Disclaimer: I don't own Gravitation, information from the site enjoyfuerteventura beach / aguila /, or any hotel.

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Chap 6: "Flashback"

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Their music was broken through by an echoing thunder strike.

Hiro did firearms training with Mr. K for several months, so he recognized the sound. He didn't need to protect Shuichi, because Yuki already shielded him with his body the moment the gun went off. Beside him, Noriko and Ryuichi were covering their ears. While Tohma grabbed a tearful Ryu, he grabbed the screaming woman to make for cover behind one of the large speakers.

Tohma hoped- he knew Eiri would be safe, he wasn't a young boy anymore.

At his cousin's lead, Suguru crawled toward a speaker as well. There was no knowing which direction the shot came from; however it was better to find some sort of shielding.

All around them people were screaming and stampeding. Wind scattered empty water bottles, papers, and colorful band shirts as gusts of sand limited vision.

Eiri recognized that sound from the nightmarish memory that played over and over in his mind since that day. If he died, it was fine, but Shuichi had never done anything wrong.

Shuichi could barely hear over the ringing and shrieking, but when the ringing dulled, he heard his boyfriend whispering "You're alright, no one will hurt you, no one will hurt you".

After Tohma confirmed it was safe for them to rise from the ground, Eiri helped his boyfriend up. Sand clung to the tears on his terrified face, but thankfully his only injuries were some scrapes.

After helping the crying keyboardist to the helicopter Hiro walked over to his friend, "You okay Shu?".

Shaken, he was unable speak, but nodded. Seeing terror in usually calm eyes, the guitarist put a hand on Eiri's shoulder, nodding once in appreciation of his valor.

Picking up his friend's bag and swinging his guitar over a shoulder, he stated with growing hatred for America, "Let's get the hell out of here".

In silent agreement, instruments were packed, and everyone boarded the helicopter.

Shuichi thought he would never stop shaking, but Eiri held him tight, whispering again as he drifted into a light sleep, "You're alright, no one will hurt you".

They flew for one hour to their final U.S destination: Los Angeles, California, where they had their highest fan-base out of all the USA.

"We're here three days earlier than intended, so spend the time at your leisure, but please don't go anywhere alone", Tohma instructed as they touched down on Aguila Beach. After stretching their legs, the party walked up the unpaved path into south El Cotillo where a van waited to take them to Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.

The CEO made numerous calls during the hour flight, and everything was set for their extended stay.

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Finding their luggage already in the suite they were shown to, Eiri locked the door after they entered.

Caressing his lover's bruised skin, he felt bad for causing the injuries, no matter how small, but was glad Shuichi remained safe.

Wordlessly and with little arousal, he carefully undressed him. Guiding the singer into the bathroom, after starting the water in the tub he then undressed himself.

In the steamy bath, both recalled the fear. As his boyfriend rubbed his back, Shuichi's tears combined with soapy water. Feeling Eiri's tears fall onto his shoulders, he took one hand in his and leaned into that comforting embrace.

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End of chap 6

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