The Price For Loving You
A Gravitation Fanfic
Chapter Nine

The bruises were ugly in the morning light. Purple and green, and sore to the touch. Tatsuha studied them as sunlight began to brighten the hotel room more and more. Check-out was noon. He had yet to move from the bed.

Despite his confusion after seeing Ryuichi, he'd been excited when Nagi showed up the previous evening, but...

Forceful kisses, almost too harsh. Hands squeezing too hard.

"Ouch. Nagi, calm down. I'm not going anywhere." Trying to lighten the strangely dark mood.

Being shoved back against the wall, hard enough to really hurt. Not just strong desire; something more like anger. "Shut up."

It wasn't as if he hadn't gotten into fights before. Heck, he used to try to beat up Eiri's bullies on a regular basis, despite height, weight, and age differences. And he'd had his share of scraps in upper secondary too. So bruises weren't a new experience. Weren't even all that painful, but...

He was in shock, he realized, still staring at the marks on his arms. He laughed then, though it sounded strained and slightly hysterical. He hadn't been in a fight. Nagi had caused the bruises. What the heck? Lovers didn't do that to eachother. Not like this. He'd slept around enough to know. And it wasn't as if this was some one night stand. This was Nagi. He was supposed to introduce him to his family the next day.

"He's not even here, the jerk. He does this and then takes off? What the hell??" He picked up the nearest thing and flung it across the room. It slammed into the wall with a loud thunk. The TV clicked on. Apparently he'd thrown the controller.

"Of course, it opens in theatres throughout Japan today. Last night was the premiere in Tokyo. It was a star-studded event. From actors and actresses to some of the hottest names in the music scene." Morning news. Pictures of the premiere the previous evening played across the screen. "And, of course, the stars themselves."

"Are you excited to be here tonight, Sakuma-san?" A reporter asked the singer turned movie star.

"I'm super excited to be able to watch my movie debut in my home country. And I definitely appreciate the continued support of my fans from here."

"Won't you tell us what your favorite scene to film was?"

"I wish I could, but I can't give away the end of the film. Can I?" Ryuichi winked at the crowd.

The morning reporter reappeared on the screen. "The film has gotten rave reviews, and is expected to be no 1 at the box office this weekend. After a short break, we'll be bringing you the weather.

The screen changed to a short clip of Ryuichi's movie. He was holding a cup of coffee. "Do you really love him that much?" He asked. "That you'd go back to him, even though he hurt you? But if he really loves you, then why would he hurt you? How can that be the actions of someone in love?"

Tatsuha's eyes widened, then he stumbled out of the bed to slam the off button. Tears filled his eyes and he sunk to the floor. "I am in love with him. I'm in love with Nagi." He pressed a hand to his face. "But if he loved me back, then...but if he doesn't, that's worse. Cuz then I'll be all alone..."

The phone rang. The form on the bed, buried below a mountain of blankets, grumbled. Then a hand snaked out to pick up the phone receiver and drag it under the covers. "Yes?"

"Good morning, sir. It's ten 'o clock, and this is your wake-up call."

"...great, thanks." The voice sounded anything but grateful.

"Um, your welcome."

The hand reached out to put the receiver back on the phone, then snaked back under the covers. The form didn't move.

The phone rang.

Another set of grumbles, and the hand snaked out again - dragging the receiver back under the covers. "Yes?"

"Good morning, sir. It's ten o-two, and this is your wake-up call."

"You already called."

"Oh! There seems to have been a repeat. I'm sorry, sir."

"That's fine." The hand reached out to hang the phone up, then snaked back under the bedcovers. The form made no move to get up.

A minute passed. Two. The phone rang.

With a growl, the hand reached out to drag the entire phone under the covers. "Hello?"

"Good morning, sir, it's ten o-four and-"

"You already called me!"

"Um...I'm sorry, sir. But you were listed for another wake-up call."

"How many times am I on that list?"

"Um...thirty-two times."

