Alright! So here's chapter eight! Sorry for the long wait. The SAT's are drawing near and the school projects have been piling up (due to my procrastination). But not all is lost! I just got Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children! Now i can die happy... Anyway, chapter eight! -

Chapter Eight

His eyes opened slowly, light pouring into view. Rain drops tapped lightly at the window. A white blanket covered his form as he lay on soft pillows. The room was plain, nothing decorated the ashen walls. The carpet was just as pale. A closet was across from him, a silver bar holding its contents which mainly consisted of suits and nice white shirts, all neatly ironed and color coded. Black shoes were aligned neatly on the floor, starting from biggest to smallest.

Shuichi turned around, now facing the ceiling. He lifted up the blanket and his eyes widened when he looked down and realized he wasn't wearing his clothes. No. Instead he was wearing a rather large white shirt. Only a white shirt. And it seemed to be just long enough to cover his bottom. The sleeves were far too long and the buttons that went up the front didn't help to keep the shirt on his small frame.

Shuichi removed his gaze from his attire and settled on the ceiling, studying it. His eyes narrowed in annoyance. Just like the rest of the room, it was white. Plain. Bland. Boring! Where the hell am I? Why am i not in my room? Where are the Nittle Grasper posters and Kumogoro plushies? Did I pass out again? Am I being held hostage by a potential rapist? Shuichi paled at that thought and quickly pushed it to the side. I guess I shouldn't really be complaining about my living quarters... at least I'm out of the rain! And not in Hideki's condo, he added as an after thought. But exactly where is my savior… or kidnapper? You'd think he'd be worried about me. Or worried that I'd escape…

As if on cue the door was opened by a blonde carrying a bowl of soup and a glass of water making Shuichi jump as he brought the blanket up to cover his face. Shuichi slowly lowered the blanket when the door closed and immediately came into contact with golden eyes. Shuichi's eyes widened as he flushed a bright red. They stared at one another, regarding each other quietly. It's him! It's really him! Shuichi's mind screamed. He looks so… handsome. Shuichi quickly looked away at that thought and focused on the blanket. Those eyes… is he still staring at me? Does he find me foolish? Was he the one who- who undressed me!

The blonde pulled a chair in the corner towards the bed and sat down next to Shuichi. He swirled the silver spoon in the soup and carefully brought it up and towards Shuichi. "Here," he said lightly. "Eat."

Shuichi turned toward the man, his eyes staring at him with surprise and his heart skipping a few beats. Am I ill? I feel so light headed. My heart… it's beating so quickly… as if I'm flying. He's worried about me. He's going to feed me… I… Is this some cruel dream? Does he really like me? No. He's not gay. Unlike you. You're just a pawn in his game. Shuichi ignored his thoughts and leaned forward, opening his mouth for the spoon's entrance and then swallowing afterwards. He thin took a sip from the glass. Yuki lifted another spoon toward Shuichi, but the model shyly waved it away.

Yuki set the bowl and spoon onto the night stand. "It doesn't seem your fever has died down at all," the blonde said. "You're still as red as a tomato."

Shuichi flushed even more.

The blonde scowled at the model, suddenly becoming mad. "You baka! Running in the rain like that! If I hadn't found you when I did you'd probably be off to the emergency room by now!"

Shuichi removed his gaze from the beautiful blonde and fixed his gaze on the blanket. "I-I'm sorry… Yuki," Shuichi mumbled. He blushed even more when he said the man's name. My face feels so hot! If I blush any more my head might go up in flames.

A cool hand rested on his forehead bringing him back to reality. Shuichi looked up at Yuki, feeling dizzy all of a sudden. Yuki sighed as he ran his fingers through the model's hair, Shuichi leaning as much into the caress as he could. My face… it feels so hot… Shuichi brought a hand to his head as Yuki's touch left.

"You're burning up," Yuki said as he shook his head. "Baka…" Yuki quickly left the room, carrying the bowl and glass with him.

Shuichi watched him leave, tears close to falling. He left. Is he mad at me? Shows how much he cares for you. He'll be back. Are you so sure? Does anyone ever come back? Shuichi sat back on the bed, tears rolling down his cheeks as he nestled into the pillows. Why do you have to be so mean?

