AN/ Alright. This chapter's pretty self explanatory. It's gonna tell how Shuichi and Yuki fell in love and all that. And THEN… a major plot twist appears in the next chapter. BUM BUM BUUUUM! I've been waiting to write ch.8 for a while, and now, right after this one, I will be able to! So be expecting some action and drama soon! Oh, and one more thing. If any of you readers think that I'm going to get all angsty at some point in this story… you are so WRONG! In case any of you didn't know, I absolutely HATE angst. No offence to the people who write it, I have no grudge against them, but I just don't like that certain genre overall. It's WAY too sad for me. Especially those ones that have Shuichi or Yuki dying in them and the other either stays in solitude for a million years or commits suicide. I can't take those kind of things. I'm a pretty sensitive person at times, ya know… ;; Anyway, just wanted to tell yall that (in case you were expecting something like that, though there WILL be some sad moments, they won't be angsty).

Good news! Summer band schedule has been changed from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM to 8:00AM - 12:30 PM! YAY! Now I won't have to waste more than half my day on school grounds! So I'll have more down time to write these chapters. I'm very genki right now. nn

It had been three weeks staying with the Shindou family. Somehow, the novelist had an odd urge to be with these people. They were always very inviting, and… they were free! Another bonus included the great scenery set around the area they lived in. Even if the suburbs were filled with the lower class, the nature residing here was positively magnificent. Majestic trees with a full head of rustling leaves, secluded roads that led to even more beautiful settings, animal life was plentiful with many blue birds and the occasional squirrels… but what was most breathtaking was the lake that rested peacefully in a large grassy clearing. It was hidden in the forest's depths and was formed by the creak that the Shindou's used for water. It was safe to say that the water they now drank was clean, because Yuki had never seen such transparent liquid in all his life. You could see ever single detail, including the tiny pebbles at the lake bottom. When it was a nice day out, the sun would release its soft rays onto the rippling surface, and it looked like shimmering diamonds were dancing upon the lake's top. The author felt that if he touched the holy water, it would shatter like stained glass. This place truly was a gold mine for inspiration. And that's why the man decided to stay a little while longer than he intended.

Not only was the scenery inspiring, but the family he was staying with were as well. There was always a bustle among them and nothing ever seemed to phase their bright and cheerful moods. How they could be that happy when they lived like this? That was a mystery that Yuki thought he would never find out, but he was getting used to their ways. The blonde was having more good mood days since he'd been spending time with the Shindous, and that was always a plus in his book. Speaking of books, the author had just finished his next novel called, "Black Tranquility". Shuichi was the first one to receive a copy and he had almost melted into his own tears once he read it in one day. It was amazing for a guy who had never had a school education before to read that fast. Of course, after he was done practically skimming through the whole book, he went up to Yuki and started praising him and asking why he did this to the main character and when his next book would be out. The blonde always rolled his eyes and answered him with a "Hn.".

Just like Eiri had interpreted, the outskirts of Arbaphem was a BIG help to his story writing. And if possible, he'd like to stay here for a while and write his next novel. The nature here really did him good for inspiration. Though it wasn't just the outdoors that aided him through his writer's block… it was also that little pink-haired punk, Shuichi Shindou. Even if the kid didn't look like much, he had a certain glowing aura about him that gave the novelist a reassuring push during hard parts in his book. And the boy wasn't even doing it on purpose! Yuki didn't think he'd ever figure out what it was about the teenager that turned on a light inside his brain, but as long as it helped him write, he didn't care much either way…… though… he was becoming quite fond of the brat.

They had probably spent the most time of all together. Usually, Yuki didn't associate with people stupider than him, but for some reason, the kid made him feel… well, happier sometimes. It was like looking at a part of himself that used to exist long ago. One that he often missed. He could tell that there was a particular sensation about the boy that made the novelist trust him and act comfortable around him. The same went for Shuichi. He as well had grown quite fond of the older man… in fact, VERY fond. Apparently, he had fallen in love with his favourite author of all time, and was extremely afraid of what the blonde would say if he told him. What if he was rejected and Yuki didn't talk to him anymore? Or worse… what if he decided to leave? No! He couldn't live without the man! But he HAD to tell him how he felt. The teen pondered all day long on what he should do and if he did go up to Yuki and confront him about it, how would he say it? Unfortunately, the only thing in life that Shuichi had ever been in love with (besides his family), was strawberry pocky. How would he explain to a person, let alone another man, that he loved them! Well, once sunset was approaching, the thoughtful Shuichi made a choice. He would tell the man how he felt, plain and simple. And if his love was put down, then… well, he hadn't thought that far ahead yet. But instead of dwelling on the subject even further, the boy marched down to the lake where Yuki was writing his next book, stood firmly, put on his serious face, and said straight out…

"I love you!"

At first, Yuki thought he meant that in the way he always praised him for his books, but once Shuichi started making his long speech about how exactly he meant what he said, the author froze up. And once he saw the kid's eyes, he knew that he wasn't joking about his statement.

Shuichi had closed his eyes tightly, anticipating the worst from the critic's mouth… but there was no barrage of cruel words or rejection. Just silence and then a small familiar sound whenever the boy told him how good his book was.

"Hn."

And for the first time since they met, Shuichi saw the man smile. He never expected such a loving gesture to grace Yuki's lips until now. It looked so gorgeous on him. The novelist reached out to give a light brush of the hand on the lad's face. At this, Shuichi almost died from the blood that rushed to his face, turning his head into a big pink cherry. The blonde started laughing at the sight before him. A genuine laugh coming from a man like him? This was all too much for the love struck teenager! After a minute of baffled looks from Shuichi, Yuki silently walked away from the lake and toward the Shindou's cottage, placing his hands behind his head for support. The boy looked on, and little confused at the actions his beloved just displayed, but sighed in relief that he didn't exactly get a rejection from him. He ran after the man and clung to his strong arm, giggling for no apparent reason. Yuki mumbled for him to get off, as they reached the tiny cottage up ahead. If they were going to be lovers from now on, Yuki had to make sure that no one knew about it. He didn't want anyone to think Shuichi was weirder than he already was. Of course, he guessed that made him weird too… but it was definitely a good kind of weird.

AN/ Sorry this chapter was so short. I just didn't know what else to do in it! Ch.8 will be more exciting to write for me, so it'll be longer, kay?

Oh, and I think I know who Hiro will be with. Sorry for everyone who thinks I should put him with guys… because, Hiro is just so… straight to me. I mean, you can just look at him, and see the straightness. I don't think he could pass off as a gay guy in a million years. LOL! At least he wouldn't in the anime, that's for sure. ; So I'll either put him with Maiko, or no one. I'm leaning more toward no one at the moment. BECAUSE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! I like red/orange headed anime guys a lot. Like Tasuki from Fushigi Yugi, Kurama from Yu Yu Hakusho (duh. Who DOESN'T like him?), Gojyo from Saiyuki (which I am listening to Saiyuki music on my computer right now, how ironic!), Hiro from Gravitation… the list goes on. Maybe in the next author's note I'll tell you all what my favourite animes and mangas are. At least SOME of them… I have a lot… I think I need another hobby - -; … JK! - Please review!