"Great, do me a favor and erase everything but the thirty-second time."

"Our pleasure, sir."

The form made no more movements. Not even to return the phone to the night stand.

A minute passed. Two. The phone rang.

"Aargh! I thought I told you to erase those wake-up calls!"

"Yah, I figured you would. You lazy bum. That's why I'm calling. The time bomb I hooked to your bed is due to go off at ten o eight, though. So if I were you, I'd get up."

"Yah, yah...time bomb??" The covers were thrown aside and the phone and Kumagoro were thrown from the bed before Ryuichi leaped himself. "Banzai!"

The bed exploded into pieces.

Ryuichi crawled through the debris to pick up the phone receiver. "You're a sadistic manager, Reiji."

Reiji's laugh was the first response. "Up now?"

"Like I had a choice??"

"It's all in your best interest."

"How is blowing up my bed in my best interest?"

"Can the Pop Diva attitude and get dressed. We have to catch the Shinkansen."

Ryuichi yawned and flopped onto his back. "Newsflash, Manager. The Shinkansen runs 24/7. What's the big rush?"

"We have a dinner engagement with the producer and the director."

"Oh, the numbskull and the pompous ass?"

"Have you been reading my files again? I warned you about that."

"Y'know, your computer is almost as boring as Tohma's. Though atleast you have minesweeper."

"Hey! Did you play minesweeper on my laptop? You better not have beat my score!"

"I beat all three!"

"What?! It took me six hours to get that score on medium!"

Ryuichi picked up Kumagoro and held the bunny close to the phone. "Ne? Ne? Reiji-chan." He made him speak. "Where are we going for dinner?"

"Some little restaurant in Kyoto. I let the producer pick....and, hey - don't think you can make me forget about those scores!"

"Oh, Kyo..." Ryuichi stopped. He'd dropped Kumagoro's voice when he repeated the city name. "Kyoto?"

"Yah, apparently here in Japan that's where all the hot-shot movie people hang out. Go figure. I'll pick you up in half an hour. Be ready...and I'm erasing those scores, you prick!"

Ryuichi set the receiver back on the phone slowly. He looked thoughtful as he brought up Kumagoro. "Say, Kumagoro, do you know what's in Kyoto? ...well, yes, the Iwatayama Monkey Park is there. But do you know who lives in Kyoto? ...yep! Tatsuha does. And when you visit where a friend lives, you should get together and hang out - right? That's a good idea, Kumagoro. Maybe he would like to got to the Iwatayama Monkey Park with us..."

"Isn't Bad Luck supposed to be putting in extra studio time?" Ayaka teased Hiro as they climbed off his bike in front of her apartment building.

"Sh! K might have installed listening devices. He'll remember he didn't mean to give us the day off." Hiro spoke in a whisper.

Ayaka paused, then giggled as they entered the building. "When you say things like that, sometimes I'm not sure you're joking."

"Believe me, when it comes to K, sometimes I'm not sure I'm joking." Hiro replied.

Ayaka grinned. "So...I had fun at the premiere last night. And the hotel room they booked for me was really beautiful."

"I'm glad."

"I don't really need anything so extravagant next time, though. It must have been very expensive."

"I don't know. I kinda left those details up to the management." Hiro admitted as they boarded the elevator and Ayaka hit her floor number. He froze, though - struck by a thought. 'I told K I needed a hotel room...oh, man. I bet he totally got the wrong idea.'

"It was really huge, big enough for two..." Ayaka trailed off, then blushed and looked at the wall. "So...at the premiere." She quickly changed the subject. "I had lots of fun."

"Me too..." Hiro was blushing as well as the elevator opened.

"Do you want to come in? I can make...lunch..." Ayaka trailed off. Police tape was blocking off the hallway. A crowd of onlookers had gathered, whispering as they tried to get a look inside. She ran forward. "Excuse me, please let me through."

"Whoa, there, Miss." A police officer held her back. "This is a crime scene. There appears to be vandalism."

