Disclaimer: Gravitation is not mine.

AN: Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry... it took me a long time to post. I think 1 month passed before I posted this 2nd chapter. Actually I finished this 3 weeks ago (I think) but I didn't have the time to type it up, blame it on Ragnarok and the modified experience. To make up for it, this chapter is longer, I think almost 2x longer. Enjoy. BTW pardon Yuki's OOC-ness... you'll understand the reason.

Thanks for the reviews, especially ri-kun. Ri-kun, sorry this chapter is still not proof read, my sister is caught up making her character in Ragnarok level up. Hopefully she would be able to proof read the next chapters.

Also changed story to K+ for lemon, I'm not sure if its a lemon or not, I will just change it just to make sure.

Edit I just edited the first 4 chapters and made some minor changes or added some minor thing. I noticed the mistakes that I made and made the changes. I would also like to apologize for it has been a while sine I updated this fanfic. I have chapter 5 planned out and on the works to be typed up and chapter 6 is partially planned. Thx for the readers of this fanfic (smile)

CONFUSED HEART, UNDECIDED HEART
Track 2: Birthday Surprise

Yuki deleted the paragraph he was able to type into his laptop for the past few hours. Giving up, he saved the little work he was satisfied keeping for his new novel.

'Crap.' What he's experiencing is one what would call a major writer's block.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he closed his eyes, trying to ease his developing headache.

Maybe today is not his day. He had an idea of what to write but it suddenly went flying out of his mind. His muse must have decided to take a break from the dark, smoke-filled room Yuki calls office. It had been cooped up in the office with him for days now.

It seldom happens in the past for his muse to desert him like that, he experienced it a number of times since he started writing novels for a living. The last time it happened, it was a little more than three years ago, where he met an unexpected stranger.

That day he met his permanent muse, a lively pink bundle of energy. He met him in the park near his old apartment when his muse deserted him, much like what it did today, and he decided to take a breather himself.

But now both his muses are currently unavailable. One is out there maybe taking some time out from his workaholic charge. The other is currently in the NG building, working on the album scheduled to be released in three weeks.

He decided to take the rest of the day off, besides he needs to pick something up at the dry cleaners.

The dry cleaner's shop is found at the mall near their new apartment. Taking the dark shades, his constant companion when going out in the public, he headed out the door with his key card in his pocket and car keys in hand.

He arrived at the mall in five minutes. He decided to look around first before going to the dry cleaners.

He went to his usual spots. He first went to the computer shop, checking if they have hardware or software that can upgrade his already-high end laptop. He next went to some clothes shop for men, thinking of buying some suits and shirts. He took his purchases to the next store, a shoe store.

After spending a small fortune on clothes and shoes, he decided to head to the shop he came to the mall for.

On the way back to his car, he passed by a music store. Its stereo stationed by its entrance is playing one of Bad Luck's singles, In the moonlight. The walls are covered by a number of posters, several of them are of Bad Luck and Nittle Grasper—two of Japan's famous bands.

Right next to the music store is a jewelry shop. He would usually walk past the store but this time a poster, actually a phrase in the poster, caught his attention.

Do something special for that special someone. Celebrate love in it finest form. Let is last like a diamond that is forever. A personalized jewelry available upon order.

Then a number of rings were shown on the poster and many more below it in the glass display.

Yuki decided to take a look besides, it is only a month before Shuichi's birthday that conveniently coincides as their fourth year anniversary. While checking out possible anniversary gift items, a couple was looking at a row of beautiful rings encrusted with diamonds. Being near them, he couldn't help overhearing.

"Why did you take me here?" the woman asked.

"You'll see, just tell me which one do you like best?"

"Ok…" the woman said, confusion still mirrored on her face. She pointed to a simple yet elegant ring with a reasonably-sized diamond.

'This woman has good taste.' Yuki thought as he watched the couple from the corner of his eyes, sensing that something special will happen between them.

"Can we see that?" the man said to the clerk, pointing to the ring the woman beside him liked. "Do you have it with her size?"

