Chapter notes - This chapter's up sooner than I expected to have it done. I was given an extra shove to get going by one very nice note from a reader. I hope you'll find that this was wroth your writing time ;) It's a bit on the long side, but not a bad read.
Please enjoy And if you're enjoying this, read the back-story - Remix, The Beginning of the New Ending . It'll help you understand the coffee cup reference in this chapter !
In the morning, he woke up after Eiri had already gone. He looked at the clock and vaulted out of bed, running out of the bedroom and skidding across the living room floor to the TV to turn it on. Fortunately Eiri hadn't come on yet but they were making a big deal about him being there. He ran into the kitchen now and got what was left of the coffee Eiri had made earlier, realizing that there was next to nothing to eat in the place.
"We need to go shopping…" He told the empty cabinet that was staring him in the face.
Out in the living room he heard Eiri being announced so he went running back, flopping onto the sofa and smiling at seeing him there, glad he didn't look tired from being kept up that night. It was a fan segment, so they were mostly going to be asking him questions submitted by his admirers through the Morning Tokyo website. They started by congratulating him on the outstanding sales of his most recent novel then inquired when another would be out.
"I began this novel during the time that Cool Blue was being printed for release and so I thought that it might be ready by this spring… However, several things have come up in the last short while that have changed things. Now it may be Summer to early Fall before it reaches the shops."
"I'm sure your fans will be willing to wait, Yuki-sensei. They are all very keen on your work."
"I hope they will be patient with me and I am grateful for their continued enthusiasm, especially given the very public changes in my life." He bowed his head slightly, graciously.
TV-Eiri made Shuichi grin. He was so formal and peaceful, professional. Every hair was in place and he was wearing some of his expensive designer clothing, shirt tucked in and mostly buttoned for a change. He was all class. It was no wonder that he had gotten around so much with that kind of public image…
"From what we have been reading, your fans are simply curious about your involvement with Shindo-san from Bad Luck. They are supportive of you in this."
"Yes. I was surprised when my publisher told me that sales had actually increased after the announcement of our involvement."
"The fans are also curious why you didn't go to follow the tour that Bad Luck just completed."
"There were things that I needed to do that could not have been anticipated or put off. Shindo-san… Shuichi knows that I supported his efforts whether or not I happened to be along for the ride. I am pleased for him that it went so well and that he is home again, resting."
Shuichi sighed at Eiri's correction from formality to a more affectionate reference to him.
"Would you say that your relationship with Shindou-san is the reason for your delay?"
"It is one of the reasons, but certainly not the only. I have changed my mind on a number of things involving the piece itself. It will be the first to be released in the USA, for example."
"How exciting!"
He nodded, "This adds a layer of complication to things. While my other novels have not been released in English, fans of the work have offered translations over the web to audiences in the USA and UK and Australia. I have also heard that there have been translations into French and German spotted but I have not seen them myself. I am complimented by this, rather than being pressed to legal action as some would want. It is a flattering thing that people enjoy my work enough to go through the difficult work of translation, and then further that there are audiences in other countries who are interested enough to read these translations. This time… I would like to do the translation myself so that I can be sure that the story is told in the way I intended."
"How interesting. You will write it twice, in essence."
"Correct."
"In which language first?"
"It is already started in Japanese but now I am following over in English. There will be three editors, one of whom I have worked with on all of my previous work, one of whom is native Japanese with English training, the other the opposite."
"You're being very careful."
"Trying just to be precise. My English is quite good, but there are subtleties that can easily be missed and cultural differences to account for." He took a casually elegant sip from the glass of water on the table beside him.
"Is that the reason for your recent trip to New York City perhaps?"
"No, but I did find the one of the editors while I was there."
"It is rumored that Shindou-san joined you there before the tour."
"He did just briefly. I do regret that I could not return in time for the tour but I did manage to catch part of one concert on Satellite."
"What did you think?"
"Very well done." He nodded again.
"That brings us to another fan question. Which of Bad Luck's songs is your favorite?"
"Nn… I cannot really say. I am not so much a fan of pop music, but their songs are well composed and energetic."
"So… you would not call yourself a fan of the band?"
"Only of the people and their efforts."
"Then… which of your novels is Shindou-san's favorite?"
A smile came to his lips and he chuckled, "None. He hasn't read any of my work that I know of."
Suddenly Shuichi felt guilty. He hadn't actually read anything that Eiri had published even though they had been together for a while… On and off, he reminded himself. He had kept Eiri company while he was working though. At least Eiri had come to a few of his concerts and read his lyrics enough to tear them to shreds verbally.
