Title: Vicissitude
Authoress: Hikaru R. Kudou
Ratings: PG
Chapter: 1/2
Genre: AU using Gravitation's background, Romance, General, (mild) Humour
Warnings: Shounen-ai (m/m relationship), Mild OOC (A/N: Moderate OOC is good for you…err, right?), cross-dressing
Summary: Shounen ai Gaiden AU. Son Goku's a successful singer, Konzen Douji's a writer. Where's love in the equation? Especially for V-day.
DISCLAIMER: The last time I checked, Saiyuki and Gravitation don't belong to me. Never did, never will. Excuse me while I angst over it for a moment…

Authoress' Notes: I've always toyed with the idea of putting the Saiyuki cast in the world of Gravitation, but since I haven't gotten my hands on Gravitation (it's so hard to get, shall we say, taboo anime in where I live…), the story won't be hundred percent similar to it. I'm just going to put the Saiyuki cast in Gravitation's shoes, and we'll see how it turn out in the end…Hopefully the result should prove to be positive.
            Special thanks to Sol-chan for beta-ing despite her busy schedule!

- = - = - = -

            Seated comfortably on his cosy leather stool, Nataku Taishi twirled it round and round with a gleeful squeal. Never mind that he had done this, what, every time he settled on it but really, it was too fun and he knew he would never get bored of it. Think about it, he had everything he wanted; a homely yet luxuriously furnished office-slash-studio, a stable career that he absolutely loved, plenty of cash rolling in unceasingly, a well-known face and indubitably one of the many most sought after, and a best friend who also doubled as his partner.

            Speaking of which, where was Son Goku?

            As if answering his tacit question, the door was pushed open languidly, revealing an equally languorous young man.

            The brown haired youth trod with heavy steps, slumped on his own chair positioned neatly across the tidy table from Nataku, and slammed his forehead on the marble table. Nataku wondered what a miracle it was that neither Goku's head nor the surface of the poor table cracked, given the profound force Goku had exerted on it.

            "Goku…?" asked Nataku tentatively, positively worried about his best friend's deplorable condition. "W-What happened?" He was, in truth, half afraid to ask the miserable boy.

            Goku raised his sullen face, and Nataku held his breath when he saw an emotion so rarely displayed on the countenance of Son Goku, even after all these years of sharing a close, strong bond of friendship with him.

            "N-Nataku…" sobbed Goku, fighting to stop tears from pouring like a waterfall out of his cerise eyes. "It's no use…he didn't even notice me…"

            A heavy sighed escaped Nataku. For days—no, make that weeks—Goku had been trying to win the attention and from there, he hoped, gain affection from a man, in Nataku's opinion, with ethereal beauty gracing him. However, less could be said about his attitude. And the least one would say about it, the better.

            To put it simply, Konzen Douji, pseudonym Genjo Sanzo, one of the most prominent book writers in town who were known not because of his works—well, they did get the limelight once in awhile, only because of the controversy that hung about them—but more due to his charming, mesmerizing good looks, was a man of few words. As Goku had stated, in terms of looks, he was certainly perfect. Okay, maybe a bit too skinny but so far nobody he knew complained on that. His short, sunny tresses contrasted magnificently with his glaring purple irises, and even more so with his moody behaviour. Nataku silently thought he, the silent writer, was an incurable misanthropist from the way he hated to engage himself in any sort of discussion much less ties with most people. From what he could find out about this intriguing individual—not much, what with Konzen's low profile and limited details the media could unveil from this secretive man—Nataku was rather surprised to see Son Goku falling for him.

            Oh, right. Opposites attract.

            "Maybe you were right when you said he's impossible for me to get," Goku was moaning, his eyes and worn-out face swelling with tears.

            Now this was too uncharacteristic of Goku as he could get. Gone were the happy-go-lucky aura, the enthusiasm that coloured his every energetic move, and the vibrant life Goku seemed to be flourishing with.

            "Goku…" Nataku began in a really worried manner.

            Goku recognized that tone only too well. It was the same tone Nataku had employed in advising him to think everything over the minute he made his intention of courting Konzen Douji known. He sighed a "Yes…?"

