I wanted to thank everyone who read and reviewed my last two chapters. In this one, I would like to comment that some of the characters may be OOC, especially Eiri's behavior towards Shuichi. I do love the plot of "Eiri-chases-Shuichi" rather than it always being the other way around. I also think that it is important for this particularly story. Well, enough said, I hope you enjoy.
Eiri leaned back in his chair, wincing when he heard a muscles in his back pop as he stretched. Scanning the screen of his laptop quickly, he saved his work and shut the computer with a click. He reached for the pack of cigarettes on his desk, lit one with the lighter next to them, and inhaled deeply. Feeling his body finally relax after eighteen hours of non-stop work, he decided to quit for the day.
Standing up and making his way out of his study, he heard the annoying sound of the phone...again. He knew that there were very few people who had his home number, and out of those few, only two had the audacity to call him seven times in the past hour. So when the answering machine clicked on, he was not surprised to hear the sickly-sweet voice of his beloved (a.n. sarcastic :-P) brother-in-law, Seguchi Tohma.
"Eiri-san. I would really appreciate it if you would be so kind as to come to the studio today, since I know you have little intention of calling me back. Mika and I have been concerned with how reclusive you have become lately...well, more than usual, anyway. It is not healthy for you to stay cooped up in that lonely apartment of yours. Of course, if you don't stop by today, I may as well come over afte-"
Eiri quickly cut off Tohma's monologue before the threat was even finished. There was not way in hell he was going to play host today. "Don't you even fucking think about showing up here today, I have work to do," he seethed into the phone.
"Eiri-san, I am so delighted to hear that you are alive," Tohma said with amusement. Eiri simply growled. "I would like so much to catch up with you. But like I was saying earlier, I am sure Mika would appreciate coming with me to pay you a visit tonight. You know how much we all worry about you. Of course, were I to see you this evening, I may be able to vouch for your well-being..."
Eiri frowned, weighing his options. Option one - go to the studio to see his meddling brother-in-law, where he could easily turn tail and leave anytime he wanted, or option two - be bombarded by said person as well as an overbearing sister later tonight when his mood will most certainly be grim. He decided on the lesser of two evils. "What time?"
Already anticipating Eiri's answer, he answered in a smug fashion. "Well, I do have a meeting with some fresh talent in about half an hour, so how about five o'clock? Perhaps we could have some dinner."
Eiri groaned, hanging up the phone. He glance around the large, sparsely furnished condo he called home. He did could not understand why everyone had to have a mother-hen complex when it came to him. He was perfectly fine and preferred things the way the they were. He did not need a babysitter. He ran a hand through his dirty-blond hair and sighed, realizing it needed cut. Glancing at his watch, he swore under his breath. It was already 3:40pm and he needed a shower if he was going out.
He grabbed a clean towel on his way to the bathroom. Once inside, he stripped down and let the too-hot water wash over his sore muscles. Maybe a distraction would do him some good. After-all, he had been doing nothing other than sitting in front of his laptop for most of the past day, fighting his way through his newest novel. Ideas were not coming easy to him this time around, and he felt increasingly frustrated.
Rinsing the shampoo from his hair, he heard the front door slam shut and a loud voice reached his ears.
"Aniiikiii!"
"Damn," he muttered.. Stepping out of the shower, he half-heartedly dried himself off before wrapping the towel around his waist and walking into the living room. There he met with his younger, darker look-a-like, who grinned from ear to ear. "What the hell do you want now, Tatsuha?"
"Awww, aniki, why do you have to be so mean? Can't I visit my favorite brother once and a while?" He gave Eiri an expression not unlike a kicked puppy and pouted.
Instead of responding, Eiri turned and walked into his bedroom, slamming the door in Tatsuha's face. Slipping the towel off onto the floor, he dressed in loose-fitting black slacks and a maroon button-up silk shirt (his favorite). Running his fingers through his damp hair as a means of unknotting it, he returned to the living room to find his perverted brother drooling over a Nittle Grasper video that was being played on the television. He made his way into the kitchen and retrieved a can of beer from the fridge before returning to the living room. He sat on the couch behind Tatsuya (who was sitting on the floor not even two feet from the television) and quickly chugged half the contents of the can. He closed his eyes and listened to the voice that filled the room. Even though he would never admit it to any living person, music had a way to calm the writer's nerves, especially after such a long night. He finished off his beer and looked at his watch. It was already 4:28 and he decided to head to NG.
