Title: My Angel, My Savior
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to the amazing Murakami Maki! All praise her like the goddess she is! *bows and grovels* However, the plot is mine and Aya, Mio, Migel...all belongs to me. ;)
Notes from Nori: This chapter is pointless, but I'm getting slow with updates so sorry. :P I have two song clips in this chapter. One represents Mio and the other is Migel. You get a cookie if you guess which is which. Lol. It's not hard if you read the story. Anyway so yeah..
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"Angel Child
When you find out,
When find out who you are, you'll know, you'll Be free
To see your own ability, and there'll be no eyes
No eyes that that seen such beauty, would loose their sight
and there'll be no lies ."
Angel Child by Oasis
~_And_~
"Don't ever lose that light in your eyes
Keep on shining
Keep on smiling
Don't lose faith and don't lose heart
When you're crying
Just keep trying to remind yourself you're a shinning star
Yes you are."
The Light In Your Eyes by LeAnn Rimes
_______________________________________________
"Sotto dakishimete. Zutto tsukamaete. Motto kokoro made kowasu you ni!" {1} Ryuichi finished, bowing his head as he ended the song.
His previously slanted eyes were their normal innocent size when he looked back up and the sheepish little smile he flashed was enough to make the coldest of cold melt into puddles. He blushed slightly and tilted his head.
"Sorry, Noriko-chan!" he said, batting his lashes in an unintentionally adorable manner. "I wasn't very energetic."
Noriko took the headphones off her ears and let them rest around her neck. She flashed Ryuichi a peace sign and grinned.
"It sounded great, Ryuichi! No worries!" Noriko assured him, adjusting something on the board before her. "I'll just finished mixing this and....we're done!"
Ryuichi picked up Kumagoro from his chair in the corner and hopped out of the room happily, coming up beside Noriko. He watched with interest as she pressed buttons, hit keys and slid down switches.
"All done then?" Tohma asked, entering the room silently.
He came up beside the duo and watched Noriko work, nodding along with what she was doing. Finally Noriko paused and listened to the headphones again before smiling her approval. She removed the headphones and handed them to the blonde with a triumphant little smile.
"All done, Tohma." She said with a nod. "Got the music timing perfectly, mixing done up seamlessly and Ryuichi here sounds like an angel."
She patted Ryuichi's head as she spoke and watched as Tohma put one of the phones to his ear and listened to the track. It was the final track on the CD and then all they had to do was slap it all together. Nodding approval and tapping his foot to the rhythm Tohma smiled slightly. Ryuichi nibble on Kumagoro's ear in anticipation and Noriko stood with her hands on her hips expectantly. When the track finished Tohma looked to his band mates and flashed a smile.
"Perfect."
~___________________________________________~
Ryuichi sat in the center of the plain off-white colored room, green crayon in hand and Kumagoro by his side. Tapping his chin with the crayon lightly Ryuichi made a small 'hmmmmm' noise to himself. He was writing his 'thank yous' at the moment and he was trying as hard as he could try to make sure he didn't forget anybody at all. Looking around he nibbled his lower lip. Aha!
"Mio-chan!" he said happily.
He knew that there was somebody he was forgetting. Ryuichi bent over his paper and thought. How to write this, how to write this? Making a small 'hmmm' sound again he looked over at Kumagoro.
"What do you think Kuma-chan?" he asked aloud to his companion.
Pausing a moment a sudden look of inspiration dawned on his face. He knew exactly what he wanted to say to her. He just wanted to phrase it so she'd know it was her he was referring to. Ryuichi put the crayon to the paper and wrote away. He scribbled and paused in thought for a while until finally he let out an accomplished sigh. Holding the paper up like it was holy he beamed and picked up Kumagoro.
"All done, Kumagoro!"
With that he threw the door open and sped out of the room. he flew through the halls on NG and entered Tohma's office with a second thought. Peeking in he shut the door softly behind him. Tohma sat at his polished oak desk, writing up something or other. Ryuichi bound over to him and hugged both Kumagoro and the paper to his chest.
"I'm all done, Tohma!" he said.
The blonde looked up at is fellow band mate and smiled. "That's good, Ryuichi. Noriko finished just a while ago and she's gone home already. I'll type yours up for you so you may go on home."
Smiling brightly Ryuichi nodded and handed over his paper to the keyoardist. Tohma accepted it with a grateful smile and nodded.
"Have a good evening, Ryuichi. Tell Mio I say hello."
"I will! Bye Tohma!" Ryuichi said waving to him and heading out the door.