The clerk measured the woman's ring size and handed over the ring that would fit her ring finger. "It's beautiful, it's as beautiful as my sister's engagement ri—" Her sentence ended with a grasp as she realized what's happening.

The man just smiled warmly at her, he took hold of her hand then kneeled in from of her. We have only been together for five months but it seems I've known you forever. The first time I saw you, you've already captured my heart. Now that you've allowed me into your life, I'd like to spend it with you till I take my last breath. Will you marry me?"

The woman was near tears; her free hand cupped against her lips, her eyes staring into her boyfriend's loving eyes. "Yes." She said is a whisper, still dazed from the fast development of things.

Quite unsure of her response, he stood up and leaned closer to her then asked again. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes." She answered, this time she said it loud enough for the whole store to hear.

Applause exploded, it seems that the couple got the whole store's attention. A young woman from the corner wearing a baseball cap and dark shades called out her congratulations to the happy couple.

'That's sweet.'

"That's sweet." The young woman from earlier said to the cashier as she handed over a few bills. "I wish my boyfriend would do something like that for me. And to think we have been together for almost four years. I love that guy but sometimes –" She sighed in frustration, then forgot whatever she is going to say when she spotted the jeweler she talked to earlier approaching them from the back room. He handed a few items to her, a simple chain of white gold necklace and a ring box. She opened the box and checked its contents.

"Sugoi. This looks great. Arigatou." She then left the store with her purchases placed into a paper bag.

The events in the store and what the young woman said kept replaying on his mind.

The proposal. Engagement ring. The woman's comment about having his boyfriend do something like it for her. Of them being together for about four years.

Four years. That is how long he will be together with Shuichi, his partner and love (but he hadn't said those to Shuichi yet) in one month's time. I bet Shuichi would love something like that. Then it hit him, the best gift he could give to Shuichi for their anniversary. They are almost to that stage of their relationship anyway. He haven't done or said anything special to Shuichi, like what happened earlier in the store, to show his true feelings to his hyperactive lover. In four short years, Shuichi had done what his family especially Touma has failed to do since that faithful day a decade ago. Shuichi melted the thick layer of strong wall of ice he had built up after that incident, with the gentle heat of his smiles and crazy antics; and with the great flame of passion and love. Now, four years after, he could hear the ice walls breaking under such pressure. Yuki realized that Shuichi became his life, he wouldn't last a day no a minute, without knowing that Shuichi will always be there with him.

The idea became better and better as his mind went on and on to convince him that it is a brilliant idea, so brilliant that it would make him happy the rest of his life. He scanned the items on the display case, his mind already set. He talked to the jeweler; he gave him special instructions along with his purchase.

As he was handed back his credit card, his purchase is handed to the cashier by the jeweler to be put into a small box.

"That was fast."

The jeweler beamed. "This one is popular today. I just finished an order just like it so it didn't take me a lot of time to finish this one."

"Souka."

The cashier put the box in a paper bag and handed it to Yuki. "Thank you for shopping with us. Goodluck, she's one lucky girl." She said then winked at him.

The cashier misunderstood but under circumstances who would have thought it was meant for a guy. Before anyone could see the heat rushing to his cheeks at the cashier's last words, Yuki quickly walked out the shop with his purchase in hand. While in his car, he then remembered the jeweler's words. 'It is popular? Someone already purchased something like it?' Yuki was about to go back to the shop to get a different one but was stopped by his thoughts. 'Why should I change it? It is perfect for Shuichi. It doesn't matter that it has duplicate copy; it's the thought that counts, right? But how I give this to him should be special.' So special that it will be forever imprinted on his lover's mind.

With a smile, he started his car and headed back to his apartment where he can plan in peace, at least for a couple hours until his pink-haired lover comes home from work.

Shuichi waved goodbye as Hiro sped away in his motorcycle. He got his key card out then entered the apartment complex.

"You're early today, Shu-chan." The guard at the front desk called out.

Shuichi beamed a smile at him. "It was a good day at work today. The boss let us out early. It must be because of the party tomorrow." He said as he passed the guard on his way to the elevator. He inserted the key card ino a slot near the elevator doors.

