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.
Sorry for not updating as fast as I usually do. I have been busy with college and I have been distracted with reading Harry Potter Fanfics, so I am sorry for the disorder.
The one I asked to beta my story stopped so I would like to apologize for any mistakes. I know my tenses are all over the place. I am sorry and hope you can deal with 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 9: Closure Realization
Weeks pass by before Alex gets a chance to talk to Hiro in private. Alex convinces Hiro to go to WacDonald's.
"Hey Hiro, I know we haven't talked since our first practice. I am sorry for just walking out. I wasn't feeling too good after you brought up questions about my past. You need to understand that it wasn't your fault. You were curious. I just get a bit irritated and depressed when I remember my past."
"I am the one who should be apologizing. I brought you unhappiness. When I noticed your resemblance to Shuichi, I just felt like stating it. I didn't think it would offend you. After you wouldn't speak to me after that, I did some serious thinking. You are you and not Shuichi. I just miss him a lot. I apologize if I offended you or brought back any bad memories."
"It is fine. I understand and I spoke to Yuki and I think it would be best to help you move on. I may not know you very well, I do understand losing someone important. When we met, I told you that my parents were dead. I loved them even if they weren't always there for me. They were still my parents. To discover I lived while my parents died, hurt me. It took spending time with the Sanders and starting 'Illusionary Escape' to help me move on. The band members are my family and the Sanders have been the parents I could never have. Move on, Hiro! I know that Shuichi would not want you lingering in the past. You said so yourself. The band was the dream you both have. Don't let his death damper his memories and your perspective of life."
"You really are an amazing person. I don't know how to feel but I agree. I need to stop looking back. I promised Shuichi and myself I would move on and look at me now. I have done just the opposite."
Hiro holds his face in his hands and a few tears fall. He reminisces about the life he had with Shuichi. He remembers meeting at school and starting the band. Shuichi was always happy and made sure to always be happy even when he wasn't.
"You are right about Shuichi. I was so blinded by his death; I forgot my promise to live life to the fullest. Shuichi just meant so much to me. He was my best friend and the constant light spot of my life. I just wish that things were different."
"Death is the rebirth of a new soul and a new life. Basically, don't make death a bad thing. It is the chance to life without the pain of life. The only ones that suffer are those that continue living. Shuichi as a happy person who can now continue in a world filled with peace. He is probably watching over you now and the band. I doubt he would leave you forever. As long as you remember him, he will forever live."
Alex smiles and Hiro returns the smile. They decide to order some food and talk more about the now and the future of music. Hiro accepts that Alex is a great guy to have around and glad that he met him. Alex helps overcome the dark moment of his life and lifts it back to the light.
On the way out after their meal they bumped into Ryuichi Sakuma. Ryuichi shows his semi-serious and semi-hyper side, but Alex can see the slight sadness in his eyes.
"Good evening, Mr. Sakuma. I hope you are having a good day. How are you?"
"Good, Mr. Grant. I see you have just eaten with Hiro. Good day to you both as well."
"Is it possible to talk to you in private sometime in the future when you are not busy? I feel like I need to talk to you."
"May I ask what about? I don't mind but I am curious."
"Well, I know that you were close to Shuichi. I am not trying to pry but I think I might be the best person to help."
Ryuichi looks into Alex's eyes to find any lies or deceptions. He smiles seeing only truth, worry, care but also pain, sadness, and love.
"Normally I would have said no, but I think you are right. You might be the best person to talk to. You look semi-like Shu, but you understand losing a loved one. We can meet the same time next week after our rehearsal. I will take you to the practice room I spent a lot of time in when Shu was around."
Ryuichi has a sad smile and shakes Alex's hand. They agree and continue on with their day. Only when they were a few feet away did Alex turn around to see Ryuichi sitting by the window eating and watching him.
Later that night
Sitting on the couch, Alex starts to think about the last few weeks. He never expected to return to Japan three years ago and now he is back and trying to help his former friends get over his old self. Shuichi is dead and Alex was born. No one will change that. He is finally being himself without fully hiding. He has friends and family who care and understand him better than when he was Shuichi. Alex has a band who knows the truth, a boyfriend who isn't afraid to care, and a successful career.
While deep in thought, Braden sits beside and pulls Alex closer. Alex feels the pull and looks up to see the lime green eyes than mesmerize every time. He smiles and sniggles closer.
"Are you ok, Alex? You seem distracted."
"Just thinking about what I am doing here. Japan brings back memories but after talking to Yuki and Hiro, I think I am discovering why fate brought me back to the place of my shadow. I need to have closure and help the friends I used to have. They need help moving on. I am the closest they can get to Shuichi and I understand pain. It's too bad; they don't know that Shuichi understood pain too. I am glad I came back. While being here bring back my nightmares, it also brings back a chance to make happy memories. Can we go out sometime this week? Just us… I want to make those memories with you."
"You don't have to ask to go out with me. I love you and would love to go out anytime. I am glad you are finally having the closure you need. The guys and I will always be there for you. We are there for other. Never forget that we are more than just friends, we are a family."
Alex kisses Braden and climbs to sit on his lab to have a better angle. They continue their activities throughout the night. The rest the band just shakes their head. They are happy that being in Japan is not harming Alex. Over the weeks, they were slowing noticing that Alex would have mood swings but a lot of it was just his way of healing. They either have some fun themselves or put on earmuffs to sleep.
AN: Alex, Yuki, and Hiro are finally on the road to closure and healing. How will the talk with Ryuichi go? How will the date with Braden go? What is the rest of 'Illusionary Escape' doing? Will fate finally give everyone a happy ending? What will Yuki and Hiro do after their talk with Alex? Who will Alex talk to after Ryuichi? Till next time…
P.S.: I wanted to thank the following people for taking the time to read and comment, since my last chapter. Even if it was just critique my writing or say how much you love my story. I appreciate the support from my story followers/favorites as well. I also want to say thank you for those who have been reading my story even when I was on a bit of a hiatus.
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