Author's notes and Warning: Gomen, gomen, it took so long no da. If you've read Love Lies Waiting then you know why, ne?
This chapter is a little sad at the end but please keep in mind that I will make it all better!
Tohma/Ryuuichi lemon with lots and lots of honey! I tell you the sap here will kill you! Hints of Hotohori/Nuriko -sap. I'm sorry I couldn't give them more time… Tasuki/Chichiri…well, you'll see…
Special thanks to all my reviewers and to Hitari-chan for her fantastic beta work. Arigatou, no da!
Midori Natari Himura: Nah, Eiri loves his Shu-chan way too much! He felt bad for being the cause of the T/R break-up and wanted to make sure that Tohma won't do it again… As for Zanshi, well…let's just say he's irrevocably tied to Chichiri, no da… Thank you for your review!!!
TigerBlak: *blushes* Thank you! I'm so glad you liked the story! Aiya! I can't wait for the Gravitation manga, no daaaaa….
Shadow Priestess: Zanshi will definitely appear again before the fic is done… and daaaa, I'm writing, I'm writing! Thank you!
Carmerethiel: What a beautiful name…um…lady Pyrrha? Arigatou!
Maggs: LOL, that's all I need, no da…your parents beating me to a pulp! Here's a chapter, read quick and go do you homework, okay! Thank you!!
Eeyaatoe: Awww….*blushes and spins around* You're so sweet! Thank you for your review. I hope you love this chapter too, though I'm not so sure…
Xellas M.: I'm so glad you like Mika and K, I do think they are perfect for each other! As for Daisuke, rest assure he won't be a trouble maker…I have something else in mind for Chichiri…I think you know what it is… Arigatou and a great big hug! Thanks for your input when I was writing Love Lies Waiting…I didn't get a chance to tell you then… While I'm at it, thanks for your input for this chapter as well…your opinions mean tons to me! (((HUG))) and more (((HUG)))
Keimei: Zanshi…*giggles* I'm glad people like him, it'd be really weird if you guys don't, no da…*looks around whistling innocently* And Eiri IS just testing Tohma-kun. He's really not such a bad guy… well, not in MY fic anyway. Thanks for your comments!
Kawaii: Ah…thank you for the well wishes! I hope YOU had a great Chinese New Year? February 2 is Imbolc, a pagan holiday. I celebrated then, no da… Thank you for your nice review. I'm so glad you're still sticking with my stories…makes writing worthwhile, no da…
Zen: On Mika and K? My thoughts exactly! Ah, Eiri is not a bastard this time, ne? He's a good little boy, which reminds me, he needs more lime, no da… Arigatou!
Sakata: I hope you are doing better? Thanks for your continual support, it's so awfully appreciated. And looking forward to your stories, as always, no da.
Ryogazgal: ROFL. What can I say? I loved all your reviews, no da! Thank you very much! BTW, what are you planning for Riho? Writing in a Chi/Tas romance maybe? Ne? Ne?
Hitari-chan: *glomps Hitari-chan* I wuv you!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Um…about that fanart…*wink wink*
Mikazuki: I know it could be puzzling if you're not familiar with an anime, that's so sweet of you to read and review! Arigatou, no da!
Ayako: Thank you for your review…um both of them, no da! And you're so right; NO ONE can resist Ryu-chan, ne? Thanks again!
I would also like to thank Sakata, TigerBlak, Kawaii, Mikazuki, Xellas, Keimei, Ryogazgal, Chatterbox, Kouryou Sanome, Dawn Forte and Yoe for reviewing 'Love Lies Waiting'! I'm glad you're not mad I took a little break, ne?
Second warning on the lemon… Not for anyone under age!!!
Songs Of The Heart - Chapter 10: The Redemption
By Moonraven
"Are
you waiting for him?" Soft familiar voice asked from the relative warmth of the
bedroom behind him.
Ryuuichi
smiled and shook his head. He knew who it was without turning around. Chichiri was
always good at sneaking up on him. He continued to stare out into the night as
he leaned lightly on the railing of his balcony. He shivered slightly as the
cool breeze brushed his bare torso and regretted not putting on a shirt before
coming out. It was not a cold night but living on the 10th floor could be
breezy.
"He's
not coming." Ryuuichi said softly. "He's not ready, no da." He smiled again as
he pictured Chichiri frowning at some imaginary injustice on Tohma's part.
"You're
alright with that?" Chichiri asked as he walked out to stand next to his former
lover, his posture semi-identical to the other man.
Ryuuichi
turned and smiled at the younger man. Chichiri was dressed, as always, in
black. He had thought the color, together with Chichiri's brooding expression,
morbid. But as he got to know Chichiri, the color came to represent the depth
and complexity of the man. Black was as unfathomable as the man wearing it.
Chichiri
didn't look at him but continued to look out at the city lights. His face
looked serene but Ryuuichi could tell that the younger man was anxious to hear
his reply. Ryuuichi turned slightly and leaned one elbow on top of the iron
rail as he ruffled Chichiri's dark hair playfully.
"Come
on, Chichiri, no da… What's wrong?" He knew Chichiri didn't come to see him for
idle talk.
Chichiri
didn't turn towards him but Ryuuichi could see the tiny smile on his face. "I
told you not to tease me so much. Now you can't get rid of the 'no da', can
you?"
"Can
too, no…" Damn it! Ryuuichi bit his lips as Chichiri burst out laughing.
"Told
you." Chichiri said softly as he turned and placed a chaste kiss on Ryuuichi's
lips. He turned back to the night-lights and sighed. "Are you happy, Ryu-chan?"
