I'm sorry that I broke my promise. It was the lyrics that gave me a headache. I can't write lyrics at all. In the end, I only wrote part of the song. I added in "…" to show that the song should have been longer than what it seems. Yuki would definitely agree that I'm worse than Shuichi. Hahaha. Anyway, please enjoy the last chapter.
Just to remind you, "Mou ichi do" means "One more time".
Lyrics of 'The Rage Beat' were taken from of 'Into the Future' were crapped up by me. Lol!
DISCLAIMER: Gravitation does not belong to me.
MOU ICHI DO
Chapter 25 – One More Time
Shuichi tapped his cigarette lightly against the ashtray, before raising it back up to his dry lips. It trembled in between his fingers. Or rather, it was his hand that was trembling uncontrollably. He stared at his reflection in the mirror and licked his dry lips.
Jet black hair, heavy and dark mascara, glitter, lipstick, lip gloss, etc. Furthermore, he was totally clad in black. A sleeveless see-through netted top, a short leather jacket, a pair of leather mini-shorts buckled up with a belt, and a pair of low-thigh boots, a glove on his left hand, a thick bracelet on his right wrist. However, instead of a black leather collar, he had opted for a heavy metallic silver cross.
I look so… different…
Shuichi sighed. It has been quite some time since he had last dressed like this. After switching to the modeling profession, he had been wearing sexy and stylish designer clothes, and not sexy and sexy AND sexy clothes that were practically screaming: "I'm soooo edible! Come and get me!"
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
More high-pitched screams sounded from the direction of the stage, causing him to tremble once again. Instinctively, he took a long drag on his cigarette, trying to calm down.
"What do you think you're doing?" A steely voice asked, and immediately, Shuichi felt something cold and hard pressed against his forehead.
Before he could answer, a hand appeared out of nowhere and snatched his cigarette stick away from him.
"Hey! Give that back!" He sprung up from his seat and glared at Hiro.
"No way. You've got to quit smoking."
Shuichi swore under his breath and reached for the pack of cigarettes on the dressing table. But K got to it first.
"Shit! Return that to me. It's mine."
"I wouldn't be bothered if you were still a model. But now that you've return to singing, I forbid you to smoke." K released the safety hatch on his gun. "Do you understand?"
Shuichi gritted his teeth. "But I can't go through this without them."
"Shuichi."
"They calm me down!"
"Shuichi, you don't need those."
"I'm scared!"
"There's no reason for you to be-"
"I'm so scared! I can't take it anymore!"
Hiro, K, Suguru and Sakano stared helplessly at the trembling Shuichi, who had squeezed his eyes shut and clamped his hands over his ears.
"Shuichi!" A loud and cheerful voice rang out before anyone could say anything.
Shuichi turned around fearfully and found himself staring at none other but his idol, Sakuma Ryuichi.
"Shuichi! Do your best later! Kumagorou is overjoyed to be able to hear Shuichi sing again. Kumagorou wants an autographed poster of Bad Luck!" Ryuichi grinned and Kumagorou waved his arm excitedly.
"I… I…" Shuichi bit his lip anxiously. Suddenly, he darted for the door. "I'm sorry! I can't do this! Sorry, sorry, sorry!"
However, before he could escape, Hiro grabbed his arm. "Shuichi, wait! Stop! Just calm down!"
"No! Let me go! Please…"
"Shindou-san, you can't back out now…" Sakano was starting to lose a grip on himself too.
"No! No! I don't want to do this! I can't! Get Sakuma-san to sing! Bad Grasper can perform in place of Bad Luck!" Shuichi struggled violently and even attempted to bite the arm that was restraining him.
"This concert belongs to Bad Luck. Everyone out there is waiting to see you. There's no way that anyone can replace you!"
"I don't care! I can't do it. I just can't do it!"
Suddenly, somebody grabbed Shuichi from the back.