Standing up, he made his way to the front door, stopping momentarily in the kitchen to toss his empty can in the garbage. He slipped on his black shoes and grabbed his wallet, keys and cell phone from the corner table. Hearing the noise, Tatsuha, immediately shut off the television (of course Nittle Grasper's video was over) and followed his brother. "You're going out? Where to?" he asked curiously.
"NG, to see Tohma," Eiri answered bitterly.
Tatsuha chuckled lightly. "Threatened you with Mika, huh?" Eiri glared at him, making him giggle louder. "Okay, but I'm coming with you."
"The hell you are," he snorted.
"Awww, come on aniki, I want to go to NG too," he whined. "If I'm lucky, I may be able to see Sakuma-san. We will meet, and then he will fall hopelessly in love with me, then we can run away tog..."
Eiri had already tuned out his brother's senseless rambling with thoughts of his own. Perhaps having a rampaging, maniacal fan-boy loose in NG would distract Tohma enough to let him get out of their 'dinner date' unscathed. Smirking at his own ingenious idea, he turned to Tatsuha. "Let's go then."
Tatsuha was elated and managed to calm himself before his grumpy brother decided to change his mind about letting him tag along. With thoughts of chibi Ryuichi-chan's dancing in his head, he followed his brother outside to his car.
The streets were thankfully uncongested as Shuichi made his way to NG studios, which happened to be only three blocks from his apartment. He was still exhausted from having gotten so little sleep in the past twenty-four hours. He had dozed off shortly after listening to Hiro's message and had lost track of time. Luckily for him, Hiro anticipated this and kept his promise to call him an hour before their meeting. He managed a quick shower and dressed casually in form-fitting black jeans, a gray tank top covered in a loose long-sleeved black button-down shirt, the buttons left undone. To finish off the outfit, he wore his favorite black-and-white converse all-stars. He did not bother to style his hair much more than running his fingers through the thick pink locks, which fell in choppy layers framing his face.
Looking up, he realized that he had reached his destination. The building was enormous! Of course he knew it would be large, but not to this extent. He briefly debated how many bands this particular label has assigned, seeing as how it is the most sought-after label in Japan. He glanced at his watch, which read 3:52. A little surprised that he had made it on time, he walked through the wide automatic glass doors leading to the lobby. He did not notice the man across the street who watched his every move.
XXX
He sat unnoticed at the table outside of the cafe. He could tear his eyes away from the pink-haired boy across the street. His boy. He watched as the young man stopped in front of the large building, NG records. Why would he be going into a music studio? He broke his train of thought when the boy disappeared through the glass doors. Slowly, he grabbed his cell phone, which was sitting on the table next to his coffee, and dialed a familiar number. After a few rings, the phone clicked as it was answered. Without waiting for a greeting, the man spoke in hushed tones.
"Katsu-kun, you're never gonna believe who I just saw..."
XXX
The lobby was very spacious and airy. Off to the left there were numerous couches, lounge chairs and tables situated randomly as well as several large televisions. There were a handful of people scattered here and there, talking, laughing, or just listening quietly to the conversations. I can remember a time when I laughed like that, he thought, but quickly dismissed it. To his right there was a long reception desk, where an attractive brunette sat looking at him curiously. Walking sedately to the desk, he asked the woman where he could find Seguchi Tohma's office. She blushed and managed to point out the elevators and told him which floor he should go to. Nodding in thanks he followed her directions he reached the elevator, entered, and pressed the button for the floor he was told.
He reached his floor and walked out of the elevator to find that Hiro was waiting for him in front of the secretary's desk. When Hiro looked up and saw his friend for the first time in three years, his mouth went slack. The last few years were definitely good to him, physically at least. Although still shorter than himself, Shuichi had grown a couple inches, his once bright pink hair had softened to a rosey shade, and his clothes did little to hide his slim, but toned body. Beautiful, Hiro thought as Shuichi approached him. What was concerning, however, were his eyes. Those unusual violet orbs were...distant. He was crestfallen to think that after all this time, his friend still locked himself away. He was hoping for a little emotion, maybe even excitement, but all he saw was heavily-veiled trepidation.