He asked softy.
Ah,
so THAT was it. Ryuuichi shook his head at his friend's concern. Chichiri was
always worried about everyone even if he projected this
'I-could-care-less-if-you-spontaneously-combust-in-front-of-me' attitude. He
always cared.
"That's
a loaded question, Chichiri, it's not fair to ask me that at all. Am I happy
that Tohma loves me? Yes. Am I happy that some people will be hurt from this?
No. Am I happy that you found Tasuki? Yes. Am I happy that you still-"
Chichiri
turned and placed a hand over his mouth and Ryuuichi stopped talking. The
younger man gave him a resigned look and rephrased his question.
"Do
you regret your decision?"
"No."
Ryuuichi said without hesitation. He regretted nothing. He had given Tohma his
heart to do as the other man pleased; the wheel was in motion, now he waited to
see where it would take him.
Chichiri
nodded. "Then you are happy with your decision." He looked deep into the
familiar blue eyes. "You are happy with him."
Ryuuichi
smiled and nodded. "Very."
"Even
when he's not here."
Ryuuichi
frowned slightly and looked away. "He's uncertain and still feels guilty. I
don't think he has forgiven himself yet. It will take some patience on my part,
no da." He turned back to his former lover and gave him a grin. "I think you
once said that it was my forte, ne?"
"Hn."
Chichiri grunted and turned to look down over the railing at the people and
cars below them. "Don't let him take too long." He said as he stared fixedly at
the large Sakura tree below him.
"You
worry too much, Chichiri. He won't hurt me again. I know." Ryuuichi place a
gentle hand on the younger man's shoulder. "How are you and Tasuki?"
Chichiri
shrugged and turned his gaze back to the Tokyo night-lights. "We are…" He
stopped and thought for a few moments before he continued. "We are
starting…something."
Ryuuichi
smiled and hugged Chichiri to him. That may not sound like much but from the
man who had locked up his emotions behind Fort Knox, it was significant. "I am
so happy for you." Ryuuichi said and kissed the younger man's temple. "You
deserve so much happiness, Chichiri."
Chichiri
shook his head but leaned into the embrace. "You sound just like him." He said
quietly.
"Speaking
of which… Why are YOU here?" Ryuuichi turned the younger man to face him.
"Shouldn't you be with him?"
Chichiri
had the grace to look embarrassed. "I…I'm taking it slow as well, no da."
Ryuuichi
narrowed his eyes at his friend. "Hypocrite! Don't YOU take too long either."
He ruffled Chichiri's hair some more and pulled him along into the bedroom.
"I'm freezing so I'm going to bed. YOU are going to find Tasuki and…well and do
what ever it is 19 year-olds like to do, ne?"
Chichiri
smiled and shook his head. "Hentai." He said softly.
The
figure hiding in the shadows of the Sakura tree looked up wistfully at the two
men on the balcony. His heart pounded violently in his chest and he felt it
constrict painfully as the men held each other then moved back into the privacy
of the bedroom. An agonized moan escaped his lips as he turned and walked back
in the direction he came.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tohma
gritted his teeth and took a deep breath to curb the rising nausea that
threatened to make him ill. He got numbly out of the car and walked stiffly up
the driveway to the front door. He felt cold and empty despite the warmth of
his coat and hat. It wasn't even a cold night but the chill in his heart would
allow no other sensation to interfere lest they allowed him to feel the searing
pain that had pierced his heart.
"What
are you doing here?" A soft voice brought his head up to see another chilling
sight; Chichiri leaning casually against the wall next to his front door. Now
how did he get here before him…? Tohma wondered as he stared at Chichiri and
then back to the street in front of his house. He frowned and looked at
Chichiri again. How did Chichiri get here?
Chichiri
pushed himself lazily off the wall and walked towards the bewildered Tohma.
"Why are you here?" Chichiri asked again.
Tohma
blinked at the bland expression on the other man's face and swallowed his
confusion. "Um…I…live here. H-How did you get here so fast?" When he left
Ryuuichi's apartment building, Chichiri and the singer were going into the
bedroom…
Chichiri
narrowed his good eye and peered across the gloom at the pale blond. "Why
aren't you with him?"
Why
answer a question when you could ask one, ne, Chichiri? Tohma saw clearly now
where Eiri had gotten that irritating habit. Why wasn't he with his love? Tohma
felt the tightening in his chest again at the thought of Ryuuichi and fought
against it. "Because you were with him." He said that rather harshly and took a
deep breath to calm himself. "What are YOU doing here?" He asked in return.
Chichiri
said nothing for a long time and they stared at each other silently in the
dark. "Do you regret letting him go?" Tohma asked suddenly.
Chichiri
continued to stare darkly at Tohma as he said, "Only if you hurt him."
Tohma
snorted derisively. "I don't think I'd get the chance. He doesn't need me now.
He has you…will always have you." Tohma's voice trailed off and he cursed
himself for his weakness.
"I
went to make sure he was happy. To say good bye." Chichiri said quietly. "There
hasn't been anything between us for awhile now. Ever since the day you brought
Kuma to him."
Tohma
looked sharply at Chichiri and shook his head. "I…I saw you. You were with him
on the balcony. Then you went into his room and…" Tohma stopped. He didn't want
to think about what they did next.
"And
then I came here." Chichiri said as he looked at Tohma with some amusement. "Do
you really think that we could have done it THAT fast?" He was smiling now.
"Making love to Ryu-chan requires more precious time that that, Tohma-kun. Or
have you forgotten?" Chichiri was smirking at the shuffling blond. Even in the
gloom, Tohma knew that the other man could tell he was blushing furiously.