"Shuichi, what's wrong?" Akiha asked as he wrapped his arms around the boy. Shuichi's back was pressed tightly against Akiha's chest.
"Akiha… Akiha! Help me! I want to leave! Get me out of here!"
With his left arm locking the hysterical Shuichi in place, Akiha covered Shuichi's eyes with his right hand. He then bent down and whispered right beside Shuichi's ear. "Shuichi, calm down. Breathe… focus… take deep breaths. Relax… Don't worry… I'm here with you."
To everyone's surprise, Shuichi stopped struggling and did as he was told.
"He's good." K blinked in amazement.
"Now, can you tell me why you're so afraid?"
"I… I can't sing. I haven't sung for a long time. What if I forget the lyrics? What if I lose my voice onstage? What if-"
"That won't happen. You're a talented singer, Shuichi. Even though I've only heard you sing a few times, and even though I wish that you would continue modeling instead, I can't deny that you sing beautifully. And, I'm sure that everyone feels that way too."
"But-"
Akiha sighed softly. He guided Shuichi to a seat, and then knelt down beside the boy. "It's something else, isn't it?"
"…" Shuichi looked away uneasily.
"Yuki Eiri, right?"
Shuichi bit his lip and clenched his fists tightly. His nails dug painfully into his palms.
Akiha frowned. "No biting your lips, and no clenching your fists. You're just going to hurt yourself again. Whenever you lose control like this, it's always about him."
"This happens often?" Suguru whispered as Hiro frowned.
"It's not his fault."
"You say that everytime too." Akiha gave Shuichi a wry smile before returning to his serious demeanor. "Haven't the two of you made up? What's wrong now?"
"It's just that… he's not here. He hates such concerts."
At this very moment, the door swung open suddenly, startling everyone. Tohma and Yuki were at the door. Shuichi gasped softly and grabbed onto Akiha's arm, refusing to look at Yuki. "Yuki…?"
"Shindou-san? Is something wrong?" Tohma took a look around the room.
"It's nothing, Seguchi-san. I suggest we leave the two of them alone." Akiha patted his head before standing up.
Completely frightened by the thought of that, Shuichi tightened his grip on Akiha's arm.
"Don't worry…" Akiha bent down and kissed Shuichi's head. "I'll be there for you no matter what happens, okay?" He pried Shuichi's fingers loose and smiled gently.
"Come on, let's go get ready while waiting for Shuichi. Ryuichi is in charge of the opening act, remember?" K waved his gun, shooing the rest of Bad Luck and Ryuichi out of the room.
"Well then, Eiri-san, I'll go take a seat first."
"He's extremely fragile, so handle him with care." Akiha warned somewhat sternly (protecting Shuichi had become a natural instinct for him), earning himself a deadly glare.
When they were finally left alone, Shuichi still refused to face Yuki.
"Shuichi."
Shuichi jumped at the sound of his name.
"Shuichi. What's wrong?" Yuki held his palm against Shuichi's cheek, causing Shuichi to shiver involuntarily.
"N-nothing."
"Say it."
Shuichi fidgeted uncomfortably before mumbling. "I… I thought you were not coming…"
"Is that it?" Yuki blinked his eyes in surprise before sighing. "Stupid. I told you that I'll come, right?"
"But you never wanted to come to any of my concerts in the past."
"You said it yourself too… 'in the past'…"
"…"
Yuki flicked a finger at Shuichi's forehead.
"Ouch! What did you do that for?"
"That's what an idiot gets."
Shuichi pouted. "I'm not an idiot. You're so-"
The next moment, Shuichi found himself pressed against Yuki's chest.
"Yuki?"
"Shut up."
After getting over his initial shock, Shuichi finally smiled and relaxed. He wrapped his arms around Yuki's waist, returning the hug. They pulled apart when a knock sounded at the door.
"Shuichi, we're starting in 5 minutes."