"I should have made an effort… I didn't even think… Everything has happened so quickly…" He lamented.
"This is very strange. You are not fans of one another's reasons for fame…" She continued.
"No. I suppose we're not. They are jobs that we do… What does your husband do for work?" He asked of the hostess interviewing him.
"He is an accountant."
"Are you an accountant? Do you like accounting?"
"No." She laughed, "I see what you mean."
"I am a fan of Shuichi as a person." He explained, "It was by chance that we met and had nothing to do with either of our numbers of appearances in the media."
"Sounds very romantic… A chance meeting. Love at first sight perhaps?"
"It wasn't romantic at all, as a matter of fact… I argued with him, insulted him and his lyrics. He set out to prove me wrong though." He smirked.
"Yuki-sensei! I am shocked that the master of romance writing would meet someone through insult and argument!"
"One never knows how life will unfold… And I would like to say too that this new novel will be published under my birth name instead of my pen name, which I will no longer be using. From here forward I will be Eiri Uesugi."
"Oh? Why the sudden change?"
"It is time to put aside the foolishness of youth. That is all I will say."
"Will Shindou-san be changing his name too?"
Shuichi gulped his breath, realizing the insinuation and seeing a slight color coming to Eiri's face as he got her meaning too.
"While I understand what you are getting at, I will only say… Whatever our names may be is not an issue… His famous outburst is true. I am his." He shrugged slightly and Shuichi grinned enough to split his face open.
"I love you, Eiri!!" He shrieked, clapping for him along with the studio audience.
They took some calls from fans who asked a number of other questions to embarrass him, including whether or not his romance novels would not be related to male and female couples any longer, and a fan request for him to write a song for Bad Luck... Shuichi got an idea and picked up his cell phone, calling in… Surprised to get through. Maybe it was because every single caller so far had been female and they wanted some variety.
"Our next caller is from right here in Tokyo… Please ask your question!"
"Na, Eiri… There's nothing in the apartment to eat. Will you pick up breakfast on the way home or should I meet you there to go out?" He grinned proudly, watching Eiri frown at him through the television, realizing who was talking to him.
"Shuichi…" He grumbled, "You are calling to ask for breakfast??"
"I had a valid question that only you could answer." He laughed and the studio audience started to erupt with applause and excitement.
"Hang up the phone and come down then."
"Okay! Bye bye." He hung up and fortunately they went to commercial while they contained the hysterical crowd.
Shuichi hurried to get cleaned and changed quick then ran down to get the subway to the studio to meet Eiri. There was a lot of news media there that morning, but he managed to run by fast enough to get to the security guards before they noticed who he was. He waited in the green room until Eiri was done and came to collect him.
"Hi." He smiled and held up a peace sign.
"You nearly caused a riot in the studio." Eiri said, frowning in his direction.
"Sorry. I'm starved. We really need to go to the grocery store."
"You should apologize to the host, idiot."
"Not necessary." She came in behind Eiri, "The studio manager tells us that our ratings are through the roof so they're not too upset by the above-average excitement in the audience. Congratulations on such a successful tour, Shindou-san…and thank you for sharing your success with us."
"Thanks and welcome."
"Now you might get your breakfast." She laughed.
"If Eiri's not too mad at me I might." He looked up at Eiri as he approached his seat on the sofa, trying to look innocent.
"I'm not mad. You have your own way of expressing yourself." He put a hand into Shuichi's hair, tilting his head from side to side, "I'll punish you later."
"Yay. Be nice, I only get one more day to rest before going back to work."
"We both have to."
"I hope you hurry, Uesugi-sensei. I'm very much looking forward to this next novel too." She bowed to him.
"So am I." He smiled, "Come on, you. Let's feed you before you cause any more problems."
They escaped through the service entrance and found breakfast near by.
"That was a really great interview." He complimented.
"I hope you weren't offended by anything I said."
"Not a bit. You said a lot that was very wonderful. I'll try to keep from bothering you too much while you're working. In two languages!"
"You don't have to be impressed."
"But I am. That's just amazing..."
"What are you going to do with your free time?"
"Bother you." He grinned.
"That comes with the territory… Besides that?"
"Listen to those CDs… I want to be able to say something intelligent to everyone on Thursday when we meet at the studio."
"Good luck with that…" He scoffed.
"Mean…" And smiled along with Eiri, "Will you come with me?"
"Nn?"
