Introductions and Disclaimers from Tenshi
"Gravitation" and all its characters belong to the talented Maki Murakami. I originally wrote and posted this story here in 2001 in the span of a few days and thought I'd clean it up a bit in preparation for Nanowrimo this year. I hope you enjoy it even though it's just a quick write sort of thing! It's pure fluffiness Gravitation style.
"A Dedication to Gravitation"
Track 2: Relatively Speaking
The toy store was filled with mothers and their small children. Shuuichi and Yuki stepped gingerly past and over some of the ones playing with toys on the ground until they made their way to the girl's section, filled with stuffed animals, dolls, and all the necessary fashions and accessories. Shuuichi picked up a medium size teddy bear and gave it a few trial squeezes. "This is about the size of Kumagorou I think," Shuuichi happily exclaimed.
"Kuma-what? Oh, that bunny thing..." Yuki looked uninterested as he turned his attention away from Shuuichi to survey their surroundings. Mika had never been interested in dolls when they were younger. Playing with baby dolls was supposed to bring out that nurturing, motherly instinct in young girls, and Yuki was sure Mika had none of that. From an early age, Mika had been more interested in her own fashion and looks. When other girls of her age would have been interested in visiting a doll store, Mika had wanted to visit the cosmetics counter at the department store. Thus, dolls and other toys were rarely found in the Uesugi household. Being in the toy store now made Yuki bitterly remember his childhood was different from most youth. It must have been completely opposite of Shuuichi's, he though, turning back to look at him. Shuuichi was always full of energy and emotion. He was so easy to please, yet Yuki could never find it in himself to completely satisfy what was wanted of him. Ever so briefly, Yuki thought maybe... maybe the reason he didn't satisfy Shuuichi was because if he did... Shuuichi might leave him. He couldn't deal with the pain that would bring. But this idea was in Yuki's brain for merely an unconscious moment. Reality had firmly taken Yuki into the present, a reality where a rather cute and childish looking Shuuichi was sitting on the floor, having ripped open a few packages of clothes in order to try them on the teddy bear. It seemed he was having trouble deciding what shirt would be best. Shuuichi was sitting on the floor and held up the two choices to Yuki.
"Ne, Yuki, which do you like best? The white vest or the yellow t-shirt?" Shuuichi asked completely serious. Yuki found it almost laughable. It seemed very unlikely a stuffed animal would care what it was wearing. But Shuuichi seemed so serious and so adorable. Yuki leaned over and quickly gave Shuuichi a kiss. The idea of going a bit further right then and there in the store entered Yuki's mind but he was interrupted by the screams of a 31-year-old man with absolutely no sense of timing despite his profession.
"OI!!!! SHUUUUUUIIIICHIII!!!" The owner of the voice came running to the back of the store carrying a few shopping bags and his precious Kumagorou balancing precariously on his head. It seemed unreal to consider that Sakuma Ryuuichi was over 10 years older than Shuuichi. Both had the same carefree mannerisms and even watching the two interact it was hard to tell who was older. "Hmmm...." Ryuuichi puzzled for a moment and carefully took Kumagorou off his head. "Kumagorou says the white vest looks best on teddy. Is he your new friend?"
Shuuichi blushed and shook his head. "What are you doing here Sakuma-san?"
Ryuuichi plopped himself on the floor next to Shuuichi and smiled big with rosy cheeks. "Ooooo, just some shopping. Tohma said I should pick out something nice for the Christmas party and now I wanna pick out something nice for Kumagorou too! It wouldn't be fair if I just shopped for myself."
"Christmas party?" Shuuichi asked. Ryuuichi had already started rummaging through the doll clothes scattered on the floor, so Shuuichi turned around to ask Yuki.
"Yeah, Tohma used to throw a big party every Christmas in the NG building but it's been awhile." Shuuichi wasn't sure... but somehow Yuki sounded a bit more perturbed than normal.
"A Christmas Party huh?" Shuuichi started to get excited but Yuki's face made it very clear he wasn't interested in going. Shuuichi pouted a little. "But it's a Christmas party with friends! You lock yourself up too much Yuki. It'd be good if you got out a little."
Yuki scowled. "Are you through here?"
Shuuichi sighed. "Yeah, I'm done I guess." He carefully hid the white vest behind his back and waved goodbye to Ryuuichi with his free hand. "Bye Sakuma-san! See you at the Christmas party!"
