AN: Only one more to go after this! Woohoo! Thanks to my wonderful beta, Neko Kate-chan, and to DannyPerris, who forced me to get over my writer's block… Gotta love insistent fans… :grin: So so sorry that this took so long... Finals are coming up, and I've been studying every waking minute...
Shuichi sat down between Eiri and Maiko. It had been decided that the two patriarchs would sit at the two ends of the table. Minako, Eiri, Shuichi, and Maiko were on one side of the long table, while Tatsuha, Mika, and Tohma were on the other side. The chair next to Tohma, the closest one to Seiishirou, was empty.
The pink haired vocalist nervously looked up and down the table. He could tell his father was uncomfortable, as was his mother. Maiko was happily putting food on her plate, chatting with Tatsuha. Mika and Tohma were sliding looks at each other while placing food on their own plates. Isshin was waiting for everyone to finish grabbing their food so that he could say a prayer. Eiri looked like he needed a cigarette.
Shuichi took his lover's hand under the table, giving it a slight squeeze. There was an answering squeeze, and the younger man smiled. They would get through this dinner, if it was the last thing they did.
Isshin cleared his throat and everyone looked up. The usually uptight monk looked slightly unsure of himself, and Shuichi could see Eiri smile out of his eye. "I would like to say a prayer before we eat, if that's okay with everyone."
The novelist's smile grew. He had never heard his father ask permission for anything, and especially about a prayer. His father did what he wanted, everyone else be damned. That was just the way that Isshin Uesugi was. To hear him uncertain about anything… Well, that was something that Eiri wasn't going to let his father live down anytime soon.
There was a murmur of "of course" and "sure" that let Isshin know everyone was willing to take part in the prayer.
"Let us begin."
Eiri slid a glance at his lover, noting that the pink haired man had his head bent and was really participating in the prayer. Inaudibly, the novelist sighed. Deciding that he was bored, the blonde placed a hand on his lover's knee. Shuichi's body stiffened at the touch, and Eiri smirked. Slowly, the novelist moved his hand up and down his lover's thigh, occasionally squeezing.
The vocalist held back a moan. Eiri's hand was traveling higher up with every caress, and with the last upward stroke, the blonde's hand had made contact with the singer's groin. Shuichi shot his lover a glare, but the blonde merely smiled innocently.
The pink haired vocalist chanced a look at Isshin, who was still engrossed in his prayer. Deciding that turnabout was fair play, Shuichi moved his hand over to his lover's leg. Gradually, the younger man mimicked his lover's movements. He felt Eiri relax into the caress. Smirking, Shuichi moved his hand higher up until it was approximately beside his lover's crotch. Cautiously, the younger man placed his hand over Eiri's clothes clad genitals. A sharp intake of breath on the novelist's behalf was the only indication that Shuichi was having an effect on him. Gently, he ran the heel of his palm over Eiri's crotch.
Eiri couldn't hold back the low moan that his lover's actions had elicited.
Shuichi froze, hand still held over Eiri's groin. Suddenly, all the attention was on them. The vocalist's face slowly began to turn red.
"Yuki-sama, are you feeling ill?" Maiko was looking at her brother and his boyfriend with a curious expression on her face.
Eiri fought the blush that was threatening to appear. Cold hearted novelists do NOT blush, he mentally chastised himself. Out loud, he replied, "I'm fine, Maiko-chan. It's just that it's getting a little warm in here."
"Is that so, Eiri-kun?" Mika said sweetly. "I could have sworn that it was because Shuichi-kun's ha-"
The blonde cut her off before she could finish. "It's just warm, Mika-chan." He shot his older sister a glare. "Please continue, Father."
Isshin gave his eldest son a disbelieving look, as though he knew the real reason behind Eiri's moan. Without another word, the old monk continued the prayer without interruption.
As soon as Isshin finished the prayer, Shuichi began to dig into his food. The Shindous just sighed and began to eat theirs at a more sedate pace, while Mika and Isshin stared at the vocalist. Eiri, Tatsuha, and Tohma just began to eat their food, having already witnessed the pink haired man's eating habits.