"To the studio on Thursday."
"I am not sure I would be welcome."
"I'm welcoming you. I don't think they'll believe me on my own. Maybe they'll think I've inhaled glue for saying you will help… You did say you would help… Right? Or was I dreaming?"
"I will offer whatever I am asked to in order to help make your career what you want it to be."
"You'd actually write for me?"
"Yes… I will also open a door for the band if it is allowed…"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You can't become an international band with NRG Pro backing you. You'll need a larger backing."
"Keep talking…" He leaned forward.
"My publishing house is affiliated with Synergy Corp. You will notice that almost every band that has gotten out of Nippon has gone through Synergy."
His eyes almost popped out of his head, "S… Synergy?"
"Yes."
"You have the kind of faith in me to do that?"
"I believe you can be whatever you want to be. All I will do is open the door. You will all have to walk through it together… NRG's USA tour was not well received and you will notice that shortly thereafter they disbanded. If you do this, there may be no going back."
He nodded, still staring at Eiri, "I think I just drank a bottle of glue…"
Eiri smirked and lit a cigarette, "Then don't kiss me until you brush your teeth…"
"Okay…"
He sat frozen for a while, just thinking about everything that had been offered to him in the last 24 hours… It was huge.
Eiri raised an eyebrow at him after a while, "There is smoke… coming out of your ears…" He said.
"I can feel the burning!" He squeaked.
"Settle down and eat your breakfast."
He managed to finish eating, then was guided home where he sat down and kept thinking about things. Eiri left him alone and went to his office to go back to his laptop and start ticking away for the first time in a long while. He had left it behind in his haste to get to New York. Shuichi had left everything as it had been when he departed so it would be as he liked it when he returned… He stood in the doorway eventually, watching Eiri work. Finally he sat back from his desk and looked over at his audience.
"You're thinking too loud."
"Sorry." He blinked, it finally dawning on him… Eiri's novel would be released in the US… He was opening a door to the US for Shuichi too… So that maybe they could go together? He smiled at last.
"Ding…" Said Eiri and he went back to typing.
"You're very funny."
"I have to go out in a bit… Do you want to go with me?"
"Sure… Where?"
"Hospital, bank, auto shop."
"Auto shop?"
"My car is done being repaired."
"It was broken? I wondered why it wasn't in the car port… What happened to it? Someone look at it wrong and scratch it?" He joked.
"I ran it off the road." He said very matter-of-factly.
"Whaa??" He went over and leaned on the desk, "How did you do that? Why didn't you tell me?? Were you hurt??"
"Just a bruise… I didn't want to worry you."
"Did someone run into you??"
"No… I just ran it off the road into an underpass." He looked up, "It won't happen again."
"Was… that you feeling suicidal?" He gulped.
"It was me on too much medication. Don't worry."
"Don't worry?! Of course I'm going to worry!!"
"This… is exactly why I didn't tell you before."
"Eiri! This is serious!"
"I know it is. I didn't want to make it more serious, however."
"You're sure it's all right for you to drive now?"
"So says the doctor. I've been on this new medication for a while now and it seems to be settling in. I didn't drive while I was in New York."
He gulped again, torn between worrying and questioning and just letting it go, not making it in to a huge issue for Eiri to tolerate along with everything else he had been dealing with.
"You know… maybe you should be medicated too." He said and smiled slightly.
"Maybe…" Shuichi relaxed, "Promise that you will tell me if you ever feel like that again."
"I will."
"I'm sorry that being with me makes you need medication." He bowed his head.
"I was on it long before you came along and stirred up my brain. It's not your fault. Don't ever think that it is."
"All right… I'll go with you."
"To keep an eye on me."
"Yes. And to be with you."
"Good. We'll leave at about 2, nn?"
"Okay…"
"Stop staring at me and go listen to some music. It will be better for you than worrying."
He nodded sullenly.
"Come here…"
He rounded the desk and half sat on it, Eiri looking up at him.
"Shuichi… I am alive and well now. Do not spend time worrying about what is in the past. Look forward to the future."
"I do… I just feel shaky about things. Sometimes everything just seems so fragile and I want to wrap life up in pillows to keep it from breaking. I want to protect you and I can't."
"True. I am my own worst enemy, that is why."
"Will that ever change?"
"Probably not. I know myself the best so I can harm myself the best. It is the same for all people, really."
"Sounds like something from one of your books." He grumbled and folded his arms, looking away, then feeling the warmth of Eiri's hand sliding across his leg.