Yuki's eyes got wider and he frowned deeply at Shuuichi. "I'm not going!" He yelled a little more loudly than he would have liked. A few people in the store turned to look his direction but they quickly went back to minding their own business. He lowered his voice a little. "You might think it's all fun and games, but you aren't actually related to" Yuki stopped suddenly when he felt a familiar hand on his back. Seguchi Mika, with Seguchi Tohma trailing just behind.
"Aren't actually related to who Eiri? You better not be thinking of skipping again this year. I'll report you to the police as a missing person if I have to." Mika subtly threatened Yuki with a smile. "Just think of all the fuss that would create in the media, hmmm?" Mika then gave a quick glance towards Shuuichi. "Shuu-kun, run along and give me some time alone with Eiri okay? I'll give him back soon."
Shuuichi knew it would be wiser to leave Yuki alone with Mika and Tohma than to fight back. Today WAS supposed to be his day with Yuki but he knew that the only reason he could be with Yuki at all was because Mika and Tohma were leaving them relatively alone lately. He went to the register to purchase his gift for his idol Sakuma-san and left the store casting one last glance at Yuki. He was having some sort of argument with Mika again. When Yuki rejoined him, he was going to be in a bad mood. Shuuichi wondered if that would be a good time to either have lunch or let Yuki go smoke outside. Or maybe find a restaurant that would let Yuki smoke inside. Either way, they should serve beer too. Shuuichi sighed and decided not to worry about it. Now would be the best time to get Yuki's present. He had seen it and put it on hold weeks ago. Merrily, he made his way to the largest store in the mall.
It was here where Uesugi Tatsuha had a part time job. It wasn't for the money, but merely for show. Working made him seem more responsible and allowed him to live in Tokyo on his own for a bit without Mika complaining. Plus, by working in a department store, he basically got paid to watch girls. When Shuuichi had been looking for ideas on what to get Yuki, Tatsuha suggested a new desk and chair for Yuki's office. The desk Yuki currently had was rather small compared to the black one he used to use. Not only was it more confined, but Tatsuha argued there wasn't enough room for Shuuichi to sit on it while Yuki was working. This "selling point" immediately led Shuuichi to agree with Tatsuha that Yuki needed a new desk and chair. They picked out a black one similar to what Yuki had before, except this one was a bit fancier. It had a built-in lighting and had more legroom for the taller-than-average Yuki. Shuuichi also tested out the matching chair, which was quite comfy and sturdy. Tatsuha said it would certainly be sturdy enough to hold if Shuuichi jumped into his Aniki's lap.
So today, Shuuichi decided he would purchase the desk and chair. In return for showing him the wonderful present idea, Shuuichi would tell Tatsuha that Sakuma-san was in the toy store. Shuuichi walked around the store to the back customer service area. He politely requested the assistance of Tatsuha, but was disappointed to hear that Tatsuha wasn't working today. Shuuichi paid for the desk and chair set and asked for it to be delivered Christmas Eve. Wondering what to do next, he continued to wander around the store thinking of what he would pick up for his best friend Hiro.
He had been best friends with Nakano Hiroshi for a long time. They both loved music and Nittle Grasper when they were younger. The idea of becoming pros had seemed like a faraway childish dream then. Yet, somehow, through ups and downs, and Yuki, and Ayaka, and records and concerts in live houses, they were still strong friends. It wasn't their interests that had kept them together. It was something else... some sort of pull that couldn't be explained....
Shuuichi decided that he wanted to get his friend something different, something not related to their friendship or music at all. A gift certificate to a movie theatre would be a nice idea for him and Ayaka, but it didn't seem Shuuichi-ish enough. He wanted his gift to have thought. Shuuichi decided to sit down on a bench and he stared upwards, focusing his attention on the sky just visible through the glass ceiling of the shopping center. The weather looked like it was starting to clear up a bit. "Awwww," he uttered aloud. "I was hoping for more snow."
"Me too," Hiro said. Shuuichi looked at his best friend and then continued to look back up at the sky. Hiro sat down on the bench next to Shuuichi and looked up like his friend. "So what's got you here today Shu?"
"Christmas shopping with Yuki. But Seguchi-san and Mika-san have him for the moment. What are you doing here?"
