Disclaimer: Nothing has changed. Maki Murakami owsn Gravitation, for realz.
Author's Note: Gah! Sorry for making you lovely people wait so long once again! I've been very busy but, I've been trying very hard to keep up with this story. This chapter I'd say is just about the halfway point of where I want this story to be. This chapter is a bit fluffy and a bit...descriptive (?) Maybe even a bit redundant (?) I don't know...I don't know what to think of my writing anymore. All I can do is hope that it's not turning out to be horrible. I think once we move the story out of Japan and it is just the two of them in the middle of nowhere, things will get very interesting. I have a lot of ideas but the hard part was all this time before their trip. So, I hope this chapter isn't too boring. The story will definitely start to really pick up in the next chapter when they arrive in Vermont. And, by the pace I'm going, this story could very well be finished on Christmas! HAHA! I thought I would be done well before but, I am moving at a snail's pace here so, who knows! We'll have to see. Anyways, thank you for the constant support from my regulars. I love you very much and appreciate all the reviews I have gotten as well as all the readers out there in the world. It means so much to me that people even bother to take the time to read it so, thank you.
OK! Enough babble from me! On with the story!
The stage lights burned brightly on the couple as everyone froze, waiting for Shuichi's answer. The pressure on Shuichi was unbearably immense as thousands of eyes pierced him, the most intense being the two looking up at him from the floor of the stage. Yuki's eyes couldn't sway him this time; Shuichi had made up his mind. Even so, the overwhelming feeling brought him to the floor, his tears scattered across the hardwood of the stage. Now on Yuki's level, he looked him sternly in the eye, his own eyes heavily misted with impatient teardrops. He gathered up Yuki's free hand in his, feeling the rush of uncertainty coursing through his veins. It was rare for Yuki to allow himself to be so unguarded, bringing down his defenses and letting Shuichi be responsible for his happiness. Shuichi recognized this as a highly dangerous situation; one misstep and Yuki could lose it. He chose his words wisely but kept his voice absolute. He came in close and began to whisper.
"What are you doing?" he said; not the reaction Yuki had been expecting. "This place has cameras from head to toe. The paparazzi are all over shows like this…what is with you? You should know this!" Yuki retracted the ring and stared at Shuichi, his feelings spread across his confused face. Still, Yuki did not speak. "Can we please take this somewhere else?" Shuichi asked, still looking Yuki square in the eye. Shuichi had never looked more serious or matured before, looking down on Yuki as if he were a child who had done something wrong. Embarrassed, Yuki turned his face away and nodded yes. Shuichi looked at him a moment longer before he stood and bid his expectant fans farewell.
"Can't let you guys know everything about my personal life now can I?" Shuichi announced into the mic, rubbing the back of his pink head and laughing nervously, still very much taken by the suddenness of the situation. The crowd groaned when they realized they would not get to see the steamy romance they had hoped for when Yuki stepped out onto the stage. Slowly the crowd started to filter out as Shuichi faked a genuine farewell and wished the 16,000 plus fans a merry Christmas. He turned back to Yuki who was still on the floor, a blank expression splayed across his face. Since last night, Yuki had been so sure that Shuichi would accept and that he would win him back for good. Now, although he still did not get an answer from Shu, he wasn't so sure of how things would pan out. Shuichi looked different; his whole demeanor seemed aged and authoritative. Yuki began to wonder why he gave him so much power.
Hiro and Suguru, still astounded themselves at Yuki's random show of passion, gave the couple time to go about their business as they started packing up their equipment. Shuichi knelt back down in front of Yuki, looking at him again with the same confident look he had given K when he told him that his personal life would not conflict with his work; that same confidence the base of his bold decision. Behind this confidence, Shuichi was shaken up, unsure of Yuki's reaction. He silently prayed that, by some slim chance, Yuki would remain as calm as he had been.
