Disclaimer: I do not own gravitation or pony canyon records

A/N: Thanks for the reviews everyone! And once again I apologize for the short chapter. What was I thinking? And about chapter 5, I'm working on it. But I work two jobs so its taking some time. I can say it's going to be a Ryuichi POV and it's going to give you insight on his background . Okay now enjoy chapter 4!

Chapter 4: Reformed

Tohma woke up the next morning to the smell of food cooking downstairs in his kitchen. He sat up slowly as he wiped the sleep out of his eyes and stretched thoroughly. For a few minutes he even sat in his bed in a daze and stared at the wall until he was completely ready to wake up. That's how almost every morning went. Sometimes when Noriko came over, his time was cut in half. But fortunately for him, his spunky band mate looked as if she wasn't coming today.

He flopped back down on his bed as he stared up at the ceiling for a few more seconds when suddenly it hit him. Who was cooking breakfast right now? And not just any breakfast. He sniffed the air as he sat up quickly. It smelled like food he used to eat when he lived in Los Angeles with his parents. Finally deciding to get out of bed, he knew that this could mean two different things. Feeling that he should go downstairs and take a look, he put on his robe and slippers and made his way downstairs and into his kitchen.

When he arrived in there he was greeted by the always chirpy Ryuichi and Noriko who was sitting at the table reading one of her many fashion magazines.

"Good Morning Tohma!" Ryuichi exclaimed as he took the last pancake out of the skillet.

"So he finally woke up. I told you that would do the job Ryu-Chan." Noriko said as she smiled at the cook.

Tohma's eyes darted back and forth between the two before he finally took a seat at the kitchen table. As he did, Ryuichi slid a plate in front of the blonde that contained, three blueberry pancakes, one sunny side up egg, two strips of bacon and four sausage links. Tohma was impressed to say the least. Not only had he cooked his favorite meal, but it looked edible unlike Noriko's.

"Th-thank you." Tohma said as he reached over to the middle of the table and grabbed the pitcher of orange juice. He picked up the glass cup beside his plate and filled it up until it was half full.

"No problem," Ryuichi said as he handed Noriko her plate with a smaller serving. "I love to cook western food so I was fine with doing this." He said as he took the skillet and put it in the sink.

Tohma stared down at the food as he prepared to take a bit. But something was bugging him, so he had to ask. "Ryuichi, how did you know what my favorite breakfast was?" He asked as he glanced over at him.

The man looked over at Tohma and grinned widely. "Hi-mi-tsu." He replied as he winked. Noriko couldn't help but to giggle while Tohma smirked. He looked back down at the food and said a simple prayer for it he noticed Ryu getting ready to sit down next to him.

Tohma eyed him as he sat down near him. "Ryuichi-san…I'm."

"No need to tell me, I know." He said as he gave Tohma a wink and a smile.

"You do?" he asked in surprise.

Ryuichi nodded as his grin became bigger. "Last night when you came in…" He began as he raised his index finger to his bottom lip. "I wasn't really asleep." He exclaimed as Tohma choked on his orange juice.

Noriko looked over at the two and it was written all over her face stating that she wanted to know what Ryuichi meant.

"W-why didn't you open your eyes or say something?" He asked looked at his friend.

"Because, I liked how nice Tohma was being to me. So I decided to play sleep until you went upstairs." He replied.

Tohma began to turn bright red at the thought of him doing those things to Ryu while he was still awake. But at least now he knew, or at least had a clue to how Tohma felt about him. Even though right now, he wasn't sure himself what he was feeling.

"Is Tohma embarrassed because I know that you kissed me when you thought I was asleep?" he asked curiously.

This time it was Noriko's turn to spit out her orange juice. "Wow I see you decided to go all the way huh Tohma?" she asked as she grabbed a napkin to wiped her lips and the spot where some of the juice landed on.

Ryuichi looked at the two curiously not knowing what they were talking about. "It was just…I was caught up in the moment that's all." He said as he pretended to pay more attention to his food than the conversation.

"Really?" Noriko asked coolly. She eyed him and decided to change the subject. "So Ryuichi, I heard from Tohma that you like to sing."

Ryuichi nodded as he chewed his pancakes. When he swallowed them he sat his fork down. "Yea I love to sing! I go to the karaoke bar often." He said with a smile.

"Really? Have you considered going Pro?" she asked in a business like tone.

"Pro?" he said as he thought about it. "Not really." He finally answered.