"Okay. So explain this to me again?" asked Tohma.

Yuki sighed. Why did I even bother to call the bastard? I'm sure he'd realize the absence of his lead singer eventually. "I found Shuichi out on the streets. He has a temperature. I'm taking care of him. His idiot manager isn't around. Is that simple enough for your little mind to comprehend?"

"Its fine, Eiri. I'm just trying to figure out HOW THE HELL WE'RE GOING TO FINISH RECORDING BEFORE THE DEADLINE!" There were gunshots in the background on the other line.

Yuki raised an eyebrow. "Is K in the room with you?"

Tohma sighed into the phone. "Unfortunately. So how long do you think it's going to take him to recover?"

Yuki shrugged. "A week at most. He has a high fever, but I'm sure a few days of rest will bring it down quickly."

Another sigh came from the other end. "Alright. Keep watch over him. I'm leaving him in your care. You might want to tell Hideki what happened, but don't let that bastard take Shuichi away. That man… I don't feel right leaving Shindou in his care. There's something about him…"

Yuki smirked. "Been looking through Hideki's files lately?"

"Something like that... Oh! And Yuki, you might want to stay away from the studio for a while. K is on a rampage. He may very well blow a hole through your head next time he sees you."

Yuki chuckled. "Thanks for the warning."

"I'll probably come over there tonight or tomorrow morning to check up on Shindou. Until then-"

Yuki hung up the phone. Why does that man always enjoy intruding in on my life? He sighed as he walked up the stairs and opened the door to his bedroom. Shuichi lay there, sleeping soundly with his mouth open and drool smearing onto the pillow he was currently hugging. His face was stark white, dark circles underneath his eyes, and the purple lips didn't add to his complexion. The black hair that framed his face gave him a gothic look.

He looks like the walking dead. Why was he even in the rain to begin with? Yuki wondered to himself as he watched the mysterious beauty. Last night… What was wrong with him? His eyes… it was as if he were unable to see. His body was so clammy… right now he looks so thin. Does Hideki have him on something? Is Shuichi-

(Flashback)

Shuichi vomited on the floor, his hands wrapped around his stomach as he heaved up the contents. Yuki watched with horror as Shuichi cried, the people around them backing away, giving them weird looks. Shuichi pounded at his head, yelling obscenities. His body was shivering. "Shuichi-"started Yuki reaching towards the boy.

"Shuichi!" shouted Hideki as he came up from behind Yuki. He pushed past him and crouched down to pull the model up.

Yuki watched with horror. Hideki was so harsh with him. He yanked Shuichi up by his hair and yelled into his ear, "How could you be so fxxxing stupid! You took too much, damn it! You're so stupid!" Hideki pulled Shuichi by his ear towards the exit.

Yuki chased after the two and grabbed hold of Shuichi's arm. Shuichi looked up at him. His eyes wide and his mouth open, lips moving, but nothing coming out. "Shuichi are you all-"

"Stay away from him!" shouted Hideki as he pushed Yuki away. Shuichi's hand was slowly being tugged away. The poor boy was trying to hang on for as long as possible. "Let go, damn it!" shouted Hideki as he gave one final tug, dragging Shuichi away from him. Shuichi looked back at Yuki, his eyes never wandering away from him.

His violet eyes were crying.

(End Flashback)

Yuki frowned as a vision of Shuichi's face that night entered his mind's eye. He was in shock. I don't think he could breathe! He was having a hard time standing. Hideki had to practically carry him out of the building. He was trembling so violently… And he was looking at me. He was trying to say something, but Hideki kept getting in the way… He looked so sad.

Suddenly, a ringing noise that sounded like the Wicked Witch of the West Theme went off in his pocket. Shuichi suddenly became awake, his groggy eyes immediately looking around for the device that was making the noise, suddenly becoming paranoid. Yuki took it out of his pocket and handed the black cell phone to the model. Shuichi answered the phone without even looking at the caller I.D.

"Hello, Hideki," he croaked, sounding annoyed.

