Chapter 10: Interlude--Tatsuha
Standard Disclaimer Applies
One day, I want to draw the most wonderful portrait of Sakuma Ryuichi that anyone has ever seen. And I want Sakuma-san to appreciate it, too.
Of course, this would prove to be more than just a difficult task, as I soon found out shortly after mentally swearing to this; my artistic skills were close to zero back then, and most importantly, I didn't have the real life model to work with. Normally, with the sketches, I begin by assessing how I can realistically procreate and convert the 3-D being in front of me into an image on paper. That's how I work now, anyway; back then, when I had little experience in the field, things like that did not, and would not, come automatically to me. I didn't have the mental capacity then to understand what was needed to draw the perfect picture. My thoughts seemed to say that I could do it with little or no strife or mental roadblocks at all; that everything could flow naturally from brain, to fingers, to pencil, to paper.
What a load of bullshit. At least now, I've matured somewhat and understand that stuff like that doesn't happen that way. Hell, life isn't even easy. You've got to fend for yourself, despite the shaky path you may have to take to get wherever it is you need to go.
Everyone has long fallen asleep, after our continual rounds of all-out karaoke. Shuichi lie on the ground beside where I sat, curled up under a small blanket that Hiro left for him shortly after falling into slumber. On the couch, Ryuichi was quietly snoring, Kumagorou tucked beneath his arm and barely holding on. I concernedly pushed the rabbit a bit further into his master's arms, and smiled quietly when Ryuichi mumbled something incoherent under his breath and reacted to my touch.
"They're real cute when they're asleep like that, ne?" Hiroshi came back into the living room, carrying two cans of Budweiser obviously stolen from my brother's refrigerator. "It's too bad they're couple of devils when awake."
"Ryuichi's not that bad." I retorted, shaking my head gently when Hiro offered a beer my way. "He's cute when he's sleeping. So's Shuichi."
"You don't drink, Tatsuha-san?" The redheaded guitarist asked me curiously.
In reply, I tossed him an amused grin. "I'm only sixteen, man. It sucks, but I'm not legally allowed do drink yet."
Hiro smirked, taking a quick sip of the dark liquid. "Well, I dunno why, but you seem like the type to bend rules, anyway, even when they're put there for a reason."
"Intuition told you that, or Shuichi?" He was a relatively nice guy; I kind of liked this Hiroshi already, because his personality seemed a bit like my own, if only a tiny bit more subdued.
Okay...maybe a lot more subdued, but I can't help the way I am, right? Besides, happiness is always a good thing!
Hiro chuckled. "Nah, I just could tell. Some people are pretty easy to read, y'know?"
"I guess s—what th' HELL?"
Something jabbed into my back at that moment, however—I jerked in response, whirling around to find Ryuichi's pale foot sticking out off the sofa and now nudging me in the arm.
It was obvious from the sounds he was making that Hiro was trying to stifle laughter. "S-Shit, you got scared of R-Ryuichi's foot?! Ooh...demonic, isn't it?"
"Shut up." I threw a pillow that lay conveniently on the floor beside me at a silently snickering Hiro, and carefully pushed the offending, oh-so-evil foot away from me. I didn't want him to wake up, after all.
Hiro finally stopped laughing, and there was a taut silence for a moment—that is, before my own mind caught a reminder of a question that had been silently plaguing me for the past few days, and I decidedly brought the subject up.
"Hey, Hiro...Shuichi talks a whole lot about you, Aniki told me...are you, like, his second lover or what?"
There was a somewhat wistful look in the young man's eyes as he answered somewhat snappishly. "Not really. Shuichi and I are just really good friends. I mean, we've known each other since middle school, so it's not like we just met or anything like that. He's still the same hopeless idiot I remembered from back then, and he really hasn't changed much."
"There's something else, though, isn't it...?"
"Say what...?"
"N-...Nothing, man. Just forget I...forget I said anything, alright?" I quietly finished, turning away from the older teen beside me.
Something else lay in Hiro's questioning gaze as he looked at me, but I had cared not to explore it further, at the moment. Most people don't know that I'm rather skilled at gaining other peoples' true intentions and feelings before even they're willing to admit it themselves; but I like to let people believe that I'm foolish and unobservant.