"Got it! I'll be out soon!" Shuichi shouted back and then gazed up at Yuki, into those golden orbs. "I love you, Yuki."
Yuki remained silent for a few seconds before bending down for a kiss. "Don't look at me with that expression, or I'll screw you here right now, so that you won't be able to stand on stage later."
Shuichi'seyes widened in horror and heblushed furiously. "Yu-kiiiii!"
xXx xXx xXx xXx xXx
The audience broke out in cheers as Ryuichi ended his song. Within seconds, the whole concert hall was thrown into darkness, signaling the start of the main show. More excited screams filled the air and everyone began chanting in unison. "Bad Luck! Bad Luck! Bad Luck!"
At long last, the music blasted through the speakers and as Shuichi started on his first note, the stage lit up in an array of colors.
Obieta mezuki de iradatsu omoi uwaki na kaze ni hakisutete
Hibi-wareta rojou ni toketa shigunaru wa kizuato dake nokoshite-iku
It didn't take long for Shuichi to relax and immerse himself in his music. He was growing more and more confident with each note. Eyes gleaming with excitement and with a tiny smile on his lips, he delivered each note perfectly.
Madoronda noizu ga asu o keshi-saru mae ni
Yabou ni hibiku kutsuoto o oikakete
Doko ni mo tomaranai
Mitasanai Emotion shikato kimete oikose yo
Furueteru shai na seikai no nuke-michi o neratte
Tadoritsuku basho e I Want New World
…
He understood it now. This was where he belonged. Although he liked modeling, he loved singing lots more. Pouring his heart out, hoping that his songs would bring others joy and tears… That had always been his dream, and he realized now that he would never want to give it up.
After performing old Bad Luck hits like Glaring Dream, In the Moonlight, and so on, it was finally time to end the concert. All of a sudden, a horrible screeching sound filled the hall. Everyone stopped screaming and clapped their hands over their ears.
"Sorry for that." Shuichi smiled apologetically. "But everyone, please hear me out quietly for a few minutes."
Within seconds, the entire audience fell into silence.
"Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for turning up. You have no idea how happy I am to be able to sing for every one of you again. And, secondly… I'm sorry. I know that it was really irresponsible of me to leave so suddenly back then, without offering any explanation. I'm not sure what you've heard or what you think had happened, but I left because I was too weak. I lost confidence in myself. I lost confidence in singing. And, most of all, I lost confidence in… my feelings. It took me one long year to recover what I had lost, and I'm really grateful to be given a chance to sing again."
"Shuichi…" Many of Shuichi's fangirls were close to tears by now.
"I'd also like to take this chance to thank the people who pulled me up and gave me courage to move on. I know that I've messed everything up and some of you may not be able to forgive me, but no matter what, I'll always love you."
Shuichi then turned back to Hiro and Suguru. "Of course, I wouldn't dare to forget my old friends. Thank you so much for welcoming me back even though I've caused you guys so much trouble."
Hiro gave Shuichi a wink and the latter smiled back in appreciation, before turning back to the audience.
"And finally…" Shuichi gazed up at the VIP area where he knew Yuki was sitting. "I'm… sorry…"
He shut his eyes and took a deep shuddering breath before continuing in a soft voice. "I know that my feelings for you may just continue hurting others… hurting you… hurting myself… but, as expected, I still can't let you go. Falling in love with you, loving you, and still loving you. That's all that I know how to do, and that's probably what I'll be doing forever. Therefore, please… don't ever hate me…" Shuichi opened his eyes and directed a pleading look in the direction of the VIP area. "Ok?"
"Shuichi really returned to Yuki Eiri's side?" Someone in the audience yelled. "We'll always support you guys!"
"Yeah! You guys are the prefect couple! Although I'd love to marry one of you guys…"
"Agree! Agree!"
"Yuki Eiri's here too? Where? Where?"
More and more shouts could be heard. Fortunately, before the situation spiraled out of control, Hiro and Suguru cut in with the start of the last song.
