Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Break Through ❯ Predilection ( Chapter 3 )

*Bochan: Someone of utmost respect, usually used to refer to someone younger, like a prince or something like that.

Many thanks to Ember, for her insightful beta efforts
Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation or any of the manga/anime within this story.
NC-17 for language, adult themes and sexual situations in very near future chapters^^

Chapter Two: Predilection

"Why are you doing this to me, Eiri-kun?"

Shuichi reached out under his mattress and took the framed photograph from long ago, his most valuable possession, as the tears still streamed down his face and asked his love.

"Why? You're not like this, you're not like all those other men." He looked at the frozen image of the man of his dreams, the one he wanted more than anything to reach. And then the same heat that took over his body every time he thought about the blond God --- who gave him something that no one else had, who acknowledged him when he was nothing but a stupid kid --- coursed through him.

The tears wouldn't' stop, as he looked at the picture of the only person ever to cause these sensations in him.

"Why?" Shuichi whispered again, bringing the frame to his chest and clutching it tightly. All his most private fantasies came afloat. He lifted the photograph - and for the millionth time committing every detail to memory. Bringing his finger to his lips, he kissed them delicately, and brought them to the frozen lipsof the man he loved.

And so he did as he always found himself doing, no matter how sad or how hurt he felt. With tears still streaming down his face, His hand disappeared under the bed sheets and he began to stroke himself before his God.

Two years later:

"I can't believe you're actually buying a Mika Costa CD. I thought you hated her!" Hiro asked while he browsed through the racks. Mika Costa's latest album hit the streets and everyone was making a big deal about it. Shuichi began to say something, but was pushed against the rack by some obnoxious chick. The store was filled with fans, more than likely to get the very anticipated new Album. Shu pushed back whoever was unfortunate enough to be behind him and gave Hiro an annoyed look.

"I do hate her, but I need to understand what is it about her that drives everybody insane." Shu responded with the same annoyed expression, clinging to his copy tightly to keep it from the greedy hands of those crying because the album was sold out already.

"There is nothing to understand, she is Yuki-san's fiancée, and that alone is enough to sell records." Hiro returned matter-of-factly.

"No it isn't! I can understand the first album after she became his fiancée, but it's been two frigging years, people don't care as much as you think, Hiro." Shuichi protested.

"I'm not the one stressing about it." Shu just glared at his best friend.

"Anyways, there's other CD's I want to check out, and it's really crazy in here. I'll meet you out front." Shu said after a while, ignoring Hiro's comment and walking away. Hiro stared after his best friend, wondering for the thousandth time just what in the hell had gotten into him. He'd been obsessing over "the band" like a mad man for the last few months. To Hiro it didn't feel as if Shuichi was doing it for fun or for the love of the music anymore. It seemed as if he was trying to prove something to someone… but to whom? Hiro didn't know, but he hoped with all his heart that Shu would return being the hyperactive knucklehead that he loved so much. Hiro sighed shaking his head lightly and went to get the latest X-Japan CD. He'd been meaning to buy it for the longest, but never had the time or cash. He fought his way to the Heavy Metal section --- damn the store was really packed and there wasn't even an artist signing autographs or anything --- money must truly move mountains, Hiro thought, remembering what he told Shuichi before.

He walked past a group of giggling middle school girls and rolled his eyes, they probably cut class to buy Mika Costa's damn CD. He went right into his favorite part of the store - the not very visited, at the farthest corner of the place, heavy metal section. The best guitar research there was! He browsed through the rack mildly annoyed by those little girls and their incessant giggling and high-pitched comments. Hmph! little girls shouldn't be allowed in such a sacred establishment, Hiro thought, more annoyed than he ordinarily would have been. Damn! Shuichi was stressing him out as well. He decided just to grab what he was looking for, pay for the CD, and wait outside for Shuichi.