"Come on. I know somewhere we can go." Shuichi said, reaching a hand out toward Yuki who was still speechless. Nevertheless, he took Shuichi's hand and allowed him to lead the way. Shuichi looked toward Hiro, feeling bad to leave the work to his band mates. Hiro simply nodded and smiled, giving the OK for Shuichi to do what he needed to do. Shuichi smiled back, relieved, and gripped Yuki's hand harder as he led him to a private place.
As they quickly walked throughout the winding hallways of the concert hall, Yuki struggled to keep his budding emotions from growing into a much larger, potentially dangerous beast. I knew I shouldn't have done this. He thought, regretting ever making himself so vulnerable. Now the ball was in Shuichi's court, something Yuki despised even the thought of. Shuichi now had full control over his shaky emotions. The only thing keeping Yuki's mind from overflowing with eminent anger was the fact that a clear answer was still not given. Though he knew he shouldn't, Yuki clung on to the last bit of hope as the couple finally made it to their destination.
They arrived in an exclusive outdoor sector of the park directly behind the concert hall. During the spring and summer, the small outdoor corridor served as a tranquil garden where performers could come to meditate and relax. The winter stole the vibrant colours of the garden but still acted as a peaceful area for those who needed a quick escape. The sky was dark black with only the full moon piercing through the tenebrous atmosphere. Night had fallen hours ago, the chill in the air stinging their faces as they walked through the hibernating botanicals. The path led to a row of benches illuminated by dim streetlights lined against the heavy foliage behind them. Shuichi, still grasping Yuki's tense hand, led him to a bench and sat him down. Dressed only in his light stage clothes, Shuichi began to shiver. Instinctually, he huddled up to Yuki for warmth. Yuki didn't flinch, too distracted to stop him and too tired to chase him off. He sat in silence, letting his hesitant lover feed off of his heat. Shuichi knew he had to begin speaking and give Yuki an answer but the silence of the night felt so endearing, Shuichi wished it could last forever like this. When was the last time Yuki allowed Shuichi to openly cuddle him without complaining? It was the small details like this that Shuichi had fallen in love with.
No matter how much he tried to forget the subject at hand, it was impossible to deny Yuki the answer he was eagerly waiting for. From the moment Yuki had proposed, Shuichi thought hard about his reply, thinking with a level-head and not jumping to an answer. Shuichi conjured up a reasonable response with a fair explanation, feeling mature in his decision instead of childishly falling into the same old trap which his heart so dearly desired. Yuki wouldn't be please with the answer but, Shuichi couldn't stall any longer. He thought out his words and tried his best to soften the blow, genuinely unsure of how Yuki would react given his unpredictable behavior lately. He turned to catch Yuki's moonlit eyes and began to speak.
"Yuki, please just hear me out on this, ok?" Shuichi said, hoping that Yuki would listen to his full explanation before cutting in. Yuki remained silent and looked with worried eyes at his lover. His doubt was now personified and he knew what was coming but couldn't stop the train from derailing. "I can't accept this." The answer Yuki had been dreading. He continued to listen despite the strong feelings in the core of his being. "I don't want to accept this knowing that you're only doing it because you're afraid that, if you don't, you'll lose me. I want to accept it when you truly want me which means you need to recover first. I'm not saying no to hurt you; I'm saying it because we're both not ready. You know that. And, you really don't have to worry, Yuki, because you'll never lose me. I love you so much, I could never think of being with anyone else."
It surprised Yuki how insightful Shuichi had become over the course of just a couple of days. Something in him had changed; he wasn't the typical love-struck dolt Yuki has always known him to be. Although he was disappointed, he couldn't fault Shuichi on his reasoning. In fact, Shuichi was dead on and Yuki knew it. The only reason he did such an outlandish thing was because he was afraid. If he ever lost Shuichi, his life would become a void of nothingness and he would slip slowly from reality. Yuki would not be strong enough to deal with the loss of another passion. In his mind, he wasn't mad at Shuichi, but in his heart, he was blindly raging. Yuki sat feeling conflicted but keeping his eyes in Shuichi's, keeping his reality alive and not succumbing to the indignation building up in his acquiescent heart.