Chichiri
started to walk down the walkway towards the street. As Chichiri passed him,
the younger man stopped but didn't look at him.
"We
had something special, yes, but it wasn't love. Not the love he feels for you.
I could never replace that and I had never wanted to. I care very much for him
and want him to be happy so if you hurt him again, I WILL kill you." He did
turn towards Tohma then and as his eye met Tohma's, the blond felt chills run
down his spine. The dangerous glint in that cold eye was unmistakable; THAT was
a promise and Chichiri never breaks a promise.
"I'm
not going to be with him because you threaten me, Chichiri-san." Tohma said
coolly. "I'm with him because I love him. Believe me, if I hurt him again, I'll
kill myself before you'll even get a wind of it. You needn't bother."
Chichiri
stared intently into his eyes then nodded and walked silently away from the
blond. Before Chichiri disappeared into the night, Tohma heard him say softly
over his shoulder, "Go to him. He's waiting for you."
He
blinked at the darkness. Chichiri was gone. How did he keep doing that?
Go to him…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
He
was so beautiful. He was truly perfect and utterly irresistible. How could he
have thought that he could live without this man?
Tohma
stared fixedly at the slumbering figure on the large king sized bed. Ryuuichi
was sleeping on his stomach, half sprawled across the bed with the soft green
satin sheet tangled enticingly around his waist and legs. His back was bare and
from the smooth line where the sheets hugged his hips, Tohma knew that his love
was naked. He smiled at the memories. Ryuuichi loved to sleep in the nude. He loved
the way the cool satin sheets caressed his bare skin…Tohma had loved the way
Ryuuichi's satiny skin caressed his…
As
if the sleeping angel could feel Tohma's gaze on him, he moaned and shifted on
the bed. Tohma gasped as the sheet slipped further off Ryuuichi's body to
exposed creamy smooth skin over the soft round hips. It took all of Tohma's
will power and then some to keep him from moving closer to the bed, closer to
the enticing body that promised sweet oblivion, closer to paradise.
His
groin ached. It burned with needs he hadn't felt in a long time. HE burned with
needs and desires and the all-consuming thoughts of possessing that beguiling
body stretched out in front of him. Must have him.
Despite
his resolve to just watch, Tohma was surprised to find that he was now standing
next to the bed. His slack clad thigh brushed the satin sheets covering the
thick mattress and he was only a couple of inches away from the man he loved.
Ryuuichi's face was turned towards him and he noted with a smile that Kuma was
no longer clutched in Ryuuichi arms like he normally was. Tohma knew because he
had watched Ryuuichi sleep many times in the past. It was one of his favorite
pastimes, especially when he couldn't sleep. He loved to watch Ryuuichi Sakuma.
Then
Tohma froze. His breath caught suddenly in his throat as one sleepy blue eye
gazed hazily at him from the bed. Ryuuichi was awake.
The
singer blinked and propped himself up on his elbows, looking confusedly at the blond
who had the 'deer-caught-in-the-headlights' stupor.
Tohma
could not breath. Lights from the city outside streamed in the open French
windows, casting erotic gleams on the firm muscles of Ryuuichi's back and hips.
"Tohma?"
Ryuuichi's voice was husky with sleep but Tohma's needy mind only heard the
whisper of a lover and his groin tightened even more.
"Aa."
That was NOT an answer of an amorous lover. Tohma scolded himself.
Ryuuichi
turned over and pushed himself into a sitting position as he rubbed his eyes
sleepily. Tohma groaned as the man on the bed unknowingly allowed the sheets to
slip further down his body, exposing firm strong thighs.
"Is
everything alright?" Ryuuichi asked, concerned.
"Aa."
Oh, yes. More eloquence.
Ryuuichi
watched him with a small frown then seeing where Tohma's eyes had traveled; he
blushed but didn't adjust the soft green sheets.
"You've
done this before." Ryuuichi said softly from the bed. "Watching me... How?"
Tohma nodded and swallowed. He held up a set of keys nervously and hoped that Ryuuichi wouldn't be too upset that Tohma had invaded his privacy. He was sure Ryuuichi knew that he owned the building…
Ryuuichi
smiled and held out his hand. "I'd thought they were dreams." The singer said
as he gently beckoned to the blond. "I thought it was because I had wanted you
so badly that I had imagined them."
Tohma
came out of his daze and reached out to touch the offered hand. He felt warm,
strong fingers fold over his and then he was firmly pulled towards the
beautiful man on the bed. I want you too,
he wanted to shout. So much…
The next thing his
foggy mind knew, he was lying fully clothed atop the naked Ryuuchi. He was not
pleased. He wanted to feel the other man's silky skin against his. Tohma
shifted between Ryuuichi's spread legs, pressing their bodies harder against
each other. Ryuuichi sighed happily at the sensation and Tohma bit back a cry.
It felt so good.
"Make
love to me." Ryuuichi whispered as he gently thrust his hips upwards,
increasing the pressure between them.
"I
don't deserve you." Tohma whispered back as he traced loving lines on
Ryuuichi's neck and jaw with his lips. Tears burned the back of his eyes at the
familiar scent of his lover. He didn't deserve this perfection, this happiness.
He didn't deserve this man.
Strong
hands came up and took a firm hold of his face. Ryuuichi pulled Tohma away from
his neck and looked solemnly into the watery green eyes. "Love me?" It was a
heartbreaking question that tore at Tohma's heart.