"Shuichi, if you don't slow down, you'll choke on something," Mika said worriedly.
Tatsuha snorted. "Mika, Shuichi's mouth is a vacuum. Trust me, he's not going to choke. If he was going to, he would have done it a long time ago."
Maiko and her parents nodded their head in agreement. "He's been doing that since he was a baby. He could never eat enough to fill him up," Minako chimed in. Suddenly, her face lit up and she excused herself.
Maiko and Shuichi looked at each other. What was their mother up to now? Neither of them had a clue, so they just sat back and waited for her to return.
Seiishirou focused on his food, content to ignore everyone until he was asked a question.
A few minutes later, Minako returned, purse in hand. Shuichi looked at his mom and then at her purse. She only carries that purse if she's bringing… The vocalist wasn't able to finish his thought.
"I have pictures of Shuichi when he was younger. I'm pretty sure there are a few where he's eating… Let me see…" There was a rustling sound as Shuichi's mom rummaged through her purse for the miniature photo album that she had put together for family events.
"Mom! We really don't need to see them," Shuichi said. Eiri thought he heard a hint of pleading in his lover's voice.
"Now, now, Shu-kun," Eiri purred. "I think that some of us are interested in seeing these pictures that your mother so thoughtfully brought with her."
Shuichi shot his lover a murderous glare. He should have known that his lover would want payback for Mika giving him the blonde's baby book, but this was just cruel and unusual. "No, Eiri-kun," the vocalist replied through gritted teeth. "I don't think anyone wants to see these pictures."
Tohma piped up suddenly, and both the novelist and vocalist could hear the pure glee in the synth player's voice. "Actually, Shuichi-san, I would like to see these pictures. I was thinking of putting together a collage of baby pictures of all the bands under my label."
Shuichi noticed Tatsuha perk up suddenly. "Does that mean there would be a baby picture of Ryuichi Sakuma-san?"
"Of course," Tohma replied.
Minako held up a black leather photo album, effectively cutting off whatever else could have been said. "Here it is!" she sang. "I knew that I had it with me somewhere…"
"MOM! Put it away… Please…" Shuichi was begging, and he knew it. He didn't care. All that mattered was that no one saw those pictures.
Suddenly, Eiri had the little book and was looking at the pictures. Mika, Tohma, and Tatsuha had crowded around him, trying to see as well.
"Awwwww! Look how cute little Shuichi is!" Mika squealed. "He looks so adorable holding that cookie and covered in flour!"
That's it, Shuichi thought. It's over. I'll never be able to show my face around them again.
He knew when they were reaching his high school pictures because Tatsuha began making snide remarks about growing. Shuichi just concentrated on his food.
Mika's voice broke into his thoughts. "Awwwww! Shuichi would make a wonderful parent, don't you agree, Eiri?"
"He is great with children," his mother's wistful voice responded. "We always thought that Shuichi would give us lots of grandchildren, but…" Minako's voice trailed off.
Shuichi noticed that his dad was shoveling food into his mouth with more force than before. Isshin, on the other hand, had stopped eating and was looking at Minako.
"I always hoped that Eiri would give me grandchildren as well, but his current relationship won't allow it." Shuichi felt Isshin glare at him. The vocalist began eating again with renewed fervor.
"Shut it, Father. Even if I weren't with Shuichi, I wouldn't give you grandchildren. I can't stand kids."
Shuichi smiled. He knew that, despite what his lover said, the blonde really did love kids. Whenever they went to the park, Eiri would spend an hour or so playing with the children that were there at the playground while Shuichi just sat and watched.
"I want a whole lot of kids," Maiko said dreamily.
"Same here," agreed Tatsuha.
Suddenly, everyone was staring at Tatsuha, including Seiishirou. "You want kids?" Shuichi asked incredulously.
Tatsuha rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Shu. I want kids."
Minako and Isshin smiled at each other, but no one other than Eiri noticed it. The novelist didn't know his lover's mom very well, but he knew his father well enough to know that the monk's warped mind was concocting something. When he saw Isshin eye Maiko, the blonde figured he had a pretty good idea what it was.
