Disclaimer: Furuba still doesn't belong to me :(

Songs: 'Let it Be Me' by Ray LaMontagne and 'A Love That Will Last' by Renee Olstead

Hope you enjoy :)

Chapter 8: Let It Be Me

I've never seen someone that excited to see our band before. Kazuki was the loudest in the crowds, cheering at the top of his lungs.

I don't think I stopped smiling throughout the performance, thoroughly amused at Kazuki's reactions. Even the new songs we'd written had him shaking his head and jumping up and down.

As our song was coming to an end, I saw Kazuki make his way to the stage. Once the song was finished, he walked up onto the middle of the stage next to me, "May I use that for a bit?"

"Sure." I said with a smile, walking to where Seiji was so that Kazuki could have his spotlight.

Kazuki took a deep breath before speaking up, "How friggen awesome are they?" The crowd erupted with cheers. "So as the birthday boy I would like to ask a huge favour from the band, and I was hoping you guys would back me up." Kazuki said to the crowd before he looked at me straight on, "Pres, I know I said I was asking the band but this song is just performed by two people in this band."

I looked at the band a bit confused before looking back to Kazuki a hesitant smile on my face. "Sure, anything for the man of the hour, what is it?"

"When we were freshman I overheard the Pres and Minami-kun perform together in one of the classrooms, I know it was a few months before the band was even formed but that was when I became your fan and later on the band's fan and I was hoping that you would play it again tonight."

I looked hesitantly over at Aki, "I... er..." Aki nodded with a sad smile on his face, probably unnoticed by the crowd.

"Okay."

Kazuki beamed and jumped off the stage to stand right beside Kyo.

This was the first time I had properly looked at him, he was staring at me weirdly again but this time it seemed more inquisitive and almost scrutinizing.

Someone from back-stage brought out two stools and I sat on one while Seiji sat on the other one, an acoustic guitar now strapped to his body instead of his electric bass one before. Sou and Aki made their way off the stage, going to stand on the side of the hall in clear view.

I took a deep breath, knowing that this performance was close to my heart, and turned to face Seiji, mic in hand, and nodded for him to start playing.

"There comes a time, a time in everyone's life
Where nothing seems to go your way
Where nothing seems to turn out right"

I focused on my shoes unwilling to make eye contact with anyone else at the moment.

"There may come a time, you just can't seem to find your place
For every door you walk on to, seems like they get slammed in your face
That's when you need someone, someone that you can call.
When all your faith is gone
Feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend that you need
Let it be me
Let it be me"

My voice cracked a bit and I felt Seiji's knee bump mine, my eyes moved from my shoes to his and I smiled sadly nodding to reassure him that I was okay.

"Feels like your always coming up last
Pockets full of nothing and you got no cash
No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand
Reach out for something and they slap your hand"

I shook my head as I said that last line and made my gaze over to Aki's as I sang the next stanza, willing the fuzziness in my eyes to go away.

"Now I remember all too well
Just how it feels to be all alone
You feel like you'd give anything"

I felt my eyes starting to tear up and I tried to push them back, breathing slowly to control the growing emotions within me.

"For just a little place you can call your own
That's when you need someone, someone that you can call
And when all your faith is gone
Feels like you can't go on
Let it be me
Let it be me
If it's a friend you need
Let it be me
Let it be me"

I swallowed thickly, standing up with Seiji and bowing briefly when the crowd started cheering.

I turned to Seiji and was immediately brought into a hug, which if you knew Seiji was a big deal especially in front of a crowd. After I got over my initial shock, I hugged back, understanding that it was probably hard on him too.

The moment we heard a wolf-whistle, we broke apart and bowed again, before making our way off the stage to meet up with Aki and Sou.

I saw Aki approaching and I met him in a big hug.

Aki rubbed circles on my back, trying to provide more comfort for me. Funny thing is, this should be the other way around.

"Thanks, Yuki."

I released the hug and looked at Aki with bewilderment. "Why are you thanking me?"

"Just because." He said with a smile and made his way over to Seiji, hugging him too.

Sou draped his arm over my shoulder, "Aww look how cute they are." He pointed out, and I smiled noticing how Seiji nuzzled his head into the side of Aki's neck whilst simultaneously squeezing him.

"Pres!" I heard someone shout and I turned around to see Kazuki making his way towards us, "Thank you so much for making my birthday that more awesome."

I shook my head, "It was our pleasure."

"You guys could stay if you want, you know mingle and such?"

"Oh! I would love to!" Sou shouted, and I laughed in response.

"I'm feeling a bit tired so I'm gonna head back but thanks for the invite."

He nodded his head and lead Sou away to meet some people.

I turned around to see that Seiji and Aki had now parted and I smiled at them, "Kazuki-san said you guys could stay if you want."

