AN: This is my first Fanfic so hope you enjoy. I forgot to mention that this is not beta-ed so if there are any problems please tell me.

Gravitation and its characters are not mine but belong to Maki Murakami. . KL Records, Illusionary Escape, Denzel, and Daniel are mine.

Summary: Shuichi finally reaches his breaking point and leaves the country to start anew. He gets a new name, new band, and changes everything about himself. When he finally returns to Japan with his new friends, will he return to his old life or keep his new one?

Normal

Dream

Ch 4: Japan-Bound

Back in America

Everyone in Illusionary Escape gathered in the living room. Jacob and Leo sad on the couch, Valentino sat on the recliner, and Braden sat on the floor leaning against the wall by the window. Alex stood in front of the flat screen television facing his band.

"Now that everyone is here, I have an announcement to make. Denzel called me earlier for our opinion on going to Japan to widen our musical influence."(Alex)

"That sounds like a great idea, but do you want to go?"(Leo)

"Leo is right. You would be going back to the county you swore to never go back to. There is a chance you will meet the people you left behind."(Valentino)

"I need to face my past. I am done running. Besides, you will all be there to help me anyways. I doubt anyone would recognize me and even if they did, it would be too much for them. Shuichi Shindo died in an accident 3 years ago. I am Alex Grant, leader and singer of Illusionary Escape. We are America's top band and together we are undefeatable."

"I still don't like the idea but if you are sure, we have your back."(Jacob)

Braden gets up and walks to his lover to hug him.

"You know I will always be here for you. I love you and Jacob is right about us having you back."

Braden pulls Alex closer to his chest and pets his hair. After few seconds kisses his forehead and stares into each other's eyes. Alex looks up and kisses his lovers lips. He smiles.

The Flight

Alex seemed a bit fidgety since he got on the plane and sat down. Braden never left his side to try to comfort him. Luckily they are on a private plane so no one would see such a vulnerable scene. Alex held onto Braden and fell asleep.

When he wakes up, the band is all sleeping except Braden. He looked up and notice that his lover had been watching him sleep. He blushed and cuddled as close as he could. Braden starts to whisper to him to make sure he would be alright from now on.

"How was your nap?

"Good, but I had that nightmare again. I haven't had it in years. "

"Alex, you said you were fine and the moment you saw the pain you had a panic attack. Tell what is wrong?"

"I love you Braden but I am just scared what would happen if I saw Yuki again. He was the last person I saw before leaving."

"Like I said before, I will stay by your side every chance I get. I wil not leave you alone to face your demons alone. You are mine and I am not letting any of your ex-friends or ex-lovers taking you from me and the guys. We are all here for you. Don't face the darkness alone. Let us shine a light for you path."\

"You know you can be so sweet, romantic and poetic at times."

"Aren't I always? Now go to bed, I have a feeling since you are the leader that you will have a few loose ends to tie."

Arriving in Japan

The first thing the band does is arrive in there temporary condo to unpack and refresh themselves. After everyone gets a few moments to relax, Denzel calls the group into the living room.

"I hope you have all gotten some time to relax and refresh from our flight. We will be having a concert in two weeks. Before that I need Alex to come with me to NG recording company determine which band will open and close for us. The rest of you do what you want for the rest of the day, just don't cause problems."

"I will go with Alex. I am not letting him go alone. I don't care if you are there too. He needs me."

"Braden, you can go. I understand your concern. Is there anyone else who would like to go?

"The rest of us will stay and rest. Braden can handle it better than any of us can. Just make sure nothing bad happens."

The trio leaves to go to the NG recording building. On the ride there, Denzel talks to the couple.

"Alex, I am glad you accepted the chance to expand your music. I know this isn't easy for you. Mr. Phillips has also gave me his word that the president of NG will do what he can to accommodate us. Mr. Seguchi doesn't know, so don't worry about that bit of detail though."

"Who are the ones that are in the running to be our opening and closing bands? I trust you, so don't worry so much about me. I came here ready to fight and stop running."

"Very well, my files say the bands are Bad Luck and Nittle Grasper."

Alex smirks at the sound of the bands. Braden notices Alex's mischievous gleam in his eye.

"Alex, my love, what are you thinking?"

"I remembered the members of the bands from when I was here. It's just nostalgia!"

"Are you sure you are ok?"(Denzel)

"Both of you, I am fine. I feel a bit sad that I will have to see some of my old friends but I am also excited to see how they have been. I know that what the media reports is not always true or the whole story."

Braden shakes his head and holds Alex's hand tightly. The ride seemed longer than it actually was.

AN: What will happen when Alex, aka Shuichi, meets his old band and friends? Will any of them figure out who Alex really is? What will Braden do if Alex becomes too uncomfortable? Where is Yuki? Till next time…

Two chapter in one night... this is the first...