"Well, what if you had an opportunity? Would you take it?"

"I don't know…I guess it depends." He answered as he suddenly became serious. "Why are you asking?"

"Well, Tohma and I are in this band together and the current lead singer isn't harmonizing with the group so well. So we were on the hunt for a new one."

"Do you guys have a deal? Or is it a club band type of thing?" he asked.

Tohma stopped his eating and wiped his mouth. This was where he was going to cut in. "Actually Ryuichi, we've been signed to a development deal with Pony canyon records. We've only been developing our sound for a few weeks but our lead singer has gotten out of control. If this keeps up Nittle Grasper will be done for before we can began. And since the singer is our heart we need someone who is talented but can keep their ego under check."

"Nittle Grasper huh?" Ryuichi said to himself as he leaned back in his chair. "So right now you haven't developed your sound yet, nor have you cut a track?"

"Not yet," Noriko responded seriously.

"And what about this lead singer you currently have? Does he know about your quest to replace him?" He asked as he stared at Tohma.

"No…but then again he probably wouldn't care since he thinks he's the band anyway. He's not cut out for this type of business. I'm not saying he won't possibly be a great solo artist, but he shouldn't be in a band."

"Hmmm. Okay I'll join under one condition." He said as he held up his index finger.

"And that is?" Tohma asked curiously.

"I get to help write the lyrics to the songs. But of course I will come to you guys to make sure everything's cool." He said as he looked at the two.

"Sounds good to me," Tohma said as he looked at Noriko.

"Same here," she said as she cracked a smile.

"Okay then, when do we hit the studio," Ryuichi exclaimed happily.

The three individuals entered the building not knowing what obstacle they would have to deal with in order to get Taku to leave. But right about now they didn't care. Tohma and Noriko had gone through so much and now they were finally going to get the band that they had both worked so hard to start up.

They made their way up to the fourteenth floor and into the studio. Even though they were twenty minutes early, Taku was already there singing a song that none of them had agreed on. Tohma took a deep breath as he stared over at Kazuma who was giving was busy eyeing Ryuichi.

Tohma walked over to the couch near the back of the room while Ryuichi and Noriko followed him. Sitting his suitcase on the table, he pulled out a copy of the contract that the group had signed.

"Kazuma-san," Tohma said politely. "We would like to speak to you about an important matter that you've been aware of for some time." The blonde said as he smiled coolly.

The producer nodded as he disrupted Taku's music. "Nee Taku, let's take ten okay?" he asked as he got up and walked over to join the trio. Taku looked at every distrustfully as he came out of the sound room and into the studio. He walked over to the group and sat down next to Kazu as he stared at everyone, but his eyes seemed to linger on Ryuichi.

"Who are you?" he asked sternly but in a composed tone.

Ryuichi smiled brightly as he stared at Taku. "I'm Ryuichi! You must be Taku." He said as he gave a slight wave.

Tohma glared over at Taku ready to do anything if he tried to insult his friend.

"Kazuma-san, this morning before we came in the three of us looked over this contract with my lawyer to make sure there wasn't anything that would effect our situation, which I'm positive you're fully aware of." He said as he pulled out the contract and handed it to the producer. "This document states that we as a band are obligated to make any decisions that would better our status and guide us towards making an official contract with Pony Canyon Records. That means if we have to make member changes, or changes to our sound as a whole that would be fine as long as we don't break any of the following thirty stipulations on which we signed and agreed upon. Simply meaning we are not allowed to defect to another corporation or sign any other contracts until our development stage is over. It also states that ANY changes are allowed and no individual member is can simply make decisions on their own without consulting the other members of the band. If that member decides to do so without official consultation with the other members he or she is in violation of stipulation number twenty-five and therefore can be forced to leave group. If that member refuses to leave the group in the best interest of the band he can be kicked out forcefully. The main focus of this contract and this development deal is to maintain the harmony of the group and establish a common goal and sound." He said as he stared at Taku, while Ryuichi clapped and Noriko nodded.

"Yamamoto Takuya, you officially violated stipulation twenty-five after knowingly reading over the contract and signing your name on the dotted line. It is in the best interest of the band that you leave this studio at once and don't come back. Legally we are allowed to remove you from the roster of our band without you receiving any type of royalties since our sound has not been officially established. Also since I, Seguchi Tohma legally own the name Nittle Grasper, you can not lawfully take any one in this company to court trying to prove other wise. As for the lyrics that you wrote, those are yours and we will not be used since they are your property." He finished as he crossed his legs and smirked over at his former friend.

