Well, here's chapter four. It took a little longer than expected to get out, since I tend to stumble over dialog (and I have been pulling OT at work). Thanks to everyone who has been reviewing my story, I really appreciate it. With that said, I hope you enjoy...

"So, what were you doing at the park at this time of night, if you don't mind me asking?"

Shuichi looked up at him from where he sat on the plush leather couch. Meeting his eyes for a second, he turned his attention back to his mug. "Couldn't sleep. You?"

Eiri simply shrugged and sat down on the opposite side of the couch. He crossed his legs casually while lighting a cigarette. "Same."

They sat is silence for several minutes, each lost in his own train of thoughts. What was I thinking coming here. Does he expect something?

Why is he so tense all of the time. He hardly speaks, even though his voice is enchanting. Eiri glanced sideways at his guest. "So, you're Tohma's latest victim, huh? How long have you been singing?"

"Just today, actually. I've never done it professionally. I think it's kind of funny, actually. I like to write lyrics, and I play a little guitar. Hiro thought I'd be good in a band." Shuichi set his empty coffee cup on the marble-top table in front of him. "So, what do you do?"

Eiri chuckled lightly. "I'm a writer."

Shuichi was surprised at that answer. He always had a stereotypical image of what a writer would look like, but Eiri definitely did not fit it. Shaking off the the sudden daze, he asked, "Write anything interesting?"

"Romance novels." He reached towards the table, noting Shuichi's flinch at the sudden movement, and put his cigarette out in the ashtray.

"I've never heard your name before. Not that I read that stuff or anything."

"Well, I have a pen name, actually. I publish under Yuki Eiri."

Shuichi was thoughful for a moment, eyebrows knitting together. Where had he heard that name before? He certainly did not make a habit of reading that drivel. He looks so cute like that, Eiri couldn't help but think. Suddenly, Shuichi remembered where he had heard the name Yuki before. "Did any of your books get published in America?" Taken aback slightly at the question, Eiri simply nodded and looked at him questioningly. "I lived in America for a few years before I came back here. I've actually only been back a day. My room mate was a fan of yours I think. I heard the name from her."

Eiri nodded in understanding. He took a sip from his now-cold coffee and cleared his throat. "So, where did you live there? What made you go there?"

Distressd by the question, Shuich glanced up and his eyes met with Eiri's. The contact lasted but a few seconds before Shuichi broke away, staring at the far wall. "I stayed in Los Angeles for a couple years. Nothing too exciting."

Eiri nodded, silence returning. He noticed that his second question remained unanswered, but decided not to pursue it. For the first time since his visit, when he looked into Shuichi's eyes, he saw a flicker of raw emotion. Was it...fear? What causes you to be afraid? He pondered this for a few moments before deciding that he was too tired to reach a plausible conclusion. Standing up and stretching, he walked into his bedroom to retrieved an extra pillow and blanket from the linen closet. He returned to the living room and placed the articles on the couch.

Shuichi, seeing the blanket, looked up at Eiri questioningly. "Why don't you stay here for the night? It's too late for you to be walking outside all alone, and I won't be much use since I'm exhausted. The couch should be pretty comfortable." Shuichi considered this for a moment. Something about Eiri's demeanor calmed him, but also made his pulse quicken. Meeting his gaze once again, seeing that soft, sincere look on Eiri's face, he consented with a nod of his head. Eiri smiled and began to walk towards his bedroom door, which extended from the living room. "If you need anything, I'll be right in here. Don't hesitate to ask. Make yourself at home." With that, he entered his room and closed the door, leaving Shuichi to himself.

Turning off the lamp that sat on the table beside the couch, he situated his pillow and laid back, covering himself with the soft comforter. He stared at the ceiling for several minutes, eyelids becoming heavy. He closed his eyes and, instead of darkness, he saw two amber-colored eyes floating behind his lids.

Why are you so kind? Why do you care about someone...as worthless as me?

Finally able to let his body relax, he drifted off to sleep.

XXX

Eiri lay in bed awake for some time after seeing to it that Shuichi was settled. Staring at the ceiling, he only thought of amethyst eyes, pink hair, porcelain skin, and...such a faraway eyes. Why did this boy have such an effect on him? Was it because he seem unattainable? Because he seemed so innocently withdrawn? I want to hold him, touch him...