It works well for a lot of reasons, really; then, they'll be pretty damn surprised when I do actually say something of wide-ranged intelligence, but also because I don't want people to know my real side. Not a lot of people really care what your true face is like, after all. The world's just a two-faced bitch trying to stab you in the back at any given moment. Most acquaintances aren't worth making, and most people are ones you cannot trust. Even if it seems like you're being selfish, it's better to think that everyone's not worth your time and act all high and mighty, in a way; because then, they'll have to earn your respect and attention. The ones who are too trusting get hurt physically, sometimes end up dead; the ones who trust no one are extremely pained emotionally and lonely beyond belief.
Since when did I become so morbid and philosophical, you ask? Well...let's just say that after one or two experiences on the streets, you catch wind of these things pretty fast. It's always up to you to draw your own conclusions, though.
"You know, Hiro...I really do like Ryuichi. There was just something that drew me to him, I guess...I dunno what it is yet, but I want to learn that, you know? These things really take time, but...I think I'll be willing to wait. As long as that person's waiting at the end of the road...I think it'll all be worth it at the end, you know?"
A bit startled, I saw him suspiciously look up at me. "What is this, the coming out hour of your life?"
"I'm not joking." I told him firmly, with all due honesty. "Listen, man, if you ever like someone, don't give up on them just 'cause of society's rules and crap like that. Something tells me that you've got someone you really care about, and I know from experience that when something like that happens...you know that it's right, even if everyone else thinks you're crazy or weird and shit. Maybe...maybe everyone else is the weird ones, y'know? Maybe we're doin' something RIGHT, following our instincts and not listening to what someone else dictates..."
A pregnant silence followed, but I could tell from the thoughtful look Hiro held that he was considering my words.
"You know...I think I understand what you mean, at least a little." Hiro glanced up at me, dark eyes smiling, although his face was purely grave and solemn. "Shuichi means a whole lot to me...and just because he belongs to someone else, or we're best friends and stuff isn't going to change the way I feel about him. Something in my heart draws me to him...and every time I look at him, there's something just there, you know? I mean...I think that feeling's love, but...I'll wait a while to know for sure. Until we're both sure." He professed softly, as he added the last sentence to his confession.
Bingo! I had gotten him to confess his feelings, as expected.
Grinning slightly, I nodded to Hiro. "I gotcha, man."
My stare switched to a sleeping Ryuichi, who was now fully asleep. Normally lively blue orbs were shut beneath tired eyelids, and up close, you could see the evidence of how exhausted fame had made him. But there was something about those delicate, curving fingers of his, curled against his little pink bunny, and the lightly parted lips curved into a tiny, dreamy smile that allured me; that somehow made me forget everything else around me. Whatever this was...whatever one could call this feeling...I never wanted it to end.
I'm sure that my brother, the-oh-so-romantic, bestselling author that he is, could probably describe it better than I could ever attempt to. But that side thought's really beside the point of the matter.
And then, a strike of inspiration hit me. My hands started clambering for my suitcase, and I began tugging at the finicky zipper pull anxiously. Dammit...needed my sketchbook fast, before the idea fades...
"What the hell are you doing?" Hiro questioned incredulously, from behind the beer can's rim.
I grinned as my index finger touched the familiar fabric of my sketchbook, and I pulled it out in a hurry. "...Sorry, man. Inspiration took its hold on me. In the form of a pair of cute little guys...named Shindou Shuichi and Sakuma Ryuichi."
Hiro was looking at me strange, but I couldn't have cared less. Right now, I had work to do.
clari chan: He was getting pretty scared by Hiro's cruel tone with Yuki, and that's why he wasn't exactly mad, per se. Internally, yes, he was rather upset; but his emotions still weren't working too well, so that could have had something to do with that. :D I'm glad you liked the chapter, though, clari-san, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too! Sankyuu for the review!
deppfan1016: Hai, being different is fun, ne? :3 I'm glad someone can agree with me about that! Phwee! ) Glad you enjoyed the Yuki and Hiro confrontation; and by the way, I DID look back in the tankouban where they speak with one another about that, just so I'd get the same mood of the scene across in this fic. I'm just happy I succeeded! –Smile—Thank you for complimenting on that. As for Ryuichi, there was another person who didn't want Ryuichi to fall out of the focus...so he won't be out of it, don't fret, dear! :D Yes, Ryu and Shu makes great friends, and a RyuShu fan even complimented me on how I portrayed them, too! :D I'm really embarrassed to be getting all this praise; it makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside! Phwee. :3 Well, if you like this story, then I'll keep at it! Sankyuu for the review, depp-san!