Aki shook his head whilst Seiji answered, "Riza-san is working the late shift so we're gonna head to Aki's so that Hana's not alone."

"Okay." I nodded and the three of us headed on the stage again, the curtains now closed, to gather all the equipment again into Seiji's car. That Sou, always wanting to drive everyone's friggen car, though he is the fastest driver in the band so I guess it's understandable.

Once the car was fully loaded I watched Seiji and Aki getting in, closing Aki's door for him and smiling at the way Seiji had leaned over to lock his seatbelt in place for him while his head was turned toward me.

"Are you sure you don't need a lift home?" Aki asked, concern laced in his tone.

"No, I'm okay, I'll get someone to pick me up." Aki nodded in response and I waved them off as they left. Reaching into my pocket for my phone to see what the time was.

I haven't really spoken to Kyo at all... maybe I should at least say bye to him before I call Aya-nii.

I made my way inside again and collected my jacket that was hanging on the coat rack back stage. I was about to lead onto the stage again when I saw Kyo. I was about to call out to him before I saw someone running after him.

Nidou Kagura. She's a senior, isn't she?

I stayed silent, not making a move, wondering what was going on. I couldn't make out exactly what they were saying but one thing I could tell was that this Kagura-chick was laying on the charm almost as thick as the make-up on her face.

Suddenly I saw Kyo putting his hands on her upper arms and the next thing I knew, her lips were locked onto his.

My eyes must've widened to the size of saucers. I quickly turned away from the scene, a quick headache forming and a sharp pain growing in my chest.

I sunk against the wall, my hands clutching at the sides of my head, willing the ache to go away. I must've stayed there for a couple of minutes because the next thing I heard was a voice softly calling my name.

"Yuki?"

I looked up to stare right into the face of the person I wanted to see the least.

"Kyo..."

"What are you doing here? I've been looking for you."

Ya right, whilst tongue-wrestling with the beast.

I stood up, an intense anger and deceit overwhelming my body and actions. Without even answering Kyo, I made my way across and off the stage, glad that the boar was no longer present.

Kyo made to snatch my arm but I forcefully pulled my arm out of his grip. "Leave me the hell alone, Kyo." I said harshly, quickly putting on my jacket and making for the door quickly whilst Kyo was still frozen in shock.

I got about 5 steps out of the door before I felt another tug on my arm.

Prepared to pull my arm out again, I turned to face my captor, "I THOUGHT I SAID TO— Haru? What are you doing here?"

Haru seemed shocked at my outburst but answered anyway, "I came to pick up Sou but the idiot just told me that he'd find another way home, even though I came all the way here... Yuki, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just.. get me out of here."

Haru's grip on my arm tightened a bit before I felt him pull me to his side with his arm around my shoulders. "Come on, let's go to my house."

I nodded and we walked the little distance to his car. I got in and as we were pulling away from the curb my eyes locked on Kyo's who was now standing at the back door of the building, a look of indifference on his face as he watched me disappear.

"So what's going on?" Haru asked from his spot on the couch in his room. He was watching me as I was pacing in front of him, nearly burning a hole in his carpet.

"Fucking asshole." I hissed.

"Whoa Yuki, I'm just trying to help-"

"No! Not you - Kyo! The bastard!" I interrupted.

"Kyo? The feisty one with the orange hair, did he do something to hurt you? Because if he did I-"

"He didn't do anything. It was probably just in my head the entire time."

"Yuki, you've got to stop speaking in circles because I have no idea what's going on and if you want me to help you I'm going to need to understand the situation."

I stopped my pacing and sighed, taking a seat next to Haru on the couch before spilling everything about what happened between Kyo and me. From the muffin batter where it all began all the way to the ice-cream parlour with Hanabi and then finally the reason as to why I was so upset - the kiss between him and the boar.

"He's been 'visiting' me every single week in the old music room ever since that night at the club and I... I just... I just thought..." I sighed, "Frankly, I don't know what I thought. I mean, we speak about all this crap, I told him I'm gay – one of the biggest secrets in my life and he can't tell me he has a fucking girlfriend?"

"Do you really think that's the issue here, Yuki? What did you think? That you gained a new friend?" Haru asked and I nodded my head at first but then shook it moments later.

"Well, I thought that at the beginning but then... why? Why, Haru? Why would it hurt so much when I saw him with that bitch?" I shook my head, "He was the one person I could talk to and I've known him for what? One and a half months? It took me almost a whole year to open up fully to you or any of the guys so why is he any different?" Haru placed a soothing hand on my knee and I turned my head to face him, "I don't want to do this anymore. I have no idea why he's the only who can pierce through all of my defences."

"Yuki... I think you know exactly why he can. You're just too afraid to admit it."

I stared at Haru, wide-eyed, shaking my head. "It's not. It can't be."

