Gravitation belongs to Murakami Maki, I only wish I owned Ryuichi.

Another AU (Alternate Universe/Timeline). What if Seguchi had been there to save Yuki after the Kitazawa incident? How would the Gravi lives be different? Contains considerable Fake crossover. I find Ryo and Dee convenient when I need New York police.

Chapter 10

Time Out

By the time Yuki reached his destination he was carrying Shu. The singer was too tiny and the snow was too deep. He had stayed to the alleys he loved so well and he believed they had made it out clean. As a matter of fact, there wasn't even anyone out who could have noticed. Not even the usual hoards of homeless people who lived in these same alleys.

He really had to give the kid credit, he had tried to make it on his own and Yuki couldn't help but to admire his spirit. The final straw had come when Shu slipped and fell headfirst into a nearby wall and had knocked himself out cold. He had been forced to dig the kid out of the snow bank.

When he pulled him out there was a large lump on his forehead and blood was running into his eyes. Shu was clearly dazed and couldn't walk anymore. Fortunately they were only a few blocks from their destination.

He was forced to lower Shu to the ground and checked his head. The bleeding had stopped but the lump appeared larger. He wasn't sure if Shu was unconscious or just passed out from exhaustion. Right now he didn't have the time to find out.

Yuki quickly jimmied the nearest window and slid into a dusty basement. There was about a six foot drop to the floor. Now he had to just somehow manage to get Shu inside.

He knew just where everything was in this basement, it was one of his favorite winter hideouts. There was a stepladder conveniently stashed in a corner that he sometimes used when he needed to get out in hurry. He used this to climb up and pull Shu in. The kid was still limp as a rag doll and the dead weight nearly caused him to overbalance. That was all he needed, to nearly kill them both falling off a ladder.

Once they were both inside he laid Shu out on the floor and went back to close the window. He then covered it with a blackened drape. Using duct tape he fastened the drape to the wall, doubling and tripling until he was sure any light they needed wouldn't escape.

This was one of his favorite places because it had electricity even when it wasn't being used. There was even a restroom with hot water. God Bless income tax services. Using a flashlight, he hunted out the lantern and lit it before going to check on Shu again. The kid was still out.

He had everything already stored here that he might need. He pulled a cot, blankets, pillows, and even a small electric heater out of a back corner and got things set up before starting to deal with Shu's injuries.

It was easy lifting the small body off the floor, the kid hardly weighed anything. Once he was lying on the cot, Yuki was able to get a better look at the damage. At first he couldn't tell much, there was too much dried blood. Getting a few damp hand towels from the restroom he cleaned the wound as best as he could. The cut was relatively severe and would likely continue to bleed for days.

One of the things he always kept in any of his hideouts was a full medical kit, just in case. Almost reluctantly he went and pulled out the kit. Using alcohol he prepared the wound to be stitched. Before he began he leaned over and kissed the still lips, "It's a good thing still out love, this is going to hurt."

By the time he was finished there were five tiny stitches sealing the cut. He had tried to make them as small as possible to minimize any scarring. He checked Shu's pupils next and seemed to be responding normally. But, he was getting one hell of a shiner from the blow to the head. He had barely stirred through the entire thing.

Yuki briefly considered leaving Shu in the snow fatigues but the room was warming rapidly and he thought it might be too hot. He undressed first, then started on Shu. He briefly debated taking off the bulletproof vest and then left it on.

He was exhausted himself and pushing Shu over to make a little room he climbed onto the narrow cot with the singer and pulled the small body close. He liked the feel of the boy's breath on his chest. He had not intended on sleeping himself, but soon found himself drifting comfortable with Shu in his arms.

When Shuichi awoke he found himself in a strange dark room and his head felt really funny. The headache was terrible. He also found his right eye didn't want to open. He tried to raise a hand to feel his head and instead it made contact with warm flesh. Yuki was with him, wherever he was and this somehow made everything all right. He tried to smile and found that this hurt too.

His hand sought the blonde's face and gently traced the slightly opened lips. "Yuki wake up." He whispered as softly as possible, not sure if talking was even allowed where they were.

Yuki woke in his usual manner, all at once and immediately found himself on the floor. He could hear Shu softly giggling from the cot above him. Then, "Owww, that hurt!"