While waiting for the elevator, he checked his pocket for the umpteenth time for a small package, making sure it is still there. A loud ding got his attention.

'I can never get used to this elevator. Man that was fast. It only took a few seconds to get here.'

Shuichi was still used to the 'slow' elevator they had on their old apartment. Unfortunately something happened while Ryuichi visited Shuichi to 'check out his pad', in other words the apartment he is sharing with Yuki. They ended up being kicked out of the umpteenth apartment they've got since Yuki allowed him to move in and live together nearly four years ago.

By then, they've built up quite a reputation in the real estate industry that some apartment complex they've inquired into flat out refused them.

They were becoming desperate; especially Shuichi because by then they have only a week before the deadline the landlord gave them. Add to that Yuki's cherry picking among the places that were willing to let them stay at their complex. Yuki had this strange checklist before he can consider leasing a unit. What's in the checklist, you ask? He himself doesn't know. All he knows is that the unit should meet with Yuki's standards. He kept hearing Yuki mumbling it being something like, 'Shuichi-Ryuichi-whoever-proof' whenever they inspect potential units.

One day left and they haven't found anything. At this point they only have one remaining unit to see. Unfortunately, it didn't meet Yuki's checklist.

The only other option Shuichi can think about was to purchase a house but Yuki flat out refused the idea. He said he's not ready to own a house.

They were about to go back to their apartment, their plan of action: to pack the few things in the unit and store it in one of those storage warehouse then get a suite in a hotel until they can get a unit that meets Yuki's next-to-impossible checklist.

Yuki already started the car and was waiting for Shuichi to get in. For some unknown reason, Shuichi is just standing by the passenger door, his hand on the door handle. Yuki pressed on the horn to get him to hurry up. It seems that it got Shuichi's attention, he opened the door but didn't get in, instead he excitedly pointed out something on the other side of the street. "Look, look!!"

Yuki turned to the direction Shuichi was pointing at. It's one of the newly finished apartment complexes that seem to pop out everywhere. "We can check those! Its new, maybe we can get a unit there, maybe they haven't heard about us… you know…" Shuichi was unable to finish, too embarrassed for it was his fault that they are in their current predicament.

"Ok, let's go. We have nothing to lose anyway." He turned off his engine, got out and started heading to the building. Shuichi followed him after slamming the door closed and Yuki pointed a small device from his keychain over his shoulder then pressed a button. A certain sound assured him that the car was locked and secure.

They ended up leasing the penthouse suite of that apartment complex. It has everything in Yuki's checklist and even more. Though it cost him more, he signed the papers then and there. They finished the deal in the security office where they were issued the necessary keys to access the facilities in the building especially the exclusive elevator to their unit and the unit itself.

Not all units have personal elevators, only the penthouse suite. The personal elevator can only be operated if the correct key card is inserted into the slot with a palm scan of an authorized person.

Shuichi entered the awaiting box-like contraption and inserted his keycard then placed his hand on a panel. It only took a second then the elevator confirmed his identity. "Welcome, Shuichi." A mechanical voice called out from a number of hidden speakers. The door closed and delivered Shuichi to its only other stop, the top floor.

Shuichi got off and walked past a small reception area, where several bench and movable chairs were placed against two opposite walls. He headed straight to the front door. He inserted the keycard into yet another slot and looked into a small mirror, aligning his eyes to the lines on the mirror.

"Password please" A mechanical voice said.

"Tadaima! Shindou Shuichi desu!" The singer said with full energy. The door automatically opened while the mechanical finished, "… okari."

Yuki checked his watch the hundredth time as he swept off beads of sweat from his forehead and put on an apron. 'He is going to be home in half hour and I still need to finish some things.'

He started washing the plates, pots and pans that he used then set out to tidy up the kitchen. Giving the kitchen a last look over, he checked on the main dish cooking in the oven before going off to the bathroom to freshen up. An enticing aroma filled the room. He quickly closed the oven door and was about to head to the bedroom when a soft voice stopped him from his tracks.

"Those smell so good. What's the occasion?" Yuki turned to see his pink-haired lover lounging against the kitchen doorframe, his note in his hand and a pink rose on the other. His soft smile glowing with the candles set all around the apartment and the dimmed kitchen lights.

