Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Break Through ❯ Far East of Eden ( Chapter 16 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Sorry for the delay. Yes, you guessed it right... more drama *rolls eyes* Tohma and Hiro's cover -did they even had any?- might be blown, and Mika got something up her sleeve.

... That's all I'm saying ^_~

Please review, even if is to tell me to get off my lazy butt.

Anime/Manga: Gravitation Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.20.2005 | Updated On: 06.21.2005 | Pages: 11 | Words: 14.3K | Visits: 836 | Status: Work In Progress

I apologize for the delay; the next chapter will be out a lot sooner. In fact is ready to be sent for proof reading, so… I'll leave it all in Jana's hands (good way to pass the “fault ball” out of my court ne?^^)

Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation, or any manga/anime mentioned within this story. Thanks to Jana for her beta efforts.

R- for adult situations and Yaoi