Eiri scoffed at himself. Here he was, the Yuki Eiri, infamous for his uncanny ability to bed any woman he desired (if only for the night), obsessing about a unsociable boy. How pathetic could he get? Turning onto his side, he let out a audible sigh. But...he couldn't lie to himself. This boy was special somehow. He decided in that moment that he wanted Shuichi, more than he had ever wanted anyone. Not just physically, no. He wanted all of him.

If I can just reach out to you...then maybe I can make you mine.

Eiri closed his eyes, and let sleep overtake him.

Shuichi awoke to bright light burning behind his eyelids and the overpowering smell of freshly-brewed coffee. Willing himself to return to sleep, he overheard voices coming from somewhere, but in his dream-hazed mind, he could not tell from where.

"...invited you here anyway? It's too damn early in the morning to deal with you."

"Don't worry, I'm heading back to the temple today. I'm sure you know already that Father wants you to visit."

"Hell will freeze over before I willingly step foot in that bastards' house again." Shuichi recognized Eiri's voice, but did not know the other.

"So...what's the kid doing here?"

"I ran into him last night at the park. I offered the couch and he took it. No big deal. Now shut up before you wake him up."

Shuichi cracked an eye open to seek out the source of the voices. Craning his head slightly, he peered towards the kitchen and saw Eiri pouring coffee into a cup while visibly trying to ignore a dark-haired companion. After a moment, Shuichi recognized the man to be the one he had the 'run-in' with the day before. Groaning, he let his head fall back against the pillow. Great, he thought. What is he doing here? Swinging his legs around to sit up, he propped his elbows on his knees and held his face in his hands. He was still very tired, but was gratefull for the unusually dreamless night.

Footsteps approached steadily and the scent of coffee wafted to him. Turning his head to the side, he saw Eiri standing beside him, holding a cup as an offering. He took the cup and thanked him with his eyes. He was most certainly not a morning person. Eiri did not seem to mind the silence, instead he gave a warm smile. Gods, his smile is beautiful. Shuichi quickly dismissed this train of thought and began to let the warm coffee go to work.

Eiri sat on the couch beside him, only a hands-distance away, and propped his socked feet up on the coffee table. Their proximity did not go unnoticed by Shuichi, but for reasons unknown to him, he did not feel the usual anxiety. He was interrupted from his thoughts when Eiri's deep voice spoke. "Shu, I don't think that you were properly introduced." He gestured towards the dark-haired man who stood leaning against the door-frame of the kitchen. "This is by brother, Tatsuha. Tatsuha, this is Shuichi. Now that introductions are over, you can leave now."

Tatsuha walked into the living room towards the two, and Shuichi noticed how alike the two looked, although the brother had darker features and looked to be significantly younger. "Hey there, sorry about yesterday. Startling you, I mean. But man, you have a wicked right hook," he joked.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Shuichi responded, eyes lowered.

"No problem. Well, anyway, I do have to get going, it's a long drive to Kyoto. See you later, bro. Talk to you some other time, Shuichi." With that he grabbed his jacket from the counter and walked out the door.

Shuichi cocked his head towards Eiri, eyebrow raised. "Shu, huh?"

Eiri met his gaze with a smile. "I thought it sounded cute." Wait, did I just say that out loud? Shuichi let his guard down for a moment and smiled a genuine smile before turning his head away and shrugging. "You should smile more often, it suits you."

Shuichi was horrified to find his cheeks becoming slightly warmer with a blush. He tried to cover it up by looking at his watch. 7:25am. "I should get going, I need to be there by eight." Eiri nodded in understanding and stood up to walk him to the door. Opening the door, Shuichi looked up at him. "Thanks for everything. I mean, you know, the coffee and couch." he shrugged.

Eiri smiled. "No problem. Anytime." Shuichi nodded and the two stood there in silence for a few seconds. On whim, Eiri reached his fingers out slowly and brushed a lock of Shuichi's hair behind his ear. The soft touch startled Shuichi, and their eyes locked. His soft fingers lingered on the tender skin of Shuichi's ear for a brief second before tearing away. Shuichi searched his eyes for any hint of malevolence, but when he found only warmth, he offered a smile once again before turning and walking away.

Eiri stood in the doorway until he saw Shuichi turn the corner to the main street. He smiled, elated by their amorous, however brief, moment. Feeling satisfied, he walked inside and closed the door.