They reached the end of the photo album, and everyone retook their seats and began eating. Isshin, Seiishirou, and Shuichi, who hadn't looked at the photo album, began to pile their plates with seconds.
"So, Maiko-chan," Isshin began conversationally. "How old are you dear?"
Maiko finished chewing her food and swallowed. "I've just turned 19."
"Really? Wow, so has Tatsuha!" Isshin replied.
Shuichi's younger sister looked at Tatsuha suspiciously. He looked older than her. "Really, Tatsuha-kun?" she asked politely.
Tatsuha, who was engrossed with eating, nodded in response.
"It's always nice to know that you're the same age as someone," Maiko said uncertainly.
Isshin smiled. "He's also single."
Tatsuha stopped eating as soon as he heard what his father said. He's not trying to… He wouldn't…
"Oh, well…" Maiko looked at her brother, who had also stopped eating.
Shuichi was glaring at Tatsuha, who was looking warily back at him. The vocalist didn't know what was going on, but he did know one thing: Maiko would go out with Tatsuha over his dead body. Shuichi looked at Isshin, who looked as though he were planning the wedding in his head. "Maiko is currently seeing someone, aren't you, sis?"
Maiko looked confused, but she nodded. "Yeah, actually, I'm sort of dating Fujisaki Suguru-kun."
"Are you now?" Tohma asked, his interest in the subject evident in his voice.
Maiko bit her lip. How does Shuichi deal with these nut jobs? the brunette thought. Out loud, she said, "Yes, I am."
Tohma looked at her from across the table, as if sizing her up. "You don't seem like my cousin's type."
Shuichi's sister blanched. Cousin? Maiko looked at her older brother, who was now holding his head in his hands. She was about to ask Shuichi about the validity of Tohma's statement when she noticed her brother nodding slowly.
The significance of the situation hit her then, and she burst out crying.
Startled, Eiri and Shuichi stared at the crying girl. There hadn't been any indication that she was about to burst into tears mere moments ago, so the vocalist was stumped as to why his sister was suddenly sobbing her heart out. Minako put her arm around her daughter, just as confused as her son and his lover. She slowly began to rub soothing circles on the girl's back, and Seiishirou glared at Isshin.
Shuichi realized with a start that his dad was going to blame Eiri's dad. His mind began to helpfully supply him with images of what was going to happen in the next few moments if he didn't defuse the situation, so he turned to his sister and asked her, voice gentle, "What's wrong, Maiko-chan? Why are you crying?"
It took a few minutes for his younger sister to stop her sobbing and be understood. "I can't date Suguru-kun anymore, and it's all your fault!"
The pink haired man was confused. He looked at his lover, as if Eiri held the answer as to what he did wrong, but only received a confused look and a shrug. Sighing, he turned back to his sister. "What do you mean you can't date Fujisaki-kun anymore?"
Maiko glared at her brother. She couldn't help but wonder if Shuichi was really that dense or if he practiced. She found it hard to believe that anyone could truly be as stupid as her older brother was. "He's indirectly related to me, you moron!"
Shuichi was still confused. Instead of trying to figure it out, he cautiously continued to question his sister, who had finished her crying and was moving on to being angry. "How's he indirectly related to you?"
"Are you really that stupid, aniki?" Her brother's blank looked answered her question for her. "Suguru is Tohma-san's cousin, who is Mika-san's husband, who is Yuki-sama's sister, who is your boyfriend!"
Shuichi still didn't understand. "So? Me and Eiri aren't married, so therefore Suguru isn't related to you. Besides, he only has a slight relation to Seguchi-san, so it's okay. You can keep dating him. It would be weirder if you were to date Tatsuha." This last part was said directly to Isshin, who just shrugged.
Maiko thought about it for a moment. "I guess you're right," she conceded. "Besides, I really like Suguru-kun and I would hate to have to break up with him."
The pink haired man clenched his fists. While he preferred his younger sister with Suguru to Tatsuha, he still wasn't sure how he felt about his sister dating his synth player. At least he could keep an eye on Suguru. He wouldn't be able to do that with Tatsuha.
