Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation. It belongs to the amazing Maki Murakami. I can't seem to get away from obsessing on this manga.

Chapter Eleven

Shuichi ran his hand over the silk white sheets of the king size bed as he raised his head slowly and did a small yawn. The sun was streaming into the room from the wide windows and he blinked at the light. Rubbing at his eyes, he looked around the room wondering what time it was.

"You sleep like the dead when you pass out," Yuki said from somewhere behind him.

Pulling himself up, Shuichi sat up and stared at the absolute work of art comfortably seated in an armchair by the windows, a cup of coffee steaming before him and a newspaper in those graceful hands. Eiri Yuki was meant to be a god, but some where a long the way, the powers that be send him to earth for the sole purpose of making him breathless. He didn't mind it one bit, but really, pressing his hand to his chest, he shook his head at the constant increase of his heart beat.

"Morning," Shuichi said lazily, pushing dark hair out of his eyes. His hips were wrapped by a sheet, and he was keenly aware that he had nothing else on. Yuki however looked impeccable in a white shirt and blue slacks, his feet in sandals, and that blonde hair falling over his forehead so enticingly. He could watch him forever.

"It's two o'clock in the afternoon. That gun slinging maniac will be here in ten minutes to take you away to the stadium."

"Ten minutes," Shuichi gasped. No way, he had slept the whole day away. It couldn't be. Gaping at the bedside clock, he jumped out of the bed and fell on his knees when the sheet tethered him to the bed. Cursing under his breath he fought off the sheet and rushed to the bathroom. It took five minutes to shower, scrub dry and pull on whatever cloths he could find in the suitcase that lay open in the large closet. A pair of tight black jeans and white t-shirt that read 'I'm with Stupid', rummaging in the shoe rack to the side, he retrieved black converse shoes and pulled them on.

Rushing out of the closet, he stuck his fingers in his hair, and finger combed the wet strands haphazardly. Moving to the table where Yuki still sat calmly drinking his coffee; he picked up a cookie from the plate that room service seemed to have brought along with the tray.

"You are a mess," Yuki said after a short perusal. "It's amazing how you've managed to live by yourself this long."

"I manage," Shuichi shrugged. "Will you come to the concert?"

Yuki glanced up and met his gaze; Shuichi couldn't help sucking in air at the sight of that golden gaze. He wasn't sure he'd ever get used to seeing it all the time. He couldn't believe that Yuki had lasted by his side for two weeks now. Five major concerts, one left to go, Tohma had increased them on a whim, saying that they should cash in on the extra attention the band was getting from the news about a stalker. Yuki had stayed beside him through it all. He was a great distraction from his life; it was as though in this suite at the grand, nothing else outside the doors mattered. Yuki efficiently cocooned him in a cloud of bliss that clung to him even when he got on stage. Not that the man had attended any of the concerts, Shuichi frowned.

"Don't you want to come?" he asked again, when Yuki didn't answer.

"I don't like large crowds."

"I'm sure we can get you a private booth, come on, Tohma will do anything to make sure you're comfortable."

"Drop it," Yuki warned quietly. Returning his gaze back to the newspaper, he ordered. "Drink some juice, you've barely eaten anything."

Shuichi sighed and sat down across Yuki. Taking the glass of juice that he now realized was meant for him, he rolled his eyes as he took a sip. Sure, his problems were hanging out on the lines for everyone to see them. Everyone in the country now knew he had a stalker. One that was trying to murder him, but hey, what did that matter, it was good for business. He couldn't get on stage without this man's constant attention. Yuki's embrace was like pixie dust, it made him forget any fears he harbored up there. He whined, cried, shouted and gushed about everything good and bad in his life to the man. But when it came to Yuki, 'drop it' was the line he got.

"Why can't you trust me?" Shuichi asked then. "We've been together for two weeks now, and you don't even tell me what your favorite food to eat is."

Yuki refused to glance up from his newspaper. It was as though Shuichi hadn't spoken at all. Letting another sigh escape, Shuichi tipped the last of the juice into his mouth and stood up. Grabbing a pair of sunglasses from the vanity table, he slipped them on and stood watching his lover for a moment. Then because he didn't have the strength to resist, he walked over and hugged the quiet man tightly. His face was buried in Yuki's blonde hair; he drank in the scent that stayed with him through his performances.

