Chapter Notes - It seems that no one took offense with my take on Ryuichi. There's more of it coming, though! I rather drift off into Ryuichi-land after this chapter. I can either drop those chapters or keep on the same path I'm already on, depending on what the reviews say. Don't know if people want to read about what's goin' on with the guy. Ryu's a pretty complex little fella for as simple as he might come off.

This chapter I'm calling "Intermission" because, well... it's a little break in the action while the main characters are apart and a lead in to another part of the story. It gets a little 'political' I think, at one point. Hopefully no one will take offense at this either. It's just Eiri's character expressing his opinions.

Answering questions etc. from the last chapter's reviews and PMs:

Not many questions to answer this time around. I really do appreciate the in depth review that came in, however... and I still feel guilty that people are missing classes / not sleeping enough because they get sucked in to this story! Please sleep... and your education is important, so go to class! Not everyone gets to hook up with a hot author and become a pop star instead of going to college, like dear Shu-chan :)

FYI - For those who are reading it, chapter 10 has been added over on the beginning side of the tale today.

Enjoy chapter 25! Intermission…


By the time the next weekend rolled around, Eiri was exhausted in every way possible and aching for a cigarette. Mercifully he was going to get relief in the form of a house call from his acupuncturist on Friday night so he'd have the ability to face the even bigger weekend crowds, out to get an autographed copy of East/West. He was used to the way things went, the long lines… but these had been even longer lines to face. Sachi told him that it just meant he was getting to be even more popular and patted his back as if to say 'there there, it'll be all right' as he went to face yet another book signing that Friday afternoon.

"How's your little sweetie doing on his tour, by the way?" She asked.

"Fine. Just fine. He's having a good time when he's on stage."

"But when he's not performing, I'm betting he misses you!" She laughed, lighting another cigarette while they waited for the staff and security to get things under control in the gigantic bookstore they were in the back alley of.

"Seems so. I have the text messages to prove it."

"Soooo cute…" She sighed and batted her eyelashes at him.

"Shut up, you… I bet you can afford a lot more hosts these days, what with the rise in sales."

"Oh, I certainly can! I do thank you for the promotion. I love being your manager now and having my little editor bees working under me so well. I can't believe Satoshi really chose to step aside. Silly man… Worried over such a thing." She shook her head, "But… I'm happy about it… and our dear President is beyond happy with you and the numbers. It's all working out so beautifully."

"Isn't it just?"

"It is! Don't you think so? Why are you being so grumpy?"

"I just hope I make it through this weekend. My whole arm is killing me."

"Oh, dear… a little bit too much self stimulation while your honey is away?"

"From signing autographs… You have a dirty mind, Sachi." He smirked.

"I sure do!" She giggled.

He put on his best face as usual and made it through to the end of the event with his arm still attached.

"How about dinner and drinks as a reward for all your hard work?" Sachi offered as they were heading to the limo.

"Can't. I have a prior engagement. Tomorrow night, definitely."

"I'm up for it. I know just the place, too. It's cozy and out of the way so you won't get mobbed."

"It better not be a host club…"

"Tch… I wouldn't do that to you. Although, I bet you'd get a lot of special attention from some of the handsome hosts, yourself!"

"No, thanks." He gestured for her to go ahead as the driver was opening the door for them.

"Who would have thought that monogamy would be part of your moral compass?" She winked at him before sliding into the back seat of the limo.

"Certainly not I." He followed her in.

Shortly, he was at home and taking Tylenol to try and get rid of the throbbing in his arm and hand. He definitely couldn't keep going on this way. It had been bad enough before! The lines didn't show any signs of growing shorter, either.

"I can't wait to go back to work… in my own quiet office with no one around… This is too many people to see…" He sighed, leaning on the counter in the bathroom briefly before pulling himself together to start making dinner for his incoming guest. This one additional person, he didn't mind seeing.

He arrived through the back entrance of the building, escorted by security. Eiri greeted him at the door and apologized to him for all the inconveniences.

"Aa, don't worry. It's better this way." He smiled and nodded, coming in with his bag of tricks. They had decided that having Eiri come down to see them would draw too much attention to them at this point, so Sensei made the trek to Tokyo by himself to treat Eiri, "It was all very exciting…You look tired."

