temples.

"Please give me the passenger's name, and your name."

Yuki gave it and waited.

"Oh, you are listed as the contact in emergency."

Yuki hadn't known that Shuichi would put him down as such. He had just assumed that the boy would have put one of his family. It just went to show once more that Shuichi put Yuki ahead of everyone, everything, even his own family. He didn't deserve the boy. He knew that.

"And?" Yuki grated out, his anger building.

"There's been no clear identification yet. Some survivors were found, and are receiving medical treatment, but at present there's no listing of names. This is mainly due to the lack of personal effects on the individuals. We must warn you that the loss of life in this accident has reached 95, and most survivors are critically injured and may not recover. So you should prepare yourself for the worst."

Yuki felt the room grow darker. "Where….where are the survivors?"

"We can't give that information out at present."

"Where…are…the…survivors?" Yuki dragged out slowly.

"I'm sorry, sir, we aren't able to release that information at present…."

Yuki slammed the phone down, leaning heavily on it. He could hear his breathing, loud in the stillness. Sweat dropped from his forehead, running down his face. His throat felt raw, closed. His whole body shook, alternating between icy coldness and burning heat.

He slowly picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Get me over there." Yuki said in a low voice.

"Eiri?" He could hear the questioning in Tohma's voice.

"Get me over there. Pull every string that you have. Find out where they have them. Get me there. However you have to."

There was silence on the phone for a moment, no sound except for Yuki's harsh breathing, and then Tohma's voice reached him

"Okay. Hold tight and I'll make some calls. I'll organize it."

"Fine." and Yuki hung up immediately.

He stood there in the darkness, looking at nothing, seeing nothing. The only thing that filled his mind was one face. That face filled his mind, his every thought. His world.

He would find him.