Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Apogee ❯ Chapter XXVI ( Chapter 26 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Saanrio 
Anime/Manga: Gravitation Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 07.02.2008 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.1K | Visits: 268 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Gravitation Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance / Angst | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 07.02.2008 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.1K | Visits: 268 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: Gravitation is not owned by me, it is owned by Maki Murakami. I own nothing.
Shuichi woke to a spectacular view of Tokyo from his bedroom window and smiled. He got out of bed and pulled on a yukata he'd bought during a shopping trip the week before while he stayed at Hiro's and stepped out on the balcony. He loved the view out here, it was what had sold him on this apartment instead of a cheaper one on a lower floor. On a clear day, he thought he'd be able to see the bay from his balcony, and that was what he wanted -- a view of the ocean. He never planned to live in Los Angeles or anywhere other than Japan ever again, but he'd be more than willing to spend a couple of weeks in LA again recording, provided he got time to just watch the waves. He wasn't about to announce that, though. He was still unsure that K wouldn't try to pack him up and move him again.
He wandered back into his bedroom and through to the bathroom, his thoughts drifting from K to Hiro in what was beginning to seem a natural progression. He knew the two had been trying to protect him from all the tabloid press lately about his condition, among other things. He hadn't told either one that he'd started reading every tabloid he could get his hands on, usually picking them up in the checkout line at the grocery store. The checkers almost always made the connection between his pictures and him in person, even when he made some effort to disguise himself. He had given plenty of fans smiles and assurances that his health was fine while signing something for them. Shuichi tested the water in the shower before stripping down and stepping in, allowing the warmth to run down his back first before wetting his hair and reaching for his shampoo.
He had seen the story about Tohma and the starlet. At first, it had felt like someone had punched him in the gut, the ache had been so immediate and strong. Though it still hurt to think of Tohma with anyone else, he had to recognize certain facts. He and Yuki had gotten lucky when they had been 'outed' in the press. They only had fans to keep happy, and their fans had thought it was incredibly hot that they were in a relationship. Tohma, however, didn't have just fans, he had the heads of the music industry and investors to keep happy, he was sure. After all, there had to be someone other than Tohma behind NG. It only made sense that Tohma would date someone they would consider appropriate. Besides, he reminded himself for about the hundredth time since he'd seen the picture the previous day, Tohma didn't want him. He'd made that infinitely clear.
Shuichi turned and thrust his face under the spray, telling himself firmly that the achy feeling in his eyes was from shampoo that got in them while he was rinsing his hair. He tried to deny it, but he still found himself crying at times, late at night, when he was trying to go to sleep, Tohma's words repeating in his head, telling him he'd meant nothing. He'd learned his lesson, Shuichi wanted to believe. He would just stay away from anyone who wanted more than friendship from him. He obviously wasn't cut out for a relationship that worked. If anyone needed proof, he could point out his wonderful track record of picking guys to fall for. He'd chosen a mean, closed off author of romance novels who was incapable of expressing such things in real life for his first love. Then he'd chosen his manipulative boss who was also his first lover's brother-in-law -- and who apparently hated him -- for his second. Yes, he thought, he was most certainly better off alone. With his luck, his next choice would be some sort of psychopath.
He shut off the water and half-heartedly swiped at the drops on his chest and shoulders before wrapping one towel around his waist and throwing another over his dripping hair. He walked out of the bathroom and into the walk-in closet, his hands rubbing at his hair through the towel. K had told them a few days before that they had been asked to perform at the Nippon Music Awards, and they had access to the concert hall the awards were being held in for three hours today to get used to it and decide what they were going to play. K had suggested something from the last album, and though he hadn't said it, Shuichi just knew he wanted them to play Fate. Though he knew Shuichi's dislike of the song since returning to Japan from the States, there was no denying that it was one of the most popular songs Bad Luck had ever produced. It had even been nominated for Best Song of the Year at the awards, but Shuichi could only be reminded of the one he had written it for, and those thoughts inevitably brought sadness with them.
He grabbed a pair of dark jeans and a random t-shirt he had picked up somewhere, not caring what was on it except that it was comfortable. He went back to the bathroom and brushed his teeth and ran a quick brush through his hair, then walked downstairs. He grabbed his bag from the music room he'd created in the second bedroom and was on his way out the door when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw K's number on the display.
"I'm on my way out, K, I promise. I'm just waiting for the elevator."
"You are? I was sure I'd have to come wake you up! I'll be waiting. You have two minutes."