'Why is he here? He's supposed to be at work for 30 minutes more?' Yuki thought as his plan experienced this unexpected bump. 'This is supposed to be a surprise. I need everything to be perfect. Now it's all ruined.' He was so upset that he didn't realized that he voiced out his thoughts until Shuichi turned and threw his treasures over his shoulder, hitting Yuki on the chest before falling to the island table in front of him. The rose and crumpled note fell unceremoniously to the table where they seem to silently taunt Yuki for some wrong doing he was unaware of doing.

"Then I guess I'll return in half an hour." He looked over his shoulder, his eyes unreadable. "Sorry for ruining your plans." With that he left the kitchen and retraced his steps back to the front door.

"No wait." Yuki grabbed Shuichi's hand, pulling him back to the kitchen then stared straight into his lover's eyes. "I'm sorry, its just that you caught me by surprise. These, " he waved his arm around the room, "was supposed to be a surprise."

Shuichi tried very hard to school his face; it is getting hard to hold back the laughter threatening to bubble out of his lips. He is just pulling Yuki's leg. He had never seen his lover this serious before, as if the world ended when he found out the special surprise half an hour before the revelation. He gave Yuki a soft smile then brought up his hand to caress the side of his lover's face. "It was a surprise, a beautiful surprise. I loved what I've seen so far but I guess I ruined everything again. I never do anything right. I'm sorry."

Yuki smiled softly into violet pools filled with love. He took the hand cupped on the side of his face then kissed it. Their eyes held a few more minutes in silent communication, understanding what the other was feeling. An alarm made them break their silent conversation.

"Wait a second." With a big sigh, Yuki moved away from Shuichi removing something from the oven, his back blocking Shuichi's view of whatever it is. Though the aroma it gave off was something familiar to Shuichi.

'It smells like… is it? But only she knows how to prepare it. Could it be…?'

"Dinner's ready. Can you be a sweetheart and give me 20 minutes to clean up and prepare everything? I've been slaving in front of the stove since you left this morning and…" he made a show of sniffing at his clothes then wrinkling his nose, "… you know."

Shuichi laughed at this but instead of moving from the kitchen, he moved closer to Yuki. "I like the way you smell, you smell of everything I like. Not just the smell of – I think my favorite from the smell – food on you but your unique scent, your delicious Yuki scent." Shuichi gave Yuki a quick love bite at the base of his throat before turning away and headed to the other room. "See you in 20 minutes." He called over his shoulder as the kitchen door closed on his back.

Still in shock of what Shuichi did, it took a few minutes for Yuki to come to himself, catching himself unconsciously soothing his lover's bite. He smiled then quickly freshened up and got everything ready for the special surprise he had planned the whole month.

Shuichi sat contentedly on the couch, surrounded by the musky scent of one thousand roses and the soft music playing on the background.

He knows that today is a special day but he did not expect Yuki to do anything this special. But who'd complain, I mean its not everyday that the one you love, especially if you have a boyfriend like Yuki, would do things he considered 'troublesome', 'nonsense' or 'trivial rituals of love' that he expertly writes on his novel. So he was really surprised when he walked into the apartment.

Earlier….

He immediately noticed the soft musky scent of roses, as if it is coming from a thousand of roses. The hallway was dimly lit, the light coming from the living room. He dropped his bag on the floor beside the table near the door, and then placed his keycard on the large bowl on the table. It was then he noticed a trail of pink rose petals, he followed it into the living room.

It drew his breath away. It was set-up better than any romantic scenes he watched from movies. The Spartan living room came to life with hundreds, maybe thousands, of lit candles placed strategically all over the room. Red and white rose petals also scattered all over and a distinctive trail or pink rose petals led from the living room to the balcony. At the center of the room were vases upon vases of pink roses; a note propped on the first vase. Picking one of the roses, he enjoyed its scent as he read the note.

Happy Birthday. Hope you liked my little surprise.

Then he flipped the top to read the message inside.