"I'm exhausted."

"From all of the news around you, it makes sense." He took off his shoes to put on house shoes before going further into the apartment, "Fu fuuu… Look at this. So this is how the other half lives… It's like a museum in here."

"Sorry." He smiled.

"Not enough dust. I may suffer withdrawal."

"I've just finished dinner, so hopefully that'll help keep you healthy in this too-clean environment."

"We shall see. Where should I put my things?"

"I was thinking it might be more convenient for you to work on the sofa."

"Un. That will be fine." He wandered over and set his things down, "Aa, you have a plant in the museum!"

"Just the one." He nodded.

"Good good... A sign of life…" His gaze cast about, "Where are all the books? You are an author. I thought the entire place would be lined with book shelves."

"I keep my books in my office. Would you like to see?"

"I would. I imagine they are all very neatly arranged."

"They are."

Sensei looked around the office for a few moments then turned to Eiri, "It is as I thought. Is your kitchen also so tidy?"

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"You are a very interesting young man." He nodded to himself and followed Eiri along to the kitchen where they shared a meal at the table there.

Strangely enough, they talked about everything other than things to do with the drama surrounding Eiri's new novel and Shuichi's CD and tour. It was a relief to just talk about how hot the weather had been, how much ice cream Sensei's partner had been eating because of it, and the price of good rice.

"I appreciate that you've come so far just to see me." Eiri served his guest some more tea as their meal concluded.

"It is good to get away on my own now and then."

"If you don't want to drive back tonight, we have a spare futon."

"I will be fine. I do want to get back home. I find I don't sleep well, otherwise… You have a futon in this museum?"

"Just one in the spare room that also serves as a sofa. We have an American style bed."

"Souuuu… I thought so." He smiled, "Japan seems much less Japanese, these days."

"In some ways, yes. I'd have to agree… I take it you have a futon."

"Several. There are no western style beds in our old fashioned home."

"I slept on one in my family's home, growing up. I'm not sure which I prefer, honestly. They both have their good points."

"Some day I will have to try the other kind… Thank you for this excellent meal."

"You're very welcome."

"Shall we get started? I'd like to do a little work on your arm, since you seem to be favoring it."

"I'd love it if you would. It's killing me."

"How did you injure yourself?"

"Signing my name too many times."

"Aa, sou! You're autographing your new book, of course. I wasn't thinking." He waved a hand.

"It's fine that you weren't… but I wouldn't mind doing one more for you, if you like."

"If it would not offend, please do not exert yourself. I'm not sure that your type of writing is for me. I know that Kentaro-kun would appreciate it, however."

"I've already sent him one, actually. He sent me a thank you note in return." He smiled.

"Very good. He had been mentioning that he was looking forward to your new novel… Now, let's work to make your arm strong enough to write more and your will strong enough to do so without the help of cigarettes."

"I'm ready."

In a couple hours, Eiri was entirely relaxed on the sofa. Before getting started, Sensei had burned the same sort of incense to clear the air that lingered in the place he and his partner called home. That scent alone was far more calming to him than any cigarette.

"I hope that you didn't find my energy too much different. I'm not quite as skilled with Reiki." Sensei apologized to him as he was tidying up.

"You did just fine."

"I'll bring you some tea. Sit up, when you feel you're able."

"Mmh…" He sighed, relaxed, breathing deeply and slowly, letting the strange thoughts come in and out of his mind as they wanted to. He started to wonder what Shuichi was doing at that very moment. He'd be on stage now, having a great time, "I hope his throat isn't getting sore…" He yawned and decided to work on sitting up. It took some effort, but he was up and wiping his eyes as Sensei returned with their tea.

"Your partner really does look so much like Kentaro-kun." He remarked, setting the tray on the coffee table before kneeling there.

"Hmm?"

"There is a picture of him on your refrigerator."

"Oh, yeah. It's a sticker. It won't come off." He chuckled to himself, "They do look a lot alike. They have a similar sort of personality, too… but Kentaro-san is far more calm."

"He is a good man, and I know he adores his nephew." Sensei offered him a cup, "Drink. And bring water with you wherever you go, this weekend."