Tohma watched Ryuichi leave and the door shut before letting out a small sigh. Since Aya's death, things had been so different with him. Perhaps not exactly very noticeable things, but as Ryuichi's manager and close friend the changes were clear. He was a bit more.........distant, by Ryuichi standards anyway. He wasn't his usual huggy, genki self. It disturbed Tohma to be quite honest at how much more on task and adultish Ryuichi was being. Normally he'd think it was a good thing, but since he was also being distant Tohma was slightly disgruntled. He'd thought this over and over, running possibilities through his head. With the recent death of his sister, he was bound to be a bit out of it for a while right?
'True,' Tohma mused. But it had been over a week. Surely he hadn't been that devastated? Of course, then again Tohma had never been one for family affairs and ties. Maybe the pair was closer than they appeared. Shaking his head, Tohma let out a sigh and slid his glasses on. Oh well, best not to dwell on this. He turned to Ryuichi's paper and smiled slightly at the neatly printed green crayon. It was rather adorable---rather Ryuichi. With a small chuckle he set it down and began typing it up. It went by fast, Tohma being a fairly good typer himself. However when he reached the last line he stopped completely and reread the line a few times. Closing his eyes he leaned back in his chair, hand over his mouth. Mio. That was something he hadn't taken into account. Shaking his head he typed the last line in a blur.
'Last, but most definitely not least, I want to thank my angel. The angel that has came and shown me a piece of heaven that too few get to see-- true love.'
Eyes narrowing to slits he glared at the screen and rested his chin on his hands rigidly. This wasn't about his sister as much as Tohma had suspected now was it? Tohma closed his eyes, making a noise that crossed somewhere between a snort and a chuckle. How did he not see this before? It was this girl's fault for Ryuichi's changes. It was her fault, she was disrupting Ryuichi's life........and Tohma didn't like to have those he cared about hurt. He didn't like it in the slightest..........
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Ryuichi knocked on the door to Yuki and Shuichi's apartment eagerly, excited about going home and telling Mio about their finished CD. He heard voices inside and footsteps to the door. The lock was undone and the door opened slowly, revealing a head of pink hair. Had the person been a few feet taller, Ryuichi would have mistaken them for Shuichi, but alas it was Migel who stood staring up at him, wide violet eyes smiling at him from behind large glasses.
"Sakuma-sama! Er, I mean---- Ryuichi!" he said, bowing deeply. "Konban wa, you're here to pick up Mio, right?"
"Hai!" he replied, smiling down at him. "Don't forget Kumagoro-chan!"
Raising the bunny up he made it wave and Migel laughed in delight. He reached out and pat Kumagoro's head gingerly before stepping away from the door.
"Ohayoo, Kuma-chan! Come on in Ryuichi, I'll get Mio-chan for you."
"Doomo arigato!" Ryuichi called as he entered and watched Migel speed down the hallway into Yuki's study.
Only a minute after Migel disappeared, Shuichi reappeared from out of the kitchen holding a package of pocky in his hand. He looked over at Ryuichi and beamed brightly.
"Ryuichi!" he said cheerfully. "How was work? Did you guys get your CD completed?"
"Hai! We got everything done today! All the mixing, singing and we even wrote our thanks yous for the jacket. So that means next week the CD will be distributed."
He gave a nod of finality and accomplished sigh. Shuichi grinned and returned the nod. "Great! I'm looking forward to hearing your new stuff. So is Migel and Yuki promised he'd let Migel come over and play his CD when he wanted."
"So why is Migel here anyway, Shu-chan?" Ryuichi asked tilting his head.
Shuichi blushed, "Well I've been trying to get Yuki to say yes to letting me keep him." he said sheepishly and looked over his shoulder down the hall before whispering. "I even think it's working. He hasn't said anything about Migel coming over and when I asked when I came home he didn't say no. He just sighed deeply and rubbed his temples for a moment. I think he's cracking!"
Ryuichi let out a good-natured laugh at Shuichi's proud statement and gave him a goofy grin. The sound of tiny feet on the floor interrupted them and Migel re-entered with Mio trailing him and Yuki bringing up the rear. Mio grabbed her jacket and slid it on, flipping her long blonde hair out of her jacket and turned to smile at Yuki.
"By Yuki-kun." she said with a small wave. "Bye Migel-chan, Shuichi-kun."
She gave Migel a quick hug and Shuichi one as well before turning to Yuki and walking over to him. She smiled at him for a moment and then latched herself onto his waist.