Ryuichi nodded as Noriko looked on coolly. Taku on the other hand wasn't taken this as well. While no one thought he would. It was obvious that he was going to lose his temper at any moment now.

"Well that's how it is. As the producer I have to support this contract and Nittle Grasper's opinion. I can honestly vouch that you were making decisions on your own but it wasn't my place to call that out to light. So now that they have brought in the contract and precisely stated that you have been in violation of it's stipulation you have to leave the studio as soon as you can Yamamoto-san." Kazuma said as he stood up. "Tohma, I'll go and run the same contract and bring it back for the new guy to sign." He said as he walked out of the room quietly.

Taku continued to glare at the three as Tohma smirked over at him. "You need to leave now so that we can get to work." He said coldly. His usual warm blue eyes stared at Taku sharply as he gave him one of the iciest smiles he'd ever had.

"Tohma you bastard, this guy isn't shit. Nittle Grasper's going to sink fast without me, you need me!" he exclaimed as he stood up while glaring at Ryuichi. "Look at him, he's an idiot that doesn't have a clue what's going on around him. How can anyone stand to work with him? And as for you and Noriko, if it wasn't for me we wouldn't have this development deal. You two were just the backup but I'm the star. Without me you'll get dumped after this development deal is over." He said as he walked over and grabbed his jacket.

Tohma's smiled became a looked of hatred as he stood up and walked over to Taku. He grabbed his arm as soon as the man grabbed his jacket. "Taku, if you ever insult our new vocalist again you'll have hell to pay. If you try to injury him or harass him after you leave this room I'll make sure you wish you never crossed me." He said as he squeezed his wrist tighter.

"Tohma you're fucking crazy," He exclaimed as he snatched his wrist away and walked towards the door. "Well you'll find out if that assumption is true or not if you try to harm him or Noriko." He said as he smiled and waved. "Good-bye Taku, It was nice knowing you."

It had been three days since Taku had been dismissed and things already seemed to be getting better. Ryuichi had given Kazuma several of his poems that could possibly be made into songs. They were agreeing on things and being able to come to team conclusions unlike before.

Ryuichi just clicked with everyone, and they were happy to have him on the team. But at the end of that day, everyone was tired and wanted to go home. They'd never been in the studio for such a long time and after getting so much done in such a short time, they deserved a bit of a break.

Tohma made his way to his car as he said goodbye to Noriko and Kazuma. Ryuichi tailed behind him quietly, not really in the need to talk. Tohma on the other hand felt good and had the need to go out for a drink but upon seeing Ryu's face decided not to. It was obvious he wasn't use to this type of thing and needed to go to bed. Walking up to his car and opening his door, he unlocked the vocalist's side and watched him climb into the car, flopping down onto the seat.

"Ryuichi, do you want to go home?" Tohma asked as he watched the boy's eyes droop.

"No," he said softly. "Let's go to your place," he responded with a yawned.

Tohma nodded as he started up the car and drove off. For the past couple of days he'd been back and forth between his and Noriko's place. So it was considerable that he would want to go back to Tohma's. His thoughts wondered on where he could possibly sleep. He was positive that sleeping on the couch was a bit uncomfortable and the only other place was his bed.

"Nee Ryu-Chan."

"Yea?" he responded half-asleep.

"You wouldn't mind…well if you don't want to sleep on the couch…"

"Yea, sure I'll sleep in the bed." He responded before nodding off again.

Tohma looked over a bit surprise but then brushed it off. Why was he so nervous when it was just him and Ryuichi? He took a few deep breaths as he tried to calm himself down. He was usually so calm and collected but around him, he let almost every defense down. It was probably because he was so carefree and easy to get along with. Or maybe it was because he didn't judge people too easily. Whatever it was, it made being around Ryuichi a lot more comforting.

He finally arrived at his townhouse not too long after. But by this time, Ryuichi was already completely asleep and the last thing he wanted to do was wake him up but he had no choice. Nudging his friend lightly, Tohma sat there until he finally came to.

"Ryuichi we're at my place now," he said as he opened his door and got out of it. He walked over to his friend's side and opened it slowly. Ryuichi climbed out looking very groggy. They both walked to the door and finally went inside. Ryuichi headed straight upstairs while Tohma went into the living room. He wasn't all that tired yet and decided he would watch TV until he was.