"I will. I remember." He nodded, "How could I forget?"

"You've been smoking for a long time, so it makes sense that it will take time to get everything out of you that you've put in… You'll have some difficult times ahead, no doubt. I get the feeling that you're not much of a people person. Having so much attention paid to you must be tiring."

"It sure is, doc." He laughed at himself, "Sorry. I'm feeling a little funny."

"It's fine, it's fine." He chuckled, "It's good to see you smile and laugh. You shouldn't apologize for feeling good."

"I don't want to be rude to you, Sensei."

"You're not. While you are learning to be patient with others, learn to be patient with yourself as well. Be who you are without so much self-censoring. You've come a long way. I'm proud."

"Thanks. Me too, actually."

He saw Sensei down to the security staff, thanking him again as he went off to the parking lot with his escort. Still feeling rather unusual, he ended up sending a text to Shuichi's phone for him to find when he was done with his show… then sat up for hours of the night talking to him about nothing much at all.

Shuichi was huddled in an empty hotel meeting room in a blanket, phone on a corded charger. Hiro had kicked him out of their shared room, sick of hearing Shuichi's love sick yammering to his unusually talkative boyfriend.

"Booo… He talks to Ayaka for forever, so why shouldn't I talk to you?" Shuichi complained.

"Well, maybe he just wants to hear his own voice for a change and not yours. It's only natural. They're newlyweds."

"We're newly engage-eds." He smiled.

"You made up a word. Heh heh…"

"Yep… So, did Sensei make you feel less like smoking?"

"A lot less."

"Drinking a lot?"

"Of water, yeah."

"You sound really relaxed."

"I'm completely relaxed… I'm not looking forward to tomorrow, but I'm not worried about it either. It's strange… He fixed my sore arm, too. I still feel like I should pay these guys."

"Not allowed!"

"I know, I know."

"I had K send comps to your brother for the Kyoto show. I'm not sure if that was a good idea or not."

"Only time will tell… He better keep his hands off you, or I'll cut 'em off."

Shuichi smiled. Eiri was being so cute tonight! It was really nice.

"Sachi said she's going to reward my hard work by taking me to dinner and drinks tomorrow night."

"She better keep her hands off you."

"Oh, believe me, that's not an issue. I'm mostly worried she's going to drag me to some host club and entertain herself, watching the male hosts hit on me."

"No way!"

"Hey, I'm with you on this one. I already told her to scratch that idea, if she had it."

"I think you still like her better than your old manager. Right?"

"Worlds better." He nodded to himself, "That goes without saying… How are the groupies treating you so far?"

"Chh… You wouldn't believe it if I told you…" Shuichi laughed.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't even believe it… So, like, it's crazy but at the last show, a few guys have turned up, trying to look like you and hit on me! I was so freaked out!"

"Are you kidding me?"

"No! It was soooo weird. Hiro laughed his butt off, of course…"

"I bet…"

"He actually got a few pictures of them with his cell phone. I'll have to get them from him, just to prove it… Have any guys shown up looking like me at your autograph sessions?"

"Not so far, no. I hope that's not going to be the new trend."

"It'd be a creepy one, that's for sure!… Hey, you know what? You should write a book about your acupuncture-Sensei and his husband the Reiki master. They seem like interesting people, not that I've met them yet..."

"While I'd be interested in doing that, because I think you're more right about that than you know… I doubt they'd ever agree. They value their anonymity beyond what most regular people do. I think your Uncle Alan would beat me for even suggesting it to them."

"Maybe… Waaa… I miss you."

"Unn… At least we're talking now… Go get some sleep. You have to get up early for your next interview."

"I know…" Sigh, "I don't wanna though."

"You've got yours, I've got mine. We'll see each other again soon enough. Right?"

"Right…" But Shuichi still pouted at the impending phone separation.

"Why don't you walk back to your room and we'll talk until you get there?"

"Okay!"

The compromise worked out well and as Shuichi entered the room, they started saying their good-byes.

"You're still talking to him??" Hiro threw a sofa pillow at him as he closed his phone.

"Hey! Quit it!"