What the hell is the matter with him? For months he'd been acting as if his life depended on their gigs. Sure, he constantly had to write new songs and new arrangements for their weekend gigs at the club, but he used to love doing it more than anything. He always used to have a smile on his face, was always so enthusiastic. Now they didn't even hang out anymore, and he was always demanding more and more of him - as if they were "pro's" or something. Hiro stood in line contemplating all these things, staring at the picture on the sleek vinyl cover but not seeing it at all. Sure it was almost two years since they graduated from High School, sure Shuichi flanked out the college exam entrance "twice" but he never let that put him down before.

So immersed in his thoughts Hiro was, that he failed to notice a man carrying an array of stuff in his arms, approaching towards him, until it was too late. The man collided into him making Hiro lose his balance and fall flat on his ass; most of the things the man was carrying fell on him as well.

"I am terribly sorry…" a voice said infused with politeness, Hiro looked up to see a very young, very stylish dressed man, wearing sunglasses and a very cool hat. Who the hell dresses like that? Hiro thought eyeing the man.

"Nah… it's alright man, I wasn't paying attention." Hiro said instead accepting the hand offered to him and helping to pick up the fallen objects.

" I am very, very sorry, it seems I caused more trouble than I should have." The man said in an even more apologetic and polite tone. Hiro couldn't help to be annoyed, but if he was fair, he'd have to admit that the man's demeanor had nothing to do with it. Damn Shuichi! All that thinking was annoying him and it was beginning to show. Hiro turned to look in the direction of the man and to his dismay there lay his super expensive "Neo" style sunglasses, the ones he'd saved for weeks to buy, broken into a hundred pieces on the floor. Hiro frowned but said nothing; instead he looked back at the man with a forced smile on his face, what was the point of making a fuss, besides, it had probably been his own ass that broke them.

"I apologize…" The man began.

"Look," Hiro snapped, more annoyed that he should have been and immediately regretting it. "Its fine, it wasn't your fault, I'll live," he said, a bit more relaxed, picking up the pieces from the floor, trashing then in the nearest trashcan and flashing the man a smirk.

"Absolutely not! I will pay for those." The man pointed at the shades in the can. "I don't suppose you take credit cards?" he said with a warm smile that for some reason made Hiro blush. He pulled something from his jacket and handed it to Hiro. "Here, please come by my office and I'll be sure to compensate you properly for your troubles." Hiro took the business card hesitantly. The man looked way too young to have a job, let alone business cards, besides Hiro very much doubted that this boy would remember what happened in five minutes from now, or that he himself would even call.

"Will do." Hiro lied.

"Well, I must go. I am afraid I'm already late for an appointment. Sorry, I didn't get your name." The man began to walk away.

Hiro considered whether or not he should tell him his name. He shrugged. What did it matter? "Nakano Hiroshi."

"Well, Nakano-san. I hope to hear from you soon." And with a smile the man went on his way.

+++

"What took you so long? I got things to do you know." Shuichi blurted annoyingly and began to walk away without looking at Hiro.

"I had an accident of sorts… hey wait up!" Hiro hurried behind wondering why the hell was he putting up with Shuichi's moods. "What's wrong with you, why are you rushing?" Hiro came up to walk along side his friend.

"Nothing, what's wrong with me?" Shuichi repeated the question defensively.

"I don't know, you been acting weirder than usual." Hiro was already tired of playing this little game. Either Shuichi tell him what was bothering him, or he could count one guitar player -the only guitar player- out of the band.

Shuichi seemed to think for a bit, then blurted it out, "Yeah, well we're not sixteen anymore, we can't keep counting on the weekend gigs to get us by. We either take this seriously, or look for day jobs." So that was it - that was the reason Shuichi was acting crazy.

"Shuichi…" Hiro began.

"No Hiro, I want to make it. Music is my life! It's not a game. It never was - and I can't afford to hesitate anymore." Shuichi stopped to look at his best friend, "Its just that I'm really beginning to stink loser."

"Is this about Maiko?" Hiro asked looking into Shuichi's eyes.

