Disclaimer: I don't own Gravitation or the characters portrayed within it. I only own this story and a couple of characters in it :D

                                                                                           Don't miss out on my big ramble at the end, lol

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Strawberry Daiquiri

1 oz Rum
1/2 oz Strawberry liqueur
1 oz Fresh lime juice
2 oz Frozen strawberries; in syrup
1 ts Sugar
Cracked ice
2 Strawberries

Recipe by: Joe Robertson
Fill a mixing glass with cracked ice. Add rum, strawberry liqueur, lime juice, frozen strawberries, and sugar. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with strawberry.

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Glossary of Japanese terms used

I'm sure you know Na No Da by know, Ryu's trademark.

Ojisan: uncle (different from ojiisan-grandfather).

Sachou: Boss basically, Sakano uses it in the anime.

Arigatou Gozaimasu: Thank you very much (very polite too).

Honto ni: Really? Honto no honto? : Really? really? Maji de honto na no ka? : something like Completely/absolutely really? Anyone who's seen episode 7 when Shu goes out with Hiro and gets drunk, comes back to Yuki's place by accident, will know the scene I'm talking about. It's hilarious, one of the best in the entire series in my opinion.

War of Hearts

Chapter 4

Strawberry Daiquiri

Blinding fireworks and sparkles went off and a few columns of coloured smoke came out at the front of the stage. All the bands and solo artists that had made an appearance that night were gathered there. The audience cheered and applauded, and after the customary bows, the artists started leaving. Shuichi peered up to where the mysterious blonde had been standing only to find him gone; he shrugged and left the stage with his fellow band mates.

"Shu-chan your new single is wonderful. You made me cry na no da!" Ryuichi was hyperactively bouncing around the pink haired vocalist. "Na no da! Na no da! Na no da!" K bashed him in the head with a microphone stand that stood idly nearby, making many pink bunnies dance around Ryuichi's head.

"It's not like it takes much to make you cry," snorted Hiro, but the truth was he had been touched by the lyrics too. The red head was surprised that his usually carefree, and sometimes self-indulgent (no disrespect intended), friend had produced such mature lyrics. Maybe Shuichi had grown up more in the last few months than he cared to show on a daily basis. He was still a high-spirited and bubbly character, albeit still blithe in his actions occasionally, but something inside him was beginning to change somewhat. He was opening up to the harshness of reality, although he still kept an open heart and a positive attitude.

Ayaka and Mika made their way through the horde and presented their backstage passes. They spotted a group of people among the swarming frenzy that was louder than the rest and made their way towards them. Soon enough, everybody was reunited and chatting away animatedly: all the members of Bad Luck, Ayaka, Mika, K, Sakano, even Noriko was there, now trying to keep Ryuichi in check.

"Seguchi ojisan!" Suguru waved at NG's president, who approached them followed by a tall blonde carrying a camera. Fujisaki run up to him, parrying the people in his way. "I hope you were pleased with our performance tonight," he said, smiling.

"Indeed I was." He struggled against the current of people and came to a stop, placing one hand on a distracted Shuichi and making him turn around to face him.

"That was your best performance to date Shuichi. Your consistency and voice's endurance have improved greatly, and your independent style is starting to take shape. If you all keep up the good work you'll soon surpass Nittle Grasper's level. I have absolutely no doubts on that," he offered with his soft smile.

Shuichi melted into a puddle at Tohma's feet; he was on cloud nine, after all it wasn't everyday that he received an appraisal from his boss, who also happened to be the keyboardist of the most successful Japanese pop band ever. Sakano's eyes were teary. "Sa.Sachou, we are not worthy. We'll keep working hard to reach your level. Arigatou gozaimasu, Arigatou!" He kept bowing and bowing, his chest swollen with pride.

Tohma clapped his hands together loudly a couple of times, calling for attention.

"The concert was a sweeping success. Thank you all for your hard work and don't forget this will ultimately benefit your own careers. I'm feeling very pleased and so I would like to invite everyone to go out and celebrate. Drinks are on me," he addressed all the people congregated there: all the bands, solo artists, managers, producers, their friends and family members. People's eyes went beyond wide: was it just them or was the president of NG records inviting everyone to party at his expense?!?!

