A/N : Hey people I'm back. I'm sorry I took so long but this chapter was very difficult to write, I kept re-writing it until I got right - I hope I got it right (looks around nervously) - anyhow I hope you enjoy it.

Like always a huge thanks to Inu-midoriko for her beta skills and support - you're great Inu.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation or any of it characters, except for Tony and Takeshi, those two are all mine...rawr

Warnings: Lemon alert, if you're not down with some male/male action then skip it.

Okay now that that's out of the way carry on.

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Chapter 7: I am loved

After a most needed nap, Shuichi woke up refreshed and quite hungry. He made his way around the unfamiliar house looking for the kitchen when he bumped into Mizuki. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so clumsy sometimes." he laughed, "Can you tell me where the kitchen is?"

"Follow me young master." the woman said with a small bow.

"I'm Shuichi Shindou, but Shuichi is fine. You don't have to add the master, it makes me feel old." Shuichi put one hand on the back of his head and smiled nervously.

"I'll make the young master something to eat."

"No don't," he said, "I'll do it myself, besides I want to get to know where everything is. Thank you anyway." he bowed slightly before dismissing the woman.

The singer fixed himself a sandwich and a big glass of milk and as he was eating, his mind started to wander around, 'I wish I knew what went through Yuki's mind when he saw me?' without noticing it, he let out a sigh, 'He looked different… something was different, what I saw in his face…I wonder…'

Suddenly he lost all interest in his meal, "And why should I care?" he told himself.

He looked at the milk he had poured himself and pursed his lips, ignoring the beverage completely on the kitchen table, "I need a beer," he looked inside the fridge, "nothing."

He searched for something to drink hopefully high in alcohol. "No scotch, no bourbon, no vodka... he hid all of it." he said while searching the apparently empty bar.

'Maybe it's a good thing Shuichi, you know what happens when you drink.'

He shook his head, "Nothing happens, I get happy that's all."

'You know better than that, you drink and then... God knows what kinds of things you do.'

"And who the fuck cares? I know I don't… damn it there's not a fucking thing to drink here," One by one he opened the cabinets, each producing nothing, "I want just one drink, anything would do. A shot of tequila, anything." he got increasingly angrier.

'Tony does care and he worries. That's why there's not a thing to drink in the house.' the two-sided, one-person conversation carried on for a few more minutes.

"It's all his fucking fault! That bastard, he made me like this…" Shuichi's eyes filled up with tears. "God damnit," he yelled, "it shouldn't hurt this bad, it's over… Tony is with me and I'm retaking my career all is good now, right?" He sat on the cold kitchen floor with his arms tight around his knees. 'You can do this Shuichi Shindou. You have to do this, you're stronger than that, no hiding this time, no running away, got it?" He rocked back and forth breathing in and out, trying to control the urge, repeating the words Tony taught him, 'I am loved'.

--

Tony found Shuichi half asleep still mumbling those words, "Shu, what's wrong?" he asked lifting the singer's face.

The vocalist wrapped his arms around the photographer, "Nothing is wrong, not when you're with me."

"Why were you crying? You know you can talk to me." he petted the younger man's hair.

"I'm tired, that's all." he gave an obviously fake smile.

Tony chose to ignore that fact knowing well what could happen if he pressed the issue, "I'll take you to bed then." Tony lifted the singer and carried him to his bedroom, "You want me to stay with you?"

Shuichi shook his head, "Nah, I'm okay. I promise I'll be better in the morning."

Tony kissed him in the forehead, "G'night."

He walked out the room, closing the door behind him. He knew that it was going to be hard for Shuichi to be back home but he had insisted to come and he couldn't say no to him. He knew Shu had problems. He never told Tony the great majority, only the small stuff.

Tony knew about Yuki but not the entire story. He knew about Shuichi's drinking, not because he was told but because he found out the hard way. He knew the singer was angry not only at Yuki but at other people too. He had no idea who exactly, and he would not ask either.

Shuichi was a puzzle he had to put together even if he was afraid of the final product. He had to find out for himself what really happened to him while in that relationship.

--

A few days had passed already and Shuichi seemed to be doing better, "Moooorning Tony," he said with a big smile.

"Good morning," he received one of Shuichi's signature kisses, "sit with me for breakfast."