Tatsuha had watched the whole conversation with a detached air. "Shuichi, can you pass the green beans?"
Eiri smiled. Leave it to his brother to say something completely random at the wrong time. He noticed his lover just staring at Tatsuha, so the novelist reached over, grabbed the pot of green beans, and passed them to his younger brother. "So, Shindou-san," the novelist began, looking at Seiishirou. "What is it that you do for a living?"
Seiishirou looked up from his plate of food. "I'm in advertising. I do the promotional work for bands at NG and for writers on your label, actually."
Tohma, who had begun to pay attention as soon as he heard "advertising," looked at Seiishirou. "I knew I had heard the name 'Shindou' before we signed Shuichi-kun onto our label."
Seiishirou nodded. "I've been your lead advertising agent for years, but I'm strictly background. The recent photo shoot that BAD LUCK did was one of my design ideas as well."
Shuichi looked at his dad. He knew his father worked for NG, but his dad was the one who had made them wear those whorish clothes earlier in the week? "Dad, what was with the costumes? Fujisaki-kun nearly had a heart attack. He's not used to wearing that type of clothing… He usually gets the normal clothes…"
Seiishirou looked at his son. "I wanted all of the members to look the same for this shoot, and Seguchi-san was the one who picked out the costumes."
The vocalist glared at Tohma, who just smiled innocently. "Why those clothes, Seguchi-san?"
Tohma shrugged. "I didn't think they looked so bad, and the promotional shots came out beautifully." Suddenly, the petite blonde frowned. "I don't see the problem. You wear more outlandish clothing on stage, so what was the problem with these clothes?"
Shuichi was about to answer, when Isshin spoke. "So, you promote the scandalous behavior and dress of our youth today?"
At first, the pink haired man thought that Isshin was talking to Tohma, but he suddenly realized that the monk was asking Seiishirou. Shuichi squeezed his eyes shut, knowing that this conversation wasn't going to go well. He remembered a time when he had asked his father something similar, and he remembered just how easily Seiishirou had blown his top.
"I promote the bands and authors in order to sell their product. We keep up with the latest fashion and cater to what the consumers want. What I believe is not relevant in my job, unless it's what the people believe."
Isshin glared. "So you are willing to dress your son up and parade him around like a prostitute in order to sell a CD, because that's what the people want?"
Seiishirou, who had still been eating, put his fork down. "I do not dress up Shuichi as a prostitute and parade him around. The clothing is tasteful, and the promotional shots are done tastefully."
The monk frowned. "But you're encouraging young men and women to dress the way that they see their idols dress. Doesn't that bother you in the least bit? Indirectly, you're responsible for the current sinning that the youth of our nation commits."
Shuichi's father's lips thinned until they were nothing more than a slash across his face. "I realize that as a monk, you are against sinning, but you must also realize as a parent that you can't control what your children wish to do or even how they dress." A meaningful glance was shot in Eiri and Shuichi's direction.
Isshin snorted. "The hell I can't control what my children do." The monk paused as he regarded the couple sitting next to him on his left. "I'm allowing Eiri to date that boy until he gets over this phase. It's the only way he'll truly settle down."
A phase? Shuichi thought. Is that really all I am to Eiri?
As if sensing his lover's thoughts, he glared at his father. "Shuichi is not a phase, Father. I love him and I don't have any intention of leaving him or allowing him to leave me."
Eiri's father rolled his eyes. "You'll be done with the boy in another year or so."
Seiishirou suddenly stood. "I don't see your problem with them, Uesugi-sama. I think that they're fine the way they are, and I love my son despite his sexual preference."
Isshin stood as well. "Are you trying to say that I don't love my son because he's in a homosexual relationship?"
Shuichi's father shrugged. "I don't know. You tell me." Shuichi heard the edge of steel in his father's voice, and looked at his lover helplessly. Eiri shrugged, and went back to eating, not at all interested in his father's answer to the question.