He raised up far enough to put his elbows and chin on the edge of the cot. "Thought that was funny did you? Don't worry, I'll get even." He was smiling so that Shu wouldn't take him seriously.

"Yuki where are we?"

"Just one of my little hideouts." He gave a wink and then settled his face into a more serious mode. "How does your head feel?"

"Hurts. What happened?"

"Don't you remember?" He immediately became concerned, any loss of memory was not a good thing.

Shu whined out a loud "no" and he was on his feet once again checking Shu's pupils. His right eye did seem to be slightly dilated. With a sigh he sat on the cot. "You fell into a wall and hit your head. I had to carry you the rest of the way here. I think you might have a slight concussion. Wait here, I'll get you something for the pain."

A quick check through his bag produced a bottle of pain reliever. "This is the strongest I'm going to be able to give you, I'm sorry. I need for you to be awake as much as possible. I also want for you to take an antibiotic and keep taking them for at least a week. You have a severe cut on your head and it could get infected."

A hand immediately lifted to feel of the wound and Yuki watched as he barely even touched the bandage and flinched in pain.

He had a sneaking suspicion that Shu wouldn't be able to raise up to take any medicines. He stopped to get a bottle of water and a box, just in case. Shu started to try to rise up on his own but could only groan and lie back down. Setting his load on the bed Yuki took a seat and began to gently lift him into a sitting position.

"Dizzy Yuki, I feel sick." His face seemed to be turning an alarming shade of green.

Yuki grabbed the box and only just made it while Shu was violently ill. Afterwards he only held the singer gently, brushing the hair out of his face until the kid collapsed against him. He continued to hold him as he placed the box on the floor and Shu rolled with his movements.

"No Shu, you to stay up." He only just managed to stop him from collapsing back onto the bed. Looking into Shu's eyes he noticed they were still open but unfocused. He continued with his support until he felt Shu start to support himself.

"Better?" He got a small nod in response, "I'd say you definitely have a concussion. Can you try some water now?" He picked up the overturned bottle glad that he hadn't opened it yet.

"Little." The word came out a croak.

"Just swish and spit first, clear your mouth."

"That's disgusting Yuki!" The voice was a little stronger, and Yuki took this and Shu's attitude as a good sign that Shu was getting back to his normal self.

Shu did take the water and had to spit in the same box. Yuki made him rinse three times before allowing a small swallow. Once he was able to keep that down he gave him the medicines.

"Need the bathroom Yuki." Shu panted when he finally got the pills down.

"Do you need for me to carry you?"

"I think so." He watched as a pretty blush spread to Shu's ears.

It was no burden to carry such a small weight and he easily hoisted Shu into his arms. Once in the restroom he also needed to assist with undressing. He finally left him with a warning to knock when he was ready to come back out.

Yuki closed the door and busied himself with arranging the cot against a wall with a pillow backing so that Shu could sit up if he wanted. He was beginning to get worried when he finally heard the commode flush. He waited patiently for a knock that didn't immediately come. He took a peek in the door to see Shu standing in front of the mirror with the bandage torn off of his head.

"I'm just going to have to put a new one on now you know."

Shu gave a jump at his voice, "Did you do this?" Yuki held his eyes to the violet ones staring at him from the mirror and nodded, "I look horrible." The pout on Shu's face nearly made him forget any injuries.

"No Shu, you're beautiful, even with a black eye." He allowed himself to smile, "Are you ready? You need to rest some more and I need to go out again. We need food and I didn't have the time to pick anything up yesterday."

Shu suddenly looked like a scared rabbit. "I'll be all right, I don't think anyone is looking yet. You just stay here. Do not try to get up or to leave and keep the light out. The only place I want you going is to the restroom if you need."

Shu reached out a hand and he returned the squeeze before heading up the stairs. He really didn't want to leave the kid in the dark but didn't see that he had any choice.

Dee had been watching the building for hours when he saw a man emerge from the roof. He could tell from the build that man was Yuki, an obviously in disguise Yuki. The man that emerged had long red hair and appeared to be wearing leather. At least he was dressed all in black.

Dee had a fairly good view from his position on a rooftop across the street. The snow had finally stopped falling so there was nothing to hamper his view. Besides, he had his binoculars. He watched as the man hopped down onto a fire escape and made his way into a neighboring apartment building.