Shuichi watched the emotions play across Hiro's face, but he did not let his guilt show. Once face to face, he offered a meek, "Oi, Hiro-kun".
"I really missed you, Shuichi." Hiro stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the smaller man, distressed by the pronounced shudder the simple act of familiarity caused. Although Shuichi's body remained rigid, he did not push his friend away, and he was grateful that Hiro kept his embrace loose. After a few seconds, Hiro's spirit sank with the knowledge that Shu was becoming more tense the longer he was held, and he pulled away. Hiro gestured towards the large floor to ceiling oak doors behind him. "Everyone else is here already. You ready?"
Shuichi closed his eyes and took slow, deep breathes and tried to fight back the mental distress from being handled by someone, begging his heart to return to a normal pace. He opened his eyes and catching Hiro's, filled with concern, he nodded.
Hiro turned around and opened one of the large doors and walked inside. Shuichi followed behind him, and upon entering the room, he surveyed the people inside. Sitting on a plush couch at the far wall sat a foreigner with long blond hair tied back. He wore a white button-down shirt with a loosened gray tie, a pair of khaki's and, to Shuichi's surprise, a gun holster containing a rather large magnum. The gaijin smiled warmly at him and gave a short nod. In the last of three chairs in the middle of the room sat a small boy, looking to be no older than seventeen, with dark black/green hair and charcoal eyes. His expression was one of annoyance, and he only made brief eye contact with Shu before reverting his gaze to the remaining occupant, who sat behind a large mahogany desk. Shu concluded immediately that this man had to be Seguchi Tohma. He did not get a definitive impression of this man. Although physically unthreatening, his soft features were betrayed by his plastered smile and challenging eyes.
Hiro motioned for him to take one of the two empty chairs in front of the desk. Tohma kept his eyes on him as he sat down, studying him before speaking. "Shindo-san, I am pleased to finally meet you. I am, of course, Seguchi Tohma, president of this company. Nakano-san spoke very highly of you indeed," he smiled.
Shuichi, keeping his cool exterior, scoffed at the comment. "You shouldn't believe everything someone tells you."
Hiro turned to him with a warning look, but Tohma appeared amused. "Well, why don't you fill us in then." He reclined in his chair, folding his hands in his lap. "Nakano-san tells me you are a clever lyricist, as well as a talented singer."
"I'm not a singer. I only told Hiro that I would give it a try. I can make no promises."
An exasperated gasp sounded from the small man in the last seat as he stood up angrily. "You mean to tell me that you found us a singer who can't sing?! What the hell are we doing here wasting our time? I, for one, am in no mood to put up with amateurs like him. Lyricist too?! He probably couldn't write a song to save his life. I-"
"Listen, you little punk," Shuichi interrupted, standing up angrily to face the slightly shorter man. "I never said that I can't sing, I just pointed out the fact that I am not a singer. I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but if you insult my lyrics before you even heard them, I will knock you the hell out. Now take yourself off that little pedestal that you've made for yourself and sit the fuck down!"
The silence that filled the room was suffocating for several tense moments. Breaking eye contact, the younger man resigned to his seat without a word. Relieved to have that matter cleared up, Shuichi also sat back down quietly. He thought that, while being in America, he had gotten a handle on his erratic bouts of anger, and he felt extremely disappointed in himself that he could revert so easily. Once triggered, it boiled up inside himself so quickly, he could not prevent himself from acting. But no one insulted his lyrics, especially considering how personal they were, without hearing them first. Dismissing his thoughts, he cleared his face of any obvious contempt and looked up at Seguchi-san, who appeared intrigued.
Sitting forward with a smile, Tohma began once again. "I assume introductions are in order then." He gestured a hand towards the blond in the corner. "This is K-san. He will be your manager, should your partnership work out." K-san smiled broadly and waved. Tohma indicated the young man in front of him, sitting beside Hiro. "This is Fujisaki Sugura, and he will be your synth player. He may look young, but do not doubt his abilities with a keyboard." Sugura did not even make a motion to look at Shuichi as he was introduced, not that Shuichi minded. Although...he did kind of resemble Tohma a little. "And, of course, you are acquainted with Nakano-san." Hiro gave Shuichi an encouraging smile, hoping to put his friend at ease. Shuichi simply looked away from him.