            "Look, my friend, I was wrong when I told you to forget him. I was about to force you to go for it and get that man, but with your great timing and all, I'm starting to get second ideas, which is not a good notion whenever and wherever it's me we're talking about."

            "But it's hopeless, I tell you!" Goku insisted sulkily. "He thinks I'm too young for him!"

            That made Nataku blink. As far as he knew and as far as democracy was concerned, Goku was old enough to get involved in a relationship of his choice without people condescending his age or his preference. "He said so? In those words?"

            "Well, not exactly…"

            Nataku looked relieved. "So what's the problem? Honestly, you're not being yourself…"

            "He glared at me with a look of…of…disgust."

            "He does that to everyone." At least, that was what Nataku believed.

            "And he ignored me completely! See, today, he was in this café with his friend, Tenpou Gensui. Tenpou was really nice to me and all, but Konzen didn't even look at me! Not even a word when I cracked a joke!"

            "Perhaps he…didn't get the joke?" Okay, so that was not it. Even a newborn infant could find Goku's jokes humorous, what more a grown man. Here Nataku deduced Konzen had no sense of humour or a funny bone in him.

            "Then when Tenpou's friend—he introduced him as Kenren Taisho—came along and they left, Konzen didn't say anything to me for a full one minute! It was like I was talking to air!"

            "One minute only?"

            "Yeah, because after that he paid his bills and then he just walked out of the café without even looking back at me!"

            Nataku felt incalculably sorry for Goku as it pained him to see anyone maltreating the naïve teenager. "How're you faring so far?"

            "Pretty bad. You don't think he's…well, homophobic, do you?" Goku whispered fearfully.

            To this, Nataku confessed, he had absolutely no idea. "Then again, some people do say good-looking men are either taken or…oh, well, you get my meaning." Nataku beamed to encourage his companion.

            "That's what they say," mumbled Goku almost inaudibly, "but it's not necessarily true."

            "Just keep that in mind to boost your self-esteem up," suggested Nataku shrewdly. "Hey, I know just the right remedy for you!"

            "Ah? Meat buns?" Goku raised his eyebrows hopefully.

            Nataku, laughing, unfolded the white horizontal box he produced from behind the papers, presenting it in front of Goku to give him a sniff. If Nataku couldn't make his troubles go away, making him forget about it for a moment was good enough. "Don't they smell inviting?"

            Goku brightened up when he saw the neatly lined up buns all calling out his name. "Thanks, Nataku! I knew I can always count on you!" Goku flashed a grateful grin at his saviour before digging in.

+ + +

            Konzen Douji removed his eyeglasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. He gave a bored groan, placed his glasses in its worn-out case, and leant back in his chair. Datelines on his calendar were still glaring at him in rebuke, giving him the bothersome feeling as well as a nasty case of insomnia. Then again, maybe the latter problem was due to his sudden over-consumption of coffee.

            He mentally berated himself for ever venturing into the literature field. Really, a book author? A critic would be more appropriate line of job for him, no thanks to his colourful yet obscene vocabulary and his vindictive nature, but a writer? A run-of-the-mill, lackluster writer? What was he smoking back then? If his memory served him correctly, the same thing he was smoking at that moment. Konzen stared at his cigarette tray, and the innumerable cigarette butts it was holding, arranged in a messy pile, all on top of each other. The cigarette dust from the last three months smearing his working table was at least one inch thick, and Konzen knew it would take days of scrubbing to get his mahogany table back to its former, untarnished condition. Unfortunately, he had enough things to worry about. But now was the inappropriate time, with his author's block occurring again.

            One thing for sure, Konzen Douji hated his job more than anything in the world. Not only was the job hideously dull, he also had to contend with an annoying editor who was constantly nagging, lamenting about datelines. Long suffering as she was, Konzen could never feel any flicker of sympathy towards the nervy woman.