"Thank you for talking to me, Yuki-kun." she said looking up at him. "I think that I know what I want now. Ikidemas, Ryuichi."
Ryuichi stared at her curiously for a moment before shrugging and smiling at the others. He flashed a peace sign, Mio gave a small wave and they headed out the door. Casting a glance as they retreated, Ryuichi couldn't help, but smile at the cute little family they made. Their personalities complimented each other nicely and seeing them together was so natural. Looking down at Mio Ryuichi wondered if that's what they looked like. Did they're love and their family seem natural? Feeling his eyes upon her, Mio looked up to meet his gaze with her soft green eyes. She looked truly happy, a small smile playing over shapely lips. Her smile made Ryuichi smile and he couldn't help, but let out a sigh. Things only kept getting brighter, but how long until the bulb burnt out?
___________________________
Migel sat on the sofa, a sleeping Shuichi at his side. The younger boy looked over at him and smiled before clicking the TV off and covering Shuichi with the blanket he had been using. Stretching out he gave a tiny little yawn and headed down the hall to Yuki's study. He padded there softly, stopping outside the door to listen. The rhythmic sounds of typing filled his ears and he smiled to himself before knocking softly.
"Eiri?" he said in a small voice.
The typing paused and Migel could swear he nearly heard a smile on Yuki's lips as he made a soft 'hm' of acknowledgement. Migel opened the door slowly and quietly entered the room. Yuki's amber colored eyes flickered over to him before returning to the screen. Taking a seat in the chair beside Yuki's Migel sat mutely and watched him work. His big violet eyes read over the words on the screen and listened to the sound of Yuki's fingers hitting the keys in a steady motion. At last the page jumped to a fresh page and Yuki hit save.
"Is there something you want?" he asked, looking over at the boy.
Migel nodded, "Shuichi fell asleep and it's really late. Lydia will probably worry if I stay out any longer. Would you take me back now?"
Yuki closed his work and looked at Migel passively for a moment. Blinking, with slight color in his cheeks Migel stared back up at Yuki. Did he have something on his face? After a minute or two Yuki closed is eyes with a sigh, standing from his chair. He stretched and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Get your shoes and coat on, kid." He mumbled.
Nodding, Migel got up and sped away to gather his things. Hanging back for a moment, Yuki ran the idea over and over in his head. Migel was so quiet and polite, very reserved and shy. He wasn't loud like Shuichi, he wasn't cold like himself, but he was a perfect middle of them both. He had Shuichi's hair and eyes, but had Yuki's height for his age and wore glasses for reading. He had a particular interest in literature and writing, but enjoy the loud and energetic music of Bad Luck and Nittle Grasper. Could this boy be anymore perfect for them?
Yuki shook his head and sighed. It was like a sign or something and he wasn't sure whether to laugh at the irony or be spooked by it. Grabbing his keys from his desk he headed to the living room where Migel stood at the door waiting for him. He smiled at Yuki and waited until he slipped his shoes and coat on before opening the door. Together they headed out and made their way to the parking lot.
Once in the car and on their way across town, Yuki looked down and over at Migel studying him for a moment. He sat silently, a placid look cast over his features as he gazed out the window. He planned to adopt this boy sooner or later, might as well get to know more about him, Yuki thought.
"So you're a fan or Bad Luck then?" he asked conversationally.
"Yes," he said looking over at Yuki almost sheepishly. "I'm not obsessive or anything, but I do enjoy their music. Aya, Ryuichi's sister, used to bring her CDs and disc player over when she came. I'd listen to their songs for hours-Nittle Grapser too."
"Why staying at the orphanage anyway if you don't mind my asking. Are you parents-gone or what?"
Migel turned his head and gazed at the window once more before he spoke, "My mother is dead and my father is back in France. He used to get drunk and beat my mother so she fled to Japan with me. Apparently he followed her and tried bringing her back to France. She refused and....he killed her. He didn't mean to, or so he said and before fleeing back to France he left me at the orphanage." He said softly. "I have been there since before I can remember and I should much rather be there than with my father. He doesn't want me and I've never wanted him either."
That was something Yuki hadn't expected. Even if the boys' past was a brilliant tragedy, he hadn't expected for him to tell him. A loose silence hung in the air until Yuki spoke up again.
"I'm sorry."
Migel looked at him, face void of emotion for a moment. "Don't be sorry for something you have nothing to do with."
Mouth twitching upward slightly, Yuki nodded. Migel set his head against the window sullenly and looked back over at Yuki.
"So have you always wanted to be a writer, Yuki?" he asked quietly.
Yuki sighed, "Since I was about your age."