Seldom had the couple ever saw eye-to-eye but now, no one said a word. The tension had dissipated and Yuki's taciturnity felt welcoming to Shuichi or, at least it was better than if he had put up a fight. Yuki looked ahead of him into the frozen night, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing on his entire body. He fished for a cigarette and lit it, taking a deep drag and letting it burn slowly between his lips. The rage he had felt was stamped out by his fatigue and he had become docile. He looked over to Shuichi who still looked a bit uneasy, waiting for the moment when Yuki would snap back at him and ruin the moment. Yuki crushed out his cigarette and leaned over to give Shuichi a gentle, reassuring kiss. Suddenly, any doubt that Shuichi had been carrying was quickly melted by the warmth of Yuki's tenderness. Shuichi reached up his hand and rested it on Yuki's hot cheek, absorbing his heat through his agile fingers. Although Shuichi was completely engulfed by Yuki's ardor, he realized he shouldn't let his emotions get the best of him; that this was only the beginning and Yuki was still not completely better yet. New storms would come in their relationship until Yuki would finally be ok enough to truly want Shuichi forever by his side. But, for now, the couple sat in the eye of the storm and Shuichi couldn't help but be captured by Yuki's sweetness.
As Yuki pulled away, Shuichi could see the weariness in his eyes. "Let's go back to the hotel." Shuichi suggested, feeling more than a bit tired himself. He lent a hand to Yuki and helped him get to his feet.
"I already have a motel." Yuki finally spoke, his voice defeated. "I need to catch the train back to Tokyo anyways…" Since the night had not ended in the fairytale fashion Yuki had expected, he really had no desire to stay in Osaka. In addition, he didn't want to burden the other band members on their day off in Osaka. He knew he wouldn't be wanted if he stayed. All Yuki truly wanted to do was sleep for as long as he possibly could while he still felt normal. Even he knew this tame mood wouldn't last.
"Are you kidding? Save the train for tomorrow morning. I'll come stay with you tonight." Shuichi's pleading eyes meant that his decision was absolute and he would not back down. Luckily, Yuki was too drained to protest and, despite his conflicted emotions, he wanted to be with Shuichi. The day and a half spent without him was lonely, even with Tohma to keep him company. Yuki simply nodded, not putting up a fight.
It was so unlike Yuki to be so agreeable. Shuichi found it strange; Yuki was acting almost human. Maybe their brief time apart really did set Yuki's change in motion. Since Yuki had started his medication, Shuichi had many ups and downs; believing one minute that Yuki was fine and then suffering the consequences of disappointment later. Shuichi was happy for the moment but, he realized that this mutuality could turn on a dime. Try as he may, he couldn't help but fall for the same old trick; Yuki's love was irresistible to him.
The couple returned the dressing room and found Hiro packing up the rest of their things to go back to the hotel. "There you guys are! I was about to leave without you!" Hiro said jokingly. Seeing the contented look on Shuichi's face told Hiro that things must have blown over well. Curious, he glanced down at Shuichi's left ring finger; naked. Surprised as he was, Hiro said nothing, hoping to keep the civil mood between everyone alive.
"I'm actually going to spend the night with Yuki. He has a room somewhere so, I was going to spend the night and meet up with you guys in the morning for our trip around Osaka." Shuichi said, yawning. This made Hiro even more curious; not only had Shuichi declined Yuki's offer to marriage but Yuki was calm, calm enough to allow Shuichi to spend the night with him. It was completely bizarre. Was Yuki getting better after all? The situation was very uncharacteristic of Yuki but, no one dared question it.
"Oh, well, it's still a little early. You guys want to come to the hotel for a couple of drinks before heading out?" Hiro offered, eager to talk to Shuichi alone. Shuichi looked up at Yuki who looked mildly uninterested, remembering his strict ban against alcohol.