He was trying to decide whether or not to follow when he spotted Yuki emerging back onto the street. The new red-head nodded the few people who had managed to venture out into the snow and proceeded into a grocery store. He kept watch until he man reappeared with a sack. He thought Yuki would head straight back to the empty building but was surprised whenhe crossed the street and entered a jewelry store.

When the man again emerged Dee could see the smile on his face even without the binoculars. Instead of heading directly back to the hideout Yuki walked right past the building and around the corner and disappeared. He once again debated on following but realized Yuki didn't have the kid with him. There had to be another entrance to the building, he wouldn't have gone anywhere without Shindou. Pulling a blanket back over his head, Dee settled in for a long day.

K awoke to find Hiro gone from his bed. He felt momentary panic and hoped he hadn't decided to do something stupid. He quickly pulled on his clothes and glanced at the clock before running out of the room. 'Damn' it was almost eleven in the morning no wonder Hiro was already gone. Bad Luck was scheduled for practice this morning in the hotel banquet hall. Listening carefully he smiled as he realized he could actually hear Hiro's guitar echoing softly through the hallway.

Pulling the door closed once again, he decided that since he was already late he might as well stay and take a shower. If he was going to be late, he might as well get it right.

By the time he finally made it downstairs everyone was already packing up their equipment. There really wasn't much point in practicing without Shindou. Casually leaning against the back he briefly considered telling them to get back to work but the depressed look on everyone's face stopped him. He just didn't have the heart this morning. Shindou was the heart and soul of this band; Bad Luck with nothing without him.

A good portion of the people hurrying out of the room either refused to look at him or quickly looked at away probably fearing he would force them back to work. One person fearlessly approached him, as Fujisaki was leaving he did come over and gave a small bow.

"K-san I hope you are not angry, things were not going well without Shindou-san so we decided to break for lunch. Nakano-san and I are going to work some on our own after we eat, if that is all right?"

He could only wonder at what Hiro had told everyone about Shindou's absence, "That will be fine Fujisaki but don't take any more than a couple of hours."

"Arigato K-san." The kid's head made another bob, "I hope Shindou-san is feeling better soon." Barely raising his head the kid turned away.

He didn't really like the kid, eventhough he was a hard worker and extremely talented on the keyboards, he always felt slightly dirty after talking to him. He was very much like his cousin and the company President Seguchi Tohma. There were only a few differences, where Seguchi was smooth polish over a caring heart, Fujisaki was lacquer over steel. Both were devious, manipulative, and hard-headed. The major difference was that Seguchi did what he thought was best for others; Fujisaki only did what was best for himself. He pulled himself out of his own thoughts to see that the kid was still standing there.

"Is there something else you need Fujisaki?"

"Yes K-san, I just wanted to comment that I have not seen Yuki-san this morning either. I hope that he is not ill also?"

By now he should have been used to this, but this morning he was no mood for the probing questions. "You know kid that really is none of your business. The fact that you are Seguchi's cousin does not give you the right to nose into other people's business. Do you understand me? But, since it doesn't matter I will tell you. Mr. Yuki is not ill, he is helping me to care for Shindou and that is all there is to it." K gave the irritating kid one final stern look, "Now get out of here, I do expect you to be back here in two hours."

Eventhough his attention was focused on Fujisaki he was aware of Hiro walking up to where he could hear the conversation. "Little prick," he muttered as soon as the green head disappeared through the door. He looked up to see surprise clearly etched on Hiro's face.

"I always thought you liked him?" The shock was clear in Hiro's voice.

"I admire his dedication and work ethic," he let an agitated sigh escape and gave Hiro an affectionate look, "but that doesn't mean that I like him."

Hiro moved to lean back against the wall next to him and found his own hand being gripped lightly. "Good." The guitarist's voice was tinged with relief. Instead of pulling away he turned to take both of Hiro's hands into his own.

"Let's go back to our room, we can order in again. I have something I need to talk to you about."

A look of fear instantly crossed the red-head's face and K knew that his mind had turned to Shindou. He was quick to reassure, "It's not about that, but I can't talk about it here. Will you come?" For some reason he was feeling uncertain and even thought he might be refused.

"Of course K. Anything." The calm answer did nothing to settle his nerves.

Their trip back up to the room was silent and once inside he ordered lunch for both of them. He turned on the television trying to catch the news, just in case there was any hint of a problem. So far there was nothing.