            "Konzen Douji-san?" Her shrilly voice emerged from the black answering machine suffocating to be buried deep under, to most people, specifically neat freaks, a nightmarish avalanche of papers; the same box Konzen wanted so badly to stuff into his welcoming trash bin as many as four times a day, yet somehow always managed to escape its doomed fate. "I need your second part today, by dinner. That gives you around ten hours to get it done. I can't afford to have you postponing anymore because time is running out! For goodness's sake, Konzen-san, you don't have all the time in the world!"

            Barely listening, he sauntered to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and helped himself to a sinful can of beer. Sinful, because he knew he would forget all about his story after emptying half a can, which would later put him back in square one. For the moment, he brushed it aside, deciding he would worry about it later. Later, meaning five to six hours later.

            So he was killing himself, what with the dangerous amount of nicotine, alcohol and caffeine, but he simply did not care because to him, all three were necessary. So what if his doctor disagreed to his stand?

            "The upper management would…scream and…fire me if I don't have your draft on my table by midnight, and that's already two days behind our original schedule!"

            Konzen drained his alcoholic drink rebelliously. "Like hell I care."

            "I can't have this everyday, Konzen-san!" She was sniffling now, blowing her nose loudly in a tissue paper. "It's bad enough to tolerate Souma-san's [1] tardiness, and you—"

            "Who gave you a damn permission to nag, wench?"

            His editor did not finish her wails as she was greeted by a click, notifying the recording tape was at its end. Konzen snorted in approval, glad to see the woman getting what she rightfully deserved.

            Brushing the editor off his shoulder, he switched the television on. Just his luck, a music video was playing – as little as he watched television he could still differentiate a music video from a gaudy advertisement – and he could recognize one of the singers instantly, as there was no mistaking that vivid amber pair of eyes.

            He found himself goggling when the camera did a close-up on Goku's face, smiling radiantly.

            Once the song ended, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd that was lucky enough to have been featured in it, a number of them Konzen dismissed as fan-girls of the famous pop duo. Sure, it was no surprise for a boy band to have fan-girls. Not to mention innumerable fan-clubs that was established here and there, each boasting their application forms were submitted at such a high speed that they had to make away with their original idea of limiting their number of members. In a nutshell, Heresy really took the cake.

            Heresy, although not established until recently, was a humungous success among the public, specifically the teenagers, mostly girls. It was understandable, for the band was made up of two strikingly good-looking male teenagers, and within two weeks of their initial music video aired on national television, it came as a pleasant surprise that a Heresy Fan Club was announced. Their first album, entitled Heretics, sold over 75000 copies nationwide in a mere month hence making it a national bestseller (and Nataku thought bestsellers were only meant for books), while its debut song, Make Me® was the most requested song on the radio for two whole months. And the local music stores seemed to have a tough time keeping their stock of Heretics, what with all the fans pouring in and grabbing not one but few CDs and cassettes. In short, Heresy was a sensation, and it certainly did not look like the rave would die down in the near future. Which was good news for the band and their company alike.

            Konzen was surprised he knew quite a lot about this group. Most of the time he did not bother about who's who or who's what.

            The writer had sensed there was something wrong—with him. Ever since he saw the illustrious Son Goku in the flesh in a restaurant he happened to be eating in on invitation by one of his small circle of friends, Tenpou Gensui, to join him and his boyfriend, Kenren Taisho, Konzen had started to feel…different. He even noticed he was stealing looks in the direction of the singer more than five times in 60 seconds. Soon after that, when a girl shrieked in addition to a high-pitched voice that was all too synonym to the universal term of 'fan-girl' and screamed a blatant "Oh my God! It is you! Oh my God! I love you so much!", more girls starting pouring in at the table Goku and his pal were sitting quietly, much to the duo's dismay. Nataku—Konzen found out about him along with the name of the prime object of his curiosity— had pulled Goku's arm and made a desperate beeline for the exit for their flight. In the hectic process of escaping, Goku had fallen exactly next to Konzen's seat, the former's sunglasses slipping off the bridge of his nose, and for one full second none of them moved as one took a good look at the other, and vice versa, each captivated with what he had the chance of perusing. Alas, it had to come to an abrupt end, for Nataku instantaneously hauled his partner away to freedom. Just before Goku was out of the door, he grinned at Konzen.