Mizuki brought fruit and juice, because that's what Shuichi was eating lately for breakfast, she refilled Tony's cup and left the two men alone, "I have news," Tony spoke first.

"What about?" Shuichi asked chewing on a piece of fruit.

"As of tomorrow you and your band start practice at the NG studios," he looked at Shuichi who almost choked on a piece of kiwi.

"How the hell did you pulled that off?" the singer asked in disbelief.

"I had a meeting with Tohma Seguchi, we talked about a few things and after some negotiations we came into an agreement. You guys are still very much part of NG, and Tohma is still the one doing most of the dealings, but he has to consult me for everything from your tours down to what brand of glitter you'll be using."

Shuichi's was in shock, "Uhm, Tony, what exactly did you do?"

"I have no idea what you mean." he smiled behind his cup of coffee, "Mr. Seguchi and I are civilized, business people. I'm sure you can understand that."

Shuichi not at all satisfied with the answer lifted an eyebrow and said, "Tony, do you honestly think I buy that?"

The photographer placed his cup down, "I'll let you in a little secret," he leaned forward, "I know some people that know some things that Seguchi wants to keep quiet. I just poked a little here and there, you know, dug up some graves, summoned a few ghosts from the past, nothing much."

The singer stood up and said "My hero," like some cartoon damsel just rescued from a dragon.

"Call your friends, go out, and enjoy your last day as a couch potatos."

Shuichi sat on Tony's lap, "FYI I've been exercising, Takeshi has been giving me fighting lessons, which is a good thing for my cardio resistance and my breathing. Not to mention stress."

"Is that so…?" he eyed Takeshi suspiciously, "well I guess he's only doing his job which is to obey you and look after you," he raised his voice a bit, just enough to make sure that Takeshi got the message, "he's your dog after all."

"C'mon Tony don't be mean, or is it that you're jealous?" he poked Tony's forehead.

"Shu, don't start with me…" he warned the singer.

The singer licked Tony's lips, "Or you'll do what?" he challenged, "Will you punish me for being a very, very bad boy?"

"Shuichi-" he felt the singer's lips over his making him forget about any thought. He found himself been straddled by the singer, feeling his need close to his. Tony's hands wandered down Shuichi's back until they reached his derriere, Tony stood up carrying the singer with him to the bedroom.

Once inside the bedroom their kiss became more ardent and their hands started to wander each other's bodies. Shuichi broke the kiss for an instant, long enough to whisper, "Make love to me."

Although they had kissed and teased each other numerous times they had only done it once, in Spain. Whether it was Shuichi's fear to ruin the good relationship they had or Tony not wanting to pressure an already emotionally fragile man, those concerns where now on the back of their minds.

Now he wanted to make love to him, not like in Spain where, although it was great, it was more of an impulse. This time he wanted to go slow, he wanted to discover the singer down to every centimeter of skin.

Shuichi untied Tony's hair - he loved to grab hold of the long dark locks - he brushed his tongue over the older male's lips tasting them before forcing them apart, pushing his hot tongue inside the wet cavern, while Tony's hands tried to undo the buttons of that unnecessary and frustrating shirt. Opting to rip it open when the third button wouldn't cooperate, thankfully the pants were far more cooperative with his impatient fingers.

They tried to walk together to the bed but Shuichi stumbled backwards causing their lips to part, the smaller man lay flat on his back, half lidded violet eyes gazing up at Tony. His legs dangling over the edge of the bed, and his arms raised above his head. How was it possible for the singer to look so innocent and so lewd at the same time was beyond the photographer's understanding.

Shuichi proved to be irresistible to Tony, who lowered himself slowly to reach once again the singer's lips. Tony wanted to relish in the pleasure that loving Shuichi gave him. He wanted to take this man, the same man that invaded his every thought, every dream. He desired him with every fiber of his body. He wanted him all to himself, he wished to possess not only his body, but also his heart.

Shuichi tangled his fingers on Tony's hair and deepened the kiss. Tony ran his hands all over the singer's naked body, which seemed ready to burst from anticipation; he traced Shuichi's neck with his tongue down to his nipples, making a pattern - lick, bite, and kiss. The photographer continued to administer the same treatment on the gorgeous body underneath him until he reached the singer's manhood causing him to let out a loud groan.

