Apologies for long delay in uploading this chapter, to cut a very long story short, I have been really ill this year, with hospital stays etc. so haven't been able to do anything! I hope to get cracking on this story now, before anything else comes along to stop me!

-Chapter 7-

As the last note ended, Takumi looked up and saw his best friend, Shingyouji standing once more in the Coffee Shop. The people in the shop looked around as well, and spontaneous applause from all the people who knew Shingyouji began, much to his great embarrassment! Gii immediately stood up and led Shingyouji to sit in his vacated seat and Toshi stood behind him, declining the chair being offered by Gii's father. Takumi grinned at his friend Shingyouji and began to play a quick, happy piece to welcome him home and made everyone smile.

After playing a third piece of music and the applause had died down, Takumi carefully put away his violin and bow. He walked over to where Shingyouji was sitting and gently hugged him.

"Welcome home Shingyouji, I'm so happy to see you back here, where you belong! How are you feeling?"

Shingyouji grinned at his friend. "I'm okay Takumi, and so glad to be home with you all again. Sagara says I have to rest as much as I can so I think I'll go upstairs now and lie down on my bed for a while." He turned to Toshi. "Will you come up with me just while I get settled Toshi? I won't keep you for long, I know how busy everyone is."

Gii's mother then spoke. "You do that Toshi, get Shingyouji sorted, then I'll come up and sit with you okay Shingyouji? It'll take a couple of days to get organised won't it, you may find you don't need much help after a while, let's play it by ear alright?"

Shingyouji smiled gratefully and slowly rose from the chair and went to the stairs. Once they were in the apartment Toshi bustled round, making sure everything was just right for his beloved. Shingyouji slowly eased himself onto the bed and sighed with relief as his head touched the pillow.

"Ah, back in our own bed again Toshi. I have missed this so much! Will you come and lie next to me for a few minutes love? I want to feel you near me again."

Toshi did as he was asked, but was very nervous in case he accidently hurt Shingyouji. He turned on his side to face his boyfriend and very gently slid his left arm across Shingyouji's waist.

"I'm not hurting you am I Shingyouji? You will tell me if I do, won't you?" Shingyouji could hear the anxiety in Toshi's voice and turned his face to look at him, smiling.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I'll tell you! Being here with you again, feeling the warmth from your body next to me, feeling your soft breath against my cheek, these are the only things I need right now. I love you so much Toshi, I hope nothing ever parts us again!" A tear trickled down Shingyouji's face and Toshi gently wiped it away with his finger. He leaned forward and tenderly kissed his beloved's lips and could feel Shingyouji's willing response.

The kiss lasted a long time and it was Toshi who reluctantly moved away. He lay his head next to Shingyouji on the pillow, and the couple just looked at each other, smiling.

Toshi spoke. "Nobody will part us again if I can help it Shingyouji! We belong together, you and I." Toshi was quiet for a while. He reached for Shingyouji's hand and held it between his own hands. "I don't know if this is the right time to say this my love, but you would make me the happiest man alive if you would marry me! I know we can't legally marry yet, but ..."

Shingyouji interrupted Toshi by bursting into tears! Toshi was immediately contrite and gently put his arm across Shingyouji's waist. "Oh Shingyouji! I'm sorry, I'm such an idiot to say this now..."

Shingyouji quickly put his finger to Toshi's lips. "I'm not crying because I'm upset Toshi!" He gently stroked Toshi's face with his one good hand. "I'm crying because that is the best thing I have ever heard in my life! I would love to marry you whether it's legal or not! You are everything to me Toshi, I want to be with you for the rest of our lives."

It was Toshi's turn to cry now, he was so moved by Shingyouji's words of love. The young couple looked at each other and started to laugh. "Can I take it that you're saying Yes then Shingyouji?" "Yes Toshi, I will marry you, whether it's legal or just saying our own vows in front of our friends. My only request is that we keep it to ourselves until I'm well again, then we can tell Takumi and Gii and get Promise rings, is that okay with you?"

"That's perfect Shingyouji, it'll be something very special to look forward to." Toshi leaned towards his boyfriend again and kissed him gently, gradually deepening the kiss until he realised he would have to stop before things got out of hand!