"I
do." He nearly choked on his emotion. With
every breath in my body, he added silently.
Ryuuichi's
dark blue eyes softened and he smiled. "Then you DO deserve me." He pulled the
unresisting face down and parted his lips eagerly when he felt Tohma's mouth on
his.
Tohma
sighed into the kiss and he slipped his tongue in to caress and dance with it's
mate. His mate. If such a perfect being like Ryuuichi could forgive him, surely
he deserved to be forgiven?
Beneath
Tohma, Ryuuichi moaned and writhed as he tried to remove the blonde's shirt.
Tohma smirked at his lover's impatience and pulled away to take care of that
little inconvenience. Ryuuichi whimpered in protest and attempted to pull the
blond back down against him.
Tohma
chuckled at the displeasure in his lover's face. He removed his clothing
quickly, the pulsing hardness between Ryuuichi's legs and the longing in the
man's face were motivation enough. To hell with a few popped buttons.
Ryuuichi
nearly purred as Tohma pressed his naked body down on top of him. Tohma looked
down to the slightly parted lips as soft sounds of pleasure escaped them. Gods
he loved this man. Tonight, he would show Ryuuichi just how precious Ryuuichi
was to him. He smiled and placed small teasing kisses along Ryuuichi's jaw line
then moved to do the same along the smooth slender neck. Ryuuichi moaned low in
his throat and threw his head to the side, exposing more area for Tohma to
explore while the singer's hands caressed encouragingly on the blonde's back and
rear.
Tohma
moved down the hard body of his lover and kissed, licked and suckled every area
he could find. Strangled sounds escaped the writhing body beneath him and
Tohma's breath caught in his throat at their familiarity. It felt so right, so
wonderful, so perfect. He was home…with his heart…
Worshiping
Ryuuichi's body was never a problem but after 6 years, his control was being
sorely tested. He wanted to be buried inside that incredible body so badly he
had to take several deep breaths as he slithered down his lover's body. The
soft whimpering from Ryuuichi did not help his situation any but Tohma was
determined to take it slow; to cherish this moment and make it last as long as
he could.
"Toh…ma…"
Tohma could hear the desperation in Ryuuichi's voice as the singer moaned,
thrashing his head from side to side. Ryuuichi's hands gripped his sheets
tightly as he bucked up off the bed to get more friction from Tohma's body.
"Please…"
Ryuuichi's
hot length nudged Tohma's chin as he paid homage to the man's navel. The
nudging continued and Tohma repressed the urge to tip his head down and lick
the moistened tip.
"Tohma,
please…" Ryuuichi begged again.
Well,
there goes another resolution, thought Tohma as he complied. So much for taking
it slow…his love needed this now. Tenderly, he took the engorged flesh in his
hand and licked the moisture off the tip, dipping into the slit to get
everything he could. Using the pad of his tongue, Tohma bathed the shaft
reverently, pausing to rub repeatedly against the ridge of the head. Ryuuichi
moaned appreciatively and thrust up involuntarily. Tohma took the head gently
between his lips and sucked in earnest while his hand held the hardened shaft.
He gave Ryuuichi a series of quick pumps as he continued to lick and suck on
the head.
"Ahh…Tohma…"
Ryuuichi was nearly off the bed as he arched himself into his lover's mouth and
hand. Tohma knew what Ryuuichi needed and he shifted slightly and brought his
other hand to the neglected sac. He rolled the soft flesh between his fingers
and knew by their tightness that Ryuuichi was very close to his release. Tohma
doubled his efforts on his love's erection and found his reward when Ryuuichi
gave a keening wail and jerked under him. Prepared as he was, he continued to
suck and draw out as much essence as he could, reveling at the taste of his
lover, the taste that he had never forgotten.
Licking
his lips and wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, he moved
up to hover over the still panting Ryuuichi. Sparkling blue eyes gazed up
lovingly at him and Tohma smiled, his heart warmed at the love he saw there. He
bend down and gently took Ryuuichi's bottom lip between his teeth and sucked
insistently. Ryuuichi opened his mouth and swiped his tongue across Tohma's teeth,
inviting the blond to explore inside. When Tohma slipped his tongue in,
Ryuuichi pulled the blond down on top of him. Tohma gasped as his still erected
member rubbed against Ryuuichi's crotch and he couldn't hold back the moan when
Ryuuichi rocked his hips against the blond.
"Inside…now…"
Ryuuichi moaned into his mouth. "I've waited so long, Tohma."
Tohma
broke off the kiss when he found a tube of lubricant thrust into his hand. He
looked down and smirked at his lover when he felt the beginning of an answering
hardness beneath him. All that rocking had gotten Ryuuichi excited again and
who was he to deny his love the pleasure he so craved?
Tohma
shifted off Ryuuichi slightly and flipped the lid off the lube. He squeezed a
glob on to his hand and swallowed the tightness in his throat. His wet dreams
and fantasies of the past 6 years were about to be realized and he nearly shook
with anticipation. With his non-lubed hand, he urged a large pillow under
Ryuuichi's buttocks and moaned out loud when presented with a very enticing
view of the pink opening.
As
if to try Tohma's control even further, Ryuuichi spread his legs wider and
moaned. Tohma drew in a shaky breath and rubbed the cool gel on his fingers. He
moved up closer and slowly placed a finger at the entrance, rubbing and
pressing gently. Ryuuichi wiggled and moaned again at the pressure. Tohma was
fascinated with the sight of the flushed singer and the small erotic sounds he
was making. He continued to rub and press without slipping inside, drawing
desperate thrashing and protests from the other man.
