A/N: Hey hey everyone! In this chapter and following into the next chap we see what happens on Shuichi's twentieth birthday. (The actual date has passed, but in fiction writing it doesn't matter).

Disclaimer: I don't own Gravitation

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Chap 3: "I'm twenty today"

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One week had passed since Shuichi brought up what his mind decided on calling "The name issue", and for the first time in his life, seeing this date on his calendar didn't make him ecstatic; April sixteenth, his birthday.

I'm twenty today...

For Eiri's birthday two months before Shuichi expressed that the age twenty four made him even more cool, while the man just shrugged and said "Another year passed, no big deal".

Today though, he just couldn't feel as happy as he wanted to be, because his relationship with Eiri had become like two strangers living under one roof. The older man was out more often, and longer than usual. When they were home at the same time, he was unsure what to say.

It was also the first time he successfully kept a secret from Hiro.

I'll make it up to him by having a huge party for his birthday...

Thinking of celebrating made him feel angry, and guilty.

Out of nowhere from behind, someone jumped onto him piggy-back style, "Happy birthday Shuichiiiiii!"

As the other singer eased himself off, now shining brightly in front of him, "Thanks Ryuichi", he accepted the gift forced into his hands- a small, bright pink stuffed animal- a kitten with big eyes.

Smiling, he looked at his own stuffed animal, "Oooh Shuichi you're doing it again!"

Perplexed, the twenty year old asked "Again?"

"You're pretending again na no dah! Don't lie to Kuma and Ryu!" Kumagoro responded.

Eyes downcast, "I'm sorry Sakum- Ryu, I'm not feeling well".

Blue eyes lighting up, Kumagoro began bouncing and declared "Kuma knows who can help, Touma Touma na no dah!"

Nodding, Ryuichi smiled to his pink companion, "Great idea Kuma-chan!"

Without the younger male's consent, Shuichi rushed them through the corridors to finally stop at a familiar office. Of course the bubbly man's "stop" was more like a skidding as he opened the door.

Focusing on the paperwork in his hands, Seguchi Tohma didn't look up, "Whatever it is will have to wait, I'm busy".

Tears shining in his eyes Ryu cried out "No Tohma! This is very important!"

Surprised, said man looked up "Ah Sakuma-san, Shindou-san, I didn't realize. Please have a seat".

Ryu "sat" on one of the cushioned chairs (jumped onto it, crouching), while Shuichi obeyed, sitting on the next chair.

Placing the papers down into a neat pile the CEO asked "Now, what happened?"

"Shuichi is sick Tohma. You're smart, you can fix it, right?"

Regarding the young man, "Is that so Shindou-san, you're ill?" He thoughtfully folded his hands in front of his face. "Perhaps you should speak with K-san about postponing your concert scheduled for later this week".

Ryu and Kuma nodded.

"No, no Seguchi-san it's nothing like that I..."

"Is this a matter concerning my brother-in-law?" he questioned.

– The blonde author's face flashed across Shuichi's mind, but he didn't respond.

"I see" his boss said, leaning back against his chair.

Waving his hands frantically, Shuichi assured "It- it's no problem really, he's alright, I'm alright, everything's alright Seguchi-san".

Astonished, Ryuichi turned to the young pop star, then back to his friend, "Tohma you're amazing! I knew you'd fix Shuichi-kun!"

Smiling, Tohma nodded as the two exited his office.

His demeanor transformed moments after they closed the door. Quickly the phone was in his hand, "...Yes, please cancel my next appointment".

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Tohma called his brother-in-law only to check if he was home, covering it up by suddenly saying "Oh I'm sorry, a client just walked in for our meeting, I'll talk to you later Eiri". Indeed later it was when the CEO reached his destination, and knocked.

Cigarette in hand Eiri opened the door, "Tohma" he said simply, then turned around as the older man closed the door behind him.

"Shindou-san isn't feeling well"

"What do you want me to do about it? I'm not his mother, besides he can take care of himself" he said, agitation evident in his tone.

"Mhm" was the only response given. "Well I just stopped by to check on your health, but whatever bug Shindou-san has doesn't appear to be contagious. I apologize for interrupting your work Eiri, and must return to mine".

Eiri started walking toward the kitchen, "Please don't wander far today, I'm going to send Shindou-san home to rest, and he does so enjoy your company".

Opening the door he looked back, "Oh and Eiri, as I have told you before, Mika-san and I are happy to offer help when- if you ever need it".

Putting his glasses back on, the author only nodded, and Tohma left.

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End of chap 3

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Hope you liked it, please review.