Thousand roses for a thousand words of all the things I like and love about you; of my words of gratitude to God for sending you to me and for each day I can spend with you; for those words I long to tell you; lastly, for the happy years, months, days, hours that I may have in the future with you by my side.

"Yuki." Shuichi whispered against his hand, tears forming in his eyes. That was the sweetest thing he had ever read. He followed the pink trail that led to the balcony, expecting Yuki waiting for him there.

The balcony was also beautiful, set up just like the living room – with rose petals and dozens of candles everywhere. A table set for two sat in the middle. On the background, the beautiful night light of the city added a sense of romance in the air.

He expected Yuki to be there, maybe smoking a cigar but he was not there. He checked in Yuki's office but he was not there either. Next stop the kitchen, before he can push the swinging door, he heard some sound coming from inside. Pushing the door a bit, he peeked inside.

His back was turned towards him; he's bending over something in the over.

He couldn't help calling out, as he leaned against the doorframe then pushed the door wider. "Those smell so good. What's the occasion?"

He loved teasing him, it was the first time he saw a different Yuki, not the cold, aloof lover he had for four years.

Shuichi laid his head back, the music playing in the background sounds familiar, while waiting he tried to identify it. After a few minutes of concentration, he realized that it is a ballad arrangement of two songs merged into one, playing over and over. Those two songs are his favorites, In the Moonlight and Shining, songs that he and Yuki composed respectively.

Shuichi suddenly had a suspicion that Touma had a hand in this. Now, what he said earlier in the office made sense. He thought he had good news regarding the sale reports of the new album they released a week ago but come to think of it why did he talk to him not Mr. K.

Shuichi smiled, 'He loves me. He really, really loves me.' His thoughts remained on that as the music lulled him to sleep.

Yuki quickly showered and put on the clothes he had laid out on the bed earlier and made sure he had the small box in his coat pocket before walking out of the bedroom. He stopped by the kitchen to finish the dessert then searched for Shuichi. He found Shuichi asleep on the couch, surrounded by rose petals and the soft candle light.

'He looks so peaceful,' Yuki thought as he sat beside his lover and placed him on his lap. Cradling him he moved to the end of the sofa, leaning against the arm rest. He closed his eyes enjoying this moment that they are together, knowing the something special is about to happen. He felt Shuichi stir in his sleep, waking up some part of him that shouldn't – at least not yet. He decided to wake up Shuichi before his plan would be spoiled by those pleasant thoughts.

"Shuichi, wake up." He said softly, his mouth a few inches from his ear. Shuichi shifted and mumbled but did not wake up. 'You asked for it, I wasn't planning to but I guess I have no choice.' Based from experience there's an easy way to wake Shuichi up. Yuki nibbled on his ear then placed kisses along his neck. He felt when Shuichi woke up, that's when he kissed him on his lips.

Shuichi kissed him back, pulling him closer. He let it go on until Shuichi's hand started going somewhere. He pulled back reluctantly resting his head against the couch. Shuichi continued kissing him, down his neck then nibbling his ear.

"Shu, stop. We can do this later." It seems Shuichi didn't hear him, he started moving down. 'God, help me.' As a last resort, he placed Shuichi on the couch and held Shuichi's head with both hands. "Shuichi, we can do this later. The dinner is getting cold. Now get your butt to that table." With one last kiss he stood up and headed to the kitchen to get the appetizer.

Dinner went well; he surprised Shuichi with all his favorite dishes especially the main course, a special roast, where he got the recipe from Shuichi's mom. Dessert was fast approaching and started getting apprehensive.

He set the plate in front of Shuichi. On it is a piece of strawberry shortcake and a small box of chocolate. On his plate is almost the same except for the box of chocolate, he had small pieces scattered all over. Seeing this, Shuichi tried to switch the plates for he thinks Yuki should get the better plate. Yuki wouldn't allow him, he even took a bite from the 'less' plate to stop Shuichi's protest.

"That's for you, now eat." He said as he watched him take a few bites of the cake.

"This is good."

"Yeah, your mom said that is one of your favorite. She even gave me the recipe."

Shuichi's mouth dropped open, his eyes as big as saucers. "You talked to my mom? Why?"

