Disclaimer: Don't own Gravitation or any of its crazy characters and I don't want to either. Too much drama for me folks.

Ok, I think I have a solid grasp of where I want this story to go finally. Sorry to everyone who has been waiting for me to continue. This chapter is a shortie, but I'm hoping to have another update within a week, to keep things moving along. The crossing of fingers would be a great help people. I hope you can forgive me and give the story another chance.

Broken Promise

Chapter 4

DAY 5

The next day, Shuichi didn't have time to think about what happened between him and Ryu the night before because the carefree man woke him up before sunrise, shoved some clothes on his half awake body and drove them to the beach to watch the sunrise.

"Ryu? What time is it?"

"About 5:30am. Why?"

"It's my vacation. I don't wake up this early to go to work."

Ryu smiled and rubbed Shuichi's back. They were sitting on a dune side by side with Shuichi leaning on Ryu's shoulder trying to stay awake. Ryu had no idea if Shuichi was actually awake when the sun came up, but the younger man perked up at the mention of breakfast and so they were off to a local diner to eat and plan their day.

Planning their day turned out to be a joke since both were easily distracted. As they made their way to an ice cream shop, they were distracted by an arcade. Twice they tried to go to the beach for some fun in the water, but each time they were sidetracked. First by skateboarders, then by a street magician. By the time dinner was in order they were tired.

"Are you hungry?"

"Starved!"

"Any suggestions?"

"Some place that wouldn't mind if I fell asleep at the table."

"I know just the place."

The place turned out to be Ryu's house where he had Chinese food delivered. They sat down in the living room with a dozen takeout boxes and a line up of movies.

"This is perfect."

"I'm glad you're happy, Shu."

Ryu leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then turned back to the movie and a forkful of food. Shuichi didn't blush at the contact. On the contrary, he really liked it and it felt….right somehow. But what was going on? Was Ryu just being his old overly affectionate self, or was there something more? They had actually kissed last night and even though this was the first time today Ryu had kissed him, they had held hands and had their arms around each other throughout the day. And not once did it feel weird. Maybe I'm over thinking things. This is Ryu!

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They watched one movie during dinner and by the time the second one started, Shuichi's eyelids were getting heavy. They had moved from the floor to the sofa and so Shuichi stretched out, his head resting on a pillow in Ryu's lap. The older man began to gently stroke Shuichi's hair and didn't bother with the movie anymore. He was studying the handsome young man he'd known for almost nine years. His soft, shiny hair was its natural ebony color and it contrasted beautifully with the smooth, light skin and lavender eyes. He smiled as he watched Shuichi fight to stay awake, but ultimately losing the battle. He admired the long lashes as they came to rest on his cheeks.

He hadn't realized how much he missed Shuichi until the younger man tackled him at the airport, then all the emotions he thought he'd managed to get rid of came crashing back. He'd had a crush on the singer before he left for America but wouldn't pursue it because he knew he had his own problems to deal with. But now here they were both happy with their lives and nothing to come between them. Except an ocean. Ryu winced as reality set in but he didn't have time to let it get to him because Shuichi awoke with a start.

"Calm down, Shu."

Ryu continued to stroke Shuichi's hair and the writer settled back down and turned onto his back, looking up at his friend.

"Was I asleep for very long? What did I miss in the movie?"

"You weren't asleep for very long and honestly I have no idea what you missed in the movie because I was too busy looking at you."

There it was again. That wasn't something you said to a guy you considered your little brother. Then again, a little brother shouldn't be lying with his head in his big brother's lap either. Or be thinking about how much he wanted to kiss him. Again. Shuichi reached up and let his fingertips lightly brush Ryu's lips. As his hand fell back down, Ryu lowered his head but stopped a few inches from Shuichi.

Shuichi knew that Ryu was silently asking permission and without thinking, he willingly gave it. Shuichi leaned up and captured the singer's lips in a kiss that quickly became passionate, hungry and he could feel his body ache, demanding more than just Ryu's lips.

This kiss wasn't like the one from last night. Last night they were hesitant, gentle….soothing. And they both knew it wouldn't lead to anything other than comfort. But now….their lips were crushed together and tongues were fighting for dominance. And neither would be satisfied with just kissing anymore.

Shuichi pushed up and straddled Ryuichi, their lips never loosing contact. He moaned and let his hands start to slide down the singer's chest. Ryuichi pulled back, and looked at Shuichi, his voice thick with lust.

"We shouldn't do this."

Lavender eyes gazed into blue, considering the man's words. He's right. This is very dangerous, letting our lust getting out of control. But….he wants this just as much as I do. So maybe it's not so bad.

"I know." Shuichi captured Ryu's lips again and tugged at the man's shirt. A firm hand was placed on his, delaying his goal.

"Shu…"

"Do you want me?"

Hands squeezed his hips tightly and a breathy voice answered. "Yes."

"And I want you." Shuichi didn't let his gaze falter as he began to tug on Ryu's shirt again. The singer eventually allowed Shuichi to remove his shirt and lavender eyes raked over his bare torso. Ryu had never felt so exposed. He'd never seen Shuichi look so….hungry. He'd seen him perform, exuding sex from every pore, sending overheated teenage girls into fits of tears. But to be the object of those desires….

"This can't be wrong, Ryu." A hand snaked up from his abdomen, slowly, exploring every inch with a reverence. Ryu shivered. Shuichi pulled his eyes from their current fascination to see Ryu's flushed cheeks and worried eyes.

"What happens when you leave, Shu?"

He hadn't considered that. He was just living in the here and now and he suddenly felt like a selfish bastard. His hand fell from Ryu's chest to rest on his own thigh. He felt his stomach tie in knots. Shu couldn't look at his friend anymore and got up from his lap, fleeing the room.

Ryu let him go because he honestly didn't know what else to do. Every part of his body, his soul, his heart ached for Shuichi. But it was his mind that was screaming that if he did this, it would lead to great pain for him and the young man he cared for so much.

He stared at the ceiling for heaven knows how long, the silence of the house allowing his mind to ring loud and clear about his current tortured state. Unable to take the inner voice berating him for letting things get this far with Shuichi, he sighed and leaned forward, raking his hands through his hair before hugging himself tight and letting his head hang low.

"I wish there were some way….."

"There is."

Ryuichi's head shot up and he looked wide-eyed at Shuichi who was standing in the doorway looking calm, yet determined. He silently approached the singer and let a hand come out to gently caress a cheek.

"Be my vacation, Ryu."

"I…I don't understand."

"I'm only here for a short while. Why can't we just enjoy our time together? Nothing says this has to lead anywhere."

"But…"

Shuichi went down on his knees to come face-to-face with Ryu. He smiled and let his fingers dance over the man's face and through his hair as he spoke.

"I care for you, Ryu and would never do anything to hurt you. And if we both want each other, than I don't see why we shouldn't just give in and do what we want. There doesn't have to be regrets. There can just be this moment….between friends….between us….."

Ryu couldn't believe what he was hearing. Shuichi's words had drowned out the voice in his head that said he'd done the right thing in discouraging the young man's advances. Ryu hesitantly leaned in, still watching Shuichi for any signs that he was lying, or trying to do what he thought Ryu wanted. But all he saw was desire in the lavender eyes and once their lips touched again Ryu lost all control. They hurriedly undressed each other, and in no time Shuichi was buried under Ryu, the singer indulging in the young man's neck, whispering against the flesh.

"No regrets….no attachments….just now….just you…"

To be continued…….