"But that's my apartment."

"What's going on?" Another officer came over.

"The owner of the apartment has returned, sir."

The other officer studied Ayaka, then Hiro as he came up. "Go ahead and let them through."

The entire place was trashed. Every breakable object had been broken. TV screen and windows smashed. Pillows were torn; posters and pictures slashed up. Her computer looked like someone had literally hacked it to pieces. Some sort of smoke seemed to be coming from the bedroom. All over the walls words had been scrawled and spray painted. One wall held a single kanji. 'Die.'

'That's mild by comparison to other fans, though.' Tatsuha's words from the evening he and Nagi drove her home replayed in her mind. 'So be really careful until this blows over.'

Tears welled up in Ayaka's eyes and her legs collapsed from under her. Hiro caught her, kneeling slowly so she wouldn't have to stand. She turned to bury her face in his chest, unable to look at the tattered remains of her apartment anymore. Hiro held her, his face grim.

The officer who had given the order to let them in gave them a sympathetic look before turning back to the job at hand.

"Good afternoon, Seguchi-san." Tohma's secretary greeted him as he headed towards his office. "Getting a few hours of work in before leaving for Kyoto?"

"There are a few matters I have to take care of today." Tohma told her.

"Of course. The file you requested is on your desk."

"Thank-you."

Tohma hung up his coat and hat before going to his desk, noting the file on it. He turned on his computer first, taking a sip of the tea that sat waiting for him. As the computer booted up he picked up the folder casually, flipping it open.

The tea cup crashed to the floor a moment later. Tohma stared at the file in shock only a moment more before he ran to grab his coat.

The secretary opened the door worriedly. "Sir, is everything-?"

"I'm sorry for the mess, please clean it up." Tohma ordered over his shoulder.

"Mika! Seguchi-san is on the phone."

Mika turned from where she was watching Keiichi play in a playpen. "Tohma's calling?" She frowned.

Tohma glanced at the time on his car clock. It read 4:08. "So Tatsuha still hasn't returned?"

Mika paced the kitchen of the Uesugi family home in Kyoto. "No. Father said he planned to stay overnight after the ceremony yesterday. But he had to have checked out of his hotel room hours ago."

"He did. I already checked."

"Tohma, what's going on? Does this have to do with Nagi?"

"I'll explain everything later, I promise. Call me if he shows up, alright?"

Mika scowled when Tohma hung up. Hanging up herself she went back to her room, pulling her own cellphone out of her purse. There was two missed calls from Tohma. She'd set it on vibrate earlier so not to disturb Keiichi's nap. Tohma had tried to reach her on her cellphone first, before resorting to calling the house phone. What could be so important?

She dialed a number, waiting. It rang through to a message.

"Yah, you've reached my voicemail. Since I'm clearly too busy to talk right now, leave a message." Tatsuha's voice told her.

"Tatsuha, it's Mika. Keiichi and I are at the temple. Where are you? Call me back, you little trouble maker."

She hung up, but held onto the phone. 'I don't know who you are, Nagi, but if you hurt my little brother...'

"Coffee?" The officer offered Hiro a cup.

"Thanks." Hiro took it gratefully. They were at the police station. Ayaka was in a room filling out reports, and he was stuck waiting outside.

"Hiroshi Nakano, right?" When Hiro glanced over at him, he chuckled. "My kid listens to your music. How's she doing?"

"Not too good." Hiro admitted. "I've actually never seen her cry like that. I once watched her break her own heart with a smile on her face."

"She pretty much just lost everything she owned. Whoever did this was thorough. She's a smart lady, so it was all insured. But money really isn't a consolation. I'm sure some of it was irreplaceable to her."

"I feel like a piece of shit. This is all my fault."

"How do you figure that?"

"My fans did this." His hands tightened on the cup.

"Would you give up anything for her?"

"Huh?" Hiro looked up at him. "Of course I would!"