With a nod he added, "Actually I talked to your parents and Maiko, I just needed to discuss something with them."

"A-a-a-and she gave you a recipe? Of her closely guarded recipes?!"

"You sound surprised, there's first time for everything."

Shuichi ate in silence for a few minutes, finishing his cake. Yuki waited anxiously as Shuichi start on his box of chocolate.

"What are you doing talking to my family?" Shuichi asked as he started poking at the chocolate. "Are…? Is this supposed to be really hard?"

'Man, sometimes Shuichi can be dense.' Yuki smiled lovingly at Shuichi trying to break some part of the chocolate box with his fork.

"You just need to lift the top."

"Oh… OH… what's this?" Holding up a simple band set with small stones with E to S then the date that day engraved inside the ring.

"Your birthday gift."

"Oh yeah, I forgot. My mind is on our anniversary. But I thought your gift was this." Shuichi said, waving his hand across the room.

"That's for our anniversary."

"Oh, this is more than I got for you." Shuichi's face fell, he met Yuki's gaze with determination. "I promise I'll get you a good one, along with what I have.

"You don't need to do that. There's only one thing I'd love to get from you and you can give it to me tonight." Shuichi's face turned beet red, jumping to conclusions (the bedroom kind). Yuki laughed. "I didn't mean that though I'd also like that." He took Shuichi's left hand, retrieved the ring with his other hand. "What do you say?" the ring poised over Shuichi's ring finger.

He saw when Shuichi finally realized what's happening, he started tearing up. "Yes." He slipped the ring on Shuichi's finger. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been so sure in my life. I love you." That was the first time he said those words to Shuichi. He thought it was going to be hard, but it was not.

"I love you too." Shuichi rose from his seat and glomped onto him, placing quick kisses on whatever his mouth can reach. Deciding that he restrained himself enough, he gave in and kissed Shuichi passionately, deepening the kiss as Shuichi kissed him back with equal passion.

Two forms lay together, spent and content, Shuichi's head pillowed on Yuki's shoulder, his free hand gently caressing the area over his lover's heart. Its steady beat lulling him to sleep. "This is the best anniversary ever, I'll never forget it. Thank you." He said against his chest, wriggling closer to him.

"It should be, I planned it that way." Yuki said, kissing his hair. "Thank you for my gift too."

Shuichi suddenly sat up. "Souka, I forgot about that." He stood up and rummaged through the clothes scattered on the floor.

"Forgot what?" He sat up to enjoy Shuichi's naked form as he looked for something.

"Your gift, I know its here somewhere."

"I already have my gift."

"No, I bought you something. It's actually funny, the one I bought looks almost the same as the one you gave me. Its here somewhere… oh here it is." He grabbed his discarded coat and retrieved a small box. "Hora."

Yuki took the box he offered. Inside it is the same ring he bought, the only difference is the size and the inscription inside the ring, S to E then today's date. "It's the same as the one I got for you."

"I know, I ordered it in that store in the mall. I thought you might not want to wear it so I also bought these." He held up a chain of white gold. Before Yuki can protest, Shuichi took the ring, looped it in the necklace and placed it around Yuki's neck.

With those pieces, it suddenly hit Yuki – the young woman on the store that day. "Let me guess, you bought these when somebody made his proposal on the store."

Shuichi nodded enthusiastically. "That was sweet, I remember saying that I wish you would do something like it – it turns out you did it better. How did you know?"

"I was there."

Shuichi smacked his head, "Oh, the guy with dark shades and holding some bags. I knew I know him, it was you."

"And you were the one wearing a cap and shades. I thought you were a young lady."

"I'm getting better at my disguises." Shuichi smiled at him. He returned to his side, using Yuki's shoulder as a pillow. "Thank you for tonight. I'll cherish it forever."

"Me too, I –" Shuichi's slow and even breathing stopped him. Shuichi fell asleep on him.

Yuki was dragged from his thoughts of the previous night and the aftermath when Shuichi started mumbling.

"I will always love you… I can never live without you by my side. I love you, Yukinari."

TBC

review is very much appreciated