Hiro glanced at K from under his hair. K had said that he wanted to talk to him and so far hadn't said anything. He was really beginning to wonder if K was sorry for what had happened between the two of them. Instead of eating he found himself just playing with his lunch. He couldn't help but notice the glances that K was giving him. The silence was becoming very uncomfortable. Finally it became too much and he started to get up.

Glancing at the blonde nervously he started to excuse himself. "K, I have to…"

"No, don't go yet. I'm sorry Hiro." K gave him a pleading look. "I do have something I need to ask you. I'm just having problems figuring out how to do it." The man actually gave a nervous chuckle and reached up to scratch his head. "I'm just afraid of how you'll react." He finally stood and shook his head and murmured almost to himself, "Shit, I'm really screwing this up."

He could tell that K's nerves were getting the best of him and that the other man was going to end up tearing his hair out before he was going to be able to say anything. K was pacing the room and right now he was facing away. Hiro got up and pulled K around to face him. "Just tell me, it can't be that bad. I promise I won't slap you if that helps."

"I am making this more difficult than it needs to be. Okay," K sighed and then took a deep breath, "when we get back to Tokyo, I want for you to move in with me. What I mean is…you know. Do you want to?" He looked like he was going to faint after he finally forced the words out.

Hiro was shocked and he knew that must show on his face and naturally K read the look wrong.

"Never mind, forget I asked that."

He reached up to take hold of K's chin. "Can I answer before you before you start making up my mind for me? And, yes, I would like that very much." He wrapped his arms around K's waist and whispered, "I thought you were going to tell me to get lost."

The blonde smiled at him sadly, "I almost did, you know? Sometimes what we want doesn't really matter. As long as I could stay close to you and could have you once in a while, I think I'd have been all right. But, it wouldn't have been fair to you. Just in case you have forgotten, I am married."

K took a seat on the bed and pulled down next to him, "My marriage was never one of love or even convenience; it was more a matter of circumstance. I have never loved her. I did lust after her. I won't lie about that. But, the lust faded. With you I see a chance to be happy." K's voice was cracking and Hiro found himself reaching up to wipe away a lone tear.

"So, what do you want to do? I've already told you I'm willing to take you the way you are." His hand remained touching K's face and the blonde leaned into his palm.

"When the tour reaches Los Angeles," K suddenly began to tremble but he refused any attempt to hug him, "I am going to start divorce proceedings. I am not looking forward to telling my wife. Frankly, she scares the bejesus out of me."

"I'll be there with you, you know." He looked deeply into the icy blue eyes, "Now, can we finish our lunch? I'm suddenly hungry again."

K looked up and met his gaze and he could tell food wasn't what K was hungry for.

Tachi had spent a restless and uncomfortable night at Ma's side. There were no more seizures but no more of anything else either. When dawn finally broke he was struggling to stay awake. He had completely given up on talking hours before and was actually beginning to wish for a television. The steady beeps and blips of the machinery was almost hypnotic. A couple of times during the night someone had brought him in coffee, but he never noticed who it was to thank them.

Light was just starting to stream in the window when a team of workers began streaming in and unhooking Ma from all of the different monitors. Before he had a chance to become paranoid a doctor came in and explained that they were taking Ma for a CAT Scan to make sure there was no more swelling on his brain. He was then ordered out of the room and told to go and get some food and to take a walk.

Without any argument he left and started making his way to the cafeteria. When he passed the waiting room he noticed Ken sitting in a chair and reading a magazine.

"Hey Ken, how long have you been here?"

His friend looked at him with his eyes narrowed, "I was here until midnight last night and I got here at five this morning. What I don't understand is where the Hell you have been! You are supposed to be his friend and you haven't even been here! As a matter of fact you look like you have been out on an all night drunk!" Ken was flaming mad and shouting.

At first he couldn't believe what he was hearing coming from his friend. If he had any sort of energy left he would have knocked Ken on his ass. "Where the hell do you think I have been!" He managed to drag up enough energy to flame back. "I've been here all night! All the long horrible night!"

Ken had stood to get into his face and Tachi pushed him back down into his seat. He leaned over placing his hands on either side of the chair nose to nose with the other man. "I have spent the entire night sitting on a hospital bed holding Ma's hand, talking to him, keeping him alive!"