"Wait for your manager before you leave," Yuki said quietly, touching his hair gently.

"I'll be fine, the security men are aware of the situation," Shuichi replied as he pulled back. "I'll see you later."

Yuki nodded and Shuichi turned and left the bedroom in a hurry. Once out in the living room, he leaned against the back of a couch trying to get a hold of his feelings. He was happy, but at the same time it saddened him that Yuki insisted on keeping such a cold barrier between them. After all they did in to each other through the night, it burned him deep inside. The heat they generated together consumed his soul each time, he wasn't sure he'd ever love anyone else. His body craved Yuki so much; he sometimes thought he was going insane.

Breathing out slowly, Shuichi pushed off the couch and started for the door. This must be what love was like, he decided. It was a consuming emotion that left nothing standing even dignity.

"Shu-chan, you look super shiny tonight," Ryuichi said in excitement later that day. It was around eight o'clock and the final concert was about to start. Nittle Grasper would join Bad Luck in the middle of the concert for a set of five songs, Shuichi was excited about that. He loved signing with Ryuichi; it always struck him how lucky he was to be standing right beside his idol. How many people got that in life, he wondered as Ryuichi hugged him boisterously.

"You look awesome too," Shuichi said with a smile as he took in Ryuichi. The older man was in his trademark leather pants that seemed like a second skin. His abdomen was bare because he wore a black cropped vest that was opened in the front. That gorgeous dark hair of his fell over expressive dark eyes that reminded Shuichi of a caged lion, Ryuichi held a magnetism that oozed only when he wanted it. When he did let it go, Shuichi sighed, well, the result was a billion people trying to get just a small glimpse of the singer. It had turned him into a super, super star, if that was possible. He wondered if he would ever be in that caliber.

"You have to keep shining," Ryuichi said quietly, reaching up to touch Shuichi's hair even though it was spiked with gel and was now hard. The stylist had put golden glitter in it too so that it would sparkle under the stage lights. Tonight was about stunning the audiences, the set had been prepared with extra care, and the line up of songs was designed to keep the audiences energy up. Shuichi was glad because all the activity in between each set would keep him too busy to think.

"Are you still angry with me?" Shuichi asked as they stood close to each other.

Ryuichi was adjusting the mike wires on Shuichi's white shirt. The material was slinky and it was an underlying gold sparkling thread that made it look like he was shining. His pants also made to fit him to the skin were white and spotted a million buckles along the outer seam line. Tonight, he wore ankle length boots that were also white fitted with steel at the toe and back of the boots. His eyes were lined with black eyeliner and the heavy make up on his skin only served to enhance his looks. Adjusting the belt buckle at his waist, Shuichi looked into Ryuichi's dark eyes. "You know I need him."

"You have me," Ryuichi said quietly. "I don't know why you think you need him when am right here. I'll be anything you need."

"Please, don't get started on that," Shuichi sighed. "I can't explain it anymore than I have. He makes me happy."

"He's pulling you along, once he's done, he will drop you like a hot potato. I know Yuki Eiri's kind; trust me in this Shu-chan."

"I trust you, Ryuichi," Shuichi said shaking his head."I really do, but, he's been there for me. That's more than I need."

Ryuichi looked away and for a moment, Shuichi was afraid that his friend was going to walk away. His life was too fragile right now; he couldn't handle Ryuichi walking away. But then Ryuichi turned back and smiled at him. The smile plastered on that famous face made Shuichi's worries settle. The hug that followed made his heart flatter warmly.

"When he breaks your heart," Ryuichi said gently into his ear. "I'll be right here, Shu-chan, remember that, okay."

"I know," Shuichi said happy to hear it. He was fast to note that Ryuichi had chosen to say 'when' as opposed to 'if'. Was it so obvious that Yuki was keeping things between them far apart? Shuichi sighed and clung to Ryuichi for a moment before he pulled away and smiled widely. "So, I can't wait to sing with you."

"Me too," Ryuichi said his eyes wide. "We're going to make everyone shout and scream, right Shu-chan."

"Right," Shuichi agreed as they both burst out laughing.