"Then don't be an idiot." When Hiro looked at him blankly, the officer chuckled. "You didn't ask anyone to do this. And you didn't do it yourself, so it's not your fault. Guilt trips aren't going to do either of you any good. You being here is how she's getting through this. So don't fall apart now."

"You're probably right. But it doesn't make it easier."

"Years ago, my wife was shot at due to a case I was working on. I beat myself up for it until someone smacked me over the head for it and told me what I just told you."

Hiro looked at him in surprise, then grew thoughtful. "Love is worth any price, huh?"

"I've always thought so."

"...want an autograph for your kid?"

"Are you kidding? He's got like ten. I don't understand why he needs more than one, but what can you say? Kids these days." He offered a grin before adding, "She have someplace to stay tonight?"

"I hadn't even thought about that." Hiro admitted.

"There's a phonebook over there if you want to look up hotels. You'll also want to get her a few changes of clothes. Until she can see if anything in her closet survived."

"Hey." Hiro called when the officer started off. He glanced back, and Hiro offered a smile. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it." He headed off and Hiro went over to look at the phonebook.

The phone rang a few times before Shuichi picked it up. "Hello? Shindo Shuichi."

"Shuichi, is Eiri there? He isn't picking up his cellphone."

"Huh? Seguchi-san? He probably turned it off again and left it in his office."

"What's with Uesugis and not answering their phone? I even had to call the house phone to get Mika." Tohma sounded exasperated. "Can I talk to Eiri?"

"He's kind of cooking dinner. Hey! Why do you need to talk to Yuki anyhow?" Shuichi grew suspicious. "You're plotting against us again, aren't you? I knew these past few months were too good to be true!" He started to get hysterical. "Well, I don't care what evil plot you have going -!"

"Shuichi! This isn't about you and Eiri! It's about Tatsuha!" Tohma shouted to be heard over Shuichi's words.

"Huh? Tatsuha?" Shuichi instantly calmed down. "What about him?"

Tohma sighed. "Can I please talk to Eiri?"

"What's going on??" Eiri demanded from the doorway.

"Seguchi wants to talk to you about Tatsuha." Shuichi told him.

Yuki took the phone. "What's my idiot brother done now?"

"Tatsuha hasn't done anything. In fact, I'm worried he's the one in danger." Tohma told him. "Have you talked to him lately?"

"No, actually. He didn't even force himself in over here for a chance to see your idiot bandmate's movie..." Yuki paused. "Actually, now that I think about it that's more than weird. That's completely unlike him. What's going on?"

"He became seriously involved with someone, apparently."

"'Seriously involved' and 'Tatsuha' are a contradiction. But I'll bite, why does that put him in danger? He dating some psychotic axe murderer?"

"He's dating Taki Aizawa."

Yuki froze, his eyes narrowing. "Tohma, if this is a joke, you're going too far."

"I wish it was. But it's not. Given Tatsuha and your identical appearance, I don't believe for one moment Taki got involved with him for legitimate reasons. It must be some sort of plan to get revenge."

"Alright. I take it you have a counter plan."

"When don't I?" Tohma's smile was cold. "Tatsuha was bringing Taki to a family lunch with your father, Mika, and I tomorrow."

"What? He was bringing him to meet the old man? Are you serious?" Yuki demanded.

"Luckily for all of us, Mika's protective streak kicked in. And she asked me to look up this guy Tatsuha wanted to meet the family. Mika and I can handle breaking the news to Tatsuha tomorrow that "Nagi" - Taki's new stagename - won't be coming. But you and I need to have a chat with Aizawa tonight."

"Not your best plan. But since it's only Aizawa, it should work." Yuki stated. "I take it you know where to find him."

"Vendetta, previously known as ASK, will be playing at an underground club in Tokyo tonight. If we hurry, we can crash their performance."

"Are you sure you don't want to just spend the evening at your parents?" Hiro asked as he and Ayaka walked through a hotel corridor. They both held shopping bags.