Mika and Tohma were looking worriedly at each other, while Tatsuha was watching the whole thing with amused eyes. Maiko was wide eyed, not really understanding what was happening, and Minako had went to her husband's side, trying to calm him down and return him to his seat. It didn't work. Shuichi's father glared at Eiri's father, challenging the monk to answer his question.
Isshin glared daggers at Seiishirou. "Of course I love my son," he said through gritted teeth. "I just think that he should have broken up with Shuichi a long time ago. That kid is not good for his health. It's nothing against Shuichi. I find him and his antics entertaining."
Minako, who had been whispering in her husband's ear to relax and sit down, paused. "What do you mean 'bad for his health?'" There was an edge of warm anger in her voice, and Shuichi jumped at the chance to try to defuse the situation.
"It's nothing, Mom. Eiri got really sick a few years ago, and it was because of the stress of dealing with me, but he's better now."
Eiri rolled his eyes at his lover's lame explanation. "Something happened to me a long time ago that made it hard for me to have a relationship, so the stress of being with Shu and trying to forget my past caused me to fall ill. As Shuichi said, I'm fine now, and that's that." The novelist turned his head to look at his father. "Sit down before you fall down, Father."
Isshin sat down, and, much to Shuichi's relief, so did Seiishirou. Minako returned to her seat. There was silence as everyone ate.
Maiko had finished her food, and just sat there silently. She hated silence, and always was the one that was counted on to break it. Deciding to assume that role again, she racked her brain for topics that could be talked about without the chance of it leading to a fight. There wasn't a single subject that she could think of that probably wouldn't end in a fight. She sighed. Finally, she remembered Mika's present to Shuichi. "Hey, aniki?"
Shuichi, upon hearing his name called, looked at Maiko. "Yes, Maiko?"
Maiko smiled her most innocent smile. Of course, she had wanted the silence to end, and everyone cooing over baby pictures of Eiri-sama was one way of doing it, but she had an ulterior motive. She wanted to see her favorite author as a child and see if there was the opportunity to snag a picture or two. "Do you think that we could see Yuki-sama's baby book? I mean, none of us really got to see it in the living room, and I'm sure Mom would like to see it as well."
As if understanding what her daughter was up to, she looked at Shuichi. "Of course I would, Shuichi."
The vocalist worried his lip. He wasn't sure that he trusted his present with his mother and sister. It wasn't as if he wouldn't get it back, but he knew that he would probably get it back with a few pictures missing. Coming to a decision, Shuichi pulled the baby book out from under the chair. "Sure. But if there is one picture, page, or memento missing, I will get it back, understand?" His mother and sister nodded.
Maiko grabbed the book from her brother greedily and opened it to the first page.
This time is was Eiri's turn to vehemently ignore everything that Maiko and Minako were saying as they looked at his pictures. He had thought it was bad when Shuichi had had the book and was looking at it. He never thought that his lover would allow his family to look at it as well.
Shuichi looked at his lover with feigned innocence. "What's wrong, Eiri-kun?" he asked sweetly.
"Nothing that you won't be punished for later, Shu-chan," Eiri whispered. The novelist smiled as he noticed his lover shiver in anticipation.
Twenty minutes had passed, and Shuichi's mother and sister were still looking at the baby book. They had moved from the table to living room five minutes ago, when Eiri had almost "accidentally" spilled some wine on the book. Mika had joined the two women to tell them the stories that went with each picture.
Shuichi and Tatsuha had cleared the table and were washing the dishes while Eiri kept an eye on his and his lover's fathers. Tohma was quietly chatting with Seiishirou about Nittle Grasper's promotional photo shoot the following week.
Tatsuha looked at Shuichi with a smile on his face. "I've gotta say, Shu, this has been the most entertaining dinner I've been to in a while."
The pink haired man closed his eyes briefly, trying to keep himself from bursting out into tears. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Tatsuha."
The black haired teen cocked his head to the side, trying to figure out what was wrong with his friend. Instead of trying to figure it out, he simply asked, "What's wrong, Shuichi?"
Shuichi glanced at Tatsuha before responding. "This dinner was a disaster. Your father hates my father, and Mika is getting along with my mother, which means that she'll probably ask her to have lunch or something, and then they'll exchange embarrassing stories."