Watching Ryuichi and Shuichi from a discrete distance, Tohma wondered why they couldn't have fallen in love with each other. They were always so in synch it didn't make sense. Frowning, he shook his head. What was he thinking? Ryuichi was good for Shuichi as a friend, but that was the extent he would ever allow between them. Ryuichi's life was too complicated and besides two like poles did not attract he supposed. They would end up hurting each other more deeply than any others. Their problem was that in their passion for music, they ended up living life as passionately as they sung. Each song, each performance was like a moment to pour everything they had in them. Their relationships were no different, Tohma mused. He loved Ryuichi and he knew that Ryuichi would do anything for him. Where Shuichi was concerned, he doubted the young man had a memory that didn't involve Hiro Nakano. Those two were intertwined forever.

Which was the reason why Shuichi's attachment to Eiri was such a problem? There was nothing but pain in Eiri's past and present. Shuichi was only going to cause more when he left. And he was going to leave, Tohma thought with a sigh. Eiri would make sure of it, he might be hanging on to him at the moment, but they all know Eiri's emotions were like quick sand. One minute they were holding together, the next moment, they were sinking in to oblivion.

Rubbing his forehead, he wondered what could be done about this.

"Seguchi-san," Sakano came up behind him. "The audience is as secure as we're going to get them. The police have generously offered their help but without a clue as to who or what to look for, we can't really expect much."

"This person is clever. He knows how we work our security, Sakano-san. I suggest to you and K-san, change things up a bit, if it means bringing in new blood then do it. He will slip up somewhere and we have to be there to catch him at it."

"Of course, Seguchi-san," Sakano said. "Also, Yuki-san is here. I gave him a pass to the private box you keep reserved for your guests."

"Very well," Tohma said quietly. His gaze went back to Shuichi and Ryuichi. They were excitedly discussing a game, their heads put together like little kids. It was endearing watching them. Shaking his head, he turned to Sakano. "Don't tell Shindou-san about it. Wait for the concert to end, that must be how Eiri wants it."

"Of course," Sakano bowed and rushed off.

Tohma moved away from the shadows and went to talk to the two people who made up part of the reason why NG records was the top recording company in the nation.

Shifting in his seat, Eiri lighted a cigarette and wondered why he had shown up here in the first place. He'd been on his way to talk to his editor about the book he was working on, but Shuichi's request had come back to him. What an idiot that kid was, he scoffed as he smoked the thin stick hungrily. The crowd below looked like a mass of roiling sardines packed tightly together. The noise they were making was enough to make anyone go deaf for life. Shaking his head, he stood up and glared at the empty stage.

What was he doing here? He had no obligations to come here. Their deal had only been to distract Shuichi while he wasn't on stage, while he was on stage that was someone else's job. He turned to leave, but the stadium was plunged into darkness and he stopped in his tracks as music filled the air. Excitement had the sardines below him in frenzy, and as the stage was lighted up in dramatic motion, they erupted into a roar that did deafen his ears. On stage, a series of lights danced across the elaborate stage and the crowd screamed their approval when a long haired red head walked on to the stage. He picked up a guitar and played a few notes that electrified the crowd even more. Next walked in a short young man who had dark hair but the front was dyed green. He smiled shyly as he walked to the synthesizer and joined Hiro's guitar.

Their playing slowly morphed into a starting sequence of a song and the crowd hushed in anticipation. The sequence paused and the lights stopped moving and plunged the stage into darkness. A figure appeared at the microphone stand and the sequence started again in earnest. A beat, and then a second one, and Shuichi's voice filled the stadium with it, the wild crowd was unleashed. Their screams filled the stadium and Shuichi raised his hand up as the lights flashed back on in a brilliant white flash that faded slowly leaving Shuichi standing in white, he seemed to sparkle in the light. His eyes closed as he slowly belted out a solo about love. As it came to a close, his eyes opened and Eiri held his breath at the sight of those eyes. He was heart stopping.

Finishing the solo, Shuichi pulled out the microphone and said in a cheerful voice.

"What's up Tokyo, how are you doing tonight?"

The crowd cheered even louder and Eiri felt as though the floor was trembling from the force of their enthusiasm. His heart was beating fast because of the adrenaline that seemed to permeate into every corner of the stadium.