"I'm absolutely sure." Ayaka told him.

"What did they say on the phone?"

"They're worried about me, but I told them I'd be fine."

"...they blame me, don't they?"

"..." Ayaka didn't look at him as she slid the keycard and entered the hotel room.

"I'm okay with that." Hiro followed her, setting the bags down and closing the door. "As your parents-"

"I'm not okay with it!" Ayaka shouted at him. "And you shouldn't be either! It isn't your fault! They had no right to say that!"

Hiro glanced away. "Even so...this moment only exists because you're with me."

"That's why I'm okay with it." Ayaka whispered, lowering her head for a moment. "If this is the price for loving you, then I'll gladly pay it." She raised her head, and her eyes were fierce even though tears were streaming down her face. "I'll pay it a hundred times over!"

Hiro's eyes widened, then he reached out to pull her to him - capturing her mouth with his own. Ayaka wrapped her arms around his neck, surrendering to the kiss. It deepened, Hiro's tongue slipping gently into her mouth. She shivered at the feeling.

His arms slid down to rest on her waist and she pressed closer, feeling the heat of his body through his clothing. Hiro broke the kiss, nuzzling her neck. "Ayaka." He whispered. "I should go."

"Stay." She whispered, closing her eyes and tightening her hold on his neck.

"I don't want to take advantage of you."

"Maybe I want to be taken advantage of." A blush burned across her cheeks, but she didn't let go of him. "Stay."

Hiro kissed her again, then slowly drew back. "I'll stay. But this isn't happening tonight." He told her gently.

"You think I'd regret it?" Ayaka asked him slowly, watching him.

"Maybe, but I know I'd never forgive myself." He pressed his lips to her forehead gently. "They'll be another night."

"Promise?" Ayaka leaned her head on his shoulder.

Hiro smiled as he leaned his head against hers. "Absolutely."

Tatsuha had checked himself out of his hotel room five minutes to noon. He'd spent the rest of the day riding around Tokyo. He'd ignored a call from Mika and two calls from Tohma. He wasn't ready to talk to either of them. Not until he knew what he was going to tell them. And to know that, he had to talk to Nagi.

Vendetta played at a club that night. He'd catch Nagi before the show. What happened next depended on the singer. Would he be calling Mika to tell her lunch was canceled? The though made his heart twist in his chest, but he couldn't simply ignore what had happened the previous evening. He needed to know why Nagi had treated him like that. He ignored the voice inside asking why he'd let him. He'd cross that bridge later.

Night had fallen when he pulled alongside the curb of the nightclub, recognizing a van parked there as well as belonging to Vendetta. He headed down the side alley, pausing when he saw Nagi and his bandmates sitting behind the club. They were whispering about something. Ma-kun looked unhappy, and Ken looked worried. For a moment his resolve faltered, then he pressed his lips into a thin line. He had to do this. "Nagi."

The group turned. Nagi eyed him speculatively, and Ma-kun's eyes narrowed. "Look who's here, NAGI." He stressed the singer's name in an odd way

Nagi shot him a glare before standing. His trade-mark smirk sliding across his lips. "Tatsuha."

"We have to talk." Tatsuha told him.

"We have a show tonight. Can it wait until after?"

"No."

"That's fine." Ma-kun stood up. "Ken and I can hook up the instruments."

"Uh, yah. Okay." Ken was more than happy to follow the blonde into the club through the backdoor.

"So, what's up?" Nagi approached him. "I though we had plans for tomorrow. Missing me already?"

"Don't you play dumb." Tatsuha scowled. Nagi's eyes narrowed. "I want to know what the hell was up with last night!"

"You'll have to be more specific."

"You want specifics? How's this?" Tatsuha pulled down his leather jacket to reveal the bruises on one arm. "I'm not your fucking punching bag, Nagi! If you're upset about something you don't take it out on me!" Nagi seemed to hesitate, watching him. "Well? Cat got your tongue?"