Tatsuha looked confused. "And your mom and Mika being friends is bad? I would have thought that was a good thing."
The vocalist sighed in frustration, scrubbing harder at the pot he was working on. "It is a good thing, but Mika-san has enough against me to embarrass me until I die. She doesn't need more ammunition."
Eiri's younger brother laughed. "Of course she does, she's Mika. Her picking on you means she likes you and considers you family. And Father doesn't hate your dad. He wanted to see how well your father would take criticism of his job." He caught Shuichi's disbelieving look. "Seriously. If Father didn't like Seiishirou-san, he would have left instead of sitting back down."
Shuichi still didn't quite believe Tatsuha, but figured that the young man knew his father better than the vocalist did. With a shrug, he continued to wash the dishes.
The two men finished the dishes a few minutes later and returned to where Eiri, Tohma, Seiishirou, and Isshin were sitting. Shuichi took a seat next to his lover, smiling slightly when Eiri took his hand under the table. The novelist gave his hand a comforting squeeze, and Shuichi relaxed.
It was then that he realized that Seiishirou and Isshin were talking, smiles present on both of their faces. Shuichi let out a breath that he hadn't realized he'd been holding, and looked at Tatsuha. The teen just gave him a smile that said 'I told you so.' Shuichi nodded slightly in acknowledgement.
Eiri looked at his brother and his lover. The two of them looked as though they were communicating telepathically, and the novelist felt a brief stab of jealousy. He knew, logically, that it wasn't possible, but he still felt as though the two of them were in on something that he knew nothing about. Making a mental note to ask his lover later, he turned to Tohma, who was merely observing everything at this point. "Mika's birthday is coming up, Tohma. What are you getting for my sister?"
Tohma smiled his creepy smile, and Eiri felt Shuichi shudder slightly. "Don't worry, Eiri-kun. I have plans for your sister's birthday this year."
Isshin snorted. "You do? Because, if I remember correctly, you forgot it last year, and she kicked you out for a week."
The novelist noticed Tohma's smile wilt a little. "Well, yes, but there was just so much going on last year, and Mika understood as soon as she cooled down."
Shuichi looked at his boss. Head tilted to the side, he asked, "You forgot Mika-san's birthday? And you're alive? Eiri forgot it last year, too, and he couldn't walk right for a month."
Eiri glared at his lover, who just smiled cutely back at him. "I didn't forget. I just didn't care." His lover rolled his violet eyes, and Eiri protested, "I didn't!"
"You didn't care about your dear older sister's birthday last year, Eiri-kun?" a dangerous voice asked. Eiri knew who that voice belonged to, and he suppressed a shudder.
"Of course not, Mika. I had other things to worry about. Besides, Shuichi got you a gift from both of us."
Mika scoffed. "He got me Nittle Grasper concert tickets, which I get for free, seeing as I'm married to the synth player."
Shuichi blushed at the mention of his lame gift. "I'm sorry, Mika-san! I just wasn't thinking… I promise that we'll" Eiri noticed that there was an emphasis on that word, "get you something a lot better this year."
"You'd better, aniki. I can't believe you got your boyfriend's sister something so stupid. How is it that Hiro and Suguru-kun put up with you on a daily basis?" Maiko was looking at her brother, disgust on her face. "I mean, I know that you can sing, but honestly. There's only so much that a person can put up with!"
Shuichi glared at his little sister. "Hiro and I are very much alike, and Fujisaki ignores us as much as possible." More like avoids, Shuichi thought with a smirk.
Minako, who had been listening to the conversation quietly, smiled. Maiko, Shuichi, and Seiishirou noticed the smile, and all three of them were instantly wary. "I know!" Shuichi's mom chirped cheerfully. "Why don't we throw Mika-san a party? We can have it at our house."
Maiko's face lit up. "Yeah! And I can invite Suguru-kun!"
Tohma smiled, noticing Shuichi's apparent discomfort. "I'm sure that Noriko and Ryuichi would like to help you celebrate your birthday as well, darling."