His anger was so intense he felt like he was going to explode, the strain was getting to him and he knew it. Instead of taking his anger out on Ken's face he slammed his hands once more onto the arms of the chair. Rising quickly for the first time in his life he listened to the little voice in his head that said, 'Just walk away.'

He was still angry as he entered the cafeteria. He could hear Ken chasing after him but wasn't in the mood to stop.

"Tachi wait!" There was a note of desperation in Ken's voice, "Dammit stop!" He was out of breath when he finally caught up, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. They won't tell anyone anything. How could I have known that you were here?"

Tachi decided to take pity, they had been friends for years and now wasn't the time to break up friendships. With a sigh he stopped, "Ken are you hungry? I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon and I'm starving. If you want to talk you can do it while I eat. I want to be there whey they bring Ma back." It wasn't until then that Tachi realized how tired he really was, tired to his soul.

As he was eating he finally started to tell Ken about Ma's condition. His friend was actually flinching by the time he had finished the description. He could tell the other man was at a complete loss as to what to say or to do.

"Is there anything I can do?" The hopeless and helpless look on his face seemed to say it all.

Tachi sighed, "Only if you are willing. If he is able to pull out of the coma they are looking for people who will be willing to donate a Kidney. You could get tested for that. I've already been tested but I don't have the results back. But, that is a really big request, so it is up to you."

Suddenly he realized that his tiredness was getting to him more and more. He had just asked Ken if he would be willing to donate a kidney. "Sorry Ken that's…I'm not thinking straight right now. That is too much to ask of anyone."

"Tachi," his name was said softly and when he met Ken's eyes again he could see the sincerity there, "Ma is my friend too, of course I will get tested."

"Thank you." The words felt strange coming out of his mouth and he wondered just how many times in his life he had ever felt the need to say those words, probably not very many.

"Now," some of the seriousness had left Ken's face, "I just want you to tell me one thing. How were you allowed in? They won't even let his parents in to see him right now."

He was able to manage a small laugh at this, "At first I simply walked in without asking. When I started talking to him his vitals rose and they wanted me to stay. Questions came later. When they finally did ask who I was I told them the truth. I told them I was Ma's boyfriend."

When lunch was finished he returned to Ma's room with a promise to keep Ken updated when he had a chance. They hadn't brought Ma back yet so he took the opportunity to stretch out on his bed and close his eyes.

He awakened immediately when they broughtthe medical team came bangingback in. To his great relief there was no longer a tube running down Ma's throat. As the other man was once again hooked up to the ever beeping machines, Tachi didn't fail to notice there were no longer wires connected to the blonde head and the machine that was monitoring his brainwaves was removed from the room. A doctor came in to check to things over and to make sure everything was working properly. Once he was done the man came over and had a seat on his bed.

"Things are looking somewhat better. There has been no swelling on his brain and we are no longer giving him the medication that had been keeping him in a coma. It will still be several hours before we are able to tell anything for sure."

He wasn't sure what all of this meant, the only part that really penetrated was the fact that the doctor had said that things were looking better. He didn't have time to ask any questions before the doctor started speaking again.

"The other good news is that he is breathing on his own now and the internal bleeding seems to have stopped."

For the first time since he had gotten the news he was starting to feel a little hope. It must have shown on his face and the doctor gave him a frown.

"This is all very good but his condition is still very grave. If he is to survive he still has a very long, tough road ahead of him.

He wasn't surprised by the doctor's caution and gave him a small nod. Getting up to stretch he once again grabbed the chair and pulled it over to Ma's side. He would do all that he could to see that the road was a smooth as possible. He once again took Ma's hand and began to talk.

Thanks to Alll of Me Great Reviewers:

Kuma-chan--Thank you again. Pocky Cookies for me, nummy mun.

murray the leprechaun--Honestly I have been waiting for that to happen but I am undeterred. If it does I will just move the story to AFF. It is also being published on my forum under the name Trust. The link to the site is in my profile. I feel a little odd eating those cookies, oh well, they are very tasty. I am just worried you guys will make me fat.

Super Drive--Thank You. In the coming chapters will find a slightly different K so maybe that will help.

Ranma064--Yeah, I am long winded. Sorry but you won't ever find much good about Suguru with me writing. He just gets on my nerves.

Well that's it for this week. Not very many reviews this time, I hope you guys aren't losing interest. Sighs

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