Shuichi felt his mind go blank, only the pleasure Tony was giving him took possession of his senses. He was overwhelmed by the way that tongue ran along his length, how that mouth surrounded his cock with unbelievable heat, "Gods Tony…" he said panting heavily. Tony's response was a low, "Hmmm", that sent vibrations through his member. Shuichi bit on his knuckle while the older male swirled his tongue around the tip of his erection, almost teasingly, before slowly engulfing the entire member with his mouth once again. Shuichi said his lover's name over and over again while bucking his hips, thrusting himself inside that warm mouth.

Shuichi moaned, "Oh god…Tony…I'm…nnn…" he arched his back, the sheets tightly clenched in his fists, and with one last groan he came. His orgasm hitting the back of his lover's throat. Shuichi watched as Tony swallowed most of his seed, the older male lifted his head ever so slowly to face his lover, cum dripping from his slightly parted lips. The sight was incredibly hot for the singer, Tony looked like another person, only Shuichi was able to awaken this side of him, the uninhibited, unrestrained lover.

Tony stood up facing his lover who watched intently as he slowly unzipped his pants. Once he was rid of all items of clothing, he positioned himself back on top of the singer and reached down to kiss Shuichi who tasted himself in his lover.

Tony looked at the aroused man underneath him panting and impatient. He ran his hands up Shuichi's lean legs, caressing the singer's inner thighs before spreading them apart. With no words spoken Shuichi let him know that there was no need for Tony to prepare him. Tony grabbed a bottle of lube from his drawer, letting the liquid drip freely onto his cock before spreading said substance on it, Shuichi's lustful eyes fixed on the man before him.

Shuichi felt his body be filled by the hard member, slowly, even though Tony wanted to ram himself into that body he still took care into being as gentle as possible. He kept still for minute, his pelvis flushed with the singer's ass, giving the singer time to adjust before starting to move.

The singer bucked his hips impatiently and Tony complied by sliding himself almost all the way out and thrusting himself back in. Their bodies started to move in unison, sending waves of pleasure through their beings. Their sweaty skin shimmering, flushed, heated. The house was filled by the moans and cries of the two who didn't care if the servants and bodyguards were listening. Time stood still for them. People didn't exist. Yuki Eiri didn't exist.

Shuichi whispered in Tony's ear, "…I belong… to you… now," Tony's hot, heavy body covering his gave Shuichi a sense of wholeness. His body reveled with every touch from Tony because there was no Yuki, no fear, no hate. His world now gyrated around this man, and his heart only felt extreme happiness.

The older male pushed himself into the smaller body again and again hitting that sweet spot every time, driving Shuichi wild. He wanted this side of Shuichi for himself. This was their special moment, and he felt like Shuichi was finally letting go of the past; that he was giving himself to the feelings Tony had to offer.

Or was he?

No, he had to believe. He had to. Shuichi was now his of his own accord. He said it himself. But still there was that doubt…

He stroked the boy's neglected erection following the rhythm of his own thrusts, "I love you…Shuichi," he whispered into his ear.

"…ahhh…Tony…I'm…mmm…" he wasn't able to put a coherent sentence together anymore, and hearing his name said with such a charming accent was robbing him of the last shreds of sanity that remained in his being.

"Nnhh…I love…you…Shuichi…" those whispered words, the same words he wanted to hear so many times before but were never said, were all the singer needed. One final thrust and they came together, the singer's spilling his juices on his lover's hand, his body filled at the same time with his lover's warm seed. His body felt light, like if he was floating, he felt reborn.

Shuichi stared at the man laying on top of him, the same man that had retrieved a part of him that he thought he'd never regain. He relieved what had just transpired, his fingers tracing his lover's visible muscles. Although he felt satisfied, he also wanted more, he needed more, more of that feeling of completion, of absolute joy.

He didn't notice his thoughts were arousing him once more, but Tony did, it was as if he could read Shuichi's mind.

Shuichi watched as Tony lifted a finger dripping in the still warm cum and placed it in his mouth licking it clean, "Mmmm, you taste delicious, Shuichi", he was not disappointed with the singer's reaction.

The vocalist licked his lips. "Why do you have to be so fucking hot?" the sight had made him even more horny.

"We can stop," Tony said, "if you want to."

"Of course I don't want to stop." Shuichi quickly grabbed the photographer, pulling the man closer to him.