XXX

Hiro sat in a soft chair in the recording studio, knee jumping up and down. He glanced at his watch once again, the third time in the past fifteen minutes. 8:23am. Shuichi was late and he was a nervous wreck. He knew that he shouldn't be worrying himself as much as he was, but he couldn't help it. Ever since finding out about his friend's so-called childhood, he felt an extreme urge to protect the smaller boy. His mind ran through scenario's of what could have been happening right at that moment. Was he hurt? Did he get lost? He shook his head, dismissing this train of thought. He decided that if he did not show up within the next fifteen minutes, he would head to his apartment. He leaned his head back in his seat, tilting it to look at his companions. Sugura sat directly to his right, arms crossed, scowl firmly planted on his face and mumbling things like "no work ethic" and "immature, self-centered brat" under his breath. K simply leaned against the wall, staring off into space with a frown. Hiro had, when he arrived at the studio, demanded that he remove the small arsenal he normally carried, rather than having his friend face one of his well-polished "babies".

Another thing worrying him was Uesugi Eiri. The misty expression on the writer's face the day before did not go unnoticed. What was his interest in Shuichi? He knew of the writer's reputation from what he overheard from Tohma, and he did not appreciate the idea of his friend being used in any way. He made a promise to Shuichi before he returned from America, and he would do anything in his power to protect him. He'd be damned if some heartless bastard caused his friend more pain, knowing how easily he could be shattered. He decided to have a talk to Uesugi-san the next time he ran into him.

XXX

Shuichi ran the last block towards NG. After having to stop at his apartment to get a change of clothes, he was running very late. I'm really starting off great, he chastised himself. He reached the building a few minutes later and took the elevator to the fifth floor. Looking at his watch, he saw that it was already 8:40. He leaned his head against the wall and tried to get his breathing under control. When he arrived at his floor, he composed himself and walked towards the studio.

He saw that everyone had, of course, been waiting for him and were obviously irritated by his late arrival. Nothing was said, however, as he met each of their glares with a cool expression. "Sorry about being late, I had some things to take care of."

Hiro stepped towards his friend, masking the relief he felt seeing him walk through the door in one piece. "Care to elaborate a little for us?"

"No," Shuichi responded simply. "How about we get started."

Although Hiro was offended by Shuichi's cold attitude, everyone agreed that it would be best to start. They spent the day rehearsing and modifying their intended single until they felt satisfied with the finished product. The group worked well together and had little to dispute when making suggestions to improve the arrangement.

After ten grueling hours, they made a final run-through, this time recording the draft that they intended to present to Tohma for approval. Towards the end of the song, Tohma entered the studio and smiled as he listened to the much-improved song. K, noticing his entrance, gave him a pleased smile and a nod. Tohma walked to stand next to K as he watched the artists begin to pack up their instruments. "I hear that Shindo-san was late today. I am quite disappointed. We may have to keep a closer watch on that one."

"He was with me."

Tohma and K turned towards the new voice just as Shuichi, Hiro and Sugura exited the sound booth. Shuichi met Eiri's gaze and felt his pulse quicken and a now-familiar warmth rush through his body, although he kept his expression passive. Tohma was taken aback by both Eiri's presence and his statement. Looking back and forth between the two, he smiled. "Well, I suppose that I could let this one incident go for the time being. I am sure you will not allow him to be late in the future, should you two care to spend time in each other's company." The two in question continued to stare at each other, seemingly not hearing the president speak. Addressing the rest, he stated, "I will take my leave. I am impressed with how the song is coming along. Keep up the good work." With a small bow, he left.

"I am going to assume that you haven't eaten yet. Would you like to join me?" Noticing the glare coming from Hiro, he amended, "Unless of course you have other plans?"

Shuichi, lost the golden glow of his eyes, hesitated only a moment before nodding his head. "Sure, I don't have plans, anyway." Without more than a glance at his bandmates, he followed Eiri out.

What the hell was that all about, Hiro thought, watching his friend walk out the door. He was both shocked by Shuichi's acceptance and angered by the realization of whom he left with. Shaking his head, he decided that he definitely needed to have a little talk with the blonde. Saying goodnight to Sugura, Hiro decided to go home.

When Shuichi considered dinner, he was most certainly not expecting a home-cooked meal prepared by the handsome writer. When they entered Eiri's apartment, he realized just how famished he was as he took in the sweet aromas of the food, apparently prepared before the blonde came to pick him up. Slipping their shoes off by the front door, Eiri signaled for Shuichi to sit at the dining table, which had already been tastefully laid out for the two of them. Although it was simple, it had an overwhelming effect on the stoic singer, who had never before been privy to a dinner for two. He sat in stunned silence as Eiri placed the plates of food in front of each of them without a word.