He frowned a little, and then shook his head. "It's got nothing to do with her. I'm happy that she got accepted at the University of her dreams, I know she'll go places…" Hiro put his hand on Shuichi's shoulder to keep him from saying anymore; he knew exactly how his friend felt. He himself was there too. He'd flunked med school on purpose twice to be able to follow his dream, waiting for that big break, but there was so much time he could buy. His parents were already on the verge of kicking him out. Hell, they'd allowed him to stay a lot longer than Hiro thought they would.

"I know man… I know. Let's go to your place and make sweet music. This weekend those geezers at the club are in for a big show!" Hiro smirked, now that he knew what was on Shuichi's mind, he would do his best to follow. Shuichi smirked, giving him the thumbs up.

We're back, baby - we're back!

+++

"Where too *Bochan-sama?" The driver asked as his charge sited himself comfortably in the back seat, a small smile adorned his usually serious features.

"To the office. I have an appointment." The smile grew wider. "And I might get an important phone call."

"Met someone interesting Bochan-sama?" The driver asked, noticing with great happiness, the young man's change of mood. It had been so long since he'd last seen young Bochan smile like that.

"Hmm… very interesting."

+++

"Ok, from the top!" Shuichi turned on his synth - Hiro tuned his guitar and they let the music fill everything. It never ceased to make his blood boil with anticipation, no matter how large or how small the crowd. It was in his blood, and he would never give it up.

But, as was natural, Shuichi was growing tired of the basement, and the third rate club they've been plying for the past year and half without any hopes of getting scouted anytime soon. After all, what respectable agent would even dare to set foot into such a rat hole? He wanted more, much more than those couple of songs he played a week. He wanted to play the biggest auditoriums, even if it was only opening for the main event, he didn't care. He just wanted to be heard. They had talent, he knew they did, and he was getting tired of "paying their dues." Seeing other bands with a lot less to offer getting all the attention was taking its toll on his spirits. Still he never gave up, would never give up.

"OK!" shouted Hiro playing his intro. "Hold on man," he shouted rummaging his back pocket for his shades as Shuichi was getting ready to begin playing his part.

"Aw c'mon! I know they're expensive and cool and all, but you don't have to wear them all the time!" Shuichi complained, rolling his eyes.

"For effects man." Hiro frowned pursing his lips. "Damn I forgot."

"Hiro, your shades! What happened?" Shuichi asked, somehow knowing something was wrong.

"Nothing really, some bozo bumped into me at the record store and they broke when I fell on them."

"Sorry man, I know how much they meant to you, but I told you when you bought them, you should have listened to me and bought a new guitar instead."

"Yeah, whatever man, don't show so much understanding."

"Did the bozo apologize at least?"

"Yeah, he said he'd pay for them and he gave me a card to call him." Hiro said sarcastically, pulling the card he still kept and handing it to Shuichi. He took it and upon reading the name on it his eyes went as wide as they could go.

"Oh my God," Shuichi whispered in awe. Hiro snatched the card away and after reading it; the same awed expression was all he could manage.

+++

Tohma Seguchi: An only child from the union of an actress and musician. He grew up surrounded by stars and very public figures. He wanted no part of it, but unfortunately there was no telling his parents otherwise. From piano lessons, to singing, to English - Day in and day out Tohma would go through the motions wanting nothing more than to be able to live a normal life. He never complained and never voiced his wishes out loud; instead he obediently did whatever his parents submitted him to.

He was not allowed to attend regular school, lest he'd pick up bad habits. His tutors were all instructed to teach him only the basics in math, science, history and Japanese characters - the rest was nothing but arts. He was expected to follow and excel in either of his parents' professions, but if he could do both it would be perfect.

By age ten, Tohma was a pro in piano and violin - he spoke fluent English and was already taking acting lessons.

By age twelve, he had everything he could ever desire, except friends. He already had cars he couldn't drive and the best designer clothes, even though he had nowhere to wear them. He had everything except what he really wanted.

By age fourteen, he begged his parent to allow him to attend a regular High School. He even went as far as to lying to them for the very first time - telling them that in order to be admitted to the best drama school he was required to attend normal High School. Of course his parent never checked the veracity of this. They easily complied - too afraid Tohma might not be accepted in the school they had in mind for him. Tohma had no intention to ever set foot in any acting school, but of course he could not tell his parents this. He'd find a way out when the time came.

