Disclaimer: Please, if I was posting here, would I own Gravitation?
Author's Notes: Howdy doody! I figured out how to do this chapter as soon as I finished the last one! How cool is that? So it's going to be pretty interesting, maybe even confusing. Don't forget to review and tell me!
Noriko's Story
Mistakes are a part of life. We all stumble at some point. The road becomes bumpy eventually, no matter how smooth it was at first. The winding curves and treacherous dips are the mistakes we make that make us what we are.
We are human. We are real. We make life whatever we want it to be by accepting our Fate or denying it. While we can make our lives more difficult for ourselves, we can't make it go any smoother than it was destined to be.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
It was all so funny. They refused to let me call up a cot or get another room. They saved sex for when I was out. We shared the bed, and even the bathroom.
Yes, Ryuichi insisted we share the bathroom.
But not in the way where we all take turns. If I was going to the bathroom, he'd pop in and start playing with Kuma and talking to me as I was trying to pee. Well, that wasn't so bad until the issue of showering came up. He had a bright suggestion of all three of us showering at once.
Nuh-uh.
The first time he tried to get in, I shoved him out, screaming. I almost chased him, throwing random objects at him. But I was good and stayed put once he left. Only he didn't leave. Apparently, he'd taken to sitting on the toilet while I showered, chattering away without a care in the world. Sometimes I'd get lucky and Tohma would pull him out, but usually he'd be laughing when we came out. Bastard. He didn't mind when Ryuichi did it to him, only because they were dating.
The tour had been awesome! We were sold out every show, rushed at almost every time, oh, I could never put that feeling into words. It was just so amazing! Lights, sound, music, energy and fun. Oh it was so much fun! But it wasn't a letdown to go back home. Not at all. It was a tired relief to flop down on my own couch, in my place. Sleep in my own sheet, alone. Yes, even sleeping alone was a relief. And finally, after we'd all rested and were happily back into a lazy routine, Ryuichi decided we should go out.
A day at the beach!
In all honesty, nothing sounded better than a warm day, hot sands, cool ice cream and the roaring sound of the ocean and kids running and screaming. It was just too perfect to refuse. We figured we'd go early a little later than when the morning people gathered. Big crowd there, three new people show up? No one would notice. I put on a hat for the sake that my hair could be spotted from a mile away by anyone who owned a pair of eyes and saw any of our CD advertisements.
The heat was thick, but the breeze coming off the ocean was refreshing, although annoyingly strong. We were laying out, Ryuichi building a little sand castle for Kuma, Tohma and I talking. Everything was going surprisingly well until Ryuichi decided to serenade Tohma. He was singing in a normal tone, but he always gets carried away. Tohma had slipped his sunglasses off to watch him sing and my hat had suddenly blown off. I caught it, reaching over quickly, and crushed it under the weight of my head resting atop my hands as I watched Ryuichi.
The crowd around us seemed to shift as suddenly as the wind, heads and bodies turning towards our little circle. Tohma, while not being the only blonde (though maybe the only natural one) was someone you could easily overlook… until you saw his eyes. But they were closed while he listened to Ryuichi, an elbow borrowing in the sand as his hand held his head up. Ryuichi, though child like and attention getting, could be overlooked as well… if not for the fact that his voice was unmistakable. And with Kuma balanced atop his head as he sang, voice rising loudly for a big ending, arms spread wide, the crowd seemed very close.
My hair didn't help.
I forgot to put my hat back on during the midst of this, and all of the beach goers seemed to come to the conclusion that a blonde, brunette and purple haired group of friends, one singing, HAD to be Nittle Grasper, Japan's top hit band. There was a scream of Ryuichi's name, then an explosion of screams, the pounding of teens rushing forth. Tohma and I scrambled to our feet, Ryuichi humming pleasantly as he made Kuma dance along. The rushing mass stopped before us and there was an eerie, shifting calm before the noise started up again, questions and random shouts and screams for songs, CD's, autographs… clothing.
We were at the beach… how much clothing could we possibly give if we had wanted to!