They ate in silence, casting tentative glances each other's way while Shuichi fought desperately to rid himself of the slight blush he felt invading his cheeks. When they were finished, Shuichi caught Eiri's eyes and gave a shy smile. "Thanks. You cook really well."

Eiri shrugged. "It's either learn to cook or live off of takeout."

Shuichi nodded and Eiri stood and began to clear the table, insisting for the younger man to sit on the couch and find something to watch on television. Eiri joined him after a few minutes, sitting beside him on the sofa. After a while of watching an uninteresting movie on the t.v., Shuichi felt his eyelids becoming heavy with fatigue, begging for sleep. Noticing this, Eiri spoke up. "You can stay here the night, if you'd like." He cursed himself for sounding almost desperate. In fact, he realized that he was desperate, he craved the boy's proximity.

Shuichi turned to him with a nonchalant expression, his eyes showing a touch of shame. "It's alright. I don't want to impose more than I have." In truth, Shuichi did not want to leave. He felt uncharacteristically at ease around the older man, something that he had not felt in a long time, if ever. He was almost desperate to hold on to the strange comfort he was feeling for as long as possible.

Eiri smiled at him. "It's no imposition. It's usually too quiet around here anyway, I don't mind your company."

Shuichi returned the smile, although tiredly, and nodded. The smile vanished quickly however and he looked worriedly at the blonde. "Do you mind if I use your shower? I didn't get the chance this morning because I was running late." Eiri nodded and stood to retrieve something for him to sleep in. Pointing to the bathroom, Shuichi took the clothes gratefully and shut the door behind him. Eiri returned to the couch and propped his feet up on the coffee table. What's getting into me? I better not be getting soft for that damn kid. A part of him knew that he already was, and, surprisingly, he didn't mind at all.

Feeling his own eyes getting heavy, he snapped out of his reverie when the bathroom door opened. Glancing over his shoulder, his breath caught in his chest at the sight that met him. The shirt he lent was much too big for the smaller boy, and draped loosely around his shoulders, coming to rest just above his knees. The pink flush of his skin caused by the too-warm water was enhanced by the damp pink hair that clung delicately to his face and neck. Stumbling almost unperceptively, the boy made his way tiredly to the couch and sat down next to Eiri, who finally reminded himself that he needed to breathe.

Shuichi, feeling exhausted and relaxed by his hot shower, sat beside Eiri and curled his legs beneath himself. Without thinking about what he was doing or the consequences of the actions, Shuichi gently laid his head on the edge of Eiri's right shoulder. A little shocked by the maneuver, the writer quickly recovered and found himself smiling. Shuichi felt the older man shift slightly to accommodate him more comfortably, and he snuggled closer to the crook of his neck, the sweet smell of his clean hair intoxicating the blonde. He let his eyes close, feeling safe for the first time in years, and drifted off to sleep.

Eiri stayed awake for some time after the singer fell asleep. He moved his arm to wrap around he small body and held him close, knowing he was unconscious. Although he did not want to disrupt the seemingly perfect moment, he knew very well that if he were to fall asleep in this position, they would both be very sore by the morning. Keeping this in mind, he slowly stood up, arranging the lithe body to lay comfortably on the couch. He considered laying down to sleep beside him, but did not want to risk the return of Shuichi's apprehension. So, instead, he carefully covered the small body with the comforter that hung from the back of the sofa, and returned to his own room for the night.

...he could feel the calloused hands running up and down his chest, his shirt having been unbuttoned halfway...rough fingers pulling at his shorts...incomprehensible words whispered into his ear with alcohol-laced breath...he could feel eyes on him...they were watching from the corner or the room, enjoying the 'show'. He kept asking himself over and over again, never getting an answer...why? He felt the snap on his jeans give way...the eyes never left his body...he felt so dirty...

Shuichi awoke with a start from the sound of heavy thunder outside. His chest expanded and contracted uncontrollably, heart racing painfully. It took him several moments of thought to realize why he wasn't in his own apartment, in his own room. Reaching a hand up to wipe the thin layer of sweat from his forehead, he felt the remnants of warm tears on his cheeks. He rubbed them viciously, trying to rid himself of all evidence of his weakness. Pathetic. Another round of lightning, followed by bellowing thunder resonated through the apartment, causing him to whine quietly. He hated storms with a passion. Under normal circumstances, it would not be so frightful, but he was not in the safety of his own room, where he could bury himself under a mound of pillows.

