Hey there all you guys nothing to report except work sucks and Tafe is even suckier so I hope you enjoy chapter 14

Chapter 14

Tazuka Sagumi sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time that morning. First he had come in early due to a problem, which needed his immediate attention. Then the photocopiers wouldn't work so maintenance had to be called in. Band Manages needing him to get papers signed for new releases and now he sat at his desk staring at the month's music chart stats. It would seem that some of his bands were slipping. They were still on top but the figures spoke for themselves. He sat back and rubbed his temple.

'I need a miracle'

There was a knock at the door and Hitomi popped her head in 'sorry to disturb you sir but you have mail' she walked over and handed him a punch of envelopes. He nodded and she left, closing the door behind her.

He looked through the mail, occasionally stopping to read who sent it when he stopped at a particular one, which caught his eye. He turned it oven and smiled for at the very corner it said S. Shindou.

He opened it and pulled out the singular bit of paper. He read what it said and couldn't help but laugh.

So he did it after all.

He picked up his phone and dialled his secretaries' number.

'Hitomi get Mr Kanto in here. I believe I have just found his band's new number one'

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'I am off to work now' Shuichi signalled as he put his keys in his pocket and picked up his jacket. He turned to face Akito who was standing in the kitchen eating breakfast with Monica before she went to school.

'Ok have fun. Don't over work yourself'

'Same to you' Shuichi picked up his backpack and was about to walk out the door when Akito stopped him. 'If it is all right do you think you could pick up some rice for tonight. Monica wants me to make her favourite tonight'

'Sure'

'Oh yeah I almost forgot. I have to go out this afternoon so I probably won't be home when you get back. I will pick Monica up on the way' Shuichi nodded and walked out the door. Akito watch him go and sighed. It seemed that he and Shuichi were getting on great but there always seemed to be a barrier between them. He wanted to be closer to Shuichi but it always seemed Shuichi was avoiding him. He knew it was because of Shuichi's fear of getting close to someone but it hurt sometimes.

'Dad can I some more' Monica called out. Akito broke out of his thoughts and walked back to the kitchen.

'Ok'

Shuichi sat on his bike in the driveway and looked back at the house. He knew he was hurting Akito but he just felt like of he got close to some one, he would be hurt again. Maybe it was all in his head. Maybe it was time that he got over it. He sighed and started up his bike. Flashes of a couple of nights ago came flooding back to him.

Don't ever come back here again

He had said that to Yuki because he insulted Akito. It had to be it. Shuichi shook his head and drove out of the driveway.

He parked in front of the shop and walked in to find Shin lounging around and May ready her book. She gave him his schedule for the day without saying a word but could see a playful look in her eyes, which was weird for the stoic, serious May.

'So hows it going' Shin said.

'What do you mean'?

'Playing innocent are we'

'Whatever' Shuichi strode past him and out the door. Shin watched him leave with a smirk on his face 'oh yeah he defiantly has it bad'

'Here is your next job' May said without looking up. She handed him his papers, which he took with a sigh. 'All that way can't you do it May'

'No'

'Oh please I will….'

'No'

'Well it was worth a shot'

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Shuichi had finished his first round when he saw a small grocery store up a head. He parked in front of it and got of his bike. Next to the door was a man playing a guitar, trying to earn money. Shuichi listened to the man play. With each stroke from the guitar, a soft melody would follow. It was light and refreshing. As he approached the musician he reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. He dropped it in the case causing the man to smile in thanks. Shuichi nodded silently and went inside the shop.

He walked down the small isles until he came to the rice. He looked for the best price until he found the one he was looking for. He was about to get it when someone next to him spoke up.

'I would recommend the one next to it for the dish you are making. It has better flavour and texture' Shuichi turned around to see a man standing there with a small smile. He had shoulder length brown hair and green eyes. And he was quite handsome.

Shuichi nodded and picked up the one the man recommended. He nodded once more and walked off leaving the man alone behind. I wonder if that's him

Shuichi paid for the rice and made his way outside where the guitarist was still playing. He got on his bike and switched it on. He looked back at the store and thought of that guy but quickly dismissed it as just a guy giving good tips.

