Hey there well here we are already at chapter 18. It's been a long road and it is almost at its end and I can say I have had a lot of fun with this story and for also those people who have stuck by me. I am truly grateful. As you might have guessed this probably won't be a ShuXEiri at the end but they will remain friends. I wanted to try something new and see where it got me. So I hope you enjoy and remember to review

Chapter 18

Ryuichi smiled widely as he sat in the office of Tohma Seguchi, playing with Kamgurou and swinging on one of the office chairs.

'What are you so happy for.'? Tohma asked suspiciously, glancing at the singer. For the last couple of minutes he had watched the wide smile spread across his friends face and it was starting to irritate him more then he already was. Ever since the realise of Shuichi's new song, NG had slowly plummeted and the singer of Nittle Grasper was not helping with his constant smiling.

'Oh nothing.' Ryuichi lied. Giggling slightly.

'Ryuichi.' Tohma threatened 'tell me.'

Ryuichi smiled and wiggled his finger back and forth 'uh uh can't tell you. I promised I wouldn't.'

'Promise who.'

'Just a friend.' Ryuichi smiled again and began spinning in his chair much to the annoyance of blonde.

'This friend would be a Shuichi Shindou would it.' Tohma asked calmly. Ryuichi squeaked and stopped in mid spin

'How did…'

'..I know. Well I am the president of NG Ryuichi.' Tohma said matter-a-factly. 'What did you think you were going to achieve by speaking to him. He has made it quite clear he wants nothing to do with us.'

'You are wrong Tohma.' Ryuichi said seriously 'I think Shuichi really wants to put things right again.'

'I think its more complicated then that Ryuichi.' Tohma said trying to stay calm 'It would be in everyone's best interest if we left it alone.'

'This is about Eiri Yuk, isn't it.'?

'I didn't say that.' Tohma said standing up and glared at Ryuichi.

'You didn't have to.' Ryuichi replied hotly and stomped over to the door with Kamgurou in his arms. He opened it and turned around, his blue eyes locked on Tohma's green ones. 'Maybe what Shuichi did, he did for a reason. Maybe you are just to blind to see what is really going on.' Tohma was about to respond but Ryuichi was already out the door.

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Warm sun-filled rays danced through the gaps in the blinds as they penetrated the seemly dark room. Shuichi blinked open his blurry eyes and sat up. He stretched his arms above his head and looked over to the spot beside him that was occupied by a very peaceful sleeping Akito. He was asleep on his stomach, his peaceful face snuggled into the pillow and his arms were resting at his sides.

Shuichi smiled at the tender picture and resisted the urge to brush some of those dark strains from Akito's face so he just settled to simply watch him sleep. Echoes from the previous nights activities could be heard through out the room like phantom whispers. Whispers of loving touches, passionate kisses and powerful climaxes that people may only experience once in their lifetimes and the strange thing was he didn't regret it.

Last night must have really warn him out Shuichi thought as he gently slipped out of bed hoping to not disturb Akito but he kept right on sleeping. He pulled on his work clothes and quietly slipped out of the room, just in time to take one last glance at the sleeping man before he closed the door.

Akito slowly opened his eyes before hearing the sound of an engine being turned on and retreating down the driveway. Akito listened to the fainting sounds before he moved his hand to rest upon the spot that Shuichi had occupied just moments ago. He slowly sat up as to not strain his aching muscles and stretched his arms. A pleasant aroma drifted to Akito's nose and he looked at the table beside him and smiled. A steaming cup of tea was sitting there, its heavy steam pouring of the hot liquid.

Akito adorned a pair of loose pants and shirt and took his cup of tea into the living room and sat down on the lounge, soaking up the feeling of utter content. Last night for him had not been just sex but something completely different. For the first time he had seen Shuichi for what he was. Passionate, caring, gentle. And the way Shuichi touched him with those skilled hands. It was like they were made for loving.