"Phew, I think I'd better go downstairs again now, you are tempting me too much my love! You get well as quickly as you can please!" Toshi started to chuckle and began to get off the bed ready to go downstairs. "Well, I know I'm injured and such, but there are ways and means to get around obstacles you know!" Shingyouji was grinning up at his precious boy.

"Hmmm... I'll remember you said that Shingyouji!" After quickly leaning down to give a final kiss, Toshi left the room chuckling and turned around at the door to look at Shingyouji who was grinning back.

Downstairs in the Coffee Shop Takumi was being congratulated on his playing by Gii's father. "You really are a talented young man, Takumi! I know I've said it before, but you could take your musicianship a lot further."

Gii's Aunt Reika was standing next to her brother-in-law, listening intently. "I used to always tell Takumi that Takeo, but I have come to realise that Takumi is at his happiest here in the Coffee Shop and with Gii. He's also joined an orchestra now which will give him an outlet for his music won't it? Maybe when he's older and has more free time, he could look into doing something different, but for now he seems content."

Takumi smiled at Gii's Aunt and nodded in agreement. "I love playing my violin Mr. Saki, but I'm happy with my life as it is at present."

"That's good then Takumi, I hope I'll be able to see the orchestra performing one day soon!" Mr. Saki patted Takumi's shoulder and smiled.

Back at the Hospital, Sagara and Misu were having a much needed break together, enjoying a coffee and sandwich in the staff dining room.

Misu was speaking. "It'll seem strange not having Shingyouji here to call in and see won't it? I hope he doesn't try and do too much too soon."

"I don't think he'll be allowed to do anything strenuous for a while will he, all his 'nurses' will make sure of that!" Sagara grinned at Misu. "True!" Misu replied through a mouthful of food.

The couple ate in silence for a while, then Sagara spoke. "We're both off tonight aren't we? Would you like to go out for a meal later?" Misu was quiet for a moment.

"I would love too, thanks. Would you like to come back to my place afterwards?...umm...for a coffee?" Misu could feel his face blushing and hoped Sagara understood his real meaning!

It was Sagara's turn to be quiet then. Sagara had noticed Misu's blush and decided to play along, pretending not to know the real intention! "Yeah, that would be great. I usually prefer to drink tea at night though, do you have any?"

Misu was perplexed. Sagara didn't get it after all! Misu stuttered, not sure how to handle the situation now. "Oh, yeah, I have plenty of tea if that's what you'd..." Misu suddenly realised that Sagara was grinning at him and had tricked him! "Sagara! I'm embarrassed enough, without you teasing me!" Misu couldn't help laughing as well and the boyfriends reached for each other's hand under the table and squeezed gently.

Sagara spoke then. "I'm sorry Misu, I couldn't resist teasing you! I was trying to pluck up the courage to ask you if I could stay with you tonight. I think we have waited long enough, don't you, to be a proper couple?" Sagara's gentle tone was making Misu blush again when suddenly there was a piercing bleeping from Sagara's pager, alerting him to an emergency on the ward. He quickly stood up and leaning towards Misu, whispered. "I'll pick you up about 7.30pm okay love?"

Misu smiled and nodded., feeling ecstatic and anxious all at the same time!

It was Thursday evening and time for Takumi's second visit to the Leisure Centre to play with the orchestra again. He'd had time for a meal tonight, so went off happily with his violin case in his hand. As he was going out of the Coffee Shop door Gii hugged him and said. "Don't forget Shouzo and Amy are going to speak to us tonight via Skype, my love. Shouzo thinks it will be about 9.00pm Japanese time, will you be able to get back in time for that?"

Takumi returned Gii's hug and smiled at him. "Of course, Gii, I'm not missing a chance to see and hear them both! I'll be back, don't fret!" The lovers kissed tenderly and Takumi left to make the short walk to the Centre.

As he entered through the entrance Hall, Takumi could again hear the sounds of the musicians tuning their instruments and a babble of voices. He felt a thrill of excitement as he walked towards the auditorium door. As he entered the room, several heads turned around to see who was coming in, and he was greeted with smiles and waves from other members who were pleased to see him.