They lied on the bed with their bodies wrapped around each other, still joined at that special place, just looking at each other. "You have no flaws, do you?" Shuichi asked, caressing Tony's face with the back of his hand. He tenderly kissed his lover and tried to remember if Yuki was ever this close to him after making love.

"Obviously I don't," he said with a chuckle.

"I hope you never regret to have fallen in love with me." Shuichi said with a saddened tone.

"And why would I regret loving you?" Tony brushed a few stray strands of hair from the singer's face, "Besides, I can't help it. I'm an incurably, romantic Latino, who believes in love at first sight." he said with a dramatically exaggerated accent as he basked in the violet gaze of his lover, and then he said, "Shuichi, you are loved."

They spent most of the morning making love to each other, memorizing their bodies, their scents, and their taste. Leaving imprints on their hearts, crawling under each other's skin. The room was filled by the scent of sex, by moans of pleasure, by lust filled looks, by tempting caresses, and enticing words. Walking a fine line between tender lovemaking and primal sexual indulgence until they both fell asleep, satiated in very possible way, together.

--

By the time Shuichi woke up two hours had already passed. He looked lovingly at the man lying next to him sleeping so soundly. He tiptoed his way out of the room, before closing the door he took one more look at his lover. For a split second the image of Tony was replaced by someone else, someone he did not know. He shook his head and looked again. He sighed as he saw Tony stir a bit; he closed the door and made his way to the shower.

After a most needed shower, Shuichi went to his room to retrieve his cell phone, he looked thru the few names programmed in the device until he reached the one he was looking for, he pressed call and let it ring, "This is Hiroshi."

The image of the other man had been constantly popping in the singer's head, like some old memory and it was bugging the hell out of Shuichi.

"Hey stranger," said Shuichi.

"Hey, how's it goin'?"

"We start practice tomorrow 8:00 am sharp at NG studios." the singer said bluntly.

"You're kidding," said the red hair.

"No, I'm quite serious." Shuichi started to fidget with the hem of his frayed jeans.

"Holy shit! What did your man do, kill Seguchi?" he laughed.

"Never mind that, I'll explain it to you when you come over." Shuichi started to get irritated, pulling at the stray threads. 'Who the hell was that man?'

"I'm coming over? I don't remember-"

Shuichi rubbed his temple, "Nakano," the singer never used that name with his friend but he found that it did shut him up long enough for him to talk, "listen to me, I need you to come over today and bring with you everything you got out of his apartment, please."

"No problem Shu, I'll see you… around five, is that okay?"

"Fine,"

Getting more serious the guitarist asked, "Shu, is everything alright?"

The singer wanted nothing more than to say 'what do you care' but managed to say, "Yeah, is just a headache, see ya later 'kay?" only it wasn't a headache.

"Later."

--

Hiro still had his phone on his hand when it started ringing, "This is Hiroshi."

"Nakano, it's me, Yuki." Oh he knew who it was what he didn't know was why was he calling him, "are you there?"

"Oh I'm here, although I can't promise I'll be for much longer. One more surprise and I'm sure I'll have a stroke." he rummaged through the boxes from Yuki's apartment, putting them next to the door, "Now, tell me, what do you want? And make it short; I have other things to do." true that the red head was never nice to Yuki but now he didn't feel like talking to him, at all.

"Can you…do you think I can ask for a favor?" the novelist's voice got lower and lower with each word.

The guitarist froze, "Wait, are you fucking serious? You asking me for help? You, who did who-knows-what to my friend. I swear, you have balls, not tiny balls, huge fucking balls for asking me for a favor."

"Please Hiro, I don't know who else to ask, please, just come to my apartment and hear me out… I love him… I do…"

The coldest man on all Japan is crying and begging, at the same time. With every second that passed Hiro thought of that impending stroke that was looking rather close now, "I don't know why I'm actually doing this, but fine, when?"

"Today, now if you want to." The man sounded desperate.

"See you in thirty minutes." Hiro ended the call, and flopped in his couch, "Man, is going to be a long fucked-up day."

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A/N: So how was it? You know the drill, reviews are greatly appreciated. See you in chapter 8. Before I forget - I'm not been mean to Hiro, Shuichi is angry and you'll find out later on why.

Buh-bye