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The sun was getting quite low when Shuichi managed to finish all his rounds. It had been a pretty big day but he at least got a few tips. He went back to the office to sign off. May had already left so he left all his notes with the rest of them and left.

When he got home all the lights were out Akito must be still out

Shuichi parked his bike and went inside. He took of his jacket and shoes and made his way through the house. He didn't bother switching on any lights, as the sun was till bright enough to light up the room. He looked at the answering machine and saw that it had two messages on it. He pressed play and listened to them

Message one

'Hi Shu its me. I am going to be a bit late getting home so if you could start dinner that would be great. See you soon'.

Message two

'Akito Kazuki this is Hitomi from Japan Inc. Mr Sagumi has reviewed the following song by Mr Shindou and is willing to set up a contract with him. He is sincerely grateful that you recommended Mr Shindou's talents…'

Shuichi's eyes widened why would they contact Akito he has nothing. Then it hit him. Akito was the one who did it. He was the one who set this whole thing up. Japan Inc didn't find him because of his talents it was because Akito asked them to.

He heard the door open and Akito and Monica came in as the rest of the message played out

'His song will be aired soon so good luck to you and Mr Shindou'

Shuichi turned around to face Akito who was standing in the doorway with guilt in his eyes. Akito understood the situation and bent down to Monica 'I want you to go to your room for a moment ok'

'But daddy'

'Now' she nodded and ran to her room. Akito stood up and faced Shuichi

'Please understand Shuichi I did it for you. I only wanted to help you get into music again. Even if it was writing songs for someone else'

'Why didn't you tell me. I thought they wanted me for my talent but apparently it was just a favour by you' Shuichi signalled in disgust. He felt angry. He felt confused but worst of: he felt betrayed

Akito took a step forward 'no Shuichi I would never do that. How could I do that to someone I love'

Then it all went silent. Akito drew back in shock afraid that if he spoke it would cause even more problems.

'How could you o that to someone you love' a single tear ran down Shuichi's cheek as he ran past Akito and out the door before Akito could stop him

'Shuichi I'm sorry please don't go' Akito begged but Shuichi was already on his bike heading down the driveway. The noise from the engine blocked all sound as he sped down the street.

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Mira sat in his lounge room watching TV with Shin, eating Noodles.

'Huh that guy bugs me so much' shin said taking another slurp of his noodles

'Do you have to slurp its getting annoying'?

'Slurping is a compliment' the phone started ringing loudly. Mira put down his noodles and went to pick it up 'well stop it then'

He picked it up and held it to his ear 'hello'

'Mira thank God your there. Its Shuichi he ran away. He knows what I did. I only did if for him'

'Akito calm down. Now what's this about Shuichi' this caused Shin to sit up and listen to the conversation

'He found out what I did with Japan Inc. he was so angry that he left and he hasn't been back since. I tried to call but he isn't answering. I don't know what to do'

Mira thought of all the places that Shuichi would go and a small smile swept across his face 'I think I might know where he is. Listen get some rest. We don't want you to get sick know. Shuichi will be home soon so I don't worry'

'Ok ok' Akito hung up and Mira put the phone down. Shin was beside him in a second

'What's this about Shuichi. Is he alright'

'It would seem that Akito and Shuichi had a little disagreement and Shuichi took of'

'So he found out Japan Inc. do you know where he is'?

'I think so. Come on'

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Mira and Shin drove down an abandoned road, which had broken down buildings on either side. It must have been the old part of town. The part they abandoned without finishing. The only things that lived here now where the homeless and rats. Shin looked out the window in disgust.

'Are you sure Shuichi is here. It seems unlikely that he would be here'

'Shuichi once told me that if something looks old or broken it can always be fixed or made useful. I don't know if he was describing himself and back then I didn't know what it meant but he is right broken things can always be fixed. When I first met Shuichi I thought he was strange, quite, lifeless. Like he was just a broken doll. Over time he was able to get fixed. He used to come here sometimes to look at the stars or to just get away. I think these broken buildings remind him of his broken self' Mira said looking at the road ahead.