He heard a car pull up in the driveway and heard the familiar voice of his daughter. He stood up and walked to the door and opened it just in time for Monica to run through the door and give him a bear hug.

'Daddy I'm home.' she said looking up at her father. He smiled and pattered her on the head.

'How was the sleep over.'? He asked her.

'Really fun. Me and Hani played lots of games and ate lost of sweets and her mum even let us stay up late.' Monica said happily.

'I hope not to late.' Akito chuckled and helped take the backpack off his daughter's shoulders. He heard footsteps coming up the path and was about to say thankyou when he realised it was Hide.

'Uncle Hide came to pick me up and we had breakfast.' Monica said, answering Akito's obvious question.

'Did he.' Hide walked up to the door and disposed the rest of Monica's sleeping gear just at the door.

'I thought the munchkin and I could spend some time together so I took her out. I hope you don't mind.' Hide said.

'No not at all.' Akito said and waved his hand.

'Come on Uncle Hide I want to show you the pictures I drew.' Monica took Hide's hand in her small one and pulled him inside 'ok ok hold on.'

'Why don't I put on a pot of tea.' Akito said as he knew Hide would be here a while and though he like his brother-in-law he could help the feeling that this wasn't just a normal visit.

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Shuichi parked outside the shop and walked up to the door. As usually May was sitting behind the counter going through files piled up in front of her and Shin was lounging around reading a magazine.

'Good morning Shuichi.' May said without even looking up. Shuichi nodded and went to see what deliveries had to be made for that day. He walked past Shin who sat up and grinned widely as if he had just discovered a secret treasure.

'Looks like someone got some good lovin` last night.' Shin said slyly.

'I don't know what you are talking about.' Shuichi signalled

'Don't try and hide it Shuichi. You are positively glowing.' Shuichi ignored the comment and continued to flick through the delivery dockets.

'You do seem to look a little different today.' May said, pushing up her glasses and kept reading.

'Bloody hell do you two have to be so noisy.' Shuichi huffed and stormed out of the shop leaving the two behind, looking rather pleased with themselves. Shin watched the steaming man walk away and turned to May

'He defiantly has it bad.' Shin said before he picked up his magazine and started reading.

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Tohma sighed for what seemed like the seven time that morning. No matter how he tried he just could seem to get any work done. Was it a guilty conscious? The heated conversation he had with Ryuichi had been suck in his mind all morning. Was the great Tohma Seguchi capable of a guilty conscious? He shook his head and tried to focus on what he was reading. He was distracted again by a knock at the door and his secretary poked her head in.

'I'm sorry for disturbing you Mr Seguchi but there is someone here to see you.' she said apologetically.

'Tell them I am busy.' Tohma said.

'He said his name was Tazuka Sagumi.' The secretary said and watched in confusion as Tohma's head snapped up when he head the name.

'Send him in.' the secretary nodded and opened the door to reveal the young looking man who stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

'Please have a seat.' Tohma said formally, though wondering what was the reason for this unexpected visit

'Thankyou.' Tazuka nodded and took the seat in front of Tohma's desk, his deep olive eyes never leaving Tohma's deep green ones. 'Lets cut to the chase shall we. I guess your wondering why I am here.' Tazuka said already anticipating what Tohma was going to ask.

'It had crossed my mine.' Tohma said with sarcasm in his voice.

'We both have reputations to up hold Mr Seguchi and fighting over Shuichi Shindou seems so childish.' Tazuka said calmly and leant back in his chair. 'I have a proposition for you. A solution if you will.'

'If that is what you came here to tell me you have wasted your time.' Tohma said rather annoyed.

'Is it a waste of time Seguchi's when you know that Shuichi is the key to end this whole mess.' Tazuka said rather smugly for Tohma's liking.

'He has made it quite clear he wants nothing to do with us.' Tohma said realising this is the same conversation he had with Ryuichi.

'You and I both know that this is not the case. He was really hurt by what happened. Hell even I saw it when I looked at his lyrics. Don't you think this has gone on long enough.' Tazuka paused before a small grin grew across his face 'And I believe I have the solution to your problem.'