"We're both pretty tired." Shuichi answered for the both of them. Yuki was glad Shuichi didn't make mention of his embarrassing restrictions.
"That's aright. I hear ya. Long night!" Hiro said with his typical smile. "Where do you want to meet tomorrow? The hotel?"
"Yeah, I'll call you in the morning and tell you when I'm coming. I'll try to wake up early. See you later." Shuichi said and left Hiro eager to know what exactly happened. The night had been such a surprise all the way around from their solid performances to the amount of fans to Yuki showing up and proposing to Shuichi declining. Oh well. Hiro thought, desperate to gossip with Shu. Looks like I'll have to wait until tomorrow.
Yuki and Shuichi arrived at the small motel room. It was nothing fancy; just a small room with a bed and a TV. The rug was a deep maroon and the walls were white; a standard room for the cheap price Yuki had paid. Yuki stripped off his clothes and flopped down in the bed in only his boxers. As always, his body was immersed in heat and he craved the cold air to sink into his skin.
"Dang it!" Shuichi exclaimed, realizing he had left all his clothes back at the hotel. "I don't have anything to sleep in and it's freezing in here." Shuichi tried to hide his distaste for the cold remembering the price he paid for trying to turn on the heat but, he couldn't help but be mad at himself for not considering bringing a sweatshirt.
Yuki flipped the lamp off and took Shuichi by the wrist, dragging him down into bed and drawing his childlike frame close. The two lay huddled under the down comforter, Yuki's cumbersome arms holding Shuichi, letting him lavish in the warmth of his own body. Shuichi was stunned; yet another surprise from his lover tonight. It felt too good to be true. Shuichi hesitantly snaked his arms around Yuki, clinging to him, forcing his body as close as could be allowed. Yuki's body was warm and inviting, like a cup of hot tea on a cold winter's morning. The feeling of Shuichi's chilled skin felt refreshing to Yuki; his presence easing his enervated mind. The heat transferred evenly between them, the temperature of their bodies meeting a happy equilibrium. Their flesh meshed into one skin, their breathing in sync and their bodies perfectly connected.
"Yuki?" Shuichi suddenly broke the silence, his head tucked into Yuki's chest. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah." Yuki whispered back, barely in a state of consciousness. The exhaustion had an intoxicating effect on Yuki as he struggled to stay awake.
"Why did you come after me like that? I…I thought you were mad." Shuichi tensed up as he waited for an answer. He didn't want to break this loving spell but the curiosity was killing him. He silently prayed that the question wouldn't set Yuki off, hoping beyond hope that he didn't screw up by asking. He flinched as Yuki tightened his grip, holding Shuichi impossibly close.
"I missed you." The simple question beckoned a simple answer but those three words rung in Shuichi's mind for the rest of the night. Even more powerful than Yuki's proposal, the simple fact that Yuki had missed him set his heart aflame like never before. This is the new Yuki. Shuichi thought as his lover succumbed to his sleepiness. Yuki would never say such a thing so liberally. The separation did do us good. And now he really does love me. Shuichi lay blushing in Yuki arms, his soft breaths the only sound present in the room and the only sound Shuichi wanted to hear.
"I love you." Shuichi whispered softly to his dreaming lover, all his worries evaporating into the midnight air as he joined Yuki in his slumber.
Shuichi woke up bright and early with the winter sun filtering through the room behind the sloppily closed blinds. He sat up and stretched his refreshed body, sad to leave the warmth of Yuki's protective embrace. He looked down at Yuki with admiration, wishing he could spend the rest of his life nestled in his arms. The feel of Yuki's apotheosis body surrounding him lingered on as if Shuichi had been permanently branded. The essence of life had been reborn and repaired for the impressionable boy, his hope restored. Although Shuichi could never predict what the future had in store for his relationship, he was overwhelmed with faith. It's going to get better. He thought with a smile as he lifted himself out of bed, planting a loving kiss on Yuki's cheek, letting his subtle taste tease his hungry lips. He looked down a bit longer at the picturesque look of Yuki's sleeping face. Shuichi had always thought he looked like a bona fide angel on earth when he slept. He looked completely relaxed and innocent, perfectly at peace. Shuichi reached out his curious fingers and fastidiously touched Yuki's white velour face, his senses accentuated as he caressed the face of the man who embodied paradise; Shuichi's personal Shangri-la.