He waved back and made his way towards the violin section of the orchestra. He was warmly welcomed by his fellow violinists and they helped him with his chair while he got himself a music stand from the corner. "It's nice to see you again Takumi, we're delighted you've decided to join us. I'm not sure I got chance to introduce myself last week, my name is Haruo Maki." The man bowed politely and Takumi responded likewise.

"It's good to meet you Maki-san, I'm looking forward to being part of this great orchestra!"

Maki-san smiled and nodded. "We don't need to be formal here Takumi, please just call me Haruo." Takumi smiled and nodded.

The conductor appeared just then and after tapping the podium with his baton, the orchestra gradually went quiet. "Great to see you all again folks, and I'm very pleased to see Takumi has joined us again, so you didn't put him off last week then!" His words were greeted with mock hurt and anger, causing everyone to laugh.

"Welcome back, anyway, Takumi! Now I know you will all have been practising the new piece this last week?" Matsuno's eyebrows lifted quizzically as he stared at the musicians. "Well, we'll soon find out who has and who hasn't, won't we? Let's start from the beginning."

The orchestra played for 45 minutes without a break, then Matsuno told them all to have a 5 minute rest. Several of the musicians had brought water with them, especially those playing wind instruments. The rest took the chance to chat with their colleagues.

After talking about the piece they had been practising, Haruo suddenly said to Takumi. "You're very young to be married, aren't you Takumi?"

Takumi was completely taken unawares by the question. He had been wearing Gii's Promise ring for so long, it was just part of him now and for somebody to suddenly comment on it made him feel flustered. Takumi began stuttering. "Oh, I'm not married, it's a Promise ring. We um.. hope to marry one day but um.. not just yet." Takumi could feel himself blushing and was greatly relieved when Matsuno tapped on the podium again, indicating it was time to begin the second half.

After playing another new piece, Takumi glanced at his watch and saw to his amazement it was 8.50pm, he would need to be leaving soon to be back at the Coffee Shop in time for Shouzo and Amy's Skype call. Matsuno was giving them all instructions on what he needed them to practise during the next week, and as soon as he finished Takumi stood up and after explaining briefly to the Conductor why he needed to leave, he waved goodbye to his colleagues and left the Centre.

Takumi arrived back at the Coffee Shop just before 9pm. He bounded up the stairs to the apartment, two at a time, anxious not to be late. As he entered the living room, Gii, who had been looking out for him, beckoned him into the spare bedroom that doubled as an office. "Good timing love!" and smiling broadly led him to sit on the edge of the bed, next to Toshi who smiled happily at him. Shingyouji was sitting in the swivel chair with a blanket around his shoulders looking like an Emperor wearing a royal robe! After quickly checking everyone was okay, Takumi finally relaxed.

Gii sat to the left of Shingyouji, with a space in between so that Takumi and Toshi could see the computer screen clearly. Exactly at 9pm the call alert window appeared on the screen and after a bit of adjustment to the picture the four friends could see Shouzo and Amy, sitting in their apartment in New York!

"Konbanwa minna!" Shouzo's voice was the first to be heard. The four friends all laughed and replied in unison. Then they all said. "Good evening Amy!" Who smiled and waved. "Hi guys! How are you feeling Shingyouji? We were so sorry to hear about your accident, but we're so glad you are back home again. Are they all looking after you well, honey?"

"I'm not feeling too bad, thanks Amy, and yes I'm being very well looked after so don't worry! I'll have to be careful I don't get too used to all the attention or I may get very lazy!"

Gii grinned at Shingyouji. "There's no chance of that Shingyouji! The moment you are well again we'll have you tied to that oven downstairs, baking those cakes again."

Shouzo joined in the chat. "I heard that Toshi was doing a great job in your absence Shingyouji, you've taught him well."

Toshi could feel himself blushing and Shingyouji swivelled the chair around and winked at his precious boy, adding to Toshi's discomfiture. After slowly spinning round to face the screen again Shingyouji told Shouzo how proud he was of Toshi, Takumi and Gii for holding the fort in his absence.

The friends chatted about all sorts of things, and Amy was very interested to hear how Takumi's orchestra experience was going. Shouzo was asking Gii about people in the office who he used to work with, and Gii brought him up to date with all the news. "How's Yoshio doing Gii? I hear from him occasionally via email but haven't heard for a while."