Mika thought about it. She had a feeling that it would be fun, unlike her last couple of birthdays. "That sounds great!" Mika exclaimed. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Shuichi looked ready to pass out. "We should do that!"
Minako smiled brightly. "Well then," she began, "We'll need to begin making preparations. Why don't I give you my number, and you can call me next week and we can plan it?"
"That sounds lovely, Minako-san."
Eiri idly noticed his lover's pale face at the news that they would have another family function in a week's time. Leaning over, he whispered, "Sakuma-san will be there, and we can leave as soon as Mika opens the presents."
The vocalist looked at his lover, relief and gratitude evident on his face.
Excited chatter from the women and Tohma filled the air as they began making tentative plans. Shuichi, Eiri, Isshin, and Seiishirou continued to sit at the table. "Well," Shuichi's father said, "Looks like we'll all see each other again next week. And this time," he continued miserably, "it's at my house."
Isshin patted Seiishirou's shoulder. "It won't be that bad. Since it's your house, you can hide. I can't," the monk finished bitterly.
The novelist felt a sudden weight on his shoulder. Glancing to the side, he noticed that Shuichi was resting his head there, and appeared to be nodding off. Smiling gently, he put an arm around his tired lover.
Suddenly, there were three flashing lights. They went off one after the other, and Shuichi jumped up and began singing.
The novelist was confused until he looked up and saw the cameras. Each of the women had one, and it looked as though they were waiting for the opportune moment to snap some pictures. Instead of the gloating faces that Eiri expected, he noticed that all of the women, Tohma, and even Seiishirou and Isshin, were staring at his lover.
Shuichi was standing, eyes still closed, as he sang. Eiri couldn't take his eyes away from his little lover as he continued to sing in a clear, strong voice. A few minutes passed, and Shuichi finally ended the song. Opening his eyes, he was confused to see that he was in his dining room and not on stage.
There were flashing lights, and that means that I'm on stage, the vocalist thought disjointedly. It wasn't until he saw the cameras that his sister, mother, and Mika held that he realized what had happened. A pink flush spread across his face as he sat back down next to Eiri.
"Well done, Shuichi-san," Tohma complimented.
"Thank you," the pink haired man mumbled.
Eiri looked at his lover. He took in the blush and the tired eyes, and came to a decision. Looking at the clock, he said, "It's getting late, and I would like to get some sleep."
Isshin looked skeptically at his son. "Are you sure that's what you want to do?"
Eiri glared at his father. "Yes, Father. Shuichi and I are both tired. After all, it's after ten o'clock. You've all been here for four hours."
There was a surprised gasp from Minako and a strangled cry from Maiko. "I told Suguru-kun I'd call him at nine!" she whined. Coming to a decision of her own, she began to pull on her mother's arm. "Let's go, Mom. Aniki is falling asleep at the table, so we should leave."
Minako looked at her daughter and rolled her eyes. She knew that the girl only wanted to go home to call her boyfriend. Deciding to take pity on her, she said, "I suppose it is time for us to leave."
Isshin and Tohma murmured their agreement, standing. Seiishirou stood as well as Eiri, who was half supporting a sleepy Shuichi.
The group walked to the door. The novelist and the vocalist patiently waited as everyone put on their shoes and coats, making idle chatter. Finally, both families were ready to leave. Minako and Maiko gave Shuichi and Eiri big hugs. Minako whispered in her son's ear, "Remember, Shuichi, to use a condom."
Shuichi turned bright red, and Eiri eyed him curiously. Deciding to ask him what happened later, the novelist continued to say goodbye to his family. Shuichi received hugs from Mika and Tatsuha, while Eiri shook hands with all the men. Just as everyone was almost out the door, Maiko stopped. "Yuki-sama!" she cried. "You promised me the advanced copies of your books!"
Eiri shut his eyes and smiled. "So I did. Okay. Come with me, Maiko-chan."
Shuichi watched as his lover led his sister out of the living room and into the study. Shuichi's parents had stopped noticing that they're daughter wasn't with them, and Eiri's family had stopped as well. The vocalist wanted so badly to just tell them all to leave, but instead, he smiled at everyone.