"You're very talented. Your style is unique and your workings are poetic." Migel said, sitting up again to look at Yuki better. "I've read several of your books, I've enjoyed them immensely. You're books were slightly undue romantically, but not overly so."
The last time Yuki had heard a kid that age say 'undue' had been-well never, and he couldn't help, but smile slightly at this. It was quite evident Migel was quite literate for his age and Yuki must admit, even if it be only to himself, that he was slightly impressed.
"So exactly how old are you anyway, kid?" Yuki asked.
"I'm 9 as of the current time, but my birthday is at the end of the month."
Yuki nodded and stopped as they came upon a red light. There was another stretch of silence, somehow more comforting and casual than the previous one. Migel seemed a lot like he did when he was younger, Yuki mused. Shy and silent for the most part, but passionate about his dreams and an innocent curiosity about everything. The novelist couldn't help, but smile and give a small chuckle. How could someone so small have to suffer so much? It was things like what had happened to Migel that made Yuki the cold person he was today.
Feeling eyes on himself, Migel turned and smiled at Yuki. His eyes are startling, Yuki thought as he kept the boy's gaze for a moment.
'They're so..emotional.' He thought staring at them curiously.
There was just that spark in them. A spark that reflected everything inside him. It was so trusting, so innocent and so..unnerving. That's when Yuki realized that he didn't want Migel to lose that spark, ever. He wanted to make sure that he kept that as long as he could, that he could stay so sweet, so innocent forever. A honk jarred him from their staring and both looked away to the light that was now green. Shaking his head Yuki sped off. Once away though, he cast Migel another glance. Migel and Shuichi were so alike, but so different. One thing that they had in common was their miraculous trust and sincerity that had somehow managed to change Yuki, no matter how cold he wished to stay.
"I noticed you read a lot," Yuki commented. "Do you have any interest in writing?"
Migel beamed, "Yeah, I've always loved telling stories and now that I've gotten a little older I've been writing lengthier things. I've always really admired your work as well, I hoped that maybe someday I could be that good."
He smiled a bit sadly and looked down at his hands folded in his lap. Admired him? Why would any ever want to be like him? Yuki wondered. The words fame and fortune rang a few bells, but he sighed. 'If they only knew..' He thought bitterly.
"The orphanage is on your next right, incase you didn't remember." Migel commented quietly, peering out the front windshield.
"Thanks." Yuki replied, as they came to the turn.
He turned and the orphanage came into view down at the corner ahead. If truth were told, Yuki wasn't exactly ready for Migel to go back yet. Or was it maybe that he never wished for him to go back?
"That's absurd." Yuki muttered to himself, shaking his head.
"What is Eiri-san?"
"Nothing, Migel." He said as they came to a stop at the front of the broken down home.
Migel smiled, his eyes reflecting a small swell of pride in their violet depths.
"You called me Migel." The boy said in small wonder.
Yuki looked at him curiously and slowly allowed himself to smile at the strawberry haired child. The smile was returned and then Migel opened his door.
"Thank you, Eiri-san."
"Yuki."
Migel paused as he got out and smiled again at Yuki. "Thank you, Yuki."
Yuki nodded and Migel shut the door, heading to the gates at the front of the yard. It was locked so he simply walked to a spot where several boards were missing and slid inside and up the path to the porch. Knocking on the door her turned back to where Yuki still sat and waved. Lydia opened the door and waved as well before shooing Migel inside. Yuki gave a slight nod and watched the house until Lydia went in and shut off the porch light.
"Such a broken down place for so many kids." Yuki said under his breath.
It was a surprise Migel could be so content with the life he lived. It had to be slightly depressing to know your father didn't want you and you didn't belong anywhere. Running his fingers through his hair, Yuki put the car in drive and sped away without looking back. Perhaps it was time to discuss something that had been on his mind with Shuichi. He doubted it would be a problem, but always check just in case he figured.
'Just don't lose that light yet, Migel.' Yuki thought as he drove away. 'Keep for me just a bit longer.'
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{1} The last line of Sleepless Beauty, one of Nittle Grasper's amazing songs. It translates to, "Hold me gently. Catch me forever. Do more until my heart breaks down!" I think so anyway, my Japanese-English conversion sucks. :P
{2}Ikidemas - Let's go
I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. It gave a bit more insight on Migel and his past. Like I said, Yuki's rather soft in this fic, but we all know that deep down Yuki cares for those around him. Anywho leave a review if you feel so inclined. Thanks to all who reviewed! You rock my socks! - Nori
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to the amazing Murakami Maki! All praise her like the goddess she is! *bows and grovels* However, the plot is mine and Aya, Mio, Migel...all belongs to me. ;)
Notes from Nori: This chapter is pointless, but I'm getting slow with updates so sorry. :P I have two song clips in this chapter. One represents Mio and the other is Migel. You get a cookie if you guess which is which. Lol. It's not hard if you read the story. Anyway so yeah..