"Same thing. Trying to find Ayaka a gift."
"Blue."
"Blue?"
"Yuki says she likes blue stuff."
"And why would I care what Yuki thinks?" Hiro sounded a bit annoyed and looked at Shuuichi. "How would he even know something like that?"
Ever protective, Shuuichi's emotions exploded out without warning. "He said Mika picked out stuff and YUKI ISN'T A BAD PERSON!"
Hiro sighed. "Sorry, sorry"
Hiro looked at his friend, who had his back slightly turned away and was still looking cross. He felt jealous. Shuuichi cared so much about Yuki now... and about music now... it felt almost as if Shuuichi had forgotten about him. Of course, Hiro himself was focused on being with Ayaka when he had a free moment. He was either on the phone with her or on the train to Kyoto to spend time with her if he had the chance. It seemed like their friendship should be stressed but they still stuck together.
"So blue huh?" Hiro asked.
"Yeah." Shuuichi didn't look so cross anymore. He rarely stayed mad or upset at anyone or anything very long.
"Blue what?"
"Hey, I already gave you one hint, I think you could figure the rest on your own." Shuuichi teased him.
"Hey! I bet you didn't even pick out Yuki's present by yourself and you've been with Yuki longer than I have been with Ayaka!" Hiro laughed. Shuuichi tried to act indignant, but it was true that Tatsuha had basically picked out the gift. Suddenly he wondered if giving Yuki a desk was a good idea after all. Didn't he want to pick out a gift that really showed Yuki how he felt?
"I gotta go Hiro!" Shuuichi quickly stood up and started running. "OH!" he called back. "There is going to be a Christmas party in the NG building!"
Hiro yelled back. "I know! K already told us about it yesterday morning but you were so late you didn't get to hear about it!"
Shuuichi blushed and waved goodbye, running back through the department store to find a more suitable gift for Yuki.
Next Track: Regarding a Past and Regarding a Future
Major Changes and Notes:
In little ways I'm changing the timing of the story so that the relationship has been around longer than it could be implied by the original version. It helps explain certain things better and allows Yuki to be a bit softer than in the early stages of their relationship!
"Gravitation" and all its characters belong to the talented Maki Murakami. I originally wrote and posted this story here in 2001 in the span of a few days and thought I'd clean it up a bit in preparation for Nanowrimo this year. I hope you enjoy it even though it's just a quick write sort of thing! It's pure fluffiness Gravitation style.
"A Dedication to Gravitation"
Track 2: Relatively Speaking
The toy store was filled with mothers and their small children. Shuuichi and Yuki stepped gingerly past and over some of the ones playing with toys on the ground until they made their way to the girl's section, filled with stuffed animals, dolls, and all the necessary fashions and accessories. Shuuichi picked up a medium size teddy bear and gave it a few trial squeezes. "This is about the size of Kumagorou I think," Shuuichi happily exclaimed.
"Kuma-what? Oh, that bunny thing..." Yuki looked uninterested as he turned his attention away from Shuuichi to survey their surroundings. Mika had never been interested in dolls when they were younger. Playing with baby dolls was supposed to bring out that nurturing, motherly instinct in young girls, and Yuki was sure Mika had none of that. From an early age, Mika had been more interested in her own fashion and looks. When other girls of her age would have been interested in visiting a doll store, Mika had wanted to visit the cosmetics counter at the department store. Thus, dolls and other toys were rarely found in the Uesugi household. Being in the toy store now made Yuki bitterly remember his childhood was different from most youth. It must have been completely opposite of Shuuichi's, he though, turning back to look at him. Shuuichi was always full of energy and emotion. He was so easy to please, yet Yuki could never find it in himself to completely satisfy what was wanted of him. Ever so briefly, Yuki thought maybe... maybe the reason he didn't satisfy Shuuichi was because if he did... Shuuichi might leave him. He couldn't deal with the pain that would bring. But this idea was in Yuki's brain for merely an unconscious moment. Reality had firmly taken Yuki into the present, a reality where a rather cute and childish looking Shuuichi was sitting on the floor, having ripped open a few packages of clothes in order to try them on the teddy bear. It seemed he was having trouble deciding what shirt would be best. Shuuichi was sitting on the floor and held up the two choices to Yuki.