"What a great idea!" The crazy American laughed loudly and patted Tohma hard on the back, causing his hat to fall off. "We all need to wind down. Everybody has worked their asses off for you. It's only fair! Hahahaha," he proclaimed in heavy accented Japanese. A vein on Tohma's forehead popped violently. Why was that demented, gun wielding maniac always so bloody familiar? Well, he was American after all. Tohma let it go. He bent down stiffly and picked up his hat from the floor.

"Ok, everyone, we'll meet back here in fifteen minutes. Go get changed and gather the essentials. You can leave the rest of your stuff, including outfits and instruments here. I'll make sure they are looked after and taken back to the studio between tonight and tomorrow." The platinum blonde was feeling unusually generous, it was as though he was twenty again and with no cares in the world. He did miss the times when the inherent responsibility that comes with being successful didn't weight so heavy on his shoulders. Everybody was surprised with the attitude of the "man of iron" (as they liked to call him), but then again everything that night seemed rather extraordinary. Things would go back to normal in the morning, wouldn't they?

Noriko and Mika smiled at each other knowingly; it was about time Tohma loosened up a bit. They knew this Tohma and had missed him so. The man in the hat went and joined his wife and band member, who had been catching up with Hatori since the two men got back. Noriko and Hatori had engaged in conversation and Mika took her husband to the side for some privacy.

"That song today, Tohma." Mika rested one hand on her slim waist and cleaned some imaginary dust off Tohma's shoulder with the other, leaving it to rest there when she was finished. She sighed and continued. "Those of us who know Yuki know what he was talking about. I think Shuichi knows and cares for Yuki more than we may care to admit. He's not a kid anymore, Tohma. He has earned my respect tonight. He's the person my brother has kept by his side the longest, and I am going to accept that maybe they are good for each other after all, and I think you should do the same." Mika looked at her husband with a serious expression on her face; her hand had now moved to put a stray platinum blonde lock behind his ear.

"It's not that simple, Mika-san." Mika flinched at the politeness he used to address her. "Yuki is still troubled by his past and they live in a precarious relationship. They'll only end up hurting each other." Tohma sighed. "We'll talk about this another time. People should be back soon. Where shall we take them?"

Mika frowned, stopped playing with her husband's soft hair and crossed her arms over her chest. When it came to Yuki, Tohma was always overprotective and unreasonable, not to mention that he avoided discussing the issue with her. She sighed in defeat. "I'll call Tatsuki. He should be able to put us up for the night. It's only a little after ten."

Hatori was good at keeping a conversation while thinking about other things. He hadn't been able to keep his eyes of the singer after he'd returned with Tohma. Mika and Noriko had somehow spotted him among the multitude of people and snatched him away from Tohma's side. After Shuichi had left, the blonde eyed Tohma and Mika -how could she put up with such an unaffectionate man? The photographer had never seen them being intimate in public. What kept them together? His train of thought was abruptly disrupted when he spotted pink bangs coming out of a door. Shuichi was talking animatedly with Ryuichi and they walked towards Mika and Tohma. Shuichi had changed into a casual outfit and looked freshly showered.

"Mika-chan!!" Mika stepped aside masterfully and Ryu barely managed to catch himself before falling face first onto the ground. Bad Luck's singer appeared to be excusing himself and Ryuichi's eyes were wobbling with threatening tears as he bit into Kumagurou's ear.

"Is it because my brother is waiting for you?" Mika's tone was curious and Shuichi looked thoughtful for a moment.

flashback

"Don't wait up for me!"

"I won't."

end flashback

"No, Yuki isn't waiting for me." The vocalist smiled but sadness impregnated his deep violet eyes.

"Are you tired then?" inquired Ryuichi.

"No."

"Then why aren't you coming?" Ryuichi pouted. "Kumagurou and I want you to come with your friends."