Nagi looked away, not meeting his eyes. "Okay. Truth? I was jealous."

Tatsuha paused. "Jealous? Of what?"

"I saw you on tv."

"Huh? When was I on tv?" He was confused, some of the fire left his stance.

"Standing outside the premiere to Ryuichi Sakuma's new movie. I saw it between sets at the club." Nagi told him. He looked over, his eyes narrowing. "I'm your fucking boyfriend, right? So how come that movie was more important than my gig?"

Tatsuha hesitated. Because he'd loved Ryuichi first. That was the truth. 'Shit, he had the right to be jealous. Because I still love Ryuichi.'

"Cat got your tongue?" Nagi turned his earlier words back on him.

Tatsuha pulled his jacket back up. He didn't look at Nagi, but up at the sky when he spoke. "A year ago...no, three months ago, and I'd have told you that movie premiere was the most important thing because I was totally in love with Ryuichi Sakuma."

Nagi watched him carefully. "But not now? What changed?"

"I met you." Tatsuha still wasn't facing him, so he missed the triumphant smile that slid across Nagi's face.

"And?" He came closer. "Are you saying you fell out of love with him?"

"I'm saying...I chose you. You're here. You can be a part of my life. I want that."

"So, I'm still invited to lunch, right?" Nagi stepped up behind him, sliding one arm around his waist.

"I guess you are." Tatsuha rested on hand on the one on his waist. "But Nagi, if last night ever happens again-"

"It won't."

"How do I know that?"

"Why didn't you stop me last night?"

"...I didn't want to be alone."

"So." Nagi turned him to face him, bringing their faces close together. "What you're saying is..."

"You're going to make me say it, aren't you?"

Nagi chuckled. "Say it? I want to hear you scream it..tonight, after the concert. You're staying, right?"

"Will you kiss me already?"

"Say the right words."

"I'm..." Tatsuha pressed his mouth to his. "All.." He nibbled at his lips, arms sliding around his neck. "Yours..."

Nagi's mouth descended on his in a fierce kiss. Hot and demanding. He opened his mouth obligingly, only vaguely aware of footsteps behind them.

"Aizawa!"

"Tatsuha!"

He broke the kiss, startled, turning Nagi and his positions so he could stare bewildered at the group at the end of the alley. "Eiri? Tohma? Shuichi?? What the heck?"

"Tatsuha." Yuki's eyes pierced his. "Get away from him right now."

"Um, what?" Tatsuha tried to process what was going on. He'd just fought and made up with Nagi, and his mind had been set on a very pleasant evening. How had his brother - and brother-in-laws - entered the equation?

Tohma focused a deadly glare on Nagi. "Taki." He greeted him.

"Huh?" Tatsuha now felt even more confused. "Who's-"

Nagi chuckled. "Seguchi. It's been awhile. I'm a bit surprised to see you here. I thought your protective streak was strictly for Yuki Eiri."

"What?" He turned, only partially aware of stepping out of Nagi's embrace. "Nagi, what's going on? You never mentioned knowing-"

"Don't fret, Tats." Nagi chucked him under the chin. "You'll understand in a moment."

Yuki was suddenly between them, shoving Nagi back. "Keep your fucking hands off my brother."

Nagi maintained his balance. He didn't even seem angry about being shoved. Instead, he was chuckling. "It's a bit late for that, Eiri. There isn't a piece of him I haven't touched."

Tatsuha felt his face heat in a blush at the words, but he couldn't find his voice to protest them. A cold feeling began to settle into his stomach. A half-realization beginning to set in.

"That's enough, Aizawa." Tohma stepped forward as well. "Whatever game you were playing - it's over."

"You're right, it is. A day ahead of schedule. I almost like this set up more. Though it is a shame I didn't get one more night with the kid. He's a pretty good fuck."

"You were using me." Tatsuha glowered at him, trying to ignore the pain seeping through him. Tears stung his eyes. "You know Eiri and Tohma. You were using me all along."