Shin just started out the window. He had to agree with Mira. When he met Shuichi he did seem like a broken doll, abandoned by everyone. Forgotten about. He was aloud cry from the performer he had once seen on TV.

'There's his bike' Mira said shaking Shin from his thoughts. They stopped in front of an old broken down building much like the others. Its once bright red bricks had faded and chipped over age and the wood was splinted and rotten.

They walked up the long ricked staircase until they came to the top and saw a door, which lead to the roof. They opened it and sure enough Shuichi was sitting there looking up at the sky.

'So we found you'

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Shuichi sat on the roof of the old broken down building looking up at the starry sky. He knew it was wrong to run away like that but being betrayed again just hurt too much and old wounds were starting to open up again. Was Akito doing it for him?

'How could I do that to someone I love…'

Akito's words played in his head like record. Akito loved him. Him. The person they thought would never be fixed. He continued to watch the sky when he heard the door behind him open.

'So we found you' a familiar voice said. Shuichi didn't have to turn around to know who it was. He heard them approach and sit next to him. They all sat there none of them making a sound. Just listening to the sounds around them.

'I knew about it' Mira said quietly, like the smallest noise would shatter the quietness around them. Shuichi looked at him.

'Yeah I knew as well' Shin said.

'Akito told us because he wanted to do something for you, just like you have done something for him'

'What have I done. I am someone who won't talk. I have trouble displaying my emotions. I am nothing but a broken record'

'You are not broken to him. You were able to do something no one else could

What's that'

'Heal him. Just like you he was broken from the loss of his wife. He felt like he had lost everything. Even though he had Monica he still felt empty. Until you came along'

Shuichi sat in silence regarding what Mira had told him. He suddenly felt guilty for running out like that. He remembered when Akito was in the accident and how worried he was about him.

'Give him chance Shu you never know something good could happen' Shin said putting his arm around Shuichi.

'Yeah you have two people back there who love you. This could be your second chance' Mira said putting his arm around Shuichi's other shoulder. Shuichi smiled a little and looked up at the nigh sky.

Second chance huh

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Later that night Shuichi drove up the driveway and looked up at the house. He could see a tiny flicker of light from within and sighed. He got off and walked to the door. He was about to grab the handle but hesitated.

'How could I do that to someone I love…'

Shuichi shook his head and opened the door. He took of his shoes and walked inside. He walked into the living room and found Akito lying on the couch asleep.

'He must have been waiting for me' Shuichi's eyes softened and he came around the couch and bent down. He brushed some hair from Akito's forehead, which caused Akito to Stir. Eyes fluttered opened just as Shuichi pulled his hand away.

'Shuichi is that you' Shuichi nodded. He was about to stand up when Akito grabbed his hand.

'Please understand I only did it for you. Nothing else' Akito looked down, avoiding Shuichi's violet gaze but Shuichi put his fingers under Akito's chin and lifted it up to look at him.

'I understand. And…' Shuichi paused then continued 'I should be the one apologising. I ran out on you without hearing your side' then for the first time Shuichi smiled. A genuine smile. One Akito had never seen before. Akito didn't know what made him do it. Maybe it was the smile or just emotion but he reached up and kissed Shuichi on the lips.

Deep down inside Akito had always wanted to know what Shuichi's lips tasted like but he never expected it to be like this. They were like warm honey, freshly made. They were soft and warm and made Akito feel fuzzy inside Shuichi stayed absolutely still as he felt Akito's lips move over his. he could tell that Akito was nervous and embarressed by the lips trembeling against his so to reasure him he light kissed back. Akito pulled back, looking embarrassed but he looked up at Shuichi.

'Thank you'

'For what'

'For forgiving me' Shuichi nodded his understanding

'Um Shuichi'

'Yes'

'Is it all right if you could sleep in my bed tonight. I don't want to be alone' Shuichi looked down at Akito in quilt. It was his fault that Akito had all these insecurities in the first place.

'Sure'

To be continued.

Well I must say I am proud of this chapter. Not only have I developed Shuichi's and Akito's relationship but something else is going to happen and it Akito's past. So hold on to your seats and keep reading. And remember to review