"How would you know? You've never read one."
"I know… I feel horrible about that." Again he hung his head.
"I don't. Maybe one day you will read something I've published. I'm not in a rush to have you know my work. It is nice that you are not a crazed fan."
"I should at least know some of your work. You know my music… Even if you don't like it."
"J-pop is just not my style. But you're very good compared to what I've heard. You've truly mastered your genre."
"Thanks…" He smiled at the compliment.
"The next while will be like this. Difficult and emotional… Because we will be getting to know each other more than we have. We will be mending old wounds, trying to make things more real between us. It will be different than your chasing me constantly. This time I'm not going to run away."
"I am so glad about that…" He sighed, "I don't mind the highs and lows that come with it. I know things are changing now… You've been so patient with me."
"I will do my best to continue to be. It is different for me to have this happening. To try to be open to another person. I find I have to fight with myself a lot. It's easier now though… and you've been very patient with me as well. Beyond what any other human would have been. I appreciate that."
Shuichi nodded, trying to keep steady instead of crying again, "I never thought I might hear any of this from you… I hoped I would."
"Be careful what you hope for. You might get it."
"Good. I want more of it. No matter how much I might have to cry on you."
"I had better buy a rain coat."
"And tall boots… An umbrella…"
"Scuba gear…"
Finally he gave up his worry and laughed, then reached out and stroked Eiri's cheek, "I do love you…"
"I know." He took Shuichi's hand, kissed his palm, "I love you too… Now go away so I can work a bit before we leave."
"Okay."
He wouldn't let it go at that, leaning down and kissing Eiri softly before he tore himself away to listen to some CDs. Again he lay on the floor, just absorbing the music, the different styles, voices… and the feeling of things coming together. It was like waiting for the other shoe to drop… That feeling of worried anticipation. Eiri's words and affections were reassuring but it still felt fragile because of all they had been through and all Eiri was still going through inside his head...
"I think I will write another song for you…" He sighed and looked up at the ceiling, "Even if you will think it sucks because I can't write to save my life."
Eventually Eiri was looking down at him, holding up a pad of paper, "It's time to go." It read.
"What?? I can't hear you!!" He pointed to his head, "Headphones!"
He got a swift boot for that one and laughed, getting up and shutting off the stereo.
"You haven't broken it yet. I'm shocked."
"I don't break everything I touch."
"Just most things." He threw Shuichi his jacket.
"You know, you could let go of that one coffee cup I broke. That's such old news."
"I liked that cup."
"I said I'd buy you a new one."
"Not possible. That was an ancient artifact from the family temple."
"Liar."
"I'm not lying… I stole it because it looked like a good coffee mug…" He winked and went out the door, Shuichi pursuing him and pulling the door shut.
"Eiri!! Shame!!"
"It was still good until you broke it."
"Oooh… I don't feel guilty at all! You shouldn't have taken that!"
"Uh huh…"
"Your father will be furious…"
"That is the least of his worries right now." He put his hand on Shuichi's far shoulder, pulling him close for the walk down the hall, "I think he is far more concerned now that I will not be breeding."
"Oh… Yeah… Hmm…"
"I can blame you for that and for the coffee mug. Father will love you even more."
"It's a shame you won't have children actually. They would be very handsome… Ugh, now I feel guilty all over again." He buried his face in his hands as they got into the elevator to go down.
"Good afternoon…" Eiri greeted some neighbors inside cordially and Shuichi blushed, dropping his hands from his face as the doors shut, "I'm sure you'll get over the guilt in time."
"I'm sure."
The neighbors were silent, just staring at them.
"Just as I am sure our neighbors will get used to us in time."
"Eiri…" He worried about their being antagonized.
"Very nice interview today, Yuki-san… I mean… Uesugi-san." One of the women offered.
"Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed it."
"It is just strange to see someone on TV in the morning and then in the elevator in the afternoon."
He nodded, "I hope everyone in the building will get used to it. Soon Shuichi will be far more famous than I."
"His blush is very cute!" One of the girls cheered.
"Gulp…" Shuichi smiled.
They took a cab to the hospital where Eiri dropped off a prescription note to be filled. Shuichi finally knew where he had been spending his time in therapy sessions, getting the tour while they waited.
"I thought you were seeing someone else."
"In a manner of speaking, I was… Just not like you were thinking."
"Sorry I didn't trust you."
"You had every reason not to… Does it bother you to be with someone… Defective?"
"You're not defective. I've never known anyone who had to take medication to be happy though."