"He's fine Shouzo, he's having a fortieth birthday soon! We're all going out for a meal with him, he's being teased about being an old man at the minute, he's not impressed!"

Shouzo laughed loudly, making the friends all smile, it was so good to hear their friend laughing.

Shouzo looked over to his wife and smiling, reached for her hand. "Amy has something she would like to tell you all, you ready sweetheart?"

Amy looked lovingly at Shouzo and nodded. Her blue eyes were shining as she looked back at their friends. "Shouzo and I want to let you know that in six months time we're going to be parents! We're expecting a baby!"

There was a split second of silence then pandemonium ensued, with congratulations being loudly given, whoops of delight, making the young couple in New York laugh with pleasure.

"We guess you're pleased for us then, you lot?" Shouzo was beaming at his friends and put his arm around Amy's shoulders in a loving embrace.

Gii answered. "You bet we are! I can't believe it, our Shouzo's going to be a dad! Wow, that's amazing! Congratulations to you both!"

Amy answered. "Thanks guys, we're really happy about it as well. We want you all to be part of our baby's life, we hope you'll all be uncles to it when it arrives? As soon as the baby's old enough to fly, we'll bring him/her over to Japan to see you all, and Shouzo's family as well, it's such a shame we are so far away."

"Well that can't be helped can it, and with emails and Skype, texts etc. we will be able to keep in contact with you. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say we'll be delighted to be your baby's uncles!" Gii grinned at his three companions, who were all nodding in agreement.

The call finally came to an end, with promises to do it again soon. The four friends chatted happily about their friends' news, but Takumi soon became aware of how tired Shingyouji was looking, and suggested to Gii that they made a move now and start for home.

"Sorry Takumi, it's been a great day but I must confess to being shattered now." Shingyouji spoke apologetically but was immediately stopped by Takumi.

"Don't be apologising Shingyouji! You've done well to last as long as you have! Gii and I will leave you to it now, and we'll see you tomorrow, but I don't want to see you anywhere near the Coffee Shop, do you hear me? I want you resting in the apartment okay?"

Shingyouji grinned at his best friend. "Okay Takumi, will do!" After gently hugging his friends, Takumi wished them goodnight and he and Gii left.

The next morning, Friday, Gii and Takumi went for their appointment to see the Lawyer who was acting on their behalf, regarding the purchase of their new apartment. After signing numerous legal documents they finally shook hands with him, and then made their way to see the Agent who was dealing with the sale of the apartment. Soon all the legal documentation was passed over to complete the purchase. The Agent handed over two sets of keys and wished the couple well in their new home.

As the young men walked away, each holding a set of keys in their hands, they looked at each other. Their smiles of sheer happiness would have made the dullest day bright and cheerful!

Gii spoke first. "It's a great shame we haven't got time to go and celebrate right now, my love! But I know you need to get back to the Coffee Shop, and I need to start the ball rolling with the decorators who are waiting for my call to start the painting, then I'll get in touch with the carpet firm who are supplying the carpeting!"

Takumi gave Gii a wonderful smile, which always caused Gii to sigh longingly. "Ah Takumi, don't look at me like that, you know it makes me go weak at the knees!" Takumi couldn't help chuckling to himself.

"We've got plenty of time for celebrating properly at a later date, Gii. Why don't you come back to the Coffee Shop with me for a coffee and a piece of Toshi's delicious cake, and we can celebrate with your mother and Shingyouji, and Kimiko and Toshi?"

"That's a great idea my love, they're the very people we should celebrate with, they've been with us through thick and thin, haven't they?" Gii put his arm around Takumi's shoulder and hugged him close, and the lovers went back to the car and made their way to the shop.

Another young man woke up on that Friday morning, unsure for a few seconds where he was. Then as he turned his head, he saw the face of his boyfriend Misu, laying in the crook of his arm, and he could feel his gentle breath against his skin as he slept. Sagara gazed in wonder at Misu's handsome features, still not quite believing that the dreams he had had for so many years had finally come true.

As he looked lovingly at Misu, his boyfriend slowly opened his eyes and he smiled at Sagara. "Ohayo Misu!" whispered Sagara.

"Ohayo Sagara." Misu followed up the greeting with a tender kiss on Sagara's lips.