Shuichi scrawled a note and left it on the night stand for Yuki. With that, he left the apartment, smiling and energetic, excited for a day with his friends. Shuichi quickly hailed a cab and jumped in before he could be noticed by the public. Since he was still in the clothes he wore the night before, it would be easy for any hungry, delusional fan to spot him and tear him to bits. The ride to the hotel was short but long enough for Shuichi to reminisce, still thinking deeply and passionately about the previous night and how Yuki looked when he first emerged from back stage. Yuki looked so nervous like a puppy that had been kicked around too much in its short lifetime; a look Yuki did not often bear. Shuichi was still mystified at how calmly Yuki took his denial, almost as if he was relieved by Shu's answer. And maybe it was this feeling of relief that caused Yuki to be so gentle and loving, finally treating Shuichi as a lover and not simply a sex toy or an annoyance. Shuichi still shuttered at the thought of Yuki's luxurious touch. No matter how simple, any attention from Yuki was enough to cause Shuichi's innocent heart to race with excitement. Whatever the reason for Yuki's actions last night, Shuichi didn't care; it was the dawning of a new age and Shuichi was excited for their promising future, never giving a second thought that this kind of love would ever end. This was the new Yuki and there was no going back, as far as Shuichi was concerned and as far as his narrow foresight could see. Shuichi was falling hard and fast, deeper and deeper in love with his dearly beloved, the hope in his heart outweighing the doubt in his mind.
Yuki woke slowly, taking in the sweet morning air and feeling completely revived, having one of the best night's sleep he had in what felt like years. For two nights in a row his nightmares had subsided allowing him to catch up on his much needed sleep and causing his mood to improve drastically. He noticed that he also wasn't having any blackouts or horrible visions and, even though his body was still very hot, it felt as though it might be cooling down; it didn't bother him to wear something more than a simple wife-beater. He was surprised with himself, feeling as blithe as he had a couple weeks ago when Shuichi had put his heart into impressing him. Yuki was glad that he could finally look back so thankfully on past events with his little Shuichi, feeling as though he was inexorably appreciating Shuichi for what he was worth and, to Yuki, he was worth far more than even the accomplished novelist could define. Finally this shit is having some kind of positive effect. He thought hopefully as he chugged down his morning pills. The scrap paper on the nightstand caught his eye; a note from Shuichi.
"Good morning, sweet heart!
I had to leave early to meet Hiro and the others.
Sorry, I wish I could have stayed with you
I'll get home as soon as I can!
I'll take the fastest shinkansen in Japan to get back to Tokyo!
Have a safe trip home and I'll see you tonight!
I love you
-Shuichi"
The sloppily written note brought a sincere smile to Yuki's face. Well, may as well beat the brat home. Yuki thought as he ran his fingers through his bed tossed hair. It was nearly noon and the sun was high on Osaka. Yuki put on the clothes he had been wearing yesterday and packed his formal clothes into his bag. He tidied the room a bit, leaving a generous tip for the maid before returning the key to the main office. Unable to go totally unnoticed, he signed the secretary's copy of Yuki's recent book, falling into the assumed persona of handsome, manly, tender romance novelist. Before walking out the door, Yuki looked over his shoulder and gave the receptionist his most seductive eyes. Pfft, women. They're easier to please than Shuichi. He thought as the woman swooned.