Shuichi forced himself to keep his breath steady. Are...all of these people counting on me...can't they see that I am useless...What if I can't do this...what if I...
K-san cleared his throat from the across the room, looking pointedly at Tohma, who nodded in response. Standing up and gesturing for the others to do the same, Tohma spoke. "Now that we are all familiar with one another, and before we get ahead of ourselves with the matters of contracts and the like, I think that a demonstration is in order. I am sure that we are all looking forward to seeing how Shindo-san can benefit this group. Follow me."
The group of musicians, along with K-san, followed Tohma to the elevators and down to the fifth floor. They came to an empty room halfway down the hall and entered. Shuichi, who had never stepped inside a music studio before, was surprised by how simple it seemed. Walking in the door, there was a smaller room to the right with a glass wall, he determined to be the sound-proof recording room. Behind the glass he noted that there was a microphone on a stand with headphones hanging on the side, a synthesizer was placed along the far wall, and a guitar rested on it's stand behind the microphone. A chair sat in a corner of the room. Outside the room along the glass was was a long table holding an assortment of electronic devices that Shuichi could not even begin to name, nor could he do much more than assume what they were for. The rest of the room was bare save for a long couch along the left wall, surrounded by a few comfortable-looking chairs. All in all, it was not a very unappealing place to work, he decided.
Tohma turned and looked at Shuichi pointedly. "Well now, Shindo-san. Why don't you sing for us - to test the waters, shall we say. Nothing too complicated, I would like to evaluate your voice."
Shuichi glanced into the soundproof room. "Do you mind if I use the guitar, or would you like a cappella?"
"Whichever you prefer is fine," Tohma stated, taking a seat facing the room.
As he walked towards the room, Hiro gave him a comforting smile and took a seat himself beside Sugura, who seemed to find the floor very interesting. K-san merely leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest, smiling (of course).
Closing the door behind him, he took the chair from the corner and set it in the middle of the room. He took the guitar from it's stand, sat down, and adjusted the mic-stand. He did not put on the headphones, preferring to hear his own voice. He closed his eyes and took a breath. He had never sung his songs to anyone before, and he did not know how they would respond.
Pushing his doubts aside, he pulled the guitar strap around his shoulder and settled the instrument his lap. He began to play, the melody soft and deep. Leaning forward slightly, he began to sing.
I'm feeling crossed, I take it inside
Burn up the pain, my thoughts are strange
Strumming a few more cords, Shuichi closed his eyes and allowed his voice to flow stronger, finding comfort in the words.
Just like the things I used to love
Just like the tree that fell, I heard it
If art is still inside, I feel it
Outside the room, everyone listened intently. Hiro smiled.
I wanna bleed, show the world all that I have inside
I wanna scream, let the blood flow that keeps me alive
Audience forgotten, Shuichi relaxed completely, voice becoming more confident. Electricity ran through his fingertips, stimulating them to continue.
Take all these strings they call my veins
Wrap them around every fucking thing
Presence of people not for me
Well, I must remain in tune forever
My love is music, I will marry melody
Captivated by the music, nobody noticed the tall figure entering the room quiety He stood still becoming entranced by the flow of words.
I wanna bleed, show the world all that I have inside
I wanna scream, let the blood flow that keeps me alive
I wanna scream, I wanna bleed
Won't you let me take you for a ride
You can stop the world, try to change my mind
Won't you let me show you how it feels?
You can stop the world
But you won't change me
I need music
To set me free
To let me bleed
The guitar continued for a few more moments until fading away. Eyes still closed, Shuichi allowed the lingering hum to wash over him. After a moment, Shuichi stood up and replaced the guitar on it's stand, refusing to make eye contact with anyone on the other side of the glass wall. He felt an indescribable feeling swell up inside him when he sang, and he was terrified that he would receive harsh criticism. Who am I kidding, they probably hated it.
Taking tentative steps, he exited the sound booth and stood in front of his piers. Nobody said a word, just looked at him thoughtfully. Well, Hiro was smiling, but Shuichi had anticipated nothing but encouragment from his deluded friend. Finally, he found the courage to look Tohma in the eyes. With a sigh, Tohma broke the silence.