Then
he slid his index finger in. Ryuuichi whimpered and lifted his hips off the
pillow as he tried to push the finger in deeper. Tohma loved to pleasure
Ryuuichi. To him, that was as good as pleasuring himself. His heart brimmed
with satisfaction and joy at the sight of the writhing Ryuuichi and he couldn't
help but want to do more. Tohma moved his finger in and out repeatedly, loving
the feel of the hot tight channel he was embedded in. Soon, he thought, it
would be more than his finger that was drawing out moans and cries from his
lover.
With
encouraging cries from Ryuuichi, Tohma slipped in a second finger and pressed
on the tight ring around the opening. He rotated his wrist and pressed upward,
smiling when he found the spot that had Ryuuichi crying out and bucking wildly.
"God,
Tohma…NOW…" Ryuuichi's hoarse demand went directly to Tohma's needy arousal and
he pulled his fingers out of his lover. Tohma moved up and hooked his arms
under Ryuuichi's bent knees and guided his dripping erection to his lover's
opening. Keeping his eyes trained on his Ryuuichi's face, he slowly eased into
his lover's body.
Tohma
gritted his teeth at the tightness and paused, afraid that he may have hurt Ryuuichi.
His lover, however, didn't like that at all. Ryuuichi wrapped his legs around
Tohma and pulled the blond into his body as sobs of pure pleasure tore from his
throat. Tohma stilled when he was fully seated in his lover. He was so aroused
he wasn't sure he could keep up the pace he had intended to set. His plan of
slowly making love to Ryuuichi all night flew out the windows as soon as he
entered the hot sheath of Ryuuichi's body. Gods, but this felt good!
After
a few deep breaths, he slowly withdrew until he was almost completely out, then
he slowly pushed in again. He did this several times until Ryuuichi all but
scream for Tohma to fuck him into next week.
Ryuuichi's
desperate cries were the downfall of Tohma's control. The ecstatic pressure around
his throbbing organ increased as he sped up his pace, slamming again and again
into that tight heat. Ryuuichi reached for his own throbbing flesh but Tohma
stopped him by taking a hold of his lover's hand. Then he took their entwined
hands and cover Ryuuichi's wet arousal, pumping it vigorously. With a guttural
cry, Ryuuichi tensed under him and jets of surging heat pulsed from the
Ryuuichi, covering both their hands and the brunette's chest. The exquisite
sight of Ryuuichi cumming drove Tohma over the edge and he thrust deep as his
seeds burned their path through him and deep into his lover.
Exhausted,
Tohma collapsed onto his lover, making sure to support some of his weight with
his arms. Still panting heavily, he buried his face in Ryuuichi's neck, loving
the very scent of the man. Ryuuichi reached up one arm tiredly to stroke the
back of Tohma's head while the other snaked around the man's waist and held him
close.
"That
was perfect, Tohma." He whispered into the blonde's ear. "I love you."
Tohma
raised himself off Ryuuchi and gazed deeply into the warm blue eyes. This WAS
perfect and if he were to die right now, in this man's arms, he would have no
complaint.
"Hai,
Ryu-chan. You ARE perfect." He bent down and cover Ryuuchi's lips tenderly,
eyes closed, tongue delving deep and slow. There was no hurry. They have a
lifetime together, to cherish, to love and to make love…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Eiri
Yuki took a last, long drag from his cigarette then threw the stub on the
ground by his feet and snubbed that out lazily with his foot. He felt uneasy
about something but he couldn't put his finger on it. It was just a feeling
that he rarely had, the last time being when Shuuichi was attacked by that
asshole from Ask. He would never tell anyone this of course, but he blamed
himself entirely for the unfortunate incident. This time he had made sure that
Shuuichi was safe and would remain so until he could see the youngster at home.
Eiri's
thought came to an abrupt stop when he heard footsteps coming down the deserted
path of the park. He was sitting on a bench adjacent to the walkway looking out
over the nightlife of Tokyo. He did not move as he waited to see who would be
walking around in a dark and deserted park at this time of night. If it was
that fool Shuuichi, he would give him the beating of his life…then he would
soothe away the pain by making love to the boy all night…
Eiri
shook his head in disgust. What the hell was he thinking? Why were all of his
thoughts of the youth, sexually explicit? He dropped his head into his hands
and moaned his contempt. He really had it bad.
The
footsteps stopped a few feet from him and Eiri tensed in awareness. If the
person thought that he was easy prey…Eiri's lips curled into a feral grin as he
waited for the other person to make the move.
"Ne,
Eiri…What are you doing?"
Eiri
relaxed as he recognized the voice. Houjun or Chichiri now. He looked up,
slightly irritated that he couldn't take this stifling uneasiness out on
someone.
"Smoking."
He said as he took out another cigarette. He really should quit. It was bad for
his health.
Chichiri
came and sat next to his long time friend and together they silently watched
the twinkling light danced in front of them.
"Where's
Shuuichi?" Chichiri finally asked, breaking the silence.
"With
Hiro." Eiri said. "They're practicing something or other." He sounded bored as
he took another drag. He glanced sideways at his friend. Chichiri was staring
passively in front of him. "Tasuki's there, I heard." He added just to see if
he could get a reaction.
None.
Eiri
Yuki was not a man for small talk but Chichiri was even worse. Eiri felt like a
babbling fool next to his friend but he couldn't help himself. So he babbled in
his own way. "Something's not right, Houjun. I feel it." This was probably the
only man who would understand what he was saying.
"Aa."
Chichiri said quietly. "I know."