Hours went by and soon it was 3am and yet he still wasn't tired. His eyes darted towards the stairs and he contemplated on going to bed. The group had to head to the studio tomorrow afternoon so it was about time he made his way up. Figuring that Ryuichi was most likely in a deep sleep by now, he turned off his TV and headed upstairs.

When he got there, the lights to his room was off and the only light that shined was the moon itself. He could barely see Ryuichi sleeping on the bed peacefully but that was all he needed to see. Walking over to the closet he changed into his pajama pants and then eased his way into the bed. Ryuichi had his back towards Tohma so the blonde decided to sleep on his back.

"Tohma," Ryuichi said in a hoarse whisper.

"You're still awake?"

"No, I woke up when you got into bed," he said as he turned around and stared at the blonde. Or rather his eyes were adjusting as he squinted at Tohma.

"Oh, I'm sorry I thought you were a heavy sleeper," he said as he stared at the ceiling.

"It's okay," Ryuichi responded as he scooted closer.

Tohma could feel his heart beat speeding up as his friend inched closer to him. He had gotten himself into this by inviting him into his bed, now he would have to deal with being close to him. While he wasn't complaining about it, it would take some getting use to.

"Hey Tohma?"

"Yea?"

Ryuichi scooted closer until their faces were centimeters apart. He reached up and gently moved Tohma's countenance to face his own. Without warning he leaned in and pressed his lips against the blonde's softly. Tohma stiffen at the gesture but he dared not to pull away. The kiss that he was receiving, was short and sweet. He was disappointed when his friend pulled back a few seconds later. "I just wanted to return that from the other day." He responded as he laid his head on Tohma's chest.

Even though it was dark, Tohma could feel himself turning redder by the second. He didn't want the kiss to stop at just that, he wanted it to go on. Kissing Ryuichi was more than that to him, but at the same time maybe he shouldn't feel that way. They were friends and band mates after all. The last thing he wanted to do was make his friend feel uncomfortable in any way.

He wrapped his arm around Ryuichi's shoulders as he pulled him closer. It was now or never for him to be bold and now couldn't be a better time. He pulled him up until they were as close as they were before. Ryuichi's heart beat was pumping as fast as his as they both stared at each other. The only sounds that each person could hear were the rapid beating of their hearts and their shallow breaths. He wanted to pull away but he felt that it was already too late. Hesitation on Tohma's part was beginning to show its face when Ryuichi decided to take the initiative and kiss him.

Their lips met once again but in a more passionate lock than the previous time. Ryuichi was hungry for affection and he had been holding back for days. It was obvious that Tohma had wanted him the same way but was in a bit of denial. So Ryuichi had bided his time and waited until the blonde even looked like he considered making the first move. And finally he did but only to stop mid way out of fear.

Fear of what? fear of being with someone whose the same as him. He feared what others felt as well. Tohma looked like the type of person who cared what others thought about him while Ryuichi was the opposite. If that was the only thing holding Tohma back, then they could work on that. But for right now, they were in their own world and no one could interrupt them.

Ryuichi deepened the kiss by sliding his tongue into Tohma's entrance. He could hear the blonde moaning softly as he held Ryu even closer. His hands roamed over Ryuichi's cheeks and to the back of his head. The vocalist could feel Tohma quivering with pleasure as his hands roamed over his washboard stomach then up to his chest. Every time Ryuichi touched him, he had such a virginal reaction to everything. It was obvious he'd never experience pleasure on this level. Being with someone you cared for was a feeling that few get to encounter.

Pulling away to take a breath, the brunette took off his shirt as he climbed on top of Tohma and straddled his waist. He could feel Tohma's cock on his and wanted nothing more than to make love to him right then and there but he had to take his time. This was new to him and the last thing he wanted to do was to make a bad impression.

Leaning back down again, this time Ryuichi softly grabbed both sides of Tohma's face and kissed him a great deal gentler than before. His tongue roamed the blonde's mouth as he glided it against his causing him to let out another moan. He felt Tohma's hips moving underneath his as he began to grind against him slowly. Ryuichi wanted to moan but he knew he had to keep his composure for a bit longer. Grinding against him back, he traced his left arm down to Tohma's pants when suddenly the blonde pulled away.

"Ryuichi…"

"I know I know," he said with a giggle. "I won't do anything you don't want me to do." He responded as he kissed him one last time before climbing off of him. Ryuichi was just happy that they'd gotten over that first hump.

End Chapter