"Well, K-san. If we are all in agreement, with a few improvements and a lot of practice, I think you gentlemen have found your first single."
XXX
Eiri was irritated. No, he was furious. Tohma had practically black-mailed him into meeting with him and he had the nerve to make him wander all over the god-forsaken building looking for him. Why isn't he in his damn office instead of some studio? The only thing he was thankful for was the fact that the idiot with him, a.k.a. Tatsuha, was too busy pestering the poor temp at the reception desk, demanding to know the whereabouts of one Sakuma Ryuichi, to follow on his heels.
He entered the elevator and angrily pressed the button labeled five, where Tohma's personal secretary informed him to go. He contemplated leaving now, just to spite Tohma. It wasn't his fault Tohma disappeared to do god-knows-what. Before he could act, however, the elevator pinged and the doors opened. Sighing in resignation, he stalked down the hall towards studio 2. Not wanting to draw attention to himself immediately, he opened the doors quietly and entered. What he met with, however, did nothing short of take his breath away.
He recognized a few of the occupants of the room, but their attention was diverted towards the sound booth. Inside, on a metal chair, was a pink-haired young man, eyes closed, singing a slow, melancholy tune. Although the melody was somber, the voice which carried it made his heart clench. Beautiful, he thought. Undisciplined, unseasoned...but beautiful all the same. He could not help but to close his eyes and let the last verse wash over him.
Won't you let me show you how it feels?
You can stop the world
But you won't change me
I need music
To set me free
To let me bleed
When the music died away, Eiri could not tear his eyes away from the pink-haired figure that sang it. The young man walked out of the recording room and stood to face his brother-and-law, along with a few other people he faintly recognized. He heard Tohma speak, although he did not look at him. So...he must be a new singer of Tohma's. Maybe this trip wasn't such a waste.
Shuichi felt immensely relieved that his song appeared to be well-received. Letting out the breath he did't realize he had been holding, he turned to his friends, his bandmates. Hiro wore a brilliant smile, his eyes shining. Glancing briefly at Sugura, he noticed a look that could be mistaken for polite admiration, but he did not dwell on it. The kid irritated him.
"I would like the three of you here and ready to rehearse first thing in the morning," Tohma began. "I hold very high standard for the artists that I support, and I expect no less than the best from everyone here." All nodded in understanding. "For the remainder of the day, I will leave you in the hands of K-" Tohma's directive was cut short by a loud cry.
"Saaaakuma-saann!"
Everyone turned to see what caused the commotion. Unfortunately for Shuichi, he turned a little too late, and was immediately seized in a death-grip from behind. Panic overtaking immediately, he balled his hand in a fist and spun around. "Don't touch me!" he screamed as his fist met with the assailant's jaw, knocking him to the ground.
The room was silent for several seconds. "About time someone did that, you pervert," Eiri scoffed, looking down at the injured Tatsuha
Hiro turned his eyes upwards toward Shuichi, only to find that he was no longer standing there. Not good, he thought.
Tatsuha moaned pitifully, still lying on the ground clutching his bruised cheek. "That wasn't my Sakuma-san."
"No shit," Hiro snapped. "I'm going to find him. I'll be back, he couldn't have gone far."
"No. It was my idiot brother who did it, and seeing as how he is in no condition to apologize, I'll go." Without waiting for a response, the blond was out the door.
XXX
Shuichi walked aimlessly down the hallways, not really paying attention to where he was going. He could not think straight. His head was spinning, and afraid that he was going to black out. He stopped and leaned his back against a wall. Sliding down, he sat and brought his knees to his chest. He hated this, hated the irrational fear that dominated his mind and body. He brought trembling hands up to his face to block the bright light from his eyes. Taking slow breaths, he counted back from twenty, trying to calm his nerves. Other thoughts came to his mind. What if he hit someone important? Did he just ruin his best friend's chance? Would Hiro forgive him?...
"Hey"
Shuichi quickly removed his hands looked up. He was met with most stunning pair of golden-hazel eyes he had ever seen. Dirty blond hair poured softly around a beautiful, almost androgynous face. He's so...handsome. He quickly dismissed this train of thought and instead turned his eyes to look out the window to his left.