Attending High School was the best time of his life. Even if not very many people had the guts to approach him. Tohma didn't care. He was not invited to parties or to hang out with the rest of the popular kids, but it was still all too new, too amazing, he still felt like a bird out of his cage learning how to fly and enjoying every minute of it.

By age sixteen, on his senior year he came home one day to find ambulances and police cars everywhere. Dread took a hold of him, and as he approached his mother's room it became panic. He was not allowed in, but later was told that his mother had been having an affair and upon his father finding out, had killed her and killed himself right after.

…And so at age sixteen Tohma Seguchi became a orphan… an orphan with a vast fortune at his disposal, but not only that, Tohma finally became free.

He went to countless meetings with lawyers and other family members, he did not even know, to prove of his competence. After it was granted that even at his young age he could take full reigns of his life and family fortune, he fired all the maids and everyone employed by his late parents. Only keeping the man who had taken care of him since he was a child, and that in more ways than, one was like a father to him. He went to Tokyo University to study finances, economics and international business, and during his last semester he met three people who would change his life forever.

+++

"You're late." A deep voice said as soon as Tohma came into his office. He smiled warmly and bent to kiss the forehead of the most precious person in his life.

"Sorry Eiri-kun, I got into a little altercation." Tohma smiled and set a box of pastries in front of the blonde mangaka and ordered some tea.

"So, how did it go?" Yuki Eiri asked.

"Very well. How else would it go? I have no idea why you insist into sending me on these little excursions. You know Mika's popularity is not an issue." A secretary came in and served tea, promptly exiting as soon as she was done.

"Are you mad?" Eiri asked smirking.

"At you? Never, today of all days I am truly thankful to you." Tohma smiled warmly.

"And why is that?"

"I met a very interesting someone." Tohma leaned back in his chair and looked out the window, remembering the long black locks and easy going smirk of one Nakano Hiroshi.

"Oh? Is there any of those left in this world?" Eiri asked sarcastically, smirking at the pathetic expression on his best friend's face… his only friend.

"I know you've lost all hope in mankind Yuki-kun, but don't make fun of me. I love you too much to bear it." Tohma said, just as sarcastically.

"Anyhow, I want Mika out of my hair. She's suffocating me. Get her on tour as soon as you can." Eiri changed the subject.

"Why?" Tohma leaned over the desk and asked inches away from Eiri's lips.

"So that I can breathe." Eiri responded without flinching.

Tohma moved away and smiled warmly, he folded his hands under his chin and stared at the very complex man. "Why do you even keep her around Eiri?" He asked after a long pause.

"I don't know - it's convenient. Must you ask me this every single time?" Yuki sighed, rolling his eyes. " I can say the same to you."

"Fine, how long of a tour are we talking about?" Tohma asked, getting into business mode.

"As long as you can manage."

"Done, and Eiri-kun? Please do come and have dinner with us once in a while." Tohma asked smiling warmly again, " Mika misses you."

"How is my sister?" Eiri asked nonchalant.

"She's doing very well I suppose." Tohma responded cheerfully, as this was more of a formality than anything else.

"How do you keep her off your back?"

"I send incredibly handsome studs to keep her occupied and out of my bed, you should try it, it works like a charm."

"I wish I could… Mika is too dumb to cheat on me."

"Too in love you mean."

"Same difference."

+++

A/N: Well so Yuki and Tohma know each other... I wonder how? Anywho, I hope you guys weren't disappointed with the new character, I know some people were expecting someone else Again I appreciate all you comments, and keep'em coming. I love to hear your opinions.
Next Stop: "Rage Beat" Another character will be introduced, and a certain longhaired guitar player, will gain a very powerful fan

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Queen of Games: Thanks and here you go^^

Mel: Thanks you always are so nice to me^^ I didn't know you read Gravitation fics, Ember is betaing for me, she likes the story so far^^

Love101: Thanks, and I shall continue, in fact I have a few more chapters that I will be updating soon^^