_______________________________________________
"Angel Child
When you find out,
When find out who you are, you'll know, you'll Be free
To see your own ability, and there'll be no eyes
No eyes that that seen such beauty, would loose their sight
and there'll be no lies ."
Angel Child by Oasis
~_And_~
"Don't ever lose that light in your eyes
Keep on shining
Keep on smiling
Don't lose faith and don't lose heart
When you're crying
Just keep trying to remind yourself you're a shinning star
Yes you are."
The Light In Your Eyes by LeAnn Rimes
_______________________________________________
"Sotto dakishimete. Zutto tsukamaete. Motto kokoro made kowasu you ni!" {1} Ryuichi finished, bowing his head as he ended the song.
His previously slanted eyes were their normal innocent size when he looked back up and the sheepish little smile he flashed was enough to make the coldest of cold melt into puddles. He blushed slightly and tilted his head.
"Sorry, Noriko-chan!" he said, batting his lashes in an unintentionally adorable manner. "I wasn't very energetic."
Noriko took the headphones off her ears and let them rest around her neck. She flashed Ryuichi a peace sign and grinned.
"It sounded great, Ryuichi! No worries!" Noriko assured him, adjusting something on the board before her. "I'll just finished mixing this and....we're done!"
Ryuichi picked up Kumagoro from his chair in the corner and hopped out of the room happily, coming up beside Noriko. He watched with interest as she pressed buttons, hit keys and slid down switches.
"All done then?" Tohma asked, entering the room silently.
He came up beside the duo and watched Noriko work, nodding along with what she was doing. Finally Noriko paused and listened to the headphones again before smiling her approval. She removed the headphones and handed them to the blonde with a triumphant little smile.
"All done, Tohma." She said with a nod. "Got the music timing perfectly, mixing done up seamlessly and Ryuichi here sounds like an angel."
She patted Ryuichi's head as she spoke and watched as Tohma put one of the phones to his ear and listened to the track. It was the final track on the CD and then all they had to do was slap it all together. Nodding approval and tapping his foot to the rhythm Tohma smiled slightly. Ryuichi nibble on Kumagoro's ear in anticipation and Noriko stood with her hands on her hips expectantly. When the track finished Tohma looked to his band mates and flashed a smile.
"Perfect."
~___________________________________________~
Ryuichi sat in the center of the plain off-white colored room, green crayon in hand and Kumagoro by his side. Tapping his chin with the crayon lightly Ryuichi made a small 'hmmmmm' noise to himself. He was writing his 'thank yous' at the moment and he was trying as hard as he could try to make sure he didn't forget anybody at all. Looking around he nibbled his lower lip. Aha!
"Mio-chan!" he said happily.
He knew that there was somebody he was forgetting. Ryuichi bent over his paper and thought. How to write this, how to write this? Making a small 'hmmm' sound again he looked over at Kumagoro.
"What do you think Kuma-chan?" he asked aloud to his companion.
Pausing a moment a sudden look of inspiration dawned on his face. He knew exactly what he wanted to say to her. He just wanted to phrase it so she'd know it was her he was referring to. Ryuichi put the crayon to the paper and wrote away. He scribbled and paused in thought for a while until finally he let out an accomplished sigh. Holding the paper up like it was holy he beamed and picked up Kumagoro.
"All done, Kumagoro!"
With that he threw the door open and sped out of the room. he flew through the halls on NG and entered Tohma's office with a second thought. Peeking in he shut the door softly behind him. Tohma sat at his polished oak desk, writing up something or other. Ryuichi bound over to him and hugged both Kumagoro and the paper to his chest.
"I'm all done, Tohma!" he said.
The blonde looked up at is fellow band mate and smiled. "That's good, Ryuichi. Noriko finished just a while ago and she's gone home already. I'll type yours up for you so you may go on home."
Smiling brightly Ryuichi nodded and handed over his paper to the keyoardist. Tohma accepted it with a grateful smile and nodded.
"Have a good evening, Ryuichi. Tell Mio I say hello."
"I will! Bye Tohma!" Ryuichi said waving to him and heading out the door.