            And the fan-girls went wild.

            Fan-boys chased after the retreating duo.

            Konzen cursed, wishing damnation upon them.

+ + +

            The meat buns were gone in a matter of seconds, and Nataku found this occurrence to be commonplace. This was, after all, Son Goku.

            There was a knock on the door, and without waiting for an answer, their guest twisted the doorknob, peeking in with a smile.

            "K-san," Nataku acknowledged, nodding.

            "Hello, boys." Kanzeon Bosatsu closed the door behind her. "How's your concert going along?"

            "Concert?" echoed Goku blankly.

            "Goodness, don't tell me you've forgotten?" Their manageress—or manager, whichever suits your inclination better—gasped dramatically. "It's tomorrow night and you forgot?" She said those words as if they've just committed a serious, unpardonable taboo.

            "No, no, no, of course not!" Nataku said hastily, defending Goku.

            "Good. The tailor should be here by five, so make sure you check your costumes to see they're all right when they're here." Konzen shifted her weight in one foot. "And I expect you to know that the tickets have been sold out. Completely."

            Not really completely, because on the day before, Kanzeon had given the boys three VIP tickets each just in case they wanted to invite anyone for their first concert. While Nataku's tickets were consumed, Goku still had the three in his pockets.

            "Really, K-san, that's perfectly understandable." Nataku gathered his music scores. "Tomorrow is Valentine's Day—hey, Goku?"

            Goku had his face on the table again.

+ + +

            Konzen glared daggers at his distressed laptop. He was stuck again, with his slightest ideas on how to continue his story fleeing away from him, as if to ridicule him mercilessly. Unlike what people in general had thought, it was just no easy feat to write.

            When he decided to become a writer—it was one of those spur of the moment thingies which never failed to make humans regret for choosing it later—being an author of romance novels was crossed out as soon as he had thought of it. In his younger days, Konzen, who was never a believer in all those sappy, emotional things people call love, had classified the profession as opium for wimps.

            But he felt as if that belief was about to change drastically.

            Anyway, his books were full of profanities and blood-smearing action, visibly making it stand out from all the romance novels that seemed to be flooding bookstores and libraries alike. Critics had claimed he could list down the violence in his books with incredible detail that he might have been writing a scene playing right in front of him, translating the vicious reality into likewise vicious fiction, while some regarded him as a "man half driven to insanity by his appallingly brutal ideas in his head."

            So you see why he was one of the most controversial writers wound. Did he mind? Not in the least.

            Konzen emitted a stress-induced groan and he stretched his tired neck. Knowing there was no way for him to get any job done, he shut it down after saving the minor changes he had made to his previous entry. So what if his editor nags him again? He would torment his editor if she ever comes and demand his next part like she said she would.

            The blond threw a look at his almost bare CD rack. Involuntarily his bony fingers grazed on the latest CD he had bought, and, in his private opinion, the one he liked best. Naturally he would rather die than to admit this to anyone else. Which explained why his CD rack was situated in the most hidden spot he could think of in his room.

            Unclasped the transparent CD cover, he removed the CD from its home and placed it in his stereo. As the now familiar tune of Proud of My Loneliness [2] played in the background and the voice he knew well sang to it, he made himself a cup of coffee – with extra caffeine.

+ + +

            Goku continued to fiddle with his guitar after he was done strumming to one of his earliest songs, Proud of My Loneliness[2]. He could feel extra strength running in his veins, in hid fingers, and his façade must have proclaimed as much. He derived energy from his frustration, not to mention his ambivalence towards Konzen.

            He supposed he was wrong to just drop in on Konzen casually, in a way forcing the man to like him whether he wanted to or not. So it did sound a little preposterous and rude due to the fact that Konzen did not know of his existence on the face of this Earth until a week ago—of course, they wouldn't know if they've met in their past lives or anything—during their brief yet memorably disorganized introduction. So maybe 'introduction' was not the best term to describe it, as they barely exchanged names much less any word. Perhaps 'chanced first meeting' would substitute it nicely.