Finally, Maiko and Eiri returned. There was a big stack of books in Maiko's arms, and Minako helped alleviate her daughter of the load by taking half. Finally, everyone shuffled out the door, calling out 'thank yous' and 'see you laters.'
Shuichi shut and locked the door. He turned around, leaning against the door for support. "We made it… We survived."
Eiri walked over and took his lover into his arms. Giving him a gentle kiss, he smiled. "Until next week, Shu-chan."
The pink haired man groaned. "We don't have to go, do we?"
The blonde smirked. "Do you want to risk my sister's wrath?" Scared violet eyes were his answer. "Then yes, we have to go. But I told you we could leave early."
The vocalist nodded mutely. Leaning his head against the taller man's chest, Shuichi closed his eyes. "I'm sleepy, Eiri."
The novelist smiled down gently at his lover. "Let's go to sleep, Shu." Pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his lover's head, he gently lead his lover down the hall to their room.
AN: Another chapter done! Next chapter, the aftermath, and Mika's party... Then it's all over... Bwa ha ha ha ha!
Wendyghost: Hee hee... I liked when Tatsuha grabbed her butt too... I just thought that was pure Tatsuha... :grin:
EiriyukiLover: Dinner is definitely a once in a lifetime moment... Especially with this family... I think it would be cool if someone could draw the pictures in the baby book... I can't draw... :pout:
Shado-Fyre: I don't think the baby book is scary... I think Mika is scary... :shudder: And evil. :grin: But yes, I think Hiro had a point as well... :grin:
Colie: Sorry that I took so long... Life came up. :sigh: Oh well. I'm hoping that the last chapter is posted soon, mainly because then it'll be done and I can move to the next story... I hope you like this chapter! Only one more to go!
Lemur130: My mom doesn't have any baby pictures of me. They all mysteriously burned in a bonfire. :innocent smile: I think parents do it to embarrass you later on in life. I think that is they're sole purpose for existing... Oh well. LOL
Yazzy: Next one's up now! Yay! LOL
Tsugath: Hope you feel better! And yes, Mika is evil... But that's why people like her!
JasLine: Shu baby photo? Are you picking my brain? Hmm... LOL You get you're wish Jaz! LOL Enjoy!
TaraYuki-Uesugi: They're families are mental! Ha ha ha! But it's almost over... They shall have peace... LOL Hope you're enjoying!
Ichi-chan: I'm glad you're enjoying! I think the baby book was cute... :grin: Poor Eiri! Oh well... Shu-chan will enjoy Eiri's punishment, of course. :grin:
Vcorrigan: I totally didn't catch that error... Dang. Oh well... :sigh: Hopefully there aren't any more errors... But I'm glad you're enjoying the story!
Dark Wryder: Thank you. :grin:
SwiftSilver: Don't worry... Shuichi gets his... And Eiri's father isn't that bad... Mostly. A lot of the time... Okay. He's evil, but that's why I like him. :grin:
Nivia: Thanks! I'm tryin... And I really like Gravitation, and the characters are so perfect the way they are, I only want to tweak them a little bit... LOL
GravityNeko: I'm glad you liked the chapter! Did I already send you thelemon? I can't remember... Hmm... If I didn't, lemme know and I'll send it.
Bitter Green Tea: Yup. Maiko does have something up her sleeve, and Eiri is the smoothest talking character ever. Too bad he doesn't care most of the time. :grin: Oh well, I hope the tension didn't kill you, and you'll have to let me know if it ended in disaster or not. :grin:
P.L.S.: I agree... It sort of reminds me of my family... Chaos is definitely bliss (and more entertaining. :grin:)
Hoshi-Hiru: Too busy to review::cries: It's okay. I'm over it. I'm glad you reviewed and that you're reading this one as well. That makes me happy! I hope you're enjoying it so far... It's almostover!
GWL: Updated. :smile:
Sonomi-chan: Thanks! I like being called awesome. It makes me smile... LOL Anyway, here's the next chapter... Enjoy!
Aacire: I had to stop there because the chapter was getting too long... But here's the next chapter, so I hope you like it!