Eiri
looked sharply at his friend and frowned. "What is it?" He asked. If Chichiri
knew, why didn't the man say something before? It had been days since Eiri felt
the uneasiness in his heart.
"It's
evil, no da." Chichiri said. "Evil in men's heart."
He
did not say more and Eiri snorted in irritation. "Are you talking about the
bomb threats?" Eiri's frown deepened. "I don't know…"
Chichiri
turned and gave his friend a tired smile. "That will go away soon, Eiri. You
don't have to worry about Shuuichi and the bombs, no da." He turned back to his
observation of the city.
"Houjun…you're
not the…" Eiri couldn't bring himself to say it. Chichiri couldn't possibly the
terrorist that had been threatening Japan with bombs and nerve gas…could he?
"Nani?"
Chichiri turned questioning eye to his friend and huffed in indignation when he
saw Eiri's thoughts flash across his face. "BAKA!" He smacked the top of Eiri's
head as he glared at his friend.
Eiri
rubbed the top of his head and scooted a little away. "Then stop being so
mysterious and stop talking like that." He mumbled in his defense. "How would
you know that the bomb threats were going away?" His amber eyes lit up as he
thought of another possibility. "Are you working with the police? Do you have a
lead?"
Chichiri
didn't answer right away and Eiri was about to give up hoping for one when the
older man spoke.
"Something
like that. I can't say more, no da." He sighed and smiled at his friend. "So
don't worry, okay? It's time you enjoy living, no da."
Eiri
looked at Chichiri as if he had lost his mind. Chichiri, talking about
living…and joy…something was definitely wrong. He brought his face closer to
his friend and peered suspiciously at Chichiri. "You don't drink, so I know
you're not drunk…"
Chichiri
chuckled softly and gently pushed him away. "Baka." He said again. "I just want
to see you happy, Eiri. You'll drive Shuuichi away, no da, if you're so grumpy
all the time."
"And
that would be bad because…?" Eiri asked with one eyebrow raised.
Chichiri
gave Eiri one of his rare smiles. "Because you love him, Eiri-kun."
Eiri
sighed and snubbed out another cigarette but didn't respond.
"And
he loves you." Chichiri added.
"He
gives me headaches." Eiri muttered. It was true, he thought defensively. The
boy chattered on endlessly. And the mess he made in Eiri's apartment was enough
to give anyone a permanent migraine.
But
Shuuichi also made him feel something else he hadn't thought he'd ever feel.
Tenderness. Eiri swallowed and rubbed unconsciously at the middle of his chest.
Shuuichi brought this warm, aching feeling that had Eiri doing things he didn't
normally do. Like taking in a male lover. But then it wasn't just any male
lover; it was Shuuichi Shindoh.
Chichiri
smiled and nodded. "Yeah, he gives me a headache sometimes too but it's worth
it, ne?" He cocked his head and looked at Eiri expectantly.
Eiri
smiled back and said, "Yeah."
Chichiri
seemed satisfied as he gave a contented little sigh and looked out over the
city again. Eiri didn't understand this man. This was not the man that he had
known these past ten years. This was more like the man…no, the boy he'd known
before…
"It
seems I don't have to look for a rare and exotic bird, ne, Houjun." Eiri
commented casually. Could Tasuki have made such a difference? He could see
Chichiri smiling at the implication and he waited patiently for his reply.
"No.
I've found what I need, Eiri. Thank you." Chichiri got up and straightened his
pants. "Eiri." He said softly, not looking at the blond. "Whatever happens in
the future, Eiri, know that I love you. You were as much my anchor during those
dark years as Tasuki had been. You are my best friend, Eiri." Chichiri walked
off without waiting for Eiri to reply, not that the blond could. Eiri stared
speechless after his friend, his heart pounding more violently than it had in a
very long time. That 'something' he'd
been feeling had everything to do with Chichiri…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Ma,
Hotohori-sama…" Nuriko whined into the cell phone as he twirled the end of his
braid anxiously. "That would mean you wouldn't get here til later tonight." He
pouted.
"It can't be
helped, Nuri-chan, and what's with you taking up the 'sama' honorific?" Hotohori
asked, his voice sounded far away.
Nuriko
colored brightly and bit his lower lip. "Um…what sama? It's probably the
static, Tori." He pulled the phone away from his ear and made static noises to
demonstrated. Then he put the phone back to his ear. "What did you say?"
"Nothing,
forget it. Just stay away from the train stations, okay?" Hotohori
instructed.
"Oh,
Tori, you worry too much. The maniac's been yelling bomb threats for weeks. We
haven't seen a single bomb…oh wait, there WAS that one that actually blew up
that dog statue, Hachiko, in front of the Shibuya station…um…but never
mind…forget I said anything." Nuriko banged his head repeatedly on the only
table in the recording room.
"Nuriko." Hotohori's
warning sounded very close despite the hundreds of miles separating them.
"Hai,
hai, Hotohori-sa… um…no train stations. Hai!" Nuriko grimace when he nearly slipped
with the 'sama' thing. Where the hell did THAT come from?
"I missed
you." Hotohori's
warm voice said suddenly and slow warmth grew in Nuriko's stomach.
"Tori…I
missed you, too." He nearly sobbed, he was that happy.
"Be good and
I'll see you tonight, okay?"
"Promise?
No matter how late?"
"Hai. I love
you."
Wahhhh!
Nuriko cried then. "I love you too!" He sobbed between sniffles and grabbed the
tissues from Sakano who was sniffling himself.
"Baka." Hotohori chided. "Ja!"
"Ja!"