Tohma watched Ryuichi leave and the door shut before letting out a small sigh. Since Aya's death, things had been so different with him. Perhaps not exactly very noticeable things, but as Ryuichi's manager and close friend the changes were clear. He was a bit more.........distant, by Ryuichi standards anyway. He wasn't his usual huggy, genki self. It disturbed Tohma to be quite honest at how much more on task and adultish Ryuichi was being. Normally he'd think it was a good thing, but since he was also being distant Tohma was slightly disgruntled. He'd thought this over and over, running possibilities through his head. With the recent death of his sister, he was bound to be a bit out of it for a while right?
'True,' Tohma mused. But it had been over a week. Surely he hadn't been that devastated? Of course, then again Tohma had never been one for family affairs and ties. Maybe the pair was closer than they appeared. Shaking his head, Tohma let out a sigh and slid his glasses on. Oh well, best not to dwell on this. He turned to Ryuichi's paper and smiled slightly at the neatly printed green crayon. It was rather adorable---rather Ryuichi. With a small chuckle he set it down and began typing it up. It went by fast, Tohma being a fairly good typer himself. However when he reached the last line he stopped completely and reread the line a few times. Closing his eyes he leaned back in his chair, hand over his mouth. Mio. That was something he hadn't taken into account. Shaking his head he typed the last line in a blur.
'Last, but most definitely not least, I want to thank my angel. The angel that has came and shown me a piece of heaven that too few get to see-- true love.'
Eyes narrowing to slits he glared at the screen and rested his chin on his hands rigidly. This wasn't about his sister as much as Tohma had suspected now was it? Tohma closed his eyes, making a noise that crossed somewhere between a snort and a chuckle. How did he not see this before? It was this girl's fault for Ryuichi's changes. It was her fault, she was disrupting Ryuichi's life........and Tohma didn't like to have those he cared about hurt. He didn't like it in the slightest..........
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Ryuichi knocked on the door to Yuki and Shuichi's apartment eagerly, excited about going home and telling Mio about their finished CD. He heard voices inside and footsteps to the door. The lock was undone and the door opened slowly, revealing a head of pink hair. Had the person been a few feet taller, Ryuichi would have mistaken them for Shuichi, but alas it was Migel who stood staring up at him, wide violet eyes smiling at him from behind large glasses.
"Sakuma-sama! Er, I mean---- Ryuichi!" he said, bowing deeply. "Konban wa, you're here to pick up Mio, right?"
"Hai!" he replied, smiling down at him. "Don't forget Kumagoro-chan!"
Raising the bunny up he made it wave and Migel laughed in delight. He reached out and pat Kumagoro's head gingerly before stepping away from the door.
"Ohayoo, Kuma-chan! Come on in Ryuichi, I'll get Mio-chan for you."
"Doomo arigato!" Ryuichi called as he entered and watched Migel speed down the hallway into Yuki's study.
Only a minute after Migel disappeared, Shuichi reappeared from out of the kitchen holding a package of pocky in his hand. He looked over at Ryuichi and beamed brightly.
"Ryuichi!" he said cheerfully. "How was work? Did you guys get your CD completed?"
"Hai! We got everything done today! All the mixing, singing and we even wrote our thanks yous for the jacket. So that means next week the CD will be distributed."
He gave a nod of finality and accomplished sigh. Shuichi grinned and returned the nod. "Great! I'm looking forward to hearing your new stuff. So is Migel and Yuki promised he'd let Migel come over and play his CD when he wanted."
"So why is Migel here anyway, Shu-chan?" Ryuichi asked tilting his head.
Shuichi blushed, "Well I've been trying to get Yuki to say yes to letting me keep him." he said sheepishly and looked over his shoulder down the hall before whispering. "I even think it's working. He hasn't said anything about Migel coming over and when I asked when I came home he didn't say no. He just sighed deeply and rubbed his temples for a moment. I think he's cracking!"
Ryuichi let out a good-natured laugh at Shuichi's proud statement and gave him a goofy grin. The sound of tiny feet on the floor interrupted them and Migel re-entered with Mio trailing him and Yuki bringing up the rear. Mio grabbed her jacket and slid it on, flipping her long blonde hair out of her jacket and turned to smile at Yuki.
"By Yuki-kun." she said with a small wave. "Bye Migel-chan, Shuichi-kun."
She gave Migel a quick hug and Shuichi one as well before turning to Yuki and walking over to him. She smiled at him for a moment and then latched herself onto his waist.
"Thank you for talking to me, Yuki-kun." she said looking up at him. "I think that I know what I want now. Ikidemas, Ryuichi."