kanilla: Phwee! I'm satisfied if you're satisfied with their romance, then. :3 No, really; I want my readers to enjoy the interactions as much as I enjoy writing of them, so I'm glad my mission has been accomplished. As for Tohma's baby, she'll come in later chapters...I think I mentioned this in one of my other reviews, didn't I? –Looks around with swirly eyes—Ahh...unfortunately, this story is getting far too many reviews for me to take in, so I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself to anyone...! Yes, Ryu-chan is always such an innocent. But we love him that way, ne? –Hugs the entire Gravi cast—These characters are so cool...! Anyway, I'm glad you like the idea of a HiroxShuxYuki triangle...repeat the same support again next review so I can count your vote for the review-based poll! (Read below the review replies for more information on that, please. :D) Yes, Nittle Grasper r00x my sox. And I never thought I'd say it that way, too. I personally don't like typing like that, (correct grammar and spelling for me, please, even if my spelling SUCKS VERY BADLY), but I thought I would to show my raw support for the group. So, NYAH. :P (Just kidding. :3) And your comments are making me blush; stop, please! –Blushy—You shouldn't try to use so many adjectives, anyway; I believe you even when you merely state that you like my story. I hope to see you next chapter, kanilla-san, and sankyuu for the review!
Silver on the Tree: Phwee...that is creepy. –Shivers- Weird phenomena happen when we least expect them, ne? Yes, Hiro was being biting, but who wouldn't want to be protective of their best friend who had been raped? I can't fully understand his rage, because I have not been in a situation like that, but we can imagine the scene and understand his reasons for it, right? I'm glad you liked what he said, though; I put A LOT of work into that one snippet of dialogue, and it seemed to work out just fine. Many other reviewers commented on it, too. :D Yes, the ShuRyu thing was added for humor purposes, and I'm glad you got a kick out of it. I always like making my readers happy. Oh, and thanks for reviewing Jouryoku Kafe; yes, angsty!Hakkai is neat, but I'm hoping for a happy ending for him, anyway. Poor guy went through so much as it is... --Has just read Saiyuki manga tankouban 4 and is thoroughly tossed a curve ball—Sniffy...I have to make his parts of the story good! :D And, and since you're reading this story, what would you think of a SanzouxHakkaixGojyo triangle later on in the story? I'm going to ask my other reviewers next chapter, but I thought that since you're reviewing this fic, I'd ask you in advance. Anyway, thanks for the compliments given, and sankyuu for the review!
chibichibi-nekochan: Ha-ha! Yes, the geometry works so interestingly, doesn't it? :) Ah, and thank you for the compliments. –Looks at the ground shyly like she always does when admired- I tried very hard to make this chapter good, and it's always nice to know my efforts were not in vain! Well, look forward to Yuki going 'psycho,' on Tachi next chapter; I'm afraid I didn't have the time to make a really good chapter now, but I PROMISE that I will next time! Sankyuu for the review!
Kitty in the Box: --Pets Kitty-san on the head—There, there, dear...I'm sorry you didn't understand, but I was only trying to break the angst-y air...I suppose that didn't work out too well. :( Sorry...I tried to make you happy. Nevertheless, I've edited that chapter, so I hope it makes more sense...it seems that cut off part of what I wanted to say by accident, and by me not paying attention to what I was doing. –Gives Kitty-san a Ryuichi plushie—I hope this, as well as the actual chapter, serves as a consolation prize to the main dish, and I hope you'll be satisfied next chapter...whenever I can get to it. I'll try to get it up ASAP, though! –Determined air about her—Sankyuu for the review!
KageKitsune16: Happy to hear all that. Your kindness and compliments are greatly appreciated. –Smiles- Oh, he did that in the OVA?! I never even saw it yet, so I wouldn't know! What a coincidence, ne? Hehe. I like Hiro's comment, too...I wanted that comment to stick out, but everyone was mostly focusing on the actual humor of Ryuichi and Shuichi ending up in such a compromising situation. :D But I'm glad that YOU noticed it, of course, so kudos to you for that! You get a Hiro plushie. –Gives you the plushie and squeaks happily—It's quite wonderful that you spent so much time on your Xanga, though I could almost tell by the way it was designed. Hard work really does show, sometimes, ne? :D And even if you don't know who was on your background image, I still love it anyway. –Huggles Hisoka— I highly suggest Yami No Matsuei, (Descendents of Darkness, as it is titled here), for you, though; if you don't mind a little supernatural action and some blood with your yaoi and shonen-ai, then you might like it. But the shonen-ai is really neat in that series. Highly recommended, again. Sankyuu for the review!