"It doesn't make me happy. It keeps me from falling into depression and stress. Keeps my mind clear. That is all… Writing makes me happy. My coffee mug used to make me happy."
Shuichi punched him in the arm playfully, "Shut up already. I said I'm sorry."
"You make me happy."
He smiled, "You make me happy too."
The nurse called Eiri back and gave him the pills, "Just follow the directions and if you have any problems please call."
"Thank you." He brought Shuichi away down the halls with him.
"This place seems very… High class."
"It is a good place to be if you have a public name and a private problem. Very confidential."
"Where next?"
"Bank."
"Ban-ku." He said in English.
"No. Bank. No uu… You are speaking Engrish."
"It's hard. My mouth doesn't want to move that way."
"At least Americans think that Japanese speaking Engrish is cute. You'll fit right in."
"I want to sound better than that."
"Practice. There are coffeehouses where you can meet Americans and practice speaking to them."
"I think I'll torture you first."
"Oh, good. I am so lucky." He said in English.
"Na, how is that easy for you to do? It's not fair."
"It takes work. We will get satellite and some DVDs so you can listen to Americans more."
He smiled at the encouragement. Eiri really seemed to want to take him along.
At the bank he had to wait while Eiri went into the vault with one of the staff. It wasn't too long before they were in a cab going to the car dealer.
"What did you do in there?"
"Dropped off a backup in my safe deposit box. If my computer ever catches fire or otherwise dies—perhaps from your looking at it wrong—I have backup copies to work from."
"That's smart."
"Yes… When I remember to do it."
"We need to go to the grocery store too."
"Anything to prevent another mid-interview phone call."
Shuichi was a little nervous about Eiri driving but stuck it out until they got to the grocery store then hugged him tightly.
"You drive very well!"
"I'm not stupid, just stressed."
"I know… Hey! I'll make you dinner tonight!" He jumped out of the car.
"No you won't!"
"Ya-ho!" He ran off toward the entrance.
"Hoo… Not 'ho'."
Inside the store Shuichi enjoyed the simplicity of gathering food and things for their home, annoying Eiri in the process as usual. He found Fujisaki in the aisles, oddly enough. He was looking tired.
"Fujisaki-san. What are you doing here?"
"Shindou-san… Hello." He smiled, "Getting food. I was staying with K… but I cannot get any sleep there and the dorms are full so Nakano-san said I could stay in his apartment while he's in Kyoto."
"K is noisy? I never would have guessed." He laughed at the joke.
"Sakuma-san has been over every night… They are noisy together."
"Nn?"
"They are very strange together. I just want to sleep…" He shook his head.
"Well, Hiro's place is quiet. I know from living there myself!"
"Good. I will be extremely happy then." He spied Eiri passing further down, "You are together again."
"You bet! He was home when I got back from tour."
"I saw the interview this morning. He seems rather content."
"I think he is. I better go. I hope you get some rest! See you soon!"
"I hope so too."
"Ice cream! Eiri, we need ice cream! Red bean please!" Shuichi hurried off to catch up with Eiri and help with the chore at hand.
At home he unpacked everything and put it away, still threatening to make dinner. Eiri finally came over and clamped a hand over his mouth, at the same time hugging him from behind and kissing his cheek.
"Why would you want to do that to me? Nn? I want to live now." His hand fell away, both arms hugging him.
"Eiri…"He sighed, "I just want to do nice things for you."
"Learn to cook better. You don't even boil noodles well."
"Ummh… I can microwave stuff!"
"Good for you. It takes a lot of skill to follow the directions on a box."
"Grrrr…"
It was quiet for the rest of the day, Eiri working and Shuichi making his way through the CDs, taking out his pad and marker to write down ideas. Eiri came out of his office in a few hours to find that Shuichi was still laying on the floor, this time on his stomach and writing away, headphones clamped firmly to his head. Instead of disturbing him then, Eiri went out for a smoke and to pick up take-out. Cooking didn't seem like a good idea for either of them at the moment. Just some relaxation. He came back to find that Shuichi was still hard at work, oblivious to his departure. He tapped on his side with the end of his foot, causing Shuichi to startle a bit, then he rolled over onto his back.
"Hi!" He took off the headphones, "I'm starved."
"Again… I got take out." He held up the bag.
"You did?" He blinked in surprise.
"I left about 20 minutes ago… You've been very focused."
"Yeah… I guess." He smiled, "We just went to the store and you got take-out?"