'My friends.' That's right; Shuichi had friends. When was the last time he had gone to see Hiro for a reason other than his love life's misfortunes? The singer always made an effort to be at home as much as possible, but it all went unnoticed by the writer. What was waiting for him at home right now? He pondered, and the little voice that he always tried to keep locked in his brain replied: 'A cold and empty couch'. Yuki would probably be at his studio typing away into early hours of the morning since he liked working at night best. Even if Shuichi went home now it would be like the other times and he'd just be utterly ignored. Not that that would deter the resilient young man. Hell no! He would hold on for as long as he could, but eventually exhaustion would creep into his body and he'd fall sleep without getting so much as a glance of his love.

Hiro and Ayaka came out and walked hand in hand.

'He doesn't even have to hold my hand. I'd be happy if he had just showed up for the concert.'

'At least listened to one song.' Shuichi's gaze was lost in thin air.

'At least driven me here.' The things that he would settle for rapidly cascaded.

'At least returned the goodbye kiss.' He hung his head, trying to hide the tears brimming in the corner of his eyes. 'Is it really that much to ask?'

Hiro clicked his fingers in front of his best friend's face. "Shuichi, snap out of it! What's wrong? Come on, I'll give you a ride home."

Shuichi's head sprung up, a shocked look plastered on his face; he hadn't told Hiro he wanted to go home! 'Do I always abandon them just like that?' And then realization struck. 'I do, don't I?' Ok, that was it! Enough was enough. A ghost of a smile crept up his face, the ever-jovial Shuichi springing back into life with a vengeance.

"No need Hiro." Shuichi wrapped one arm around Hiro's shoulder and the other over Ryuichi's neck. "Tonight I'm going out with my friends for a few drinks."

"Honto ni?" The guitarist was grinning unbelievably, as was Ryuichi.

"Yep." Shuichi smiled truthfully.

"Honto no honto?"

"Un." Shuichi faked an irritated face.

"Maji de honto na no ka?" (Go and check the glossary of Japanese terms at the top if you are confused :P)

Shuichi laughed and pushed forward with his two friends in tow. "Just you try and stop me!"

In the end about sixty people had gathered to celebrate. Tohma had two first class coaches equipped with the latest gadgets and all sorts of luxuries waiting outside for them. NG's president informed them that they should, however, make their own ways home and guaranteed they weren't going far in any case.

And all the while, Hatori had been observing the singer with bemusement in his green eyes. He was like an open book, the emotions he went through flickering in his face so vividly. He was smiling now, he looked best when he did. 'What the hell am I thinking? It's just from a photographic point of view,' Hatori reassured himself. 'He looks good through a camera. No big deal.'

"Are you coming Hatori-san?" Tohma and Mika walked to where the photographer stood on his own now.

"Sure, why not?" offered the blonde.

"Ok, let's go. I'll drive us in my car."

The place that had been prepared to host them was dimly lit and looked welcoming and cozy. There were lots of sofas and plushy chairs arranged in several groups, mainly around low rounded tables. Ryuichi and Shuichi came in together and sat down at one of the back tables, followed by Hiro and Ayaka. The ride on the coach had been very lively and humorous. Everybody was in good spirits and had joked out loud and introduced one another. Shuichi never thought he was so popular and admired among his fellow artists; people had been shy around him and asked for his autograph. The singer was honored, this is what he had dreamed of all his life, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Shu-chan, you like strawberry pocky, don't you na no ka?"

"Un." The pink haired boy nodded vigorously.

"Ok, I'll order for you then. Hiro, Ayaka, you having the usual?"

Both parties assented and Ryuichi bounded off to the bar.

'The usual?' Of course his friends went out together occasionally, but that simple remark made Shuichi realize just how antisocial he'd become recently. What did his best friend drink these days? He had done it all of his own accord too but why? He was dangerously Yuki dependant, like a skinny, starved animal at the zoo waiting to be fed and whose mouth watered at the sight of a few stale bread crumbs. Even so, his mind kept wandering back to the harsh blonde. Had he eaten his dinner?