Wahhhhh! Nuriko wailed into Sakano's lapel after he hung up and Tasuki rolled
his eyes at his braided friend.
"I
take it he's driving?" Tasuki asked as he went back to the synthesizer.
"Yeah."
Nuriko sighed. "It'll take him forever…but I guess it's better than staying
away, ne?" He brightened slightly.
Before
Tasuki could reply, Sakano came up to them and cleared his throat. He pushed
his glassed up higher on the bridge of his nose nervously and smiled.
"Er…Seguchi-san wants us in his office now."
Nuriko
frowned and glared at Tasuki. "What have you done now?" He asked his friend.
"Nothing!"
Tasuki said indignantly. "Why does it have to be me? What about you? Who the
fuck switched the audition demo tape of that new band with the audio effect of
a fucking herd of elephants in heat?" Tasuki challenged.
"Anou…THAT
was YOU?" Sakano looked at Nuriko, aghast.
Nuriko
laughed nervously. "Heh, heh. Er…shouldn't we be going, guys?" He asked and tugged
on Tasuki's arm while pushing Sakano ahead of him. "Wouldn't want to make
Seguchi-san angry now, do we?"
"Baka."
Tasuki muttered under his breath.
When
they'd gotten to Tohma's office, they found Ryuuichi lounging casually on one
of the armchairs next to Tohma's desk. The blond was sitting behind his desk
smiling absently at Ryuuichi, as he seemed lost in thoughts. From the looks on
his face, Tasuki guessed that the blonde's thoughts were with a certain
brunette rock star.
When
they piled into the room, Tohma stood up behind his desk and waved for them to
sit down. Ryuuichi smiled brightly and waved cheerily from his seat.
Tasuki
and Nuriko sat on one side of the sofa while Sakano went to sit across from
them on the loveseat. Tohma moved to the front of his desk and leaned back
against it, facing them. He looked worried and THAT didn't bode well. Tohma
Seguchi was always composed and he rarely allowed anything but cheerfulness and
confidence to show.
"I
guess you knew about the threats we've been having recently. We really can't
risk public safety so I've decided to postpone Tasuki's concert indefinitely."
He looked pointedly at Tasuki, hoping the young man didn't have objections.
Tasuki
shrugged. "Fine by me. I'm not too keen on getting blown up myself."
"But
the concert is not for another two weeks." Sakano pointed out.
"Yes,
but it's better to let the public know of our concern now rather than wait for
someone to point it out." Tohma said quietly. "When the culprit is apprehended,
then we can be on the move again."
They
looked around the room at each other and nodded in consensus.
The
door opened softly and everybody turned to the newcomer. It was Chichiri.
Tasuki
frowned at the haggard appearance of his lover. Chichiri looked like he hadn't
slept in days. From his right, Ryuuichi sat up abruptly and Tasuki knew that
the other man saw it as well.
"Sorry."
He spoke softly but the tired edge in his voice was evident. He didn't move
from the doorway but his gaze went directly to Tasuki.
"If
I may interrupt, I need a word with you. It's urgent." He nodded to the rest of
the group and went back out.
Tasuki
looked for permission from Ryuuichi who had on a small worried frown to Tohma
who had on a bigger worried frown. Finally Tohma nodded curtly before glancing
sideways at his lover.
Tasuki
hurried out the door and found Chichiri leaning heavily against the wall on the
opposite side of the hallway. Since Tohma's office had taken up pretty much the
whole east wing, no passerby wandered the hallway and the corridor was fairly
empty.
Chichiri
eyed Tasuki warily as the redhead walked up to him. "Are you alright?" Tasuki
asked. "You looked beat." He said as he laid one gentle hand on Chichiri's
cheek.
Chichiri
tilted his face up and parted his lips invitingly. His eyes seemed unfocused to
Tasuki and the younger man worried even more. But those lips…
Tasuki
was never good at resisting temptation and he'd hate to disappoint his love. He
smiled crookedly and claimed Chichiri's lips eagerly. Chichiri wound his arms
around Tasuki's waist and pulled the younger man flush against him. Tasuki
moaned and plunged his tongue deeper into Chichiri's mouth as the older man
returned his kiss with something akin to desperation. What was wrong with Chichiri?
Tasuki
broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against Chichiri's. "I ain't
complaining, Chiri, but this is NOT the place to get hot and heavy."
"I
know." Chichiri's soft voice said and Tasuki's heart sank even lower.
"Ne,
Chiri. Let me take you to your room." Chichiri didn't look like he could stand
much longer.
"Hentai."
Chichiri teased and smiled weakly.
Tasuki
blushed and shook his head. "I was thinking of having you rest, not ravage you.
Though that could be arranged if you don't quit looking at me like that." He
winked playfully though the concern never left his face.
Chichiri
took a deep breath and straightened up. "I'm alright, no da." He smiled and it
seemed to Tasuki that the man was indeed stronger.
"Tasuki."
Chichiri said softly as he captured the redhead's face between his hands.
"There's something I have to do, no da, and…I may be away for awhile. I want to
let you know that I do love you, no da." He said almost reluctantly.
It
was almost like Chichiri was saying goodbye…for good. Tasuki didn't like it and
he liked the 'no da' even less. He was not used to hearing it from Chichiri.
Normally it was Ryuuichi who said that.
"Can
I help?" Tasuki asked. He did not want to be away from Chichiri now that they'd
found each other. He didn't like the tone this whole thing was taking.
Chichiri
smiled and caressed Tasuki's cheekbones with his thumbs. He leaned over and
kissed Tasuki's lips gently.