K's maniacal laughter rang in his head as he hung up and started bouncing on the balls of his feet, watching the elevator's progress on the lighted bar above the doors. He fidgeted for a few seconds, but knew there was no way it would get all the way up from the tenth floor to the thirty-fifth and back down to the lobby in time. The last thing he wanted was K waving one of his guns around and acting like a maniac in the lobby of his new home, so he bolted for the stairs behind the elevators, taking them at a breakneck speed and praying all the way down that he'd make it in one piece, or at least on time.
He burst out of the door to the lobby and spotted his manager reaching into his suit jacket. God, no! Shuichi liked his new home! He started running across the lobby, screaming to get K's attention.
K looked over in puzzlement at Shuichi's yelling and running. As Shuichi came to a sliding stop in front of him and gasped out a plea not to start waving any guns, K laughed again.
"Shuichi, do you think I'm stupid?"
Shuichi looked up at K, stunned as he drew his hand back from inside his jacket and showed the lighter and pack of cigarettes in his hand. Of course, K wouldn't do that to him, he'd only been joking. Shuichi sank to the floor, trying to get his breath back.
"Hmm, looks like we need to get you back in the gym. You shouldn't be that winded from coming down the stairs."
Shuichi looked up in amazement. "What do you mean? I ran down from the thirty-fifth floor in less than two minutes. Of course I'm winded!"
"Hmm, two minutes and ten seconds, actually. You need to work on that. How are you going to outrun the fans in the deplorable shape you're in? Come on, you have rehearsal in an hour, then an interview after that. Then we'll take you to the gym and get you a trainer. You need serious work."
Shuichi sighed, knowing when to concede defeat after years of having K as his manager. He slowly got up from the ground, threw his pack back over his shoulder, and followed K out to the car.
_________-------------------===========--------------------_________
Their rehearsal session went well, as far as Shuichi was concerned. After skirting the issue and playing several other singles that they knew were favorites with the fans, Shuichi had given in and agreed to sing Fate. They'd gone over it a few times, adjusting things here and there for the acoustics of the room, to make the sound as close to the recording as possible in a live setting. By the time the rehearsal was done, the reporter set to interview him wanted to get started right away, obviously brimming with questions for him. He politely asked for thirty minutes to 'freshen up' before they started. Shuichi could tell she wasn't happy with that thought, but knew that her agreement likely had something to do with the fact that K was standing behind him and quite probably looking menacing in an entirely threatening way.
He and Hiro went to the catering truck that had been set up to serve the artists and stage crew during the rehearsals that day and got something for lunch, then sat in an out-of-the way dressing room to eat. Shuichi ate quietly, sending glances from under his bangs at Hiro, wondering how best to bring up the topic he wanted to discuss.
"Shuichi, stop shooting me looks, it's annoying. Do you have something to say to me?"
Shuichi looked up in surprise, then chuckled nervously, scratching idly with one hand at the back of his head. He should have known Hiro would catch him. Maybe he'd even expected it, somewhere in the back of his mind, he thought. Or, maybe he just really was that bad at being sneaky.
"You're not really all that bad, I just know you. Now stop wondering how I caught you and confess. What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Hiro the mind-reader strikes again, huh?" Shuichi laughed, pushing away his plate for the moment and crossing his hands on the counter they were eating at. "Hiro, look, I know you and K are trying to protect me and all, but-" He stopped, scrunching his eyes closed as he tried to think.
"But, what? Are you mad at me again? I really am just trying to do what I think is best, Shuichi." Hiro's head was bowed as he spoke, and Shuichi frowned. He knew Hiro's response was his own fault, but he never wanted to cause any hurt to Hiro, not really. He reached out a hand and placed it on Hiro's shoulder.
"Hey, Hiro. Look at me. I've been picking up the tabloids and reading them at the grocery store. I know what they've been saying, and I saw the picture of Tohma. It- It hurt, I won't say it didn't. But, I'm okay, really. He made it completely clear that he doesn't want me, and it only makes sense that he date somebody else, since everybody knows about his divorce now, anyway." Shuichi gave Hiro a small smile and a tilt of his head, trying to make him believe that he really was okay.
"You saw it all? Even when they were speculating that you had AIDS from an affair, and that was what broke up you and Yuki Eiri?"
Shuichi sighed. "Yeah, that one, too."
"So, you seem to be handling it all right. Are you going to tell K you know?"
Shuichi smiled, thinking of that morning and his death defying run down the stairs that made K decide he needed a personal trainer.