Taking their cue, Shuichi returned his focus to the audience. "Well then, to thank everyone, here's Bad Luck's newest single and also the last song for the night. Presenting to you… 'Into the Future'!"
That successfully diverted the audience's attention back to Bad Luck's concert.
I once walked these streets alone
On the edge of insanity
Rain poured down hard on me
Just like your overflowing dreams
Of love and happiness
That almost choked me
I couldn't resist the temptation
Feeling the touch of your skin
Your kisses faded silently
You were all but a dream
I'm sorry for the tears back then
Won't you give us another chance?
I want all your dreams back now
All the pain and the love
So come to me, stay by my side
Hold my hand and never let go
I want to be close to you always
Closer and closest I can get
Spread the wings of your heart
Soar into the endless blue sky
Free from all but my love
Take my love
Into the future
…
Brought together by chance
Chained together by fate
Bleeding together for eternity
…
So kiss me now, and hold me tight
Feel my heat burn deep into you
I want to be close to you always
Closer and closest I can get
Spread the wings of our hearts
Soar into the breaking dawn
Free from all but our love
Take our love
Into the future
Our future…
xXx xXx xXx xXx xXx
"Nnnghhh… Yuki…"
Sounds of panting and moaning filled the room as Yuki worked his way around Shuichi's body for the third time.
"Ah… Ahhhh! Yuki!"
Shuichi lied still in Yuki's arms, the both of them struggling to regain their composure. The large object in the corner of the room caught his eye.
"Yuki…"
"Hn?"
"What are you going to do with that photograph?"
"… I have no idea. Just leave it there for the time being."
"Akiha that idiot… fancy leaving us with such a photograph. And he… they didn't even say goodbye…"
(Flashback)
"Shit! Where in the world is he?" Shuichi cursed as he dialed the number again. Still, there was no answer.
"Shuichi, aren't you leaving already? Yuki's waiting for you, right?" Hiro asked as he walked out of the dressing room.
"I'm trying to find Akiha. But he's not picking up my call…"
"Shindou-san, Sakurai-san and his friends have left for the airport. He left this for you." Tohma passed Shuichi an envelope, which Shuichi immediately tore open anxiously.
"Dearest darling,
Sorry for not being able to say goodbye, but our flight leaves at 10:30pm. Thank you for making the past one year so wonderful and memorable for me. I thank god for giving me the chance to meet you. And Shuichi, please remember that no matter what happens, I'll always be there for you.
I'm leaving you an early Christmas present in your hotel room because I don't think we'll be meeting again soon. But, hopefully, the next time we do so, you'll show me more of your beautiful smiles instead of your heartbreaking tears.
Love you!
Best Wishes,
Akiha
P.S. Hey, Shu-chan! I've never blamed you for what happened. (None of us did.) Love is a unique thing that can't be controlled. It doesn't matter if your partner's a guy or a girl. All that matters is that you're happy. I wish you all the happiness in the world. – Love, Haruko"
Shuichi couldn't stop the tears the ran down his cheeks. When Hiro pulled him into a hug, he broke down into sobs. "Akiha... Akiha..."
He loved Akiha, though not in a romantic way. Akiha had been the one who dragged him up to his feet, the one who stood by him, the one who offered him warmth and comfort during the darkest days of his life. Without Akiha around as his pillar of strength, Shuichi felt strangely lost.
After drying his tears, hemet Yuki in the car and beggedYuki to stop over at the hotel on the way home. There, they had found a large object wrapped up with a brown paper packaging, with a note stuck on it: "Shuichi, thanks for keeping your part of the deal. Hahaha!"
Curious, Shuichi carefully tore off the brown paper packaging. When most of it had been torn off, Shuichi's eyes widened in shock.