I was slowly backed away towards Ryuichi, taking his arm and pulling him up, but the crowd closed in. Pens, papers, CD's were thrust at us and Tohma was trying to placate the crowd, sighing what he could, avoiding grasping hands while I tried the same, pleading to leave us in peace. No one listened, and then a large arm snaked out from behind me, clutching my waist and before I shout (never scream. Too much pride to scream and shriek) the arm yanks me backwards, pushing all the air out of me in a sighing grunt of some mingled word. My legs fly out from under me as I'm carried backwards quickly, and for a moment, I'm afraid I'll never see Ryuichi or Tohma again. But with the price of fame, come power, money and influence. Tohma will find me if I don't come back on my own, I know he will.
Would he give up?
I'm scared again. What if he tried so hard, and then gives up? Would he give up for Ryuichi? I start questioning my friends then. Am I truly important to them? Would they mourn my absence? Evil thoughts, cold thoughts. I know them enough to know they would find me. I'm sure of it.
I'm put down, feet touching gritty boardwalk and am taken by the arm by a large hand and rushed towards the other side, away from the beach, towards one of the small sets of stairs that lead down to the road where cars park along side. This man is tall compared to me, a wide back, smooth shoulders, and dark hair starting to grey.
Wonderful. Some old fart kidnapped me.
But he doesn't look weak or fragile in anyway, and a sense of utter defeat comes over me. I can't get away. His grip is too strong, even if I took him by surprise. Leading me down the stairs, he stops before a motorcycle, letting me go to start unlocking it. I could run. I could get away…
And go where? Back into the mass of fans to stand helplessly around with my friends?
We took a cab to get here, no one wanted to take my car (bastards! I love my crappy red car!) and a limo would be far too obvious. So my only escape was this man. Who had already situated himself on the bike and looked at me.
I half expect him to say 'Come with me if you want to live', but he doesn't, his dark eyes serious with a small glimmer of humor as he jerks his head back, motioning to the seat behind him.
"C'mon. Before they find us," he said, voice deep, but not gravelly.
Willingly I did as he commanded, swinging one leg over the bike and behind him, pressing myself up close to his back, arms fitting around his waist. I had no choice, there was little else to do. He leaned, righting the bike to life the kick stand with a practiced ease, starting it up, using one leg to gently turn it to face away from the boardwalk, revved it and shot off.
This was officially, the stupidest and most exhilarating thing I ever did.
We flew down the road, the rush stopping when we had to pause at a light, and finally, I started recognizing my part of the city. Now I was creeped out. Did I have a stalker?
Apparently not, I realized as he turned the bike into a driveway at a small place that was, I mentally mapped this out, four blocks away from mine. Coincidence, obviously.
The roar stopped suddenly, engine cut, and he had both feet firmly on the pavement, apparently waiting for me to get off. Silently I slipped off, giving a small bow as he did too.
"Thank you very much for your help," I murmured, and then looked up at him.
He seemed very amused I, being who I was, would be so formal to someone I didn't know. Well, every now and then, the things I learned from living with my parents kicked in. And, I had to grudgingly admit this, I WAS thankful. But, a little upset I couldn't save myself and my friends.
"Nothing to thank me for. No reason a lady should be put in a mess like that," he said offhandedly. "You left your stuff, so you can use my phone to call a cab."
And with that, he headed towards the front door, leaving me stupefied.
Didn't… didn't he know who I was?
I was so used to men of all ages ogling me, trying to grope at me, pretend to be nice to try and bed me… that I actually wondered who this man was. My interest was peaked, and I followed after him with an intense urge to learn more.
Unlocking the door, he entered first (rude!). I followed, taking a look around. Modest, lived alone obviously. He pointed me towards the kitchen, a phone hanging off the wall.
"Thank you," I said again, walking over, calling a service I knew by heart.
Hell, you work at a bar; you HAVE to know a taxi service by heart.
I dialed, turning around to watch the man as it rang. He was moving about the kitchen, apparently fixing himself a drink. He caught me looking and lifted the glass with questioning eyes towards me. I nodded my head then smiled as a voice came in the line, asking what they could do to help me. I had to ask the man for the address to his place and fed it back into the phone once he told me. Then, a taxi would apparently be there shortly.
Hanging up, I took a seat at the table as he slid a drink over to me. Usually, I would be cautious, wondering if anything had been slipped in it, but I liked this man, who apparently didn't give two shits about me. And if he didn't care about me, why try to put something in my drink, right?
"You would be Noriko-san from that band I see everywhere… Nittle Something, right?" he said, sitting opposite me.
"Grasper. Nittle Grasper, and yes I am. You are?" I asked, sipping my drink.