"Oh, K will find out. Trust me."
He glanced at the clock, then pulled his plate back over and started shoveling food in his mouth. His thirty minutes were almost up, and he had an interview to get to.
Shuichi woke to a spectacular view of Tokyo from his bedroom window and smiled. He got out of bed and pulled on a yukata he'd bought during a shopping trip the week before while he stayed at Hiro's and stepped out on the balcony. He loved the view out here, it was what had sold him on this apartment instead of a cheaper one on a lower floor. On a clear day, he thought he'd be able to see the bay from his balcony, and that was what he wanted -- a view of the ocean. He never planned to live in Los Angeles or anywhere other than Japan ever again, but he'd be more than willing to spend a couple of weeks in LA again recording, provided he got time to just watch the waves. He wasn't about to announce that, though. He was still unsure that K wouldn't try to pack him up and move him again.
He wandered back into his bedroom and through to the bathroom, his thoughts drifting from K to Hiro in what was beginning to seem a natural progression. He knew the two had been trying to protect him from all the tabloid press lately about his condition, among other things. He hadn't told either one that he'd started reading every tabloid he could get his hands on, usually picking them up in the checkout line at the grocery store. The checkers almost always made the connection between his pictures and him in person, even when he made some effort to disguise himself. He had given plenty of fans smiles and assurances that his health was fine while signing something for them. Shuichi tested the water in the shower before stripping down and stepping in, allowing the warmth to run down his back first before wetting his hair and reaching for his shampoo.
He had seen the story about Tohma and the starlet. At first, it had felt like someone had punched him in the gut, the ache had been so immediate and strong. Though it still hurt to think of Tohma with anyone else, he had to recognize certain facts. He and Yuki had gotten lucky when they had been 'outed' in the press. They only had fans to keep happy, and their fans had thought it was incredibly hot that they were in a relationship. Tohma, however, didn't have just fans, he had the heads of the music industry and investors to keep happy, he was sure. After all, there had to be someone other than Tohma behind NG. It only made sense that Tohma would date someone they would consider appropriate. Besides, he reminded himself for about the hundredth time since he'd seen the picture the previous day, Tohma didn't want him. He'd made that infinitely clear.
Shuichi turned and thrust his face under the spray, telling himself firmly that the achy feeling in his eyes was from shampoo that got in them while he was rinsing his hair. He tried to deny it, but he still found himself crying at times, late at night, when he was trying to go to sleep, Tohma's words repeating in his head, telling him he'd meant nothing. He'd learned his lesson, Shuichi wanted to believe. He would just stay away from anyone who wanted more than friendship from him. He obviously wasn't cut out for a relationship that worked. If anyone needed proof, he could point out his wonderful track record of picking guys to fall for. He'd chosen a mean, closed off author of romance novels who was incapable of expressing such things in real life for his first love. Then he'd chosen his manipulative boss who was also his first lover's brother-in-law -- and who apparently hated him -- for his second. Yes, he thought, he was most certainly better off alone. With his luck, his next choice would be some sort of psychopath.
He shut off the water and half-heartedly swiped at the drops on his chest and shoulders before wrapping one towel around his waist and throwing another over his dripping hair. He walked out of the bathroom and into the walk-in closet, his hands rubbing at his hair through the towel. K had told them a few days before that they had been asked to perform at the Nippon Music Awards, and they had access to the concert hall the awards were being held in for three hours today to get used to it and decide what they were going to play. K had suggested something from the last album, and though he hadn't said it, Shuichi just knew he wanted them to play Fate. Though he knew Shuichi's dislike of the song since returning to Japan from the States, there was no denying that it was one of the most popular songs Bad Luck had ever produced. It had even been nominated for Best Song of the Year at the awards, but Shuichi could only be reminded of the one he had written it for, and those thoughts inevitably brought sadness with them.
He grabbed a pair of dark jeans and a random t-shirt he had picked up somewhere, not caring what was on it except that it was comfortable. He went back to the bathroom and brushed his teeth and ran a quick brush through his hair, then walked downstairs. He grabbed his bag from the music room he'd created in the second bedroom and was on his way out the door when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw K's number on the display.
"I'm on my way out, K, I promise. I'm just waiting for the elevator."
"You are? I was sure I'd have to come wake you up! I'll be waiting. You have two minutes."