"Why not?" Haru asked, a bit forcefully this time.

"I don't know!"

Haru shook his head, "You do, and you know it. So why won't you just admit it?" Haru insisted.

I couldn't take it anymore, I had to let it all out somehow, so I stood and faced Haru, tears brimming my eyes. "Because! If I... If I give Kyo my heart then he's just going to break it! And I can't handle that right now! Not after all the fucking shit that's happened in my life! It's just like she said, no one could ever love me, I don't deserve anyone's love! Kyo's just adding more proof to that statement! I'M WORTHLE—!" Suddenly I felt a sharp pain on my cheek and I looked up to find Haru standing there in front of me.

"You... you slapped me." I muttered, disbelievingly.

"Sorry Yuki, but I wasn't just going to stand here hearing you talk so much bullshit about yourself."

"It's not—"

"Don't you dare try to defend yourself right now! How could you speak about yourself like that?"

My head dropped in shame, "Kyo, even if by some miracle loved me back, doesn't deserve to have my past burden him."

"What are you talking about?" Haru sighed, almost exhausted, "Yuki? Yuki, look at me." Haru pulled my chin so that I could meet his eyes. "You are one of the most incredible people I know. Your past is what makes you. I, for one, know that I wouldn't have you any other way and if Kyo likes you as much as I think he does then he wouldn't shun you because of what happened to you when you were just a kid. Give him the chance to decide for himself. Yuki, you're so much stronger than this, so much stronger than what that monster led you to believe. And if I know anything at all about you, it's that you never give up on what you truly desire."

I sighed and dropped my eyes, "I'm sorry..."

Haru grabbed my face, lifting it up so that I made eye contact with him again, "Why?"

"You're right. I shouldn't have said all those things. I've grown since that time and I shouldn't let it overpower me."

Haru smiled and nodded, "That's the way I like to hear it."

Haru sat down on the couch, pulling me to sit next to him. I laid my head on his shoulder thoroughly exhausted.

"You know, you didn't have to have to slap me that hard." I mumbled sleepily.

The last thing I heard and felt before I fell asleep was Haru's throaty laugh.

I made my way through to the music room again. He might not even be here, you idiot. I shook my head in annoyance, It's worth a try.

The door was open again and I heard Yuki's melodious voice drift through the music room.

"I don't want a just a memory
give me forever
Don't even think about saying good-bye
'Cause I want just one love to be enough
And remain in my heart till I die

So call me romantic
Oh I guess that's so
There's something more that you oughta know
I'll never leave you
So don't even ask
I want a love that will last"

I didn't want to interrupt but I knew that if I didn't do this now I'd lose the nerve to do it at all.

I knocked firmly on the door, Yuki's playing stopping abruptly and his eyes making contact with mine, his eyes wide with surprise.

I made my way over to him, "Can I?" I asked, motioning to the position next to him on the piano seat.

Yuki nodded robotically and I sat down next to him, feeling the warmth radiating off of his body.

"I wasn't going to come here today..." I said, matter-of-factly. "But... for some reason it just seemed wrong to not come by on my Tuesday afternoon, it's become a sort of ritual for me now." I said with a short laugh, running my hand along the stark white keys of the piano absent-mindedly.

Yuki hadn't spoken since I got into the music room and I turned to face him, finding his head down, his eyes staring intently on the keys below him.

"Is something the matter?"

Yuki shook his head, "Congratulations."

I laugh momentarily, "For what?"

"Finally getting a girlfriend." He said with a scoff.

"What does that mean? I don't have a girlfriend."

Yuki scoffed, "You don't have to hide it from me, Kyo. I saw you making-out with Nidou-san at Kazuki-san's party."

"Nidou-san?" Who the fuck is Nidou... oh, shit. Kagura. "Yuki, it wasn't like that—"

"Seriously, Kyo. Save it."

"Why the hell are you so upset? I don't even have to explain myself to you." Before I could take them back, the words were out.

I saw Yuki's shocked expression turn slightly dark before he spoke up again, "You're right. You owe me nothing." He said angrily, getting up from his seat and walking towards the door before stopping and turning around.

"You know what? I was going to leave but I think you should instead."

"Yuki—"

"No, I'm serious, Kyo. This is my place of comfort and I won't have you destroying that."

"Why are you making such a big deal about this? I didn't do anything with her, she kissed me and I pushed her back but why the hell does it have to concern you, anyway?"

Yuki was speechless. He gulped as a visible sign of nervousness. Our eyes made contact and I saw the hurt in his eyes. A hurt so deep it seemed to be etched onto his very soul.

"Yuki." I said, making my way towards him only to have him flinch at my presence. Fuck! I grabbed Yuki by his upper arms. "Are you scared of me now?"

Yuki's eyes dropped to the floor as he stayed silent.