His thoughts drifted to the man sleeping in the next room, only a door away. He suddenly felt the urge to have that man near him, to receive that comfort he obtained every time they were near. His mind raced with many thoughts surfacing all at once.

He will hurt me, just like everyone else.

But...if he wanted to hurt me, he could have done it before now.

What impression am I going to make practically crawling after him?

He's never shown any intention of forcing himself on me up to this point.

Is it worth it to stay away? What does it matter if he hurts me now as opposed to later? If he hurts me now, at least I haven't been completely swept away by him. Is it worth trusting him, to take that chance?

With another crash of lightning, his reluctance melted and his feet led him to the closed door. If it's locked, then that's that. The doorknob turned, and he gently pushed the door a few inches, allowing himself to peer inside. He felt his heart swell at the sight of the bundle of thick covers. Opening the door a little more, it defiantly squeaked, and he saw the covers stir. A thatch of blonde hair surfaced and confused eyes studied him. "What's wrong?"

Taking a few steps into the bedroom, Shuichi looked towards the floor, ashamed. "The storm..." He did not dare tell him of the nightmare, the real reason for his disturbed sleep.

He heard the shuffling of blankets, and the hidden body shifted to the left, leaving the space next to him open. Holding the blanket aside, Eiri looked at him expectantly. Without making a sound, Shuichi closed the distance and crawled into the bed next to the larger man. Putting his doubts aside for the time being, he lay close, burying his head in the bare chest before him. Eiri secured the blanket around him and gently pulled his small body closer. Feeling strong arms wrap around his waist to hold him close, he couldn't help the smile that came when he buried his head underneath Eiri's chin and laid his arms gently around his waist. Both lost in thoughts of the other, darkness reclaimed them quickly.

Eiri awoke from the sunlight burning behind his eyelids. Groaning loud in frustration, he opened his eyes and met with a face-full of silky pink hair. Realization settling quickly, he felt his pulse quicken and squeezed his arms tighter around the lithe body gathered in his arms. With a quiet moan, clouded purple eyes met his and the two men lay in mutual silence. Sleep-induced haze leaving quickly, Shuichi offered a small smile which Eiri returned. Feeling bold, Eiri leaned forward and captured Shuichi's lips in a soft, chaste kiss. Shuichi's eyes widened in shock, not knowing how to respond. When he received no response after a moment, Eiri broke away and caught the younger man's surprised expression. Too busy caught up with chastising himself, he did not notice the change in the boy. Shuichi recovered from his shock and studied the beautiful face that held a trace of regret, and he felt his heart clench. Setting aside his apprehension, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against Eiri's. His lips are so soft, Shuichi couldn't help but think as he closed his eyes. Eiri had to fight to restrain himself from deepening the kiss, afraid that he would cause Shuichi to pull away.

When they broke apart, Eiri looked at the younger man and smiled. "G'morning," he whispered.

Shuichi fought a blush and buried his head in the larger man's neck. "Good Morning." After a moment, he shifted so that he could see the clock on the nightstand next to the bed. Realizing that it was almost seven o'clock, he looked up apologetically. "I guess I should get ready to go. I don't want to be late again. I don't know what Seguchi-san would do," he joked.

"Yeah, I guess you shouldn't make your bandmates mad. But, I wouldn't worry about Tohma, he won't do anything to you."

"Why do you say that? He is my boss."

"Your boss, but my brother-in-law. He knows better than to do anything to piss me off."

Shuichi lay in stunned silence. Eiri was related to Seguchi-san? I guess stranger things have happened, he mused. Deciding that he was too tired to continue questioning the situation, he rolled out of the bed, stretched and made a trip to the bathroom. After washing his face, he found his clothes in the living room. It was then he realized that he did not have clean clothes at Eiri's apartment. Returning to the bedroom, he saw that Eiri, too, was getting out of bed. "Do you have a shirt I could borrow?"

Nodding, Eiri walked to his dresser, retrieved a white button-down dirt and handed it to the smaller man. "I think it may be too big, though," he teased.

Shuichi attempted to glare at the older man, but found that it was impossible after hearing his deep laugh. Instead, he huffed, "I know I'm smaller than you, but at least I don't snore." And with that, he walked towards the bathroom to change.