"You two…"

"I bet you just got off the phone with Ayaka…"

"Maybe…"

"Then shut it!" He hurled the pillow back the way it came, "You're mean!"

"Yeah, I am." He chuckled and then when Shuichi got close enough he tackled him onto the sofa for a playful wrestle, "Woo hoo! We get to be roomies for another three weeks, little man!"

"Bleh! I'm switching with Fujisaki!"

"And room with Sakano-san? What fun would that be?"

"You're right… DIE!!!" He started to fight back until K heard them through the wall and came to break it up.

In the morning, Eiri woke up on Shuichi's side of the bed, buried in his pillows. For a while he lay still, wondering how he'd gotten over there… but quickly figured out it was the lingering scent of Shuichi that had drawn him over.

"Hmmhh… Well… I guess I have to get up."

He groaned a short protest before dragging out of bed to get his breakfast going, turning on the TV in the kitchen while he worked. It seemed that the one he was missing was already available to be watched on TV. He looked tired, which made sense given how long their conversation had gone on the night before. Hiro was prodding him occasionally, trying to keep him awake.

"… it was quite exciting to see all of the events surrounding Uesugi-sama's paternity suit unfolding." The reporter was drifting off into their personal life as usual, "Now that you're not going to be parents, have you thought any about adopting children?"

"Huh?" Shuichi shook his head, surprised by how the interview had turned so suddenly.

"Do you think that you and Uesugi-sama have children in your future?"

"Well… Uh… Jeeze… It's kinda hard to say. We're both really young, ourselves, and we haven't talked about it… but I wouldn't rule it out for later in our lives or anything." He shrugged.

"So, you believe that gay couples should be allowed to adopt?"

"Sure. Why shouldn't they? Just because you're gay doesn't mean you can't be a great parent."

"It seems like you've become quite the voice of the gay community, these days, Shindou-san."

"You think so? It's not intentional or anything…"

"It seems so, what with songs like 'Not Invisible' and leading such a public life with your partner…"

"I just don't think that we should have to hide our lives, that's all. We're not doing anything wrong, so why should we? Honestly, I think that people should be focusing on issues like birth control and safe sex as a result of all we just went through. It's important. Kids are something you should plan for and want, not just accidents." He looked directly into the camera now instead of at the interviewer, "Seriously! Everybody use protection!"

"Does that mean that you always use protection?"

Shuichi turned bright red, "That's really personal!"

"Can we please change the subject…" Fujisaki grumbled, looking plenty red in the face himself.

Eiri snickered, "We're starting a revolution, huh? Fantastic."

His good mood lasted through most of the day's book signing until he found himself confronted by some of his own unusual new breed of fans. These were some of the more flamboyant club types he had seen in a while and they were full of group courage to flirt while he was trying to take a break for a few minutes with his most recent bottle of water.

"Are you actually here for an autograph?" He asked, getting sick of it quick, "The line's over there…"

"We were just wondering if you might want to go out later, honey…"

"No, thanks."

"Why so cold?"

"I'm trying to be polite, but you're not making it easy… I'm not interested."

"Are you really gay? I'm really starting to think it's just for the media."

"You shouldn't read anything into it, just because I don't want to go bar hopping with you."

"You think you're better than us, I see…" The leader scoffed.

"How did I say that? You just seem to believe that I have to prove something by going drinking with a group of complete strangers. Well, I have nothing to prove to anyone and I'm not that weak-willed to think I do. Did you come out here today because you're interested in my work, or because you're just trying to put me on the spot?" He scowled at them as Sachi made her way over to find out what was going on.

"A little bit of both, honestly." Another one mentioned, "I've been a fan of your writing for years… and to see you out in public with your partner the way you have been, it made me curious and a little happy… and then it made me pissed."

"Pissed? Why?" Now Eiri was curious, too, "We've just been trying to live our lives. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is that you won't even do any interviews for publications or media in our community, even if you are using our community to make your name even more prominent. Why are you refusing to be interviewed by anyone other than the regular 'safe' media?"

"Now, boys, just hang on… You've got it all wrong." Sachi laughed.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Uesugi-sensei's new and improved manager, my dears. It seems that his previous manager had a little problem with just this issue. It isn't that Uesugi-sensei has been refusing these interviews… In all cases, he never even heard of the offers. They were being refused for him, by the previous manager."