Yuki made it on the shinkansen a little before one o'clock, his mood still blissful. Like Shuichi, Yuki was hopeful that his attitude had permanently changed, believing he was on the way to a beautiful and peaceful relationship with Shuichi. He decided to call Mr. Tanaka. He rang his cell phone but no one answered. Must be having too much fun on vacation. Yuki thought as he got Tanaka's voicemail.
"Hey, Tanaka. It's Eiri. I just wanted to let you know that I think the meds are finally working. I haven't had any nightmares in a couple of days and I feel just great. Hope all is well on your vacation." Yuki hung up and looked out the window, watching the fleeting scenery pass by as the shinkansen buzzed steadily along its track. It was only a couple days now until the couple would go on their trip to the USA and Yuki couldn't be more excited. They would spend up until Christmas there, staying 2 weeks in an isolated cabin in the snowy mountains of Vermont. With Yuki's improved attitude, the trip would truly be like a new beginning for the couple. Yuki was convinced, like Shuichi, that this was how it would stay and that, together, they would begin creating their own slice of heaven on earth.
Thinking reasonably, the band and its managers decided to stay indoors during the bustling hours of the day in Osaka. They all realized that they hadn't brought any disguises with them and they would all be too easily recognizable. Nevertheless, they brainstormed, still eager to explore the great city.
"Where can we go where we can just relax and not have to worry about a fangirl attack?" Hiro said from the couch, reading the front page of the newspaper which featured their performance at Osaka-jo Hall and Yuki's surprise appearance.
"Well, why don't we bank on staying here for the rest of the day and going out for dinner later?" Suguru suggested. "Everyone knows we're here and we don't have any disguises. We'd never make it out of Osaka alive if we went out." What he said was true; the whole city was aware of Bad Luck's presence and everyone was itching for a chance to meet their god-like band mates.
"I agree." Sakano quietly chimed in, not wanting to get killed by the swarming mobs of teenage girls that filled Osaka's busy streets.
"Ok but, where can we go eat? Anyone know anywhere good?" Shuichi asked slumped over the back of the couch and looking over Hiro's shoulder at the headlines. The pictures of Yuki and him were amazing. Shuichi would have to make sure to snag the paper later and cut them out.
"I've got it!" K said, jumping into the middle of the room. "Kankoku Katei Ryori Minzokumura! It's all the rage with Korean celebs these days! The food is great too. Everyone will love it!" K boasted as if he had already gone. Thankfully, everyone was interested in the Korean-style restaurant and everyone agreed on going there for their night in Osaka. For the rest of the day, they all lazed around the hotel. Hiro took a dip in the pool on the 5th floor of the hotel. Suguru practiced and wrote more music for his synthesizer. K and Sakano played a game of Texas hold 'em, in which Sakano failed horribly, over hot tea. And, last but not least, Shuichi sat, gazing out the window onto the river and into the bustling city of Osaka, daydreaming about none other but his dear Yuki. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up this high but, I know that Yuki has to be improving. It's been weeks and now he finally is agreeable and no temper. It took a little while but, he's definitely starting to get better. No doubt about it. Yuki will finally be able to express himself…
Shuichi was so wrapped in thought that the time simply slipped from him and he hardly moved from his spot in front of the river. The clear waters moved steadily through the city, a huge artery embedded into the earth giving life to all that surrounded it. The blue waters reflected the early evening sky as the sun clung lazily to the great expansive atmosphere, the winter sky an enticing shade of orange. Lights shown through the steady darkness of the falling night; buildings that towered over the earth, piercing the sky and casting their image on the cascading river. Through the generations, life had evolved around the stoic river and light had scattered over its ebbs and flows since its birth but, the pure water stood absolute in the face of all the unnatural atrocities surrounding, keeping true to its form despite how humans had betrayed it. It too hid many secrets beneath its deep crystal surface but, if just one person cared to delve into those unknown waters, the true life of the river would be unveiled. It just took one person to go deeper than the surface to see it, no matter the strength of the current of depths of the river. For those who sought Atlantis, one would surely find it with a little effort and determination. Shuichi intended to be that person, the person to touch the deepest depths of a life that nourished his soul and find the hidden paradise within that life.