"Poor little temple boy." Nagi smirked. "So naive. Of course I was. You didn't honestly think anyone could want you for you?"

Tatsuha's breath caught at his words, and he lowered his head to hide his face behind his hair. "Damn you..."

He felt someone take his arm. "Don't listen to him, Tatsuha." Shuichi whispered urgently.

"That does it." Yuki stepped forward. "You want a taste of what I gave you bandmate last time?"

Nagi chuckled. "Gonna beat me up for hurting your little brother? Even though he resents you?"

Tatsuha's head shot up - his eyes widening in realization. 'No...oh, no...'

"Tatsuha would never-" Yuki began.

"But he does." Nagi cut him off. "He resents looking like you. Hates constantly being compared to you. He's raving jealous of you. Don't believe me? Just look at his face."

Yuki slowly turned to look at him, Feeling wracked with guilt, Tatsuha couldn't meet his brother's questioning gaze.

"Stop it, Aizawa." Tohma ordered.

"Still feeling protective, Seguchi. Or is it more like guilt?"

"You think anything you say can hurt me?" Tohma smiled. "I'll have to disappoint you."

"But they aren't my words. They're his."

"Nagi, don't!" The words ripped from his throat. Tatsuha looked at him pleadingly, but Nagi only gave him a cold look before finishing.

"He's the one who said he blamed you for the destruction of his family."

Tatsuha yanked from Shuichi's grip and ran back up the alley to his motorcycle. Nagi's laughter followed him. Even the roar of his motorcycle couldn't seem to drown it from his ears. Tears flowed down his cheeks, blurring his vision - but he kept driving anyway. He had to get away from what he'd done. From the painful reality of what had just happened. But the pain didn't diminish at all. With each second it only seemed to grow worse.

Tohma's stillness was the only indication that the words had affected him. For anyone who knew him, though, it spoke volumes.

Taki laughed as he watched his ex-producer freeze and Tatsuha run away. He was silenced when a fist smashed into his jaw - sending him sprawling. He looked up to find Shuichi standing over him. "I thought you were pathetic trying to use Yuki against me. But this is even worse. To use Tatsuha, who's only crime is to be related to the people involved. I don't think it's even possible to get any lower than that."

"Say whatever you want." He pushed himself up onto one arm. "I won this time."

"Won? That's what it's all about to you, isn't it? You don't get it at all. You haven't won anything." Shuichi looked down at him. "We'll get through this. You're the one who's going to be all alone in the end. Enjoy it." He walked away, taking Yuki's arm. "Yuki, let's go." He tugged him back up the way they'd come.

Tohma finally moved as well, following them. He paused at the end of the alley, to look back at Taki - who was frowning. "You don't seem to feel quite so victorious, Aizawa. Maybe you're starting to realize this wasn't much of a win after all? You should think about what Shuichi said. I really couldn't have put it better myself. He turned away, then paused again. "Oh, and Aizawa, regardless of what conclusions you come to in the future - stay away from Tatsuha." He turned a chilled smile on the singer. "There won't be a third chance." With that, the head of NG headed back up the alley, leaving Taki alone.

To Be Continued...

Wow, I packed alot into this chapter, didn't I? And I was mean to pretty much everyone. I hope that made this chapter intense to read, and that you aren't all mad and throwing things at me. (Ducks just in case) I also realize I had alot of swearing in this chapter. Haha...Maybe I need to make this M rated? LOL It just seemed so natural while I wrote it...

So, we're finally getting somewhere. Tatsuha has had his first heartbreak, Ayaka and Hiro are getting through the rough spots of romance in the public. And - just in case you forgot amongst everything happening - Ryuichi and Reiji are now in Kyoto! Yep! So that means Ryuichi and Tatsuha are going to be running into eachother very soon! (Finally, I've just been promising you guys RyuxTat for, what? Two years now? Eek...it's three, isn't it? Wow, I've been writing this story awhile...and I'm only half done...)

Salmon