"Ne, Yuki, which do you like best? The white vest or the yellow t-shirt?" Shuuichi asked completely serious. Yuki found it almost laughable. It seemed very unlikely a stuffed animal would care what it was wearing. But Shuuichi seemed so serious and so adorable. Yuki leaned over and quickly gave Shuuichi a kiss. The idea of going a bit further right then and there in the store entered Yuki's mind but he was interrupted by the screams of a 31-year-old man with absolutely no sense of timing despite his profession.
"OI!!!! SHUUUUUUIIIICHIII!!!" The owner of the voice came running to the back of the store carrying a few shopping bags and his precious Kumagorou balancing precariously on his head. It seemed unreal to consider that Sakuma Ryuuichi was over 10 years older than Shuuichi. Both had the same carefree mannerisms and even watching the two interact it was hard to tell who was older. "Hmmm...." Ryuuichi puzzled for a moment and carefully took Kumagorou off his head. "Kumagorou says the white vest looks best on teddy. Is he your new friend?"
Shuuichi blushed and shook his head. "What are you doing here Sakuma-san?"
Ryuuichi plopped himself on the floor next to Shuuichi and smiled big with rosy cheeks. "Ooooo, just some shopping. Tohma said I should pick out something nice for the Christmas party and now I wanna pick out something nice for Kumagorou too! It wouldn't be fair if I just shopped for myself."
"Christmas party?" Shuuichi asked. Ryuuichi had already started rummaging through the doll clothes scattered on the floor, so Shuuichi turned around to ask Yuki.
"Yeah, Tohma used to throw a big party every Christmas in the NG building but it's been awhile." Shuuichi wasn't sure... but somehow Yuki sounded a bit more perturbed than normal.
"A Christmas Party huh?" Shuuichi started to get excited but Yuki's face made it very clear he wasn't interested in going. Shuuichi pouted a little. "But it's a Christmas party with friends! You lock yourself up too much Yuki. It'd be good if you got out a little."
Yuki scowled. "Are you through here?"
Shuuichi sighed. "Yeah, I'm done I guess." He carefully hid the white vest behind his back and waved goodbye to Ryuuichi with his free hand. "Bye Sakuma-san! See you at the Christmas party!"
Yuki's eyes got wider and he frowned deeply at Shuuichi. "I'm not going!" He yelled a little more loudly than he would have liked. A few people in the store turned to look his direction but they quickly went back to minding their own business. He lowered his voice a little. "You might think it's all fun and games, but you aren't actually related to" Yuki stopped suddenly when he felt a familiar hand on his back. Seguchi Mika, with Seguchi Tohma trailing just behind.
"Aren't actually related to who Eiri? You better not be thinking of skipping again this year. I'll report you to the police as a missing person if I have to." Mika subtly threatened Yuki with a smile. "Just think of all the fuss that would create in the media, hmmm?" Mika then gave a quick glance towards Shuuichi. "Shuu-kun, run along and give me some time alone with Eiri okay? I'll give him back soon."
Shuuichi knew it would be wiser to leave Yuki alone with Mika and Tohma than to fight back. Today WAS supposed to be his day with Yuki but he knew that the only reason he could be with Yuki at all was because Mika and Tohma were leaving them relatively alone lately. He went to the register to purchase his gift for his idol Sakuma-san and left the store casting one last glance at Yuki. He was having some sort of argument with Mika again. When Yuki rejoined him, he was going to be in a bad mood. Shuuichi wondered if that would be a good time to either have lunch or let Yuki go smoke outside. Or maybe find a restaurant that would let Yuki smoke inside. Either way, they should serve beer too. Shuuichi sighed and decided not to worry about it. Now would be the best time to get Yuki's present. He had seen it and put it on hold weeks ago. Merrily, he made his way to the largest store in the mall.