"No,
Tasuki. This is something I have to do myself, no da." He released Tasuki's
face and took one of Tasuki's hands in his. Tasuki felt warm round objects
pressed into his hand and looked down confusedly. It was a string of beads,
mostly red ones with larger green ones between every five or six red beads. He
looked up at Chichiri, not understanding.
"Someone
gave me that a long time ago to help me cope with my pain. I want you to take
care of it for me…until I can get back to you, no da." Chichiri curled Tasuki's
hand over the beads and brought the hand to his heart. He stared straight into
Tasuki's confused eyes solemnly. "I've found you once Tasuki, I'll find you
again. I promise." He leaned in once again and sealed his promise with a deep,
lingering kiss. "I'll find you, no matter how long it takes. Wait for me." He said
again when he pulled away.
Tasuki
was too stunned to say anything as Chichiri moved from his arms. He stared in
desolation as Chichiri began walking slowly away.
"Chiri."
He called, desperation clear in his voice.
Chichiri
paused but did not look back.
"I'll
wait forever, Chiri. I love you." He said to the Chichiri's back. Chichiri
nodded and started walking down the corridor again.
"Tasuki!
Chichiri!" The door burst open behind Tasuki and Nuriko ran out, his face pale
and eyes wide. He looked up and down the corridor and asked, "Where's
Chichiri?"
Tasuki
turned his head back to where Chichiri was but found the man gone. What the…?
He started to run in the direction Chichiri went but Nuriko took a firm grip on
his arm and yanked him back towards Tohma's office.
"I
know where he is." Nuriko said grimly as he towed the sputtering redhead behind
him. "We've seen him on TV. He's on the rooftop of the Toshiba building in
Shinjuku."
"What?"
Tasuki freed himself and pushed past Nuriko to the television set by the wall.
He stared in disbelief when he saw Chichiri talking to a man wearing somekind
of weird packages around his body. "What the hell is going on?" He looked at
the stunned faces around the room and stopped when he saw Ryuuichi crying. He
frowned and turned back to the TV. "I was just talking to him." He muttered
almost to himself. "He couldn't have gotten to Shinjuku yet…it's at least an
hour away."
"According
to the reporter, he's been there at least an hour, Tasuki-kun." Sakano said,
his voice trembling with emotions Tasuki couldn't identify. Was it fear?
"But
you all saw him here!" Tasuki shouted without turning from the set. "This man
is NOT Chiri." He declared stubbornly.
The
camera changed and they were now watching the close up scene from the camera on
board the helicopter hovering nearby. Tasuki could clearly see Chichiri talking
to the man and his heart nearly stopped when he saw what the man was wearing.
"NO!"
He shouted and grabbed the side of the TV. NO!
The
seedy looking man had explosives strapped to his body and he was talking to
Chichiri! What the hell was his love doing?
Tasuki
struggled as he felt strong hands pull him off and away from the TV. "He's
trying to talk the guy out of blowing up the building, Tas-chan." Nuriko's
voice was unsteady and Tasuki knew without turning around that his friend was
crying.
"Is
he fucking nuts?" Tasuki shouted. "God damn it, Chiri. What the fuck are you
doing?"
As
they watched the scene, the reporter continued to provide commentary but Tasuki
couldn't understand anything they said. All he heard was that they had found
out the name of the mysterious man who had just appeared on the roof. It was
Houjun Ri.
The
close up showed also that the roof was littered with several large containers
all contained some kind of explosive. If one container went off, all of them
would and that would take most of the building with them. Tasuki scanned the
roof and saw in one corner, a group of men and women crouching, some crying and
trembling in terror.
No.
This is not happening. It couldn't be. All these weeks he had practically
ignored all the hoopla around the seemingly empty threats. Now the life of the
very man he loved was in the clutch of this feign.
The
camera zoomed in closer and to the shock of every one, the terrorist pressed
the detonator in his hand. The red digital read out on the man's chest read: 5
NO!
Tasuki shook his head in denial. This was NOT happening.
4
Tasuki
struggled frantically against Nuriko to no avail. No no no no no…
3
Tasuki's
heat pounded so hard he thought it would burst. Chichiri…
2
Tasuki
world came to a complete stop and everything disappeared from his vision except
that of Chichiri tackling the maniac, throwing both of them off the building.
He watched in horror as the two entwined body plunged downward then disappeared
in a burst of flames and smoke.
NOOOOOO!
He screamed and jumped forward, dragging Nuriko with him as he pounded on the
glass surface of the screen.
"NO!
God damn it! NO!" He shouted and smashed through the glass with his fist.
Nuriko dragged him from the sparks and smoke coming from the gaping hole in the
TV and they fell on each other a few feet back.
Tasuki
struggled but his sobs robbed him of his strength and he collapsed back on
Nuriko who was openly crying.
"He
fucking promised!" Tasuki shouted into Nuriko's shoulders and he beat his fists
on his friend's chest. The beads were still clutched tightly in his hand. "He promised to come back! Why? Why did he
do it? Why?"
There
was no answer. The only sounds in the room were that of Tasuki's sobs and the
gentle soothing sounds from Tohma who was comforting the distraught Ryuuichi.
In
one side of the room, stood the television as it fizzled and smoked unnoticed…
TBC…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's apologies: Gomen nasai!! *bows deeply* I know it is so cruel of me to kill Chichiri but I think you'd agree that he needed this to move on. Please don't be too angry, the next chapter is actually almost done and will be posted very soon, hopefully by next week. You won't have to wait too long. And remember…I love happy endings, so… (hint, hint)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…