Shuichi chuckled at the response, and Eiri frowned as his body stirred in response. He had never seen this side of Shuichi. It seemed like all he saw was the weepy side, the whiny side, the unsure Shuichi who was suffering through fear. This side of Shuichi though, he leaned on the railing, was captivating. He took command of the crowd and controlled their wild tendencies. He spoke with a reassuring tone that had them on the palm of his hand. The screaming reduced and they became calm as he introduced the first song. As the beat started, he smiled and went into it with such energy, he seemed to shine.

It was surprising but Bad Luck did know how to entertain. Between Shuichi's dance moves that seemed inspired by the beat of the music, and his own adrenaline, Hiro and Suguru with their talented grasp of their respective instruments, they put on a good show. Their energy remained high; in fact Eiri thought just before Nittle Grasper joined in, Shuichi's energy seemed to increase as the night progressed. He was getting high from all the singing. Or maybe it was the audience, Eiri smiled. The punk was kinky, he probably was getting a hard on from this.

He adjusted his thoughts after Ryuichi joined Shuichi on stage. There was no probably about it, the two were going at it as though they were about to do each other right there on stage. Why did Ryuichi have to keep touching Shuichi? It was as though he couldn't keep his hands to himself. The crowd was eating it all up, but Eiri knew that each of those touches was meant to entice and seduce his lover. Ryuichi Sakuma was completely hitting on Shuichi in the only way Eiri couldn't. He was using Shuichi's music. Damn the bastard!

Why did it piss him off so much? Ryuichi stroked Shuichi's cheek and Eiri gritted his teeth at the way Shuichi responded to it. That stupid smile that graced his lips as though he was in heaven made Eiri feel like going down there to pry them apart. They were singing Nittle Grasper's Predilection, moving their bodies as they oozed all the sensuality they could muster. It was irritating. The audience loved it all; no doubt this was going to be an acclaimed concert in the future.

"If you keep growling like that, you're going to end up losing your voice," Tohma said cut into his thoughts.

Eiri straightened up, unable to tear his gaze away from the duo singing down below, he sighed. He wasn't happy about being caught unawares but it didn't matter. He was glad Tohma was here, this would drive home his point.

"What do you want Tohma?" he asked nonchalantly.

"I just wanted to see for myself," Tohma replied walking up to the railing. He leaned casually on it, his gaze also finding the duo below. "Those two have a connection I can't understand. They seem to fuel each other to new heights each time they perform together. This night alone will triple sales for a year."

"Always looking at the bottom line," Yuki commented. "You never change."

"Neither do you," Tohma replied. "This stunt you're pulling to get your family to back off is going to hurt him. You know that as well as I, just quit before things get worse."

"How many times do I have to remind you to butt out of my life," Yuki demanded. "It's none of your business."

"It is when the person involved is my employee. Eiri, Shuichi might seem like a strong person, but he really isn't. This stalker business is actually taking a toll on him," Tohma said seriously.

"Don't you think I know that?" Yuki asked managing to pry his gaze from Shuichi who was looking into Ryuichi's eyes like he was the entire world. Shaking his head, he sighed. "I'm not going to get married. I'm not going to do what my father wants. Don't think that you will make me do anything either."

"Always so stubborn," Tohma said. "But, you forget one thing; I'm just looking out for you. You may sing all those 'don't wants' but the truth, Eiri, is that once it's over between you two, he won't be the only hurting."

Yuki glared at Tohma and shrugged. What did it matter? He was used to pain and what it did to him. It was a small price to pay to get his family to back off from issues like marriage. He was never going to subject someone to such a commitment with him for a lifetime. That person would end up dead from frustration. Returning his gaze back to Shuichi, he decided that with Shuichi, they would be no chance for pain anyway. This was unrealistic, and he already had his music, Shuichi would use it to heal whatever wounds this would cause.

"I'm with Shuichi," Yuki said after a moment. "Make sure you tell my sister that, Tohma. Convince her and I'll make sure Shuichi doesn't hurt."

Tohma sighed and shook his head at those words. Yuki ignored him and focused on Shuichi again. Well, that brat was going to be getting it tonight, he decided. He would make him pay for seducing thousands of people without a qualm, and then shamelessly allowing Ryuichi Sakuma to come on to him. Didn't he know that as long as they were together, Shuichi belonged to Yuki?

So, read and review, I would love to know what you're thoughts are on this so far. I'm so excited to read reviews it makes me really high to keep up with the next chapter. You guys are awesome!