It was here where Uesugi Tatsuha had a part time job. It wasn't for the money, but merely for show. Working made him seem more responsible and allowed him to live in Tokyo on his own for a bit without Mika complaining. Plus, by working in a department store, he basically got paid to watch girls. When Shuuichi had been looking for ideas on what to get Yuki, Tatsuha suggested a new desk and chair for Yuki's office. The desk Yuki currently had was rather small compared to the black one he used to use. Not only was it more confined, but Tatsuha argued there wasn't enough room for Shuuichi to sit on it while Yuki was working. This "selling point" immediately led Shuuichi to agree with Tatsuha that Yuki needed a new desk and chair. They picked out a black one similar to what Yuki had before, except this one was a bit fancier. It had a built-in lighting and had more legroom for the taller-than-average Yuki. Shuuichi also tested out the matching chair, which was quite comfy and sturdy. Tatsuha said it would certainly be sturdy enough to hold if Shuuichi jumped into his Aniki's lap.
So today, Shuuichi decided he would purchase the desk and chair. In return for showing him the wonderful present idea, Shuuichi would tell Tatsuha that Sakuma-san was in the toy store. Shuuichi walked around the store to the back customer service area. He politely requested the assistance of Tatsuha, but was disappointed to hear that Tatsuha wasn't working today. Shuuichi paid for the desk and chair set and asked for it to be delivered Christmas Eve. Wondering what to do next, he continued to wander around the store thinking of what he would pick up for his best friend Hiro.
He had been best friends with Nakano Hiroshi for a long time. They both loved music and Nittle Grasper when they were younger. The idea of becoming pros had seemed like a faraway childish dream then. Yet, somehow, through ups and downs, and Yuki, and Ayaka, and records and concerts in live houses, they were still strong friends. It wasn't their interests that had kept them together. It was something else... some sort of pull that couldn't be explained....
Shuuichi decided that he wanted to get his friend something different, something not related to their friendship or music at all. A gift certificate to a movie theatre would be a nice idea for him and Ayaka, but it didn't seem Shuuichi-ish enough. He wanted his gift to have thought. Shuuichi decided to sit down on a bench and he stared upwards, focusing his attention on the sky just visible through the glass ceiling of the shopping center. The weather looked like it was starting to clear up a bit. "Awwww," he uttered aloud. "I was hoping for more snow."
"Me too," Hiro said. Shuuichi looked at his best friend and then continued to look back up at the sky. Hiro sat down on the bench next to Shuuichi and looked up like his friend. "So what's got you here today Shu?"
"Christmas shopping with Yuki. But Seguchi-san and Mika-san have him for the moment. What are you doing here?"
"Same thing. Trying to find Ayaka a gift."
"Blue."
"Blue?"
"Yuki says she likes blue stuff."
"And why would I care what Yuki thinks?" Hiro sounded a bit annoyed and looked at Shuuichi. "How would he even know something like that?"
Ever protective, Shuuichi's emotions exploded out without warning. "He said Mika picked out stuff and YUKI ISN'T A BAD PERSON!"
Hiro sighed. "Sorry, sorry"
Hiro looked at his friend, who had his back slightly turned away and was still looking cross. He felt jealous. Shuuichi cared so much about Yuki now... and about music now... it felt almost as if Shuuichi had forgotten about him. Of course, Hiro himself was focused on being with Ayaka when he had a free moment. He was either on the phone with her or on the train to Kyoto to spend time with her if he had the chance. It seemed like their friendship should be stressed but they still stuck together.
"So blue huh?" Hiro asked.
"Yeah." Shuuichi didn't look so cross anymore. He rarely stayed mad or upset at anyone or anything very long.
"Blue what?"
"Hey, I already gave you one hint, I think you could figure the rest on your own." Shuuichi teased him.
"Hey! I bet you didn't even pick out Yuki's present by yourself and you've been with Yuki longer than I have been with Ayaka!" Hiro laughed. Shuuichi tried to act indignant, but it was true that Tatsuha had basically picked out the gift. Suddenly he wondered if giving Yuki a desk was a good idea after all. Didn't he want to pick out a gift that really showed Yuki how he felt?
"I gotta go Hiro!" Shuuichi quickly stood up and started running. "OH!" he called back. "There is going to be a Christmas party in the NG building!"
Hiro yelled back. "I know! K already told us about it yesterday morning but you were so late you didn't get to hear about it!"
Shuuichi blushed and waved goodbye, running back through the department store to find a more suitable gift for Yuki.
Next Track: Regarding a Past and Regarding a Future
Major Changes and Notes:
In little ways I'm changing the timing of the story so that the relationship has been around longer than it could be implied by the original version. It helps explain certain things better and allows Yuki to be a bit softer than in the early stages of their relationship!