"Oh, and I suppose he has a whole bunch of interviews with GLBT media lined up now?" One of them sneered.

"Boys, I understand you're upset but that's no reason to be snarky with me. Trust me, that won't get you anywhere. You catch more flies with honey!" She tilted her head prettily, "Now… there's also the issue that we haven't found the right publication to do this first interview. There are lots of possibilities but nothing that is particularly a literary magazine."

"Why does it have to be that? He's done plenty of straight 'fan mag' interviews… You act like you're ashamed of who you are at the same time that you're out there with it in everyone's faces."

"Look, I get it." Eiri held up his hand as Sachi was about to say something back to them, "I've never been a person who was comfortable with putting my personal life on display. This is all very new and I'm still adjusting. Shuichi is part of my personal life. I'm not ashamed of him, I'm not ashamed of me. I think that should be pretty clear from how I've been dealing with things. I haven't denied it. I haven't tried to cover it up. I think you'd agree… and I do get it that people are going to be sensitive about things like this, but I want my interviews to be about my work, not my private life… and without fail that keeps coming up." He shrugged and took another gulp of water.

"Of course it's going to keep coming up! The people who knew you as a straight guy are going to be curious, and we want you to keep putting a good face on the gay community. If you don't talk about it, it makes it look like you're ashamed, like there's something wrong."

"Yeah, yeah. I get it… but I still don't think it's my job to bring the gay community into mainstream Japan."

"But you are…"

"The mere fact that you're a male celebrity publicly involved with another male celebrity puts you in that position. Think about the good you could do."

"I think I'm doing more good by not making a big deal out of it. It's when you try and force yourself on people that they push back… And I don't think it should be a big deal, so I'm not going to start any crusades any time soon. I'll interview with appropriate groups. I'll continue to live my life the way I have been. As far as I'm concerned, it's in a way that doesn't indicate any kind of shame." He shrugged again, "Look at it this way… not every gay person is out on the club scene. That's one way to live your life. I choose to live my life more quietly, with a committed partner. A lot of other people do, too. So let me live my life the way I choose and don't ask me to make compromises. I bet you'll find that it's for the good of everyone. Not just for the 'gay community' as you call it."

"Well, what about Shindou-san? How does he feel about it?"

"Pretty much the same way. The difference is that he wants to sing about it when the emotion moves him to."

"And you'll never write any same-sex romance novels?"

"I have no idea if I will or not. Ideas come to me as they come. I might not always write romance novels in the future, either. Who's to say? I've written plays, short stories, and recently I've written a TV crime drama. I'm not going to force myself to write in a specific genre or on a specific subject… So what do you say? Can you not take the way that I choose to live my personal life all so personally?" He smirked, feeling a little impressed by how he was reacting to the situation. He wasn't running away, and he didn't feel like smoking, either.

"Agreed." The leader of the pack offered him a hand and Eiri accepted.

"Great. Maybe I can get a break to finish my water now."

"Sure. Sorry about confronting you that way. You really have been more than patient."

"You caught me at a good time." He nodded, next accepting a card from the guy which he read, "Ahh… I see…"

"A while ago, your previous manager rejected an interview with my magazine. Rejected it a couple times, actually."

"Satoshi elected to move on after it was found out that he was rejecting interviews without bringing them to my attention. I think you'll find Morimoto-san much easier to get along with, but she doesn't put up with any flack."

"I see that. Again, I do apologize… but this really has been a sore spot and we really are fans of your work."

"I understand… If it'll help, feel free to use our conversation just now as part of an article. I'll be glad to sit down with you formally at some point if we can focus more on my work and less on my living situation."

"I'll do my best… Are you sure you don't want to go out for drinks, at least?"

"Morimoto-san is trying to get me to do that, but I just want to go home after this and rest my arm. Thanks anyway."

"Maybe another time. You're not the only one who tries to live a quiet life. Perhaps you'd consider having dinner with my partner and I when Shindou-san is home again."

"Sure."

Eiri was relieved to be done with that little group, heading back to face more fans and more autographs.