"Are you just going to sit there all day?" The deep, masculine voice spoke again, making Shuichi's heart skip a beat, but he did not let it show.
"So what if I do, what do you care?"
"I don't," Eiri resigned. "But your friends are concerned. I told them I would bring you back, after apologizing for my baka of a brother. He mistook you for someone else."
"Obviously,"
Eiri could not read the younger man, something that was unusual for him. He was both irritated and intrigued. "I suggest you come along before that crazy American sends out a search party. He'll likely blow up the hole building." He held a hand out to help the smaller man stand.
Shuichi looked back to the tall blonde, noting his outstretched hand. Instead of taking the hand, he stood up on his own. "Who are you anyway?"
"Uesugi Eiri. And you?"
"Shindo...Shuichi." The two began walking down the hall back towards the studio, Eiri leading due to the fact that Shuichi had gotten himself lost during the ordeal.
After a few minutes of silent walking, Eiri turned his head to look at Shuichi. "How about I make it up to you when you finish here. Coffee?" He felt incredibly nervous for some reason. People usually tripped over each other to get a date with him, so why now the doubt?
Pulse quickening, Shuichi fought with himself for the answer. He felt that it would not be a big deal, simply a cup of coffee. But the other part of him reminded him that they had just met, and even if they hadn't, this man could be dangerous. Looking fixedly at the carpet in front of his feet, he responded with a quiet, "I don't think that's a good idea."
Stopping in front of the door to the studio, Eiri took a minute to look into those unusual violet eyes, which were deliberately diverted. He looks so nervous...but I don't think that's all there is to it. Quickly getting over the shock of being turned down by someone, probably for the first time in his life, he turned and led the way inside.
Eiri returned to his home late that evening after a grueling outing with his brother-in-law. Dinner was followed by drinks, and with drinks came the inevitable prying into his social life.
"You're twenty-four now, Eiri-san. It's time to think about settling down permanently, no more one-night-stands."
Eiri scoffed, but did not respond. He knew better than to argue, so he just let the misplaced concern waft throught he air, paying no mind to it. He was finally able to break away and go home, feigning exhaustion, and went home.
Eiri was, in fact, far from tired. All night he had his mind preoccupied with thoughts of a certain pink-haired angel. What was it about the younger man that captivating him, made him lose all thought and concentration? Sure, he was attractive in an effeminate way, but there had to be something more to it than that. After all, Eiri had been sleeping around with many beautiful women, but for the life of him he could not remember even one of their faces the next day.
Eiri entered his study with the intention of working for at least a little while. He had a couple weeks before his deadline, but he knew he would put it off and end up having to pull several all-nighters. Sitting back in his chair, he stared at the last few paragraphs he had written earlier, and waited for his muse to kick in.
Which it didn't.
After sitting there staring at the bright screen for almost an hour, he sighed and turned the computer off without writing a single word. Looking at the clock next to the laptop, he saw that it was just after midnight. Maybe a walk would do him some good. Standing up, he went into the living room, put on his coat, grabbed his keys, and decided to head to the park.
XXX
Shuichi lay in bed staring at the ceiling. No matter how much he tried, he could not fall asleep. So much had happened that day, his body refused to shut down. Talks of contracts, concerts, meetings and interviews ran through his head. And to top it all off, he could not get the image of a certain blond out of his mind.
What was is about that man that made him want to touch him? Voices screamed in his head, telling him that Eiri would be just like all the rest. He shuddered at that thought. He couldn't let himself be led into something like that again.
He sighed and rolled onto his side. The alarm clock glared and angry 11:52. He sighed again and rolled over, throwing his legs off the bed. He stood up, threw on a pair of old jeans that lay strewn across the floor, put on an over-sized sweatshirt and headed for the front door. There he slipped his feet into his shoes and grabbed his keys and cell phone. Maybe a walk would help clear his mind. Nobody should be out at this time of night. He walked out the door and quietly closed it after him, not wanting to alarm his neighbors to any noise.