            Picking his guitar strings randomly, Goku unintentionally mused over his doings for the past week. On Thursday, he had tried stalking the writer. Nataku was against this idea, and he murmured something about the harmful influences that movies had brought upon the public. Goku was determined to carry it out, so determined that even Nataku could not talk him out of it. The stalking went well for the first ten minutes, until Goku had lost sight of Konzen. Goku was left fumbling, forcing his way through the crowd – this time, he was wise enough to clasp a hat over his head to prevent recognition – before he felt a hand clutching the nape of his neck roughly from behind, with five nails boring such deep holes that Goku was surprised no blood was trickling down his neck. His attacker had dragged him to the nearest secluded area he could find, which was a dark alley. Here Goku received a long, angry diatribe from the one he was tailing earlier previous to a few slaps from Konzen's paper fan. But Konzen's fiery eyes did nothing to dampen Goku's spirits.

            On Friday, Goku stalked him again. This time, of all things, in a skirt. Goku figured Konzen would never see through his disguise, made up of a satin skirt and a flowery sunhat. He was unsuccessful for the second time, because Konzen had disappeared in a store. The next time Goku saw him, he was driving away in his black Honda Accord. Nataku had blanched and fallen backwards in his chair when he saw a disappointed cross-dressing Goku entering their studio.

            Like Saturday, Monday was unfruitful, partly because of his busy schedule and his stroke of bad luck. He did not even see Konzen in the store where he bought his morning newspapers and cigarettes daily. Goku was worried sick with a hundred and one thoughts of maladies that might have befallen Konzen swimming in his head, but he could only pray Konzen was not ailing or in trouble. But all was not lost, as Goku learnt later that day. From Nataku, Goku found out there would be a book signing session by Genjo Sanzo on Wednesday.

            Tuesday was spent just to decide what Goku should wear for the day after, as well as browsing through a roomful of dictionaries to translate Konzen's intricate language style, and the incredibly vast store of profanity Goku discovered in his latest book.

            Wednesday, Goku's big day. His resoluteness kept him standing in the long line; Too long, that the queue extended to the exterior of the building. When Goku at last came to the table, all Konzen did was giving him a brief look, and just as Goku smiled, he had scribbled his signature down rather curtly. The songster was about to say something but the man next to Konzen had yelled "Next!". Consequently the (fan) girl behind Goku had rudely elbowed him aside. Well, at least Goku met him up-close again and had acquired his autograph. Now Goku had the 'Konzen Douji' signature framed on his bedroom wall. Thursday, Goku was admiring the autograph whenever he had some free time.

            And, that day, which was a Friday, Goku was juggling several tasks at once. His first big concert was to be on the next day, so he was working himself to the bones. Practice, practice and more practice. Goku eyed his chafed fingers, thinking he would've slipped his gloves on if it was not because playing the guitar with a glove did not sound as good as without one.

            Kanzeon interrupted his reverie, reminding him to meet the tailor who was already downstairs, waiting in the lobby. The manageress led the way, and soon both of the singers were trying their outfits on. From leather boots to black, suffocating chokers, the boys felt like they were dress-up dolls.

            "Splendid!" Kanzeon, clearly entertained, announced loudly. She thanked the tailor and once the latter was gone, Heresy's manageress shooed them into a room. Goku's eyes widened when he recalled who the man in the room was.

            Kenren Taisho, a cigarette between his upper and lower teeth, grinned as he waved. "Yo."

            "Why are you here?" asked Goku.

            Kenren gestured at his camera, seated snugly on a tripod. "I'm your photographer of the day."

            Kanzeon nodded. "I hired him to take a few shots, so pose for him in front of the white screen. Kenren, I expect you to do your best with my boys."

            "Don't worry." Kenren waved a hand offhandedly. "I can take boys' pictures too, you know."

            Nataku, meanwhile, whispered to Goku. "You know this guy?"

            "Um! He's the guy who Tenpou introduced me to earlier today," replied Goku. "I didn't know he's a photographer…"

            "Right!" Kenren's loud exclamation yanked the duo's thoughts back to reality. He clasped his hands together when Kanzeon had departed. "Who should I start with? You, Goku?"