Eiri smiled after the retreating figure. With each passing moment he felt himself gravitating more and more towards the pink-haired man. He could still feel those velvety lips, that slim waist, warm breath on his neck...

He quickly shook his head, deciding not to pursue that train of thought before it got him into trouble. He resigned himself to the couch, turning on the television and flipping it to the news, although he didn't really watch it. He was more preoccupied with thoughts of the man in his bathroom.

Shuichi cleaned up quickly, pulling on his jeans from yesterday and slipping into Eiri's shirt. It was a few sizes too large for him, but it was very comfortable. Running his hands through his hair, he deemed himself presentable and made his way to the living room. Eiri looked up and had to keep himself contained by the delicious sight of the younger man wearing tight jeans and his own shirt, which came down mid-thigh. Not wanting to make the boy more uncomfortable due to his staring, he cleared his throat. "Come on, I'll take you to work."

The two arrived at NG by ten minutes to eight. Eiri, not wanting to leave the boy so soon, decided to escort Shuichi to his studio. He wanted desperately to touch the boy, but seeing the look on Shuichi's face made him keep his distance, however minimal.

A million thoughts raced through Shuichi's mind, replaying the events from the last couple of days. He felt foolish letting his guard down so easily. Years of abuse taught him the fundamental rule that people can not be trusted, especially when it comes to other men. Why did he feel so weak with the older male? What about him made all of his inhibitions, both mental and physical, desert him so completely? Why did he feel so complete when was lying in the arms of the man standing at his side now?

After entering the elevator, Shuichi chanced a glance at the other, whose gaze was averted. When will you hurt me? When will you take all of me? Eiri turned his head and looked into his eyes. Suddenly, seeing those deep amber orbs, Shuichi felt that, maybe, he did not care. He thought that maybe, just maybe, this man was sincere. Reaching his hand out gently, Eiri took his hand. Shuichi flinched almost imperceptively, but did not pull away. Instead, he gave the blond's hand a slight squeeze and smiled.

They made their way into the studio, finding that Hiro and Sugura were already waiting. Hiro looked up when the doors opened and found himself at a loss. The sight of his previously-guarded friend hand-in-hand with Uesugi Eiri was shocking to say the least, and the genuine smile on said friend's face was baffling. "Shuichi, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

Shuichi turned to his friend and scowled. "Since when is it your business?" he replied coldly, feeling defensive towards the brunette. Giving Eiri one last glance, he released his hand and entered the sound booth to warm up.

Hiro turned his attention to the blonde. "We need to talk." Without waiting for a reply, Hiro shoved the older man into the hallway and slammed him up against the wall. They stood eye to eye, neither speaking for a moment. "What do you think you're doing with Shuichi?"

Eiri smirked. "I believe that Shuichi has made it clear that this doesn't concern you, but I will reiterate. Mind your own business."

"What are your intentions with him?" Hiro's demeanor lost some of it's anger, becoming more protective, causing Eiri to relax a little.

"I have no intentions, no ulterior motives. I like him, he seems to like me. What's the problem?"

Hiro averted his gaze, a troubled expression on his face. "Shuichi is not as tough as he makes himself seem. He has been...hurt before. Up until now, he's always put on a facade, masking what he's really feeling." Hiro turned to look hard into Eiri's eyes. "Don't you dare hurt him."

Eiri felt a gentle tug at the corners of his mouth. "I wouldn't think of it." Some of Hiro's words surfaced in his mind, and he became concerned. "What do you mean by 'he's been hurt'? By whom? How?"

Hiro lowered his eyes to the floor. "I'm not the one to tell you that. If he trusts you enough, he may consider telling you, but not me. But...there was a reason he went to America. Just trust me when I say..." Hiro stared hard into the blond's eyes, "...if you ever do anything to hurt him, I will not let it go."

Taking his words to heart, Eiri nodded. "I don't intend on it."

Feeling satisfied that he managed to get his point across, Hiro turned without another word, walked into the studio, and closed the doors behind him.

Eiri stood and contemplated the short conversation for several moments. Shuichi was hurt by someone...bad enough to leave the country. Who could have done anything malicious to such a beautiful boy? In that moment, walking towards the elevator, he vowed that he would do everything in his power to protect his pink-haired angel.

TBC...

A.N. I apologize if this chapter seemed to drag, as I was trying to establish the forming relationship between Shuichi and Eiri. I hope it wasn't too bad, and I look forward to any comments. Please R & R!