I should properly thank the man who saved me, right?
"Ukai Tetsuya, at your service, so it seems," he said with a wry smile.
"Thank you so much for this, Ukai-san," I thanked him, smiling.
"No need. Like I said: No reason a lady should be left in a mess like that."
He was not phased, was not star-stuck, nothing. Color me impressed.
"And what do you do, if I may ask?" I said, wanting to know more about him.
"I teach at the University. Culinary Arts. I also do small articles now and then for local magazines on food and whatnot."
I was about to say something when I saw the taxi flash by the window, slowing to a stop.
"Well… it looks like my time is up," I said, smiling as I got up.
He followed suit. "It was very nice to meet you, even under the awkward circumstances."
We shared a small laugh, and I felt myself blush slightly.
"I'm not far from here, so maybe I'll see you around."
"Maybe. I wouldn't mind another encounter of the Purple Kind," Tetsuya joked, walking me to the door.
I laughed, realizing he was talking about my hair. I was just glad he didn't ask why it was purple.
"Thank you again, Ukai-san. It was very nice meeting you," I said one final time before walking out the door.
But I stopped, turning back to him, where, surprisingly, he was still standing at the doorway as if waiting for me to turn around.
"Are you doing anything tonight?" I asked boldly.
"Not that I know of," he smiled.
"Would you like to go out to dinner then?"
His smiled widened. "Even better… I'll cook for you."
That sent a thrill through me.
"When should I-"
"Seven thirty," he said cutting me off. "But your meter is running, so I'll see you then."
And with that he shut the door and I went home, floating on a cloud.
I'd never met a man like that in my entire life… and I was excited to see him again. Slipping into my place, I checked the time, realizing I had hours to go before seven and a ton of messages on my machine. Probably Ryuichi and Tohma. Well, they could wait. Even if I had hours, I wanted to be ready to go. I showered, fixed my hair, leaving it loose, picking out a dress (a simple 'little black dress'), matching heels, jewelry and make-up and I was set. It was six when I had everything done, not yet dressed. And decided to call the guys to tell them I was alive at least.
I dialed Tohma, who answered on the first ring.
"Hello?" He sounded out of breath.
"Am I interrupting?" I asked lightly.
A small gasp and the sounds of scrambling. "Nori-chan! What happened! Where have you-"
A loud click and Ryuichi was on. "Seaweed! Where are you? Are you okay! What happened?"
"Ryu… if you look on the phone, it says I'm calling from my house," I told him, smiling.
"You're home? She's home!"
Another click, their voices muttering in the distance. "Nori-chan… sorry. Would you like us to stop by and-"
"I have a date," I said offhandedly.
I could picture Tohma's face smiling (like always) and Ryuichi's mouth working without sound.
"A date? Really? And with whom?" he asked, sounding very intrigued.
I was grinning now. "With the guy who rescued me!"
"Res- Oh, you mean kidnapped you and ran off with you," he said. A little warning for me to be careful.
"Tohma, he wasn't even phased by who I was! He probably only knows our band through the kids he teaches and our promos everywhere!" I told him, excited.
"Still, one must always be careful," he told me gently.
"I will I promise. So, how did you guys get out?" I asked, trying to focus on what should've been important in the first place.
"Would you believe me if I said Ryuichi swept me away, as did your knight in shinning armor?" Tohma asked with a soft laugh.
"Not in the least. He was probably screaming, wasn't he?"
"Oh, quite loudly-"
"I heard that," Ryuichi suddenly growled. "And I was scared because Kuma was scared, that's all."
"Of course, Bunny Boy," I soothed, still smiling.
"And I WAS screaming before someone called…," he told me.
"So… I was out Gods-know-where with some guy… and you two were fucking like bunnies?" I asked indignantly, though joking.
"Of course, Seaweed," he mimicked.
"You guys suck. What if I was raped?" I asked.
"Then we all would've been having sex," he told me giggling.
Another shift. "Sorry, Nori-chan, anyway-"
"I'm sorry, Tohma! It's almost seven thirty! I have to go. I love you guys, and I'll call you when I get in," I told him hurriedly.
"Of course. Please be careful," he told me.
"Promise, bye!"
I hung up and rushed into my room, slipping into the dress, putting on the jewelry, touching up the make-up. At the door, I slipped on the heels, grabbed my keys and went out.