Ryuichi stared at her curiously for a moment before shrugging and smiling at the others. He flashed a peace sign, Mio gave a small wave and they headed out the door. Casting a glance as they retreated, Ryuichi couldn't help, but smile at the cute little family they made. Their personalities complimented each other nicely and seeing them together was so natural. Looking down at Mio Ryuichi wondered if that's what they looked like. Did they're love and their family seem natural? Feeling his eyes upon her, Mio looked up to meet his gaze with her soft green eyes. She looked truly happy, a small smile playing over shapely lips. Her smile made Ryuichi smile and he couldn't help, but let out a sigh. Things only kept getting brighter, but how long until the bulb burnt out?
___________________________
Migel sat on the sofa, a sleeping Shuichi at his side. The younger boy looked over at him and smiled before clicking the TV off and covering Shuichi with the blanket he had been using. Stretching out he gave a tiny little yawn and headed down the hall to Yuki's study. He padded there softly, stopping outside the door to listen. The rhythmic sounds of typing filled his ears and he smiled to himself before knocking softly.
"Eiri?" he said in a small voice.
The typing paused and Migel could swear he nearly heard a smile on Yuki's lips as he made a soft 'hm' of acknowledgement. Migel opened the door slowly and quietly entered the room. Yuki's amber colored eyes flickered over to him before returning to the screen. Taking a seat in the chair beside Yuki's Migel sat mutely and watched him work. His big violet eyes read over the words on the screen and listened to the sound of Yuki's fingers hitting the keys in a steady motion. At last the page jumped to a fresh page and Yuki hit save.
"Is there something you want?" he asked, looking over at the boy.
Migel nodded, "Shuichi fell asleep and it's really late. Lydia will probably worry if I stay out any longer. Would you take me back now?"
Yuki closed his work and looked at Migel passively for a moment. Blinking, with slight color in his cheeks Migel stared back up at Yuki. Did he have something on his face? After a minute or two Yuki closed is eyes with a sigh, standing from his chair. He stretched and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Get your shoes and coat on, kid." He mumbled.
Nodding, Migel got up and sped away to gather his things. Hanging back for a moment, Yuki ran the idea over and over in his head. Migel was so quiet and polite, very reserved and shy. He wasn't loud like Shuichi, he wasn't cold like himself, but he was a perfect middle of them both. He had Shuichi's hair and eyes, but had Yuki's height for his age and wore glasses for reading. He had a particular interest in literature and writing, but enjoy the loud and energetic music of Bad Luck and Nittle Grasper. Could this boy be anymore perfect for them?
Yuki shook his head and sighed. It was like a sign or something and he wasn't sure whether to laugh at the irony or be spooked by it. Grabbing his keys from his desk he headed to the living room where Migel stood at the door waiting for him. He smiled at Yuki and waited until he slipped his shoes and coat on before opening the door. Together they headed out and made their way to the parking lot.
Once in the car and on their way across town, Yuki looked down and over at Migel studying him for a moment. He sat silently, a placid look cast over his features as he gazed out the window. He planned to adopt this boy sooner or later, might as well get to know more about him, Yuki thought.
"So you're a fan or Bad Luck then?" he asked conversationally.
"Yes," he said looking over at Yuki almost sheepishly. "I'm not obsessive or anything, but I do enjoy their music. Aya, Ryuichi's sister, used to bring her CDs and disc player over when she came. I'd listen to their songs for hours-Nittle Grapser too."
"Why staying at the orphanage anyway if you don't mind my asking. Are you parents-gone or what?"
Migel turned his head and gazed at the window once more before he spoke, "My mother is dead and my father is back in France. He used to get drunk and beat my mother so she fled to Japan with me. Apparently he followed her and tried bringing her back to France. She refused and....he killed her. He didn't mean to, or so he said and before fleeing back to France he left me at the orphanage." He said softly. "I have been there since before I can remember and I should much rather be there than with my father. He doesn't want me and I've never wanted him either."
That was something Yuki hadn't expected. Even if the boys' past was a brilliant tragedy, he hadn't expected for him to tell him. A loose silence hung in the air until Yuki spoke up again.
"I'm sorry."
Migel looked at him, face void of emotion for a moment. "Don't be sorry for something you have nothing to do with."
Mouth twitching upward slightly, Yuki nodded. Migel set his head against the window sullenly and looked back over at Yuki.
"So have you always wanted to be a writer, Yuki?" he asked quietly.
Yuki sighed, "Since I was about your age."