            Still in one of his costumes, Goku stepped right in front of the waiting camera. Kenren provided instructions, telling him how he should pose and once the redhead was satisfied, he snapped his camera. This went for a couple of times, then Nataku's turn arrived. The session ended with a few pictures of the pop duo.

            "Well, that's a wrap!" Kenren looked up, smiling gleefully. "You guys look great! It's like you've done this all your life! I'm sure your fans are all dying to get this precious roll of film!" He tapped his camera with his index finger. "I'm sure your concert tomorrow will be awesome!" With that, he disengaged his digital camera from its stand. "Pity I won't be there to see it, though…"

            "Eh? Why not?" asked Goku, crestfallen.

            "Tickets. They're all out. They were selling like hot cakes, you know…" Kenren pulled his bag closer, depositing his equipment carefully.

            "Hey, Goku," Nataku nudged him. "Why don't you give your tickets to him? I mean, he is Konzen's friend…"

            "Great idea!" Goku agreed, turning to Kenren. "Why don't you take my tickets? I have three to spare, and so far they're still untaken."

            "Really?" breathed Kenren, pleased.

            "Uh-huh. Um, Nataku…"

            In truth, Goku had given his tickets to his friend, for he knew he had nobody else to give them to. Nataku reached into his pocket, produced the tickets and returned them to Goku. He was silently glad he still had the tickets close to him.

            Kenren was grinning from ear to ear when Goku handed him the tickets. "Hey, thanks a lot! Tenpou'll be so happy! VIP seats, yeah!"

            Goku shuffled his feet, embarrassed to ask the man a small favour. "Can you…uh…give the third to…to Konzen?" There, he said it. He waited for Kenren's reaction with bated breath.

            "The redhead grinned knowingly. He had some sort of sixth sense when it came to this sort of things, and he knew the blushing singer in front of him had some special interest in Konzen Douji. Laughing, he patted Goku's shaky shoulder. "I knew it!"

            Goku flushed beet red. Nataku sweat dropped.

            "You see, I'd love to help, but…" If there was one thing Kenren was proud of (aside from his honest perverseness) it was his superb ability to stretch the truth. "…I'm kinda busy with Tenpou tonight."

            "…Oh." Dejected, Goku looked at his feet.

            "So it is okay if I give you his address so you can see him yourself?"

            Goku gasped in pleasant surprise at the brilliant idea. To think, he would finally know where Konzen was staying! No need to stalk him anymore, no more drag clothes! Things were looking up indeed. "Really?"

            Kenren, by way of responding, wrote in his notebook, tore the paper out and passed it to a delighted Goku. "He's normally a night owl, so you should be able to catch him. Sorry I'm not much of a help."

            "No, no, no! I appreciate your tremendous help! Thank you so much!" Goku bowed, grateful. He fought the urge to hug the photographer out of sheer joy.

            Kenren nodded, still grinning, and packed his tools. Kanzeon entered, thanked the photographer and sent him to the entrance. All was silent, until Goku jumped in Nataku's direction and held his hands.

            "Nataku!" he yelled out.

            "Yeah, I know!" Nataku smiled, happy for his pal. "Lucky!"

            Goku threw his arms around Nataku. "I got his address!"

            Laughing, Nataku patted his friend who was now jumping, and, as he was hugging him, forcing Nataku to jump as well.

            Goku stopped abruptly, staring at Nataku. "But I'm scared! What if he kicks me out and—"

            Nataku gripped Goku's upper arms as if to give him a pinch of courage. "I'm free tonight, so why don't I accompany you?"

            When Goku hugged him again, Nataku automatically knew the answer to his suggestion.

+ + + [tsuzuku] + + +

[1] – If you're familiar with Souma Shigure from the anime Fruits Basket, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about… *snicker*
[2] – Yes, Son Goku's theme song, sung by his seiyuu, Hoshi Souichirou.

Authoress' Notes: Next chapter will be posted tomorrow (14th), if all goes well. Thank you for reading!