For the first time in my life… I wished I had a different car besides my little red one.
I mean, I thought I looked good… but how good could I look stepping out of my junker? Well, better then most, I decided, pulling up to his place… ten minutes late. Shit.
Well, better late than never.
Pushing my nerves aside (I still couldn't figure out what had me going about this man) I knocked on the door.
He opened up, looking surprised. "You're early."
I opened my mouth to speak and then stared at him. "No one's ever said that before in my entire life. Mine said ten minutes late."
"Ah! I was hoping you were more of the fashionably late type… seeing as I can never keep track of time myself," Tetsuya said, stepping aside to let me in.
"I know how it is, trust me," I told him, stepping in with a smile.
He complimented me on my outfit, I told him he looked nice in his. Tetsuya was wearing dark slacks with a light, button down shirt. Even for someone of his age, he was still very attractive. I didn't notice before, but now that I was able to take my time, I saw he had a mustache and was wearing glasses.
"Were you wearing those before?" I asked, taking the seat he held out for me.
He shifted the glasses on his face. "These? Oh, no. I don't wear them when I go to the beach. Contacts only."
Smiling, I asked what he had on the menu for tonight.
There was glint in his eyes as he told me, "A surprise."
Oh, it was one of the best surprises I'd had in a long time.
We made it halfway through dinner before that small, smoldering heat had taken a hold of me and I was fidgeting in my seat. I felt a little embarrassed, lusting after an older man like this. But he must've had some interest, accepting my offer to dinner. We traded pasts for a while, finding out he was from a very upstanding family, as was I. He seemed surprised, to which I laughed. Tetsuya still looked dignified, holding up the family honor. I paraded around in from of millions with purple hair and revealing clothes.
Yeah, match made in heaven!
But we traded looks over bites of food, smiles through our drinks, and the conversation became less vocal and more physical. And there was a breaking point.
"Would you like a tour of the house?" he asked, looking over at me.
We were in the middle of dinner, but I wanted nothing more than a 'tour'.
Nodding I pushed back my chair, getting up, Tetsuya doing the same. He took my hand, which now seemed so small in comparison to his larger one, and led me out of the kitchen and into the living room. And for a moment, I really thought he was crazy enough to actually give me a tour around the house. But he was just holding up his end of the charade. He did show me all of his place, and, playing along, I asked to see his room one last time. I had really liked the painting and wanted to see it again.
There was no painting in his room.
But he understood, leading me back and I entered, taking him with me. He closed the door behind us, and I turned to face him.
"I don't… do this often," I said quietly. Hoping he'd believe me and understand this feeling I felt for him.
"You didn't seem like it. To be honest, I was surprised you asked me out tonight," he replied.
Good. He didn't think I was some whore.
I was about to say something when he leaned down, pressing his lips against mine in a kiss. I shut my eyes, my arms wrapping around his shoulders to hold him against me. He parted my lips with his, and our tongues slid out, rubbing against one another in a slow pace. Tetsuya's hand slid around my waist, and they were burning through the dress, His hands slid up, pulling down the zipper, and slipped the straps down my arms. My arms unraveled, fingers slipping buttons through the holes of his shirt, sliding it off his arms. My dress fell away and his shirt dropped to the floor. His arms cradled me as he picked my up, carrying me over to the bed, placing me down on the slick comforter. It felt like ice compared to my heated flesh, I leaned over as he slipped off his glasses, placing them on a side table and popped the button open to the pants, my fingers trembling slightly with anticipation as I slid the zipper down, tugging the dark slacks lightly and they fell away.
He stopped me there, a bulge prominent in his boxers, and got onto the bed with me, standing on his knees, before my legs. I parted them, letting him come to rest between them, his body covering mine. He hovered over me before lowering his body down softly, kissing me deeply before moving towards my neck and my body hummed with pleasure. Strong hands ran lightly over my body and slid the straps of my bra down my shoulders, giving more skin to access as he continued downward with his mouth. Soft flesh picked at with his teeth, bristly mustache sending goose bumps across my skin. His hands slipped behind me, I curved my back upwards to give him better access to unhook my bra, lacy material dropped to the side of the bed. His hands covered my breasts, needing them gently, working the nipples up to hard points. Thrills of pleasure were running through me and a pinch to a hardened nipple made me gasp, trailing off into a low moan, back arching to press closer to Tetsuya. One hand continued the assault while his mouth closed over the other. His teeth gently pressed around the nipple, making me writhe, moaning.