K's maniacal laughter rang in his head as he hung up and started bouncing on the balls of his feet, watching the elevator's progress on the lighted bar above the doors. He fidgeted for a few seconds, but knew there was no way it would get all the way up from the tenth floor to the thirty-fifth and back down to the lobby in time. The last thing he wanted was K waving one of his guns around and acting like a maniac in the lobby of his new home, so he bolted for the stairs behind the elevators, taking them at a breakneck speed and praying all the way down that he'd make it in one piece, or at least on time.
He burst out of the door to the lobby and spotted his manager reaching into his suit jacket. God, no! Shuichi liked his new home! He started running across the lobby, screaming to get K's attention.
K looked over in puzzlement at Shuichi's yelling and running. As Shuichi came to a sliding stop in front of him and gasped out a plea not to start waving any guns, K laughed again.
"Shuichi, do you think I'm stupid?"
Shuichi looked up at K, stunned as he drew his hand back from inside his jacket and showed the lighter and pack of cigarettes in his hand. Of course, K wouldn't do that to him, he'd only been joking. Shuichi sank to the floor, trying to get his breath back.
"Hmm, looks like we need to get you back in the gym. You shouldn't be that winded from coming down the stairs."
Shuichi looked up in amazement. "What do you mean? I ran down from the thirty-fifth floor in less than two minutes. Of course I'm winded!"
"Hmm, two minutes and ten seconds, actually. You need to work on that. How are you going to outrun the fans in the deplorable shape you're in? Come on, you have rehearsal in an hour, then an interview after that. Then we'll take you to the gym and get you a trainer. You need serious work."
Shuichi sighed, knowing when to concede defeat after years of having K as his manager. He slowly got up from the ground, threw his pack back over his shoulder, and followed K out to the car.
_________-------------------===========--------------------_________
Their rehearsal session went well, as far as Shuichi was concerned. After skirting the issue and playing several other singles that they knew were favorites with the fans, Shuichi had given in and agreed to sing Fate. They'd gone over it a few times, adjusting things here and there for the acoustics of the room, to make the sound as close to the recording as possible in a live setting. By the time the rehearsal was done, the reporter set to interview him wanted to get started right away, obviously brimming with questions for him. He politely asked for thirty minutes to 'freshen up' before they started. Shuichi could tell she wasn't happy with that thought, but knew that her agreement likely had something to do with the fact that K was standing behind him and quite probably looking menacing in an entirely threatening way.
He and Hiro went to the catering truck that had been set up to serve the artists and stage crew during the rehearsals that day and got something for lunch, then sat in an out-of-the way dressing room to eat. Shuichi ate quietly, sending glances from under his bangs at Hiro, wondering how best to bring up the topic he wanted to discuss.
"Shuichi, stop shooting me looks, it's annoying. Do you have something to say to me?"
Shuichi looked up in surprise, then chuckled nervously, scratching idly with one hand at the back of his head. He should have known Hiro would catch him. Maybe he'd even expected it, somewhere in the back of his mind, he thought. Or, maybe he just really was that bad at being sneaky.
"You're not really all that bad, I just know you. Now stop wondering how I caught you and confess. What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Hiro the mind-reader strikes again, huh?" Shuichi laughed, pushing away his plate for the moment and crossing his hands on the counter they were eating at. "Hiro, look, I know you and K are trying to protect me and all, but-" He stopped, scrunching his eyes closed as he tried to think.
"But, what? Are you mad at me again? I really am just trying to do what I think is best, Shuichi." Hiro's head was bowed as he spoke, and Shuichi frowned. He knew Hiro's response was his own fault, but he never wanted to cause any hurt to Hiro, not really. He reached out a hand and placed it on Hiro's shoulder.
"Hey, Hiro. Look at me. I've been picking up the tabloids and reading them at the grocery store. I know what they've been saying, and I saw the picture of Tohma. It- It hurt, I won't say it didn't. But, I'm okay, really. He made it completely clear that he doesn't want me, and it only makes sense that he date somebody else, since everybody knows about his divorce now, anyway." Shuichi gave Hiro a small smile and a tilt of his head, trying to make him believe that he really was okay.
"You saw it all? Even when they were speculating that you had AIDS from an affair, and that was what broke up you and Yuki Eiri?"
Shuichi sighed. "Yeah, that one, too."
"So, you seem to be handling it all right. Are you going to tell K you know?"
Shuichi smiled, thinking of that morning and his death defying run down the stairs that made K decide he needed a personal trainer.
"Oh, K will find out. Trust me."
He glanced at the clock, then pulled his plate back over and started shoveling food in his mouth. His thirty minutes were almost up, and he had an interview to get to.