"You're very talented. Your style is unique and your workings are poetic." Migel said, sitting up again to look at Yuki better. "I've read several of your books, I've enjoyed them immensely. You're books were slightly undue romantically, but not overly so."
The last time Yuki had heard a kid that age say 'undue' had been-well never, and he couldn't help, but smile slightly at this. It was quite evident Migel was quite literate for his age and Yuki must admit, even if it be only to himself, that he was slightly impressed.
"So exactly how old are you anyway, kid?" Yuki asked.
"I'm 9 as of the current time, but my birthday is at the end of the month."
Yuki nodded and stopped as they came upon a red light. There was another stretch of silence, somehow more comforting and casual than the previous one. Migel seemed a lot like he did when he was younger, Yuki mused. Shy and silent for the most part, but passionate about his dreams and an innocent curiosity about everything. The novelist couldn't help, but smile and give a small chuckle. How could someone so small have to suffer so much? It was things like what had happened to Migel that made Yuki the cold person he was today.
Feeling eyes on himself, Migel turned and smiled at Yuki. His eyes are startling, Yuki thought as he kept the boy's gaze for a moment.
'They're so..emotional.' He thought staring at them curiously.
There was just that spark in them. A spark that reflected everything inside him. It was so trusting, so innocent and so..unnerving. That's when Yuki realized that he didn't want Migel to lose that spark, ever. He wanted to make sure that he kept that as long as he could, that he could stay so sweet, so innocent forever. A honk jarred him from their staring and both looked away to the light that was now green. Shaking his head Yuki sped off. Once away though, he cast Migel another glance. Migel and Shuichi were so alike, but so different. One thing that they had in common was their miraculous trust and sincerity that had somehow managed to change Yuki, no matter how cold he wished to stay.
"I noticed you read a lot," Yuki commented. "Do you have any interest in writing?"
Migel beamed, "Yeah, I've always loved telling stories and now that I've gotten a little older I've been writing lengthier things. I've always really admired your work as well, I hoped that maybe someday I could be that good."
He smiled a bit sadly and looked down at his hands folded in his lap. Admired him? Why would any ever want to be like him? Yuki wondered. The words fame and fortune rang a few bells, but he sighed. 'If they only knew..' He thought bitterly.
"The orphanage is on your next right, incase you didn't remember." Migel commented quietly, peering out the front windshield.
"Thanks." Yuki replied, as they came to the turn.
He turned and the orphanage came into view down at the corner ahead. If truth were told, Yuki wasn't exactly ready for Migel to go back yet. Or was it maybe that he never wished for him to go back?
"That's absurd." Yuki muttered to himself, shaking his head.
"What is Eiri-san?"
"Nothing, Migel." He said as they came to a stop at the front of the broken down home.
Migel smiled, his eyes reflecting a small swell of pride in their violet depths.
"You called me Migel." The boy said in small wonder.
Yuki looked at him curiously and slowly allowed himself to smile at the strawberry haired child. The smile was returned and then Migel opened his door.
"Thank you, Eiri-san."
"Yuki."
Migel paused as he got out and smiled again at Yuki. "Thank you, Yuki."
Yuki nodded and Migel shut the door, heading to the gates at the front of the yard. It was locked so he simply walked to a spot where several boards were missing and slid inside and up the path to the porch. Knocking on the door her turned back to where Yuki still sat and waved. Lydia opened the door and waved as well before shooing Migel inside. Yuki gave a slight nod and watched the house until Lydia went in and shut off the porch light.
"Such a broken down place for so many kids." Yuki said under his breath.
It was a surprise Migel could be so content with the life he lived. It had to be slightly depressing to know your father didn't want you and you didn't belong anywhere. Running his fingers through his hair, Yuki put the car in drive and sped away without looking back. Perhaps it was time to discuss something that had been on his mind with Shuichi. He doubted it would be a problem, but always check just in case he figured.
'Just don't lose that light yet, Migel.' Yuki thought as he drove away. 'Keep for me just a bit longer.'
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{1} The last line of Sleepless Beauty, one of Nittle Grasper's amazing songs. It translates to, "Hold me gently. Catch me forever. Do more until my heart breaks down!" I think so anyway, my Japanese-English conversion sucks. :P
{2}Ikidemas - Let's go
I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. It gave a bit more insight on Migel and his past. Like I said, Yuki's rather soft in this fic, but we all know that deep down Yuki cares for those around him. Anywho leave a review if you feel so inclined. Thanks to all who reviewed! You rock my socks! - Nori