Ryuichi came back with a few drinks balanced precariously on a silver tray. He handed the beverages out one by one.

"Long Island Iced Tea for my favorite guitar player, the best Cosmopolitan in town for the lady, and the most luscious drink in the world for my favorite singer and me," he declared, setting the last two glasses on the table. Shuichi looked at his poco glass filled with a pink liquid poured over crushed ice and full of red bits swimming around. The glass was adorned with a whole and fleshy strawberry placed on the rim.

"Go on and try it. You'll like it." Ryuichi pushed the glass closer to Shuichi, who picked it up and smelled it.

"It smells nice. What is it?" Shuichi whirled the straw around with two graceful fingers and took it to his lips.

"Strawberry Daiquiri made with fresh strawberries and strawberry syrup," answered the older singer proudly.

"Wow, it's really nice, does it even have alcohol? It's not strong at all!"

"Only a little rum."

Shuichi shrugged "What bad can a little rum do?" And he guzzled the glass down earnestly.

The night went on smoothly and the guests were clearly enjoying themselves. No more singing was done for the night on their part though, they did it for a living, and took the occasion to simply relax, chat, and dance the night away. All kinds of music was played; right now there was an old traditional Japanese ballad coming out through the speakers. Ayaka and Hiro danced together. Noriko had convinced Ryuichi to take her dancing, too. Even Tohma and Mika indulged themselves in a little close contact on the dance floor. Hatori had been chatting and joking with a few old acquaintances, some of the producers and managers recognized him from the time he was a band's photographer and gathered to hear him talk about his foreign travels.

It wasn't intentional, people were just minding their own business and did what they were accustomed to when they went out, and so nobody noticed a certain light weight downing the last of his fourth Daiquiri. Or was it his fifth?

It didn't matter.

Shuichi had had a stupendous time tonight and he'd laughed like he hadn't in months. He'd refused to dance however, and not from lack of suitors, many girls, (and men for that matter), had asked him, but he'd declined politely; it was too embarrassing he'd said. How little did the singer know about his demeanor on stage!! And so he sat there, watching his friends.

Why didn't Yuki like people to see them together in public? He thought things would change after the novelist's open declaration of their relationship to the media, but they didn't. Now that reporters had found other scandalous relationships in the showbiz world to speculate about, surely Yuki would accept going places together sometimes. Or so Shuichi thought. He couldn't even accompany him to buy a pack of cigarettes. And all was fine for the young singer, so long he was with the writer, whatever the definition of being with him was.

'I should go back. Yuki's probably worried.' Shuichi pulled out his phone.

Time 03:56 am.

No missed calls.

No messages.

'He's just too proud. I bet he's concerned. I better head home.' He hiccupped.

Bad Luck's vocalist cast a glance at his companions. 'Better not interrupt them now. I'll see them soon anyway. They'll understand.'

He got up from the table and ventured a couple of unbalanced steps. His vision blurred for an instant and he hit the table, causing something on it to fall on the carpeted floor.

'Wow, everything is swirling,' Shuichi giggled. 'Where's the door? Ah, there it is!' He bumped into something, staggered, and stubbornly made his way towards that damn door.

tbc.

A/N: Ok, sorry if the story is moving slowly, but I had to give you an idea of how/why/when they meet; what Hatori is to the others (although some surprises may still be awaiting ^_~ ) and how/why he is attracted to Shuichi. Told you it was going to be long, I'll update within next two days, seeing as it is already written and all.

There will be a lot more on Yuki's side soon, please be patient, good things come to those who wait. Do bear with me, the next chapter is my beta's and mine fave chappie so far!

I'll make your wait worthwhile. Wanna see it? Put your hand up!!

Lol, till next next time!

Warning: Big ramble coming up.

A big thanks goes to my lovely beta reader, Animegirl9, currently writing an outstanding fic called The Opposite of Gravity, a must read for those who appreciate beautiful writing skills, combined with an original story swimming in angst and romance (you'll see in the future.) Thanks for your suggestions on my grammar, I take them all on board.

