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.
I apologize for not updating in a year. I will try to finish this story as soon as I can. Hope you still like it!
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. The song that Ryuichi sang is one of my original songs called 'It Hurts'.
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?
Ch 12: The Final Talk
The next morning, Alex wakes up to Braden kissing him. He hums kissing back smiling.
"May I ask why you are kissing me when I was sleeping, no matter how enjoyable it is?"
Alex raises his eyebrow at him amused and hugging him. Braden answers with a kiss on his nose.
"Alex, before coming here you still closed off a part of yourself and had nightmares even if they weren't the main one. After being here, I can see a brighter smile on you. I am glad we accepted this trip. Maybe, the rest of the band can try to overcome their personal past. If you can do it, we can too!"
Alex smiles knowing that what was being said was right. Since coming back to Japan, he has slowly felt the weight on his heart getting lighter. Alex hugs him and nods.
"You are right and we are almost done. Maybe, we can come back on our own for a small vacation too. Japan won't be a pain to see again. This is still home to a part of me and I can finally accept it again. I do need to talk to one more person though."
Alex kisses Braden and gets up to prepare for his final talk. He puts on a black shirt with a silver dragon holding a heart and dark blue jeans. The band rides together to NG recording company. The band talks about their plans to visit each of their places of pain together and new music ideas. They watch Alex smiling and know that it is time to face their own demons.
They arrive and go their separate ways. Braden walks Alex to the office while the rest goes to a practice room to prepare for their last few concerts and wait for their leader and best friend. Alex kisses Braden when they arrive at the office door. Braden wishes him luck and love then walks to join the rest of the band.
Alex knocks and waits to be let in. When he walks in, Tohma Seguchi was standing and staring out his window with his back to him. Alex just watches and waits until Tohma speaks.
"You have brought peace to the hearts of many Shuichi held dear. How do you plan to do the same with me?"
Alex watches how tense he stands and sighs.
"All I want to do is help bring an understanding that I feel that Shuichi Shindo would want you each to have. He cared and loved each of you, but you hold onto him to tightly and it isn't healthy. I doubt his personality would want his friends to hold his death so close and almost forget to live. I can't give much advice to you. All I can do is be a new perspective on what you are doing to his memory."
Alex watches as Tohma slowly turns to face him with a sad smile. He gestures for Alex to sit before sitting down.
"He was a reminder of my one of my best friends as well as the healing spirit in the relationship of people I care for. I didn't really become his friend until last year before he died. I finally saw Shuichi as a great friend outside his music and boyfriend. I saw his hyper, kind, and creative soul in better clarity. When he died, I lost the warmth he gave me. I had finally gotten a chance to feel it and it was gone. I had to focus on helping Yuki cope, help the band move forward, tell the fans the news, and help plan the memorial. After it all, I just felt numb. I don't think I had the chance to grieve. I forgot and hid it over time, but seeing and hearing what you were doing brought back the pain. It reminded me of Shuichi and how he would try to help everyone. I know you don't like being compared to him, but I saw glimpses of his love and warmth through you."
Alex listens and watches the leader of a company and accomplished musician break down and cry. His inner Shu watches as his friend lets go of his mask of indifference and professionalism to finally let go of the pain. He knows that getting up to physically touch him would be meaningless and break the moment. Alex just watches and lets the moment pass before speaking.
"From what I know, you were his key to share himself with the world. You gave the fans the chance to hear him. You gave people the strength to move on and remember. It is time for you to do the same. You can still remember and have him in your heart, but you need to find the balance. Express your feelings in a song if you must but understand that you don't have to be strong all the time. I doubt he would want that for you or anyone he knows."
Tohma looks up after wiping his tears and give Alex a small smile.
"Thank you! You have done a great deed for coming here whether that means something to you or not. I don't show many people this side of me but being with you gave me a sense that I was talking to Shuichi. So thank you. I wish you the best for your last week here. Hopefully we can work together again!"
Tohma gets up to shake his hand and Alex gets up to return it. Alex leaves the office knowing that his goal for the trip is done. He walks to the practice room seeing his family-in all but blood-and band practicing. He smiles feeling a peace within himself.
After the practice, he tells the group that he may or may not tell people about his original identity. The group just looks at each other and supports Alex no matter what. He is Shuichi and Alex never one over the other. Alex nods and awaits his finals day of his visit.
AN: Alex has finally spoken to everyone he felt needed it. Now it is time to prepare to leave. Will he tell the truth about his past? Will he let the past stay in the past? How will life be after he leaves Japan? Will he ever return? 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.
Account Reviewers: im ur misconception, Kurokage daisuke, and Casseia
Story Favez: 178, animelover927, Kurokage daisuki, kisuka1985, and Casseia
Story Followers: zephy rose, 178, AKindofMagic93, animelover927, kisuka1985, Sittylovestar1, and Casseia