"I don't want to cook and you're no good at it… Seemed like the best thing to do. Come eat."
"You don't have to ask me twice." He put the stereo on pause and got up to join Eiri, stuffing himself full of udon, "I think you would be proud of me."
"How so?"
"I've really taken your advice to heart. I've got a lot of good ideas. I'm going to try and do some really hard work tomorrow so I have something to show everyone at the studio Thursday. That is good news for you too."
"Explain…"
"I'll stay out of your hair tomorrow so you can get some work done." He smiled.
"Exciting."
"You're coming with me Thursday." He added.
"If you insist."
"I do."
"I have an appointment with the new editor tomorrow, by the way. She will be coming over at noon so I will take her out for lunch."
"Don't make me jealous…" He frowned.
"I'm not trying to. You have no reason to be. It's simply a business lunch. You can come if you want. Chaperone."
"I'll trust you… but she better not be pretty."
"She is, actually."
"Eiri!"
"What? Should I lie? Doesn't mean I will be hitting on her. You live here, with me, the world knows we are together. You can be jealous?"
"Sure!"
"I'm flattered." He smirked, "It is strictly business. I promise."
"But women are always hitting on you. It's unnerving…"
"I will wear a bag over my head from now on."
"I would appreciate that. Thank you." He bowed his head, which Eiri gave a swat, "Ow…"
"Weird kid..." He picked up the remote and turned on the evening news, once again their images showing up there, "You see?"
"See what?"
"The world is now my chaperone. It was bad enough before… I never thought." He mused and lit a cigarette.
"Thought what?? I wish you would finish your thoughts…"
"That the public would encourage us. The majority seems to want nothing more than to see the two of us together. It's fascinating."
"I guess you're right."
"Don't worry, Shu… I couldn't even look at a woman without it being on the news these days."
"Good. Because you're mine."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Putting aside his empty noodle container, he took the fleece blanket off the back of the sofa and got comfortable with his head on Eiri's leg, watching the news and enjoying the feeling of closeness. Eiri's fingers were in his hair providing warmth and a scalp massage. He started to drowse but things were starting to bubble up in his mind as he relaxed.
"Eiri?"
"Nn?"
"Do you really think you could be happy with me? I mean… to stay together like married people. To make a life… Or would you always feel a little empty inside because you missed out on having kids and being with a woman?"
"Would you feel empty?"
"You answer first."
"If I didn't think I could be happy with you, I wouldn't be with you. I've never really wanted kids… and I've been with plenty of women in my life. It's not like I don't know what I'm missing… I would have been empty, in an arranged marriage to Ayaka… She is a good person, but I don't love her."
"I see…"
"And you?"
"I guess I've never really thought about it. I never thought that I would have a family of my own. It just wasn't something on my mind… The only one who ever made my heart beat is you. I just want to be with you. Always. There's no emptiness here."
"I am still getting used to that. It's a good feeling. But very new."
"Thank you…" He sighed and relaxed, "Can I ask… an awkward question?"
"Sure…"
"Is… umm… sex with me… okay? Do you like it?"
"I must. I keep coming back for more, don't I?"
"But… is it worse than with the women you've been with?"
"Well, speaking of awkward… It was a bit in the beginning, what with your being a virgin and all."
"Yeah…"
"You've learned a lot… You've trusted me a lot… I didn't want this to happen, you know. I didn't want to love kissing you and touching you so much… Being with you…" He stopped and Shuichi felt something, a tear splashing on his cheek.
"Eiri… " He looked up to the source of the tear and then sat up, kissing him softly, "Don't cry…"
"I didn't believe in love… Being with you is better than anything I've ever written. It hurts, it feels so good…." His arms surrounded Shuichi, holding him tightly, exhaling the words into his ear, "I love you so much."
"I love you too."
"I will never be empty with you..."
Those words burned in his soul… Words he had wanted to hear all along were coming from Eiri's lips like a hidden treasure now found. The other shoe didn't seem to be falling. Or maybe it didn't exist? Either way, Eiri proved that he enjoyed being with Shuichi that evening. He was sore from it, in fact. They lay silently afterwards, looking out the window together at the night and the city.
"Ow…" Shuichi said quietly and they both laughed.
"Sorry about that…" He kissed Shuichi's shoulder.
"I'm just not that bendy…"
"I guess not."
"Even less now, I think."
"Maybe with practice…"
"You're going to kill me."
"I hope not. Go to sleep."
"Good night good night good night…"
"No singing."
"Mmh…"