"That was certainly interesting." Sachi took the business card from him, "Are you sure you're all right with them publishing that conversation?"

"It's fine with me. It's the truth. People will take from it what they will. Maybe it'll help clear up some things." He sighed, "It's a well respected lifestyle publication, too."

"True… You're really not going to have drinks with me tonight?? You're horrible…" She huffed.

"I'm tired… That's about it. We'll have dinner somewhere quiet instead. Will that satisfy you?"

"I suppose so."

Even that wasn't to be. In the middle of his final signing his cell phone kept buzzing. He finally looked to see that it was Touma calling him over and over.

"Sachi, I have to take this." He said to her, getting up.

"Oh, really? Okay…" She jumped in to explain that he had an important call but would be right back.

He answered as he was walking away to a quieter spot, "This better be an emergency…" He said immediately, "Is Shuichi all right?"

"He's fine. It's nothing to do with him." Touma huffed, sounding a little worn down, "I didn't call to argue with you, either."

"All right, then what's the occasion? I'm in the middle of the longest autograph session of my life."

"Have you… seen or heard from, Ryuichi?" Touma's usually confident voice was fumbling.

"Not recently, why?"

"He… He's gone."

"What do you mean, gone??"

"I… I don't know where he is. The care taking staff noticed that he was not coming out of his room this morning… It seems like he's been gone since some time last night… He left his cell phone behind…"

"Did you call K? Maybe he's with K…"

"He's not. I checked with him, I checked with Sakano… He always tells Sakano what he's doing… Eiri… If something happens to him, I'll never forgive myself…"

Eiri nodded to himself, "Take it easy. He'll turn up."

"You don't understand." He stopped for a moment, gathering his panicked breath. "He's been so restless. I should have paid more attention… He was up all night, every night, for a couple weeks, just writing music. He seemed obsessed with it. Just couldn't stop, couldn't lay down… The doctors decided to change his medication, to see if it would help him settle down and rest… Well, it did, but I think it did some other things, too… and… you heard how he was at the concert. He didn't remember Ayaka-chan. I just think he's getting worse and there's nothing I can do…"

"Touma… Hey… Listen to me."

"Hai…" He drew a deep, shaking breath.

"We'll find him. Don't worry."

"What if he's lost and can't get back?? What if he's hurt somewhere??"

"Give him more credit than that. He'll be fine… Did you check with his family in Kyoto?"

"Mika is heading there shortly to see if she can find him at any of our old hang-outs..."

"He's going to turn up. At worst, someone will recognize him and we'll find him that way."

"Eiri… I…"

"Are you at home?"

"I'm at Ryu's place…"

"I'll be there in an hour. I just have to finish up here. Okay?"

"Yeah. I'll be here."

Eiri sighed heavily as he closed his phone. He knew that this was tearing Touma apart. It had been hard on him, seeing Ryu's dramatic changes over the past few years. They had been the best friends for so long and Touma had tried to protect him, just like he had tried to protect Eiri over the years. It was just something that the guy did, even if it might have been overkill. Even though Eiri was worried, too, he had the feeling that Ryu would be all right. In spite of his issues, Ryu had a surprising knack for still being right on top of things sometimes.

"Let's hope this is one of those times…" He hurried to compose himself so he could go back and finish up the session before bailing on Sachi to meet up with Touma to get some more details.

Far away from Tokyo, Ryu was humming and walking along. The sound of Shuichi's voice in his earbuds was lending him some focus and comfort on his impromptu journey. Things at home felt uncomfortable for him, but this made him feel relaxed. The tones, the way that he wove sound in so many ways… It really was a beautiful thing and he hadn't heard anything like it in a long while. The confusing blur that his life had become could settle a little within this music. He hoped that his batteries would hold out until he found the other source of comfort.

"Keep on keeping me company, okay, Shu-chan?" He asked, patting his player then resumed humming along to the music, feeling like he was getting closer from the somewhat familiar looks of the houses and buildings in the area, "Gee… I hope Sakano-san won't be too worried about me… I'll just apologize to him... I'm sorry, Sakano-san!… Ahhh, that's better."

Thus ends chapter 25 - Let me know if you want more on Ryu or if I should skip some of that part!