Then he continued downward, mouth trailing hot, wet kisses along my stomach, and I knew I had a nice figure. I was proud of it and glad I had no room for embarrassment. His tongue ran along the edge of my panties, thoroughly damp, tugging them gently downward, revealing more skin for himself. He dragged the thin material up my thighs, and down my calves, making me shiver lightly. I lifted my feet, enabling him to remove the panties and toss them where my bra had been discarded. His hands roamed my body along with his eyes, finger caressing my thighs, fluttering touches at my stomach.
I sat up, leaning over to worm the boxers off his hips, working them off over the erection gently. Tetsuya slipped off the bed to remove them completely. He leaned over me again, kissing me thoroughly. He put his weight on his one arm near my head, using the other to guide himself into me.
I bit my lip, lifting my legs up, trying to make the plunge a little easier on me. It had been a long time since I had last gotten laid. No matter how turned on I was, the first time entering was still a small burn of pain. Tetsuya look a bit worried, but I smiled up at him once he had pushed in the whole length. A moment of adjusting and I was fine. With a nod, his face broke out into relief.
We went slow, nothing fast, rash, 'in-the-heat-of-the-moment'. And actually, it was nice. I didn't know what my emotional attachments were then, but still, if felt nice to feel almost like I was being taken care of like that. A conscientious lover. A rare find.
We both worked together, almost feeling like one, as we helped each other reach our peaks. We climbed higher and higher, then gently brought ourselves back down.
And now I'm here, counting the cracks in the ceiling. Last hour it was the different shapes I could see when letting my eyes fade in and out. Tetsuya is next to me, deep asleep, and my cell phone is buzzing somewhere in my car, I know it.
I've officially fucked my life up again. I get my second chance, and I blow it. Gods, how stupid am I? Why didn't I stop it? What was I thinking?
Not much apparently.
I slip out of the bed, and search for a pen and paper. Finding some, I leave him a note. I have to get home. I don't… no I can't look at his face in the morning. I can't.
Tetsuya
This was a mistake. I'm sorry.
Noriko
I look at. I hate how short it is. But what else could I put? P.S. We forgot a condom?
I'm such an idiot. I leave the note on the bed next to him, on my pillow. I collect my things, slipping into them and head downstairs, peeking into the kitchen, the dinner gone to waste, the bed gone to waste. Everything gone to waste.
Slipping into my car, I pick up my phone in the passengers seat, looking at the small lighted screen.
No calls.
Sighing, I toss it back on the seat, and start up the car, driving back to my house. I slam the car door as I get out, not caring who I might wake. I unlock my place and walk in, stripping as I head for the bathroom, clothes leaving a trail behind me. I stand nude in the bathroom, letting the water run until the steam is so thick, I'm afraid to step into the water, but I force myself. It's scalding, but I stay.
I hate myself. I can't stand my lack of thinking when I need it most, but here are my thoughts now, ready and willing to direct me, guide me.
"Where the hell were you when I needed you!" I shout, a fist punching a slick, tiled side of the shower.
I stand there, continually punching the wall until my hand can't take it anymore and then I stay until the water starts freezing me. Chattering, I step out of the shower, looking at my hand. It's going to look like hell tomorrow. I won't be able to play. I should probably get it checked out too.
Fuck it. It'll heal when it heals.
I make my way, not drying myself off or dressing, back to my room, twisting around until the sheets clinging to my soaked body wrap around me in a cocoon. Teeth clacking, body shaking, I find myself staring at my own ceiling.
This was 15 pages long. My longest chapter ever! It's 1:30 here, I just finished. Man, I am fucking beat, okay? Jeeze. And i've got two weeks left until I move, so I'm trying to make these good ones. And I know what you're thinking:
'Why isn't Tetsuya crazy!'
I'm blaming his crazy on his age. I don't see him as too old in this chapter. They're together at least 6 years. Saki is six years old in the Manga. Six years is enough time to develop a crazy. So no worries!
Please review guys. I'm wiped, I need some support. I appreciate my three constant reviewers:
Sarah, T.T and Kai
Thanks so much for the continual support. You guys have kept me going more than you know. But any new readers, please, give a stuggling, irritated, tired writer something to make her happy.
Night...
SL