AN: Just wanted to respond to a review – keep in mind that in the beginning of this, Shuichi is 21-22, which makes Yuki 23-24, so they've been together about three years. And as I said before, this is my view on their lives, and I know that after spending that long with someone, you're bound to soften up to them a bit, ne? :p
Yup, that's all I wanted to say... Enjoy and review? :D
Posted: Dec. 8, 2004

Moments of Life
Part Three

"True love..." Shuichi mused, staring at the blank notebook lying in front of him. He was lying on his stomach on the bed, idly tapping his pen against the paper, his chin propped up on a fist. "True love is confusing and thrilling..." he murmured, thinking aloud and idly scribbling away. "Makes you feel like you can fly, makes you feel trapped. It's borderline hate, full of despair and joy. It's ups and downs and occasional sideways'. It's snow in July, and clear skies and bright stars at night. It's fireworks and caramel apples, withered flowers and rainy days," he continued, letting the words flow from him freely. "It's hugs and kisses, gentle caresses, a warm body against your own at night, shared secrets..."

He continued writing for a long while, quickly filling one page and then another of whatever came to mind. After half an hour he changed to a clean sheet, looking through everything he'd written as he started creating lyrics. A soft hum soon filled the air, matching the words forming on the page as his feet swung up and down in a counter-rhythm.

Over the years he'd improved at writing lyrics, gaining confidence in himself as Bad Luck stayed popular. It still amazed him that they'd managed to surpass Nittle Grasper and become so famous after such a short time – and were still going strong. It seemed unreal, and sometimes he still felt like he was living a dream; afraid that he'd suddenly wake up and find himself still in high school, having been daydreaming it all during class.

Rolling onto his back and sprawling out, the singer put his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling. The apartment felt empty with Yuki gone, but he knew the author would return tomorrow night after a meeting with his publisher about translating his books into English and French. Even though Yuki continued writing romance novels, he'd started incorporating things that had happened in his own life while still maintaining a dark theme and bittersweet ending. For some reason, his fans never seemed to tire of it, seeming to always hope for one with a happy ending. Shuichi snorted softly at that thought, knowing the world was more likely to come to an end than Yuki writing a happy ending for one of his novels.

He sat up as he heard the sound of the front door opening, immediately thinking someone was breaking in before calming himself; there were at least three people besides himself and Yuki who had a key to their apartment. Jumping up, he ambled into the living room and to the door, blinking in surprise when he saw his lover setting his bag down and slipping his shoes off.

"Yuki?" he asked softly, tilting his head questioningly. "Why are you home early? Did the meeting not go well?" he asked.

The blond glanced up and looked at Shuichi for a moment before giving a slight shake of his head. "It went better than expected," he replied, brushing past the younger male and heading to the kitchen for a drink.

"Really? That's great! Why don't we order out to celebrate?" he suggested, following behind and slipping his arms around his lover's chest, gently nuzzling the back of his neck.

"Order what?"

"Hmm... Sushi?"

"You order while I shower," replied Yuki, pulling away and turning to brush a brief kiss against Shuichi's temple before heading to do so.

The singer smiled and snatched up the phone, quickly placing their order plus a bottle of red wine before grinning mischievously and heading to join Yuki in the shower to welcome him home properly.