The next thing I knew I was pulling him towards me, crashing my lips onto his, causing Yuki to squeak at the sudden contact.

I broke away abruptly and Yuki leaned forward as if seeking me again.

I pulled my hands away from him as if on fire. "Shit! Shit! Shit!"

I was about to make a run for the door when I felt Yuki's hand grab my arm.

"You're not just running away from this, Kyo!" He said hotly, the hurt that was previously in his eyes clouded by a fierceness I had never seen before, a fierceness I didn't want to face.

I tried pulling my arm from his grip but to no avail.

"Don't make me remind you how many black belts I've got."

Shit, this little fucker.

"What the hell do you want from me, Yuki?"

"The truth!"

I sighed, "About what?"

"Well firstly about why you kissed me." He said, almost as a whisper.

"I don't know." I answered stubbornly.

"Oh so what? You just thought it would be fun to play a practical joke on the gay guy?"

"No, Yuki! It wasn't like that!"

"Then what was it like, Kyo? Cause frankly, I'm having trouble believing anything else right now."

"Fuck! I said I don't know so I don't know okay!"

Yuki's hand manoeuvred my arm so that I was now facing him and placed my hand on his chest. "Can you feel that Kyo, I'm not a girl. So these games of yours-"

I felt my heart stirring at the feel of Yuki's grip on my arm. Not to mention the feel of Yuki through his white school shirt. I couldn't control myself any long, all of my inhibitions flew out the window. Grabbing him by his waist, I pulled his body closer to mine, nuzzling my head into the side of his neck.

"Wrong move, Yuki. You have no idea what I'm capable of." I said, breathing in his scent.

"What does th-that mean?" Yuki said softly, gasping at my touch.

"Do you know how hard it is to keep myself away from you?"

I felt Yuki shake his head at my question.

"It's as if I'm possessed. I'm not supposed to be like this." I murmured, pulling away from Yuki a bit, gaining some of my restraint back before I felt Yuki pull me closer to him.

"Don't go." he whispered into my ear. His breath ghosting over my ear sending shivers down my spine. I lifted my face a fraction to look at Yuki before I felt his lips on mine again. This time, so much more different than the first. I could feel Yuki completely.

I faintly heard someone enter the room but I couldn't bother with that when all I could think of was Yuki's mouth, his lips soft and eager against mine, the warmth of his skin radiating beneath my finger tips, in what seemed like an ironic contrast to his almost snow-like coloured skin.

We broke away for air and gosh didn't Yuki look delicious. I attached my mouth immediately to his neck, adamant in making a mark against that pure white skin.

"K-kyo...stop...ah.."

"Why?" I whispered hotly against his neck, "You don't like this?" I asked, nipping once again at his neck.

"Probably the op-opposite."

I pulled away from his neck, making eye contact with Yuki but in no way letting him go.

"What does this mean.. you know, for us?" Yuki asked, not skipping the point at all.

"I'm not interested in guys." I said suddenly, trying to make sure to Yuki that I wasn't gay.

"I hate to break it to you, Kyo. But this is kind of gay." Yuki said, amusement laced in his voice, motioning down to my hands around his waist pulling our bodies together.

"I don't know what the hell's happening to me but you're the only one who can do this to me and if you think I'm going to give that up because of some damn gender boundaries then you've got to be fucking kidding me." I didn't want to let Yuki go. This may be new to me, but I had this feeling that I just wouldn't be able to leave him alone and if that meant coming to terms with the fact that he was a guy then that was perfectly okay with me, and I guess that wouldn't be too hard to overcome seeing that Yuki was smoking hot.

"So what, we're going out?"

I smirked, "You just get straight to the point, now don't you?"

Yuki snorted, "I have one request though."

I looked down at Yuki quizzically, "Anything."

Yuki seemed to shuffle within my arms, "Can we... keep this on the down low?"

I laughed in response, "The gay guy wants to keep the relationship on the down low? Wow this is so ironic."

Yuki mock glared at me, hitting me lightly on the shoulder.

"I just... only my family and friends know about me being gay, I'm not quite ready to face the entire school just yet."

"You're preaching to the dude who kissed his first guy, you know?"

"Well... you're my first guy kiss too."

I looked at him disbelievingly, "Are you serious?"

"I was waiting... and stuff." He said shyly and hid his face in my chest.

My arms wrapped around his shoulders while his went around my waist.

"Lucky me." I whispered, kissing him softly on the head.

A/N: I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I probably rewrote the last scene about 6 times... I don't think I did my mind justice because it just seemed so much better in there and in some ways so different but I'm happy with it so I hope you guys are too. Thanks to all those who reviewed and have added me to their story alert lists and the like. I appreciate it so much, you guys really make my day :) Thanks for reading this little story, you guys all rock!