By the time Shuichi snapped out of his dreamy reverie, night had enveloped the once tangerine sky with the smooth ivory moon replacing the winter's sun. Hiro had returned to the room and everyone gathered in the main living room of the suite, putting on their jackets and preparing to hit the ripe nightlife of Osaka. The group hopped the subway across the city and arrived quickly and safely at the Kankoku Katei Ryori Minzokumura. Before entering, Hiro stopped Shuichi. They ducked into the alley next to the restaurant and talked.
"What's up, Hiro?" Shuichi asked, a little nervous of being cooped up in the dark alley with only the dim light from the street flickering through.
"I just wanted to talk about last night. What happened? Yuki seemed so different." Hiro was not just asking this for the gossip aspect of it; the event seemed too idiosyncratic to be legitimate. Yuki had seemed too calm and nice. It worried Hiro more than anything. It seemed too good to be true and, if Hiro knew anything about Yuki, he knew that something was bound to go terribly wrong and soon.
"I'm not sure myself." Shuichi admitted, feeling a bit naïve. "But, I'm not going to complain. I think he's finally starting to get better. He was so gentle, even after I declined his proposal…The regular Yuki would never…"
"That's what I mean, Shuichi. It seemed like a split second change. Just a few days ago he was hitting you and running you out of the house and now this? Don't you think it's a little weird?" Hiro tried to be subtle about his approach, giving Shuichi an eye of concern. "What exactly happened between you guys anyways? You went off and then went straight to his room. What happened?"
Shuichi blushed thinking about how sweet last night had been. "Well, I took him to a bench outside in the botanical garden at the park and I basically just told him that I knew he was doing it because he was afraid to lose me. I told him that we both weren't ready yet for it. He didn't say much of anything. He was really very silent. He just kind of accepted it and that's it. When we went to his room, we pretty much fell asleep immediately. It was really as simple as that."
Hiro looked down at his beaming friend overflowing with emotion. He didn't want to completely ruin this mood for his friend but, nevertheless, Hiro couldn't help but feel like something was wrong. "Just be careful." Hiro warned. "I don't want to see my best friend get hurt anymore." Hiro smiled his genuine smile as he always had and the two of them finally joined the rest of their group in the restaurant and sat down amongst famous Koreans and Japanese for an exquisite Korean style meal. They all relaxed and were able to enjoy their last night in Osaka without having to conceal their identities. Most divine was the variety of Korean wines, all of which the group had tested leaving them all a bit tipsy by the end of the night. They finally decided to leave and stumbled happily throughout the city to pick up the next shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Night had fully consumed the great city of Osaka. When Shuichi realized it was well past midnight, he got worried remembering that he had promised Yuki he would get home early. He took his seat on the train and called his lover but there was no answer. Shuichi left a slurred message but knew Yuki probably wouldn't respond. A little down-hearted, Shuichi sat through the whole ride in silence, watching the night sky follow them as they returned to their home city, catching his translucent reflection in the cold glass.
Strawberry shortcake laid waiting on the table. Yuki had bought it with the intention of sharing it with Shuichi, expecting him to be home no later than early evening. It was now rounding one in the morning and Yuki just couldn't wait any longer. I'll only have a little piece… He sat at the table in front of it and cut himself a decent sized piece succumbing to his ultimate weakness. As he ate, he thought deeply about Shuichi and their relationship over the years. He could have never imagined that the chance meeting in the park that portentous night would evolve into such a big thing, something that consumed his entire life and forced him to change. Not only that but, Yuki would have never imagined himself loving anyone again after what had happened with Kitazawa many years before. For so long Yuki had lived a solitary life being cold and mean to anyone who tried to get close to him. He became reclusive, even denying seeing his own family and having very few friends. He spent all his time writing books during those lonely years and, that night in the park, he contemplated ending his mundane, lonely existence. His life had been torn apart by the one person he ever loved and, even after years of carrying on life in Tokyo, Yuki still couldn't shake the mild depression that filled his broken and abused heart.