goku-the-saru: I KNOW! I get Adult Swim, and I told my friend about it being on there, (she also likes anime), so she was pretty happy about titles like that coming on Cartoon Network, too. :D Her penname here on is Ochako107; I highly recommend her stories, which are only Rurouni Kenshin at the moment, but she's working hard on some really cute fics. Highly recommended. :) YAKI-SARU! yes, gotta love Goku; I love the entire Sanzou-ikkou, really; though I'm quite biased when it comes to two members, especially: Bakasaru, (LOL!), and the ever-smiling monocle youkai, Hakkai-san. Yare yare desu ne. Phweeeee... Such a sweet biseinen with an angst-y past. How clichéd, yet wonderful. I admire his personality, though; for whom else can keep peace amongst an abusive monk, a lecherous kappa, and a gluttonous monkey? XD I also think he's adorable with Gojyo-san. They have excellent chemistry. Um...that is, if you understand what I mean. –Sweat drops and blushes while she tries to hide it—I'm such a strange, shonen-ai shipper
...Umm...In any case, your comment is highly appreciated, and sankyuu for the review!
Ochako107: JAKUKIE-SAN! Lots of hugs, sweetheart... -Glomps- Your comments are always well-appreciated, and STOP BEING SO ADORABLY POLITE ALL THE TIME! It's gonna turn you into another Hakkai without the dark past! XD Yes, Shuichi's devotion is so strong...I admire him for that, you know? And I want he and Yuki to have a happy ending...because I'm a hopeless romantic like that, and also because I love their chemistry. Reminds me a little of Sanzou and Goku, only they're a little bit more...abusive? Maternal? Not exactly shotacon but considered that to some?? Okay... I'll stop talking; I'm going SO much on a tangent... -Sweat drops and grins-
--Blushes—Oh, thanks for saying you liked my characters, Jakukie-san...! I love your characters more, though; I always think that there's something wrong with the way my portrayals of the characters are. –Smiles- But Hiro and Yuki's conversation, as I've said in about three other reviews, (Not to be rude or anything; but there were SERIOUSLY three other reviewers who liked the same thing. –Sweat drop- I guess I did a good job?), was something I worked VERY hard on, so I'm very, VERY happy you all liked it. I was planning out that conversation subconsciously for about THREE DAYS! That's how hard I try to make everything work! –Determined air- Well, I'll keep at it, so YOU have to work hard on your Ruroken fic; it's absolutely WONDERFUL so far, Jakukie-san! You're a great authoress, too! Hugs, and sankyuu for the review!
I'm so sorry, everyone... I had planned to update last weekend, and it didn't work out that way because of time issues...GOMEN NASAI! -–Bashes head against the keyboard and gets back up, slowly, with a gigantic bump on her head--
Itai yo...never doing that again. Waahh...that HURTS, people, it does... XX --'X' eyes--
IMPORTANT NOTE! I was planning on this chapter being the Yuki and Tachi confrontation, but I'm going on a trip starting tomorrow, and I will not be able to afford a long chappie with good emotional scenes 'till next weekend. By the time you all read this, probably, too, I will be long gone for a few days. Sorry! Although there will be absolutely NO updates to any of my stories, (including Jouryoku Kafe, my other ongoing multi-parter, which I politely suggest for any of my readers who enjoy Saiyuki; I hope you will like it, even though I don't think it's all that great so far. –Authoress kicks herself for the shameless self-plug— Ouchie!), I still hope everyone will stay faithful to this story and continue to enjoy it as it is, please. --Smiles--
Oh, and this is also VERY, VERY important, everyone; so important that I'm taking up the bottom authoress's notes space, which I don't usually do, as you know, for all these questions, comments, and facts. Okay, here's my poll for this story that I'd like you ALL to participate in if you review Paradise:
Would you like to have a HiroxShuxYuki love triangle present in this story?? I am considering it quite seriously now, as we get into the later chapters of this fic, but I want YOUR view on this. Whether it deals with your personal preferences or whatnot, say what you think! I want to know what YOU guys want; because it's almost useless to write a story without an audience to write FOR, wouldn't you agree? Or perhaps that's just my odd sense of judgment and ideals worked in here... XD
Lots of hugs for going over the 80 review mark, everyone, and until next chapter...
-Smiles- ...See you then, everyone!