Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation.

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The apartment was quiet. It was too quiet, in Eiri's opinion. He knew that Shuichi had not left the apartment -- he would have heard the door if the former vocalist had decided to step out. Hell, Shuichi would have announced his departure, his voice echoing throughout their home. The singer's voice had a great capacity for carrying, especially when the accoustics were just right, which meant the television and stereo had to be off. Only lately had that become the normal occurence.

Frowning, Eiri pushed himself away from his desk and wandered into the living room. His lover always made some kind of noise so the silence was unusual. He needed to know why. Upon entering the living room, the novelist understood. Shuichi lay on the couch, stretched out with one arm under his head. His eyes were closed and his breathing deep and even. Papers and pens were scattered on the coffee table along with several books and reams of paper. The sight was quite endearing, and Eiri caught himself staring at his lover's visage. His groin stirred, but Eiri refrained from waking Shuichi. The younger man needed the rest.

As he fetched a blanket then draped it over his lover, Eiri glanced at the books Shuichi had borrowed from the National Library. One title, Breathing Life Into Your Characters, caught his attention, and Eiri picked it up.

'He's serious about this, really serious about this. He's really going to . . . try and become a writer.'

Eiri was not entirely sure how he felt about Shuichi's career move. A part of him was glad his lover was moving forward with his life and forgetting about Bad Luck, but Eiri had half-expected Shuichi to continue in the music business. He really, truly believed the singer would become a solo artist or a producer for some band at NG. Tohma had certainly given the offer. Eiri, however, had not expected this. He had not expected something drastic and out of character for the dark-haired man, but he knew that Shuichi wanted a challenge. Writing, or at least attempting to write, would give the former vocalist just that. He would not be satisfied otherwise.

Eiri shook his head then set the book down. Tonight, he could practice a little abstinence and let his lover rest. They would have plenty of time for sex later. In the meantime, he had a book of his own to write. The damn things did not write themselves, after all, and it was something Shuichi would soon learn on his own.

'Sleep well, baka,' Eiri thought. 'Sleep well. This may be the last time you get the chance.'

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Author's Note: This was written for the 7-virtues community at livejournal over a year or so ago. Seven parts and it's completed. Sorry, kids, but I followed the prompts. Once part seven is up, the story will be completed.