"Wha-What… WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?" He screamed and blushed as he stared at a large, framed photograph/poster of him and Yuki making out in the hospital ward. "I can't believe he did this… Doesn't that mean he saw us back then? Oh my god… oh my god… I'm going to murder him if he ever dares to show up before me again!"
(End of flashback)
Shuichi snuggled closer to Yuki. "Yuki, are you mad at that photograph?"
"…" Yuki sat up and got himself a cigarette. "Of course."
"Sorry…"
Yuki ran his hand through Shuichi's hair (returned to its previous shade of brown), thoughts racing. Well, I'm a little pissed off that he managed to capture a nude shot of Shuichi… but in actual fact, I'm glad that he saw us. That way, he'll get it when I say that the brat belongs to me.
"What are you smirking at?"
"Nothing." He blew out a trail of smoke.
"Yuki… thanks so much for writing me that song. I love it lots. I bet we'll see the title 'Into the Future' at the top of the charts soon."
"Hm…"
"And… I'm sorry for saying so much during the concert. I just couldn't help it…" Shuichi clambered onto the top of Yuki, and hugged him tightly. "Ne, Yuki… you really don't mind me telling you how much I love you?"
"…"
"Because if that's so, I won't stop saying that I love you ever again."
"Stupid." Yuki replied softly in a gentle tone.
"Well then, Yuki, let's give our relationship another shot. Let's try it again, ok? One more time…"
Yuki stared back at Shuichi's hopeful smiling face, noting how beautiful his violet eyes were, how warm his smile was, how alluring his lips were. It felt so surreal, having Shuichi back in his arms again. It was then that he realized – he didn't want to give Shuichi up ever again.
One more time… fall in love with me.
One more time…allow me to fall in love with you.
Reaching out, he put out his cigarette before turning back to Shuichi. "So you want to try it one more time? I'm ok with that."
With that, Yuki flipped their positions over.
"Yu-Yuki?"
"Didn't you say that you want to try it one more time?"
"I… I didn't mean this!" Shuichi blushed and struggled to push Yuki off. "Wait… Wait! I'm too tired… Yuki! Ah! Ahhh!"
However, Yuki continued with his attacks.
"Stop!" Shuichi finally managed to struggle free. He threw a pillow at Yuki, still blushing furiously. "Stupid Yuki. I'm going to sleep now. No more!"
"Hmph. You were the one who asked for it."
"Did not!" Shuichi tugged himself under the covers and turned onto one side, so that his back was facing Yuki.
After a few minutes of silence, Shuichi mumbled. "Can I take that as an agreement to what I said earlier?"
Instead of replying, Yuki wrapped one arm around Shuichi's waist. Shuichi smiled and stifled a yawn. "Nnn… Yuki, I love-"
Unfortunately, he drifted off to sleep before managing to complete his sentence. And, regrettably, he did not manage to catch Yuki's attempt to make it complete.
"-you."
Yes, let us try this all over again. Even though it may not turn out the way we want it to be, we could keep trying…
One more time, one more time, AND one more time…
Until the day we cease to be.
- The End -
Ahhh… (sighs in relief). I left out the graphic lemon scenes at the end. Didn't want to write another lemon scene. (sweats) It's hard to write a good lemon scene. So, I leave it up to your imagination :D
That's the end of Mou Ichi Do, the longest fic I've ever written. I don't think I can ever write such a long story again. Honestly, I didn't plan on writing so many chapters. It just happened. Hahaha! I guess the saddest thing about ending this is... I'm sure I'll miss Akihabecause I love him lots.(sniffles)
Hmm... Perhaps I'll add an omake to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.(laughs)
And I do have an idea for a new story, a romance/humor one, but I probably wouldn't put it up so soon.
Lastly, THANK YOU, everyone, for sticking with me for these past months. I really appreciate it lots! I think I spent more than a year writing this... Yup, I did. I can't believe it. The more I think about it, the more I don't want this to end.
But for now, ta-ta! And, have a wonderful Christmas!