Author's Notes: Thanks to the people that reviewed my story. In spite of my lack of updates, I really do appreciate your kind words. Thanks to Aja for pointing out a lot of my mistakes in an earlier copy of this chapter. Any mistakes still there were produced by me and my almighty mastery of the English language. As for the matter of plot, just because you haven't seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Chapter 5

"It's been a long time since I've seen that nice young boy. He was always so dedicated to prayer." A forlorn sigh escaped the old man, almost as if he was breathing his last. In that instant, Tatsuha half-expected him to croak, but at the last moment, no such luck. The older monk took another breath. Tatsuha settled back onto his kneeling mat, his muscles relaxing, in preparation for the boring nightly conversation with his father.

"Yeah... I guess." He shrugged, barely listening to his parent. How long had it been, a week? The old guy really missed Ryuichi. Hell, his father loved Ryuichi. He probably wanted Ryuichi as a son. If it came to that, Tatsuha would be all too happy to indulge him... for once.

"Why do you like him so much anyway? I bet you think he prays more."

"More than most."

Tatsuha smirked. Ryuichi did like to come to the temple, and while Tatsuha worked, Ryuichi would write songs. He'd close his eyes, and tilt his head downward, concentrating hard on whatever song he worked on. He said the fresh air helped him to think. He always sat under the same tree, the pink Sakura, which lost its buds in gentle mid-day breezes. It was the very same tree that Tatsuha and Eiri used to play under as kids, whether they were climbing, or throwing its fallen petals into the air like confetti. Innocent, childhood fun. The memory hadn't plagued him for years. He only glanced at the tree in passing, as though it were part of a painting... a frame from the past... It hurt to remember sometimes. Everything changed when Eiri left for New York. He and Eiri both changed.

Tatsuha stretched, shaking his head. It was easy to get carried away thinking, when in the dirt boring presence of his father. He should have been working on Ryuichi's painting, but the Uesugi family chat was mandatory, sparse as the conversation might be. It was like the old monk feared to be alone, disconnected from his only family. That was why it was good to have Mika around. She kept the ancient Uesugi entertained, and Tatsuha could simply let his thoughts wander until he served his nightly sentence of family bonding.

"The funeral went okay," Tatsuha remarked, in an attempt to fill the silent air. The task always seemed to be a funeral, as though happiness no longer existed.

The world was shattering for a second time. What shine ever came from shards? ...There were more edges to cut himself, yet more sides to steal light.

No amount of glue could ever hold it together. Long fingers brushed thick shampoo through wet strands of hair, made darker by the water. The water had gone cold.

Memories played within Ryuichi's mind. Echoes of the near past. Behind Touma's oak doubled-doors, they began to discuss it. Touma and Noriko discussed the second break-up of Nittle Grasper, while he'd kept quiet, holding Kumagoro firmly against his chest, shielding the bunny's ears from hurtful sound. Noriko's arms wrapped around them in a protective hug, as she told he and Kumagoro how sorry she was, and how she needed more time to be a mother...And...they both understood, but it didn't ease the pain.

How many times did he have to be reminded of his age? Even now, Ryuichi could only approximate his age into his thirties. Grow old and people leave you, but there was no one left to leave anymore.

The first time Nittle Grasper broke apart, they all cried, but no one as much as himself. The second time, Touma acted like stone, saying it was inevitable. He listed so many practical, intelligent reasons that no one could argue against. Noriko cried, but it was because of his own reaction, cold as the water now cascading over him. Ryuichi had disentangled himself from Noriko, leaving without a word. Only the quiet shuffle of shoes against expensive wood sounded through Touma's office.

Ryuichi turned off the showerhead. If he cried now... who would care?

Kumagoro was still in the living room watching cartoons. He sat suspiciously close to the phone, yet he hadn't answered any of the calls yet received. How many calls did he have from Noriko, and how many from Touma? Even K had called, asking specifically for Kumagoro and yet Kumagoro wouldn't answer.

The phone began to ring again, until the answering machine clicked on. Ryuichi grabbed a purple towel, running it over his skin. Tatsuha's voice sounded through the machine.

"Kumagoro!" Ryuichi shouted from the bathroom, grabbing another towel to wrap around his waist. "Get that! It's Tatsuha-kun!" Kumagoro pretended to be too involved with the cartoon to notice, yet Ryuichi knew he could hear Tatsuha.

"Kuma!" Ryuichi ran into the room, snatching the phone, just as Tatsuha was about to hang up. "Ta-kun! Sorry, Kumagoro couldn't hear you. He's been ignoring everyone all day for some reason." Ryuichi frowned at the pink bunny. He wasn't being very nice since Touma upset him.

"Yeah, I called earlier too... like a half hour ago," Tatsuha responded. He sounded cheerful and that made Ryuichi smile. Tatsuha-kun was a really great friend.

"Sorry, we didn't hear it, na no da. Kumagoro would have answered normally." Ryuichi picked up his friend, giving him a quick squeeze.

"That's okay. I just miss you and Kumagoro. You sure he's not mad or anything?" Tatsuha asked, his tone still light-hearted. Ryuichi could tell he didn't really think Kumagoro hated him.

"Kumagoro says no. He likes to color with you, and he thinks you're shibby."

"Seriously?" Tatsuha laughed. "Okay. I was just testing him... I'm going to be in Tokyo tomorrow. Ask him if all three of us can meet up."

What would come from seeing Tatsuha? A spark of happiness? Ryuichi closed his eyes, feeling tired. What questions would he ask? They already shared the most painful question of all, the first day they met. Ryuichi remembered asking Tatsuha if Nittle Grasper was finished. The answer he received... the answer he received was true. Stars like Nittle Grasper don't fade, they explode. The explosion was dazzling... mind-blowing...surreal...but nonetheless an end.