That night, he met Shuichi; the rambunctious teen with shitty lyrics and big dreams. Yuki thought nothing of trashing his lyrics and the small boost of confidence broke him out of his depressive spell. He walked by the wimp and returned home that night. But, that wasn't the last he saw of the boy. Shuichi had forced himself into the life Yuki Eiri, loving him through it all despite his bitter past and ugly attitude. Now, Yuki couldn't imagine his life without Shuichi's lively spirit. Without even trying, Shuichi had mended the broken man and gave him a purpose, although Yuki would never admit it. And now Yuki felt as if he had been reborn, keeping the memory of Kitazawa but opening his heart to his new lover.
Yuki snapped out of his reminiscing, looking down and realizing he had eaten well over 3/4s of the cake. The density of the cake finally hit him, making him feel like the undigested cake would burst from his bloated stomach. He wrapped up the rest of it and threw it in the fridge. Shuichi still hadn't arrive home but Yuki, with a fully belly, was beginning to feel sleepy. I'll just lie on the couch…he should be home any minute…Yuki laid on his back, looking up at the familiar ceiling, smiling to himself for no other reason than Shuichi. Just thinking of how adorable and easily excitable the boy was brought peace to Yuki and the words he had said the night before resonated in his weary mind. He had nothing to worry about; Shuichi would never leave him and would love no one but him. Even though Yuki knew this all along, the extra reinforcement settled his anxiety and made him feel as if he could recover at his own pace. Best of all, Yuki once again felt a desire for Shuichi much as he did when their love was still young. Out of his whole recovery, if there was one thing he wanted it was to want Shuichi like Shuichi wanted him and now, he was beginning to feel that spark. With hope in his heart, Yuki rested his eyes and let his mind wander carelessly as he soon fell into a deep sleep.
Shuichi marched up the steps to the apartment, knocking lightly on the door. No answer. Sleeping…Shuichi thought as he fished for his keys in his pocket. It was nearly three in the morning now and Shuichi was exhausted by the mixture of pure sleepiness and slight intoxication. He had still not fully sobered up, the effects of the alcohol warming his body and reddening his boyish cheeks. He opened the door and noticed quickly that the lights were still on. Stumbling in, he dropped his suitcase on the floor, took off his shoes, and entered the living room where he found Yuki on his back on the couch, dreaming jovially. He musta tried to wait up for me…Shuichi thought, feeling a little melancholy that he had let Yuki down. But, Yuki had waited. Since when had Yuki ever waited up for Shuichi? To Shu, this was another indicator of Yuki's advancements in his self recovery and he smiled at the pureness of this simple, sweet action.
Shuichi flicked the light off and tried to lift Yuki to bring him to the bedroom. It didn't take long for Shuichi to realize that not only was he not strong enough to carry his dead-weight lover but, he had no balance due to his current state. Instead, he stripped off his clothes down to his underwear and flopped down on the other side of the couch. It was hot in the apartment, Shuichi noticed. I can't believe the heat is on…first time in weeks. Shuichi thought and gave out a big yawn. He rested his head in his folded arms, looking through the dark at Yuki's shadowed figure rising and falling as he slept. It couldn't be a coincidence; all signs were pointing to an optimistic future between the two men. Shuichi regarded Hiro's warning but, this time, Shuichi knew that Hiro must be wrong. Hiro didn't get to see it from the perspective Shu did and Shuichi was absolutely sure that he was right on this one; Yuki was changing and that was the end of it. Yuki was becoming the ideal lover, Shuichi's muse and he couldn't wait to prove all the non-believers wrong.
Thank you for reading! I love you!
To be continued...