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Shuichi had just finished his last round when he felt the sudden chill and looked up at the clouding sky overhead and sighed. He didn't really want to ride home in the rain. After he dropped off his delivery signatures he decided to drive back home and spend a quite night with his lover.

Lover,

That was what Akito was now; his lover and it filled him with pleasant sensations. He smiled to himself as he drove down the street. He finally drove into his street and slowed down before he got to the house. He wanted to surprise Akito so he turned off his bike and walked it to the house.

He was almost there when he spotted Akito and Hide coming out of the house and started talking at the gate. Shuichi stopped and watched them exchange words. He knew how close Akito was to his brother-in-law but Shuichi couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy spring in his chest at the sight of them two so close together.

He was about to approach them when he halted suddenly as he saw Hide leaned down and kiss Akito on the lips. Shuichi let out a gasp as he held his hand to his mouth and fought back the shattered tears that were already starting to form

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By the time Hide was ready to leave heavy rain clouds had gathered overhead. Akito walked him to the gate and Hide turned around to face him.

'I must say that niece of mind sure is creative.' Hide said glancing down at the few pieces of coloured paper he had in his hands.

'You should see the mountains of drawings I have in my office' Akito smiled.

'Akito about what I said yesterday. I didn't mean for it to sound harsh. I just don't want to see you hurt.' Hide said.

Akito sighed and smiled 'don't worry about Hide. I know that you were only looking out for me and Monica but I am fine really.' Akito said trying to reassure Hide.

'Yes but after my sister died it was always I who looked after you and Monica. It is always hard to loose the ones we love' Hide said standing a little to close for Akito's liking

'What are you trying to say Hide' Akito asked hesitantly.

'I love you Akito. I always have' and before he swooped down and captured Akito's lips in his own. He felt Akito stiffen and try to pull away but Hide wouldn't let him. Akito was about to protest when he hard a pain gasp which made them break apart and look in the direction of the sound. Akito's eyes widened at who was standing there.

'Shuichi.' Akito gasped as he took a step forward. Shuichi shook his head and took a step back. He was trying with all his might not to let the tears fall but it was a losing battle.

'Shuichi please its not what it looks like.' Akito pleaded but Shuichi would have none of it. Akito watched the hurt and anguish creep into violet eyes and it made his split into two. Shuichi took another step back and Akito knew he was ready to run. No.. please

'No please Shuichi don't do this' Akito pleaded once more before Shuichi choked back a sob before he turned on his bike and sped away as fast as he could away from Akito who was still shouting his name even after he had disappeared around the corner.

'How could I let this happen.'? Akito slid to the floor as he felt the first droplets of rainfall down on him before the floodgates opened and the rain started falling in heavy droves but Akito didn't care. He banged his fist on the pavement and cried 'how could I let this happen.'

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Shuichi drove through the rain as if he was in a daze. He wondered if he was in some dream that he couldn't wake up from. He wondered if what he saw was some joke Mira and Shin were playing on him. But if it were a dream or a joke he wouldn't have this burning sensation in his heart right now. It was as if his heart was ready to explode from the overload of emotions swirling around inside of it.

The hard rain continued its harsh torment upon him but it didn't slow him down, in fact it only sped him on faster. Until he reached the only person he knew who could stop it.

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Yuki sat in his office and listened to the light patter of the rain against his window as he typed away on his laptop. He was actually making progress on is latest novel and was hoping to be finished by the end of the week. He looked satisfied at his latest work and stood up to stretch before he heard a knock at the door. He saved his work and went to answer it, ready to tell who ever it was to go away. He opened it and eyes widened when he realised who was standing there dripping wet from the rain and pleaded to him with sad purple eyes.

'Shuichi.'

To b continued

Well that one took less long then I thought. It saddens me to say that this story is almost at its end but there is still a bit to go so don't be disappointed. And remember to review.