For everybody out there, just let you know, she has only so far helped me with chapters four and above, that's right she has received chapter 6 already. All the errors in Chapters1-3 are mine and mine only! I've gone back and re-edited though, for the benefit of my future readers.

Ok, you there, yes you! Don't look at me like you are innocent! I have told you to go and read the fanfic YUKI by mirai aria sama, and you still haven't complied! You better go and READ it NOW! Grabs K by the neck, with a swift  skillful move she steals his brand new magnum, quickly points it at your temple and adds: and yes that was an order. Nobody in their right mind could possibly not enjoy this story. It's the hottest thing out there at the moment!  Don't be put off by the summary, or the first couple of chapters and keep reading, I can absolutely, 100 % guarantee, you will NOT regret it! So what are you waiting for? Go and read it! (You can drop a review also if you want to, and it'll make me very happy too!)                                                                        

Thanks to all my reviewers, I couldn't possibly name everybody, I had about 26 reviews on ff.net for my last chapter!  O.o

I do however keep tabs on all of you. That's right! You are being stalked by me! I read your profiles; if I have time I check out your stories, your faves and also look out for your reviews in the fics that I like. I have seen many of your other reviews and I love the fact that you read the same things I do, hopefully that says something good about my writing  ;P

I did on top of all that get reviews from people I consider to be good writers themselves, and having them reading and liking my story is the best compliment I could get!

baybhie: writer of the much talked about and reviewed fic Phone Call (if you read you reviews carefully, you'll find me, I've been following in for ages!)Thanks for saying you'll stick with me to the end! Makes me one happy bunny *bounces*. I'll be sticking with yours!

kittykitty: you ought to know I love your fic A daydream? Faulty faucet, lol, that's a great analogy!

Creepy Science Genius Washu: I reviewed your fic That Particular Feeling. :D Hope you carry on soon.

Joan Mistress of Magic: Hope you are not put off by the Japanese usage, but I think it adds to the cheerfulness of the story, and it's great to see once you get used to it. I used to not like it, please bear it, I won't use that much of it

Ran Mouri: On the Japanese note still, that was a HUGE mistake on my part! I don't even know why I did it, I knew how to write it properly, guess my mind was in other things! I'll try to avoid future mistakes and double check with my Japanese book before writing anything!

Delfeus: thanks for bringing to my attention about the anonymous reviews, since I'm new I had no idea that was clicked, I was wondering why all my reviews were signed, lol! Hope you continue to like the story

AISH a.k.a. Kitty in the Box: I'm singling you out because I always enjoy your comments, here and in other fics J

anime-earth: I'm glad it's won a place in your heart, don't worry Yuki will suffer (I'm so evil! Bwua haa haaa) *cough cough* Stick with me!

Aiko-chan: I love your name, it's cute ^_^ Thanks for reviewing chapter 1 as well as 3 even though all three were posted already. I know you are friends with animegirl9, and if you trust her word, you'll love the next chapter!

Ok I know I said I couldn't name everybody but I have to! Every single review makes my heart flutter! So here I go, I hope I don't miss anyone out:

Hikaru Itsuko: All your fics are written in Spanish! I'm glad you are adding to the Spanish community of fics even though the audience is not as wide (I think). I'll try to check them out when I have some time!

Anime-earth: You reviewed twice, wow! Fear not Yuki Eiri will be tortured by this merciless writer.

panatlantic, Seven7, Black Dios, ,Imayb1,Lin, CC, Dementia-12,Kanberry,Erushi,Princess of Mirrors, badluck fangrrl: a big thank you for taking your time to drop a comment, group hug!; And no, I haven't forgotten you, god_damned, your eloquent review caught my attention with its simplicity, Thank you!

I've come up with something. "Best Review of the Week Award" Lol, I'm crazy I know. This week it goes to a particular pair (? or just split personality?) of crazy Mexicans. Lol, your review made laugh so much, I'm glad you like it. I've seen your reviews at other places and I'm glad you reviewed mine.

CPV-Phantoms-CTFA Get cookies, yay! Estais locas!

                                                                                                                                            See you all VERY soon