He made his way out of the building and onto the street. As predicted, only a couple people were outside. He began walking slowly, not sure where to go. He had very few memories of his birth parents, but he could recall coming to Tokyo once or twice when he was younger. It was then he remembered that there used to be a beautiful park somewhere around here that overlooked the river. Getting his bearings, he changed direction, crossed the street, and heading in the direction he thought the park would be, if it was still there that is.
Sure enough, after about fifteen minutes of walking, he came to the low wrought-iron fencing that signaled the entrance of the park. Smiling to himself, he made his way down the narrow pathway towards the overlook. When he found the perfect spot, he noticed an empty bench sitting under a sakura tree. He sat down on the bench, folding his legs underneath himself. He stared out over the water, admiring the way the moon reflected in the still water. Looking up, he saw the stars shining brightly and he was thankful for the clear night. Feeling relaxed, he closed his eyes and let his mind wander.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Shuichi knew that voice. Snapping his eyes open, his suspicion was confirmed. Eiri quietly took the seat next to him on the bench, leaving a comfortable space between him. Eiri wanted to avoid a black eye, if at all possible. "It would be better if the cherry-blossoms were in bloom, don't you think?"
Shuichi simply nodded, tearing his eyes away from the blond Adonis next to him, his heart beating a little too fast. "What are you doing out here?" he managed to find his voice.
Eiri shrugged. "I could ask you the same thing, but I have a feeling we have similar reasons." There were a few ways that Shuichi could have interpreted that response, but chose to let it drop. With an almost content sigh, Eiri stood and took a few steps towards the way he came. Pausing, he turned to look once again at Shuichi. He looks so cute sitting all curled up like that. "Since we're both up, how about that coffee? My apartment is only a couple blocks from here." He noticed the younger man flinch slightly. As an afterthought, he added, "I don't bite, ya' know. There are, however, some people out this late who do, and I would rather make sure you got inside safely."
Shuichi was having a little inner battle with himself. He didn't know what to do. There was something about Eiri that called out to him, begging him to trust the older man. But slightly more prominent was the nagging voice that told him that Eiri was big enough and strong enough to do to him what so many others had. Looking up, he locked eyes with the taller man, violet with gold. Seeing those rich pools, that undemanding expression, he stood up without a word and followed.
At a small table, in a quiet coffee shop, in the heart of downtown Tokyo, two longtime friends shared a midnight coffee.
The one sitting closest to the window had short, dark brown hair and cold brown eyes. He was dressed casually in faded blue jeans and a solid black t-shirt. His companion, slightly taller with shoulder-length black hair and piercing green eyes, was also dressed casually in stone-washed jeans, a black wife-beater and a jean jacket that ended past his hips. The latter anxiously bounced his knee up and down, sipping his coffee.
"So how was the drive," the short-haired one started.
"Long, but uneventful. Your parents told me to tell you hello for them, by the way."
The short-haired one smiled and nodded. He returned to his own cup, lost in thought. Placing his cup of the table, the black-haired man looked at the other with a glint in his eye. "So, he's here - you've seen him?" A nod as confirmation, he licked his lips. "How did he look? Good?"
The other man chuckled knowingly. "You get ahead of yourself Katsuki-kun. We don't have any information yet. But...yes, he looked good."
Katsuki grinned, then after a moment scowled. "He should have never been allowed to leave. You should have never left him alone," he spat.
His companion slammed his cup on the table. "And what the hell did you expect me to say to my parents when he refused to come, huh? 'But mom, dad, you have to make him come along. Young Asian boys sell for a fortune in England, we'll make a killing'. Are you out of your mind?"
"I'm sorry, Aki. I know it wasn't your fault. It's just that I.." his eyes glazed over "...I just want him back is all."
"I know you do," Aki consoled. He looked thoughtful for a minute. "But you know...having his freedom for three whole years...he will probably need to be broken again."
A sadistic smile crossed Katsuki's lips and he chuckled. "Yes, I know he will." He licked his lips, eyes casting an evil shadow. "And that is the part I look forward to... most of all."
TBC...
A.N. OK, so there's chapter three. It had to make it longer because there was a lot I wanted to cover in this chapter. The lyrics, of course, are not mine. They are from Cold, song entitled "Bleed" and it is one of my favorite songs. There is no way I could have written original lyrics, so I decided against it. As always, comments and criticisms are encouraged, so please R&R. Until next time...