"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?" Hideki shouted loud enough for Yuki to hear.

Shuichi closed his eyes as he took the phone away from his ear. "DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I'VE BEEN? I CALLED YOUR EMPLOYER, BUT HE TOLD ME THAT YOU HAVEN'T BEEN IN SINCE SATURDAY!"

Yuki narrowed his eyes. Shuichi wasn't at work yesterday? Tohma never mentioned that. Was it a planned break? But it's so close to deadline. Tohma wouldn't do that.

"I'm fine, Hideki," Shuichi said tiredly as he rubbed his head.

"You sound horrible!"

Shuichi forced a smile. "Yeah… I guess I do."

"Where are you? I'll come pick you up. I don't want you to be troubling anyone else. You really worried me!"

Shuichi looked around the room and then cocked his head as he stared at Yuki. "I'm not so sure where exactly here is, Hideki. But I know that I'm at Yuki's place!" He added cheerfully.

"What! What the hell are you doing there? WHAT IN GOD'S NAME HAVE THE TWO OF YOU BEEN DOING? IS THAT WHY YOU RAN OUT?"

Shuichi blushed scarlet. "N-nothing! I was just- we were- I-I haven't been- w-well- um- Huh?"

Yuki took the phone from Shuichi's grasp. "Hello, Hideki."

"WHY ARE YOU ON THE PHONE!"

Yuki smiled at Shuichi as the model stared at him with shock written all over his face. "Shuichi is unable to talk right now. He's… busy…"

Shuichi removed his gaze from Yuki, his hands playing with the blanket nervously.

"YOU BASTARD!"

"I hope you don't mind, but Shuichi will be staying with me until he gets well."

"Who gave you the-"

"Tohma told me to take care of his most prized employee. Not to mention, Shuichi hasn't told me that he wants to leave. Shuichi, do you want to leave?"

Shuichi whirled toward the blonde his eyes wide as he stared at the blonde. His mind couldn't think straight. Did he…? Does he…? I don't want to go back with Hideki, but… Will I be a trouble to Yuki? I don't want to be a bother to anyone. Shuichi ran a hand through his damp locks as he turned away. "I'd like to stay," he whispered. "But I don't want to be a bother to-"

"Shuichi is staying," said Yuki, not making any room for argument. "He just gave consent."

"Give the damn phone to Shuichi!"

Yuki shrugged as he gave the phone to Shuichi, walking away to only turn and lean on the wall, crossing his arms as he sneered.

"Yes, Hideki?" asked Shuichi.

"What's the address? I'm picking you up."

Shuichi sighed. "No, Hideki. Yuki will be taking care of me. I think it's best if I get away for a while. Besides, Mr. Seguchi knows him well. There's nothing to fear! I'll be back in a week as good as new!"

"There is everything to fear! Mr. Seguchi is using Yuki to get to you. Don't let your feelings be your downfall. You've barely met him. You'll only end up heart broken in the end." Shuichi's eyes widened. How did he know i had feelings for Yuki? There was a sigh on the other end. "But no matter! I guess I can't stop my star model from doing anything he so desires. Just be here for the walk off. It's in five days. That'll give you enough time, yes?"

"Yes, and thank you, Hideki."

"It's your funeral. Just make sure… you don't tell him anything. Promise?"

"Yes," Shuichi said quickly, not even blinking an eye. "I'll see you in five days then."

"Fine! Ja!"

"Ja."

Shuichi turned off his cell phone. He sighed as he laid the device on the night stand next to him then turned only to come face to face to the blonde. Gold clashed violet, lips only millimeters away from each other. Shuichi's heart skipped a beat. His face, which had just gone back to its original pale color, turned stark red as his heart beat raced. Yuki reached forward, brushing away the bangs that were in the young model's eyes. He smiled lightly as Shuichi gaped. He leaned forward. Shuichi's eyes widened. Yuki…

Okay, so maybe not a lot happened in this chapter, but at least it's longer than the others. I have already started on chapter nine, so hopefully i'll have that to you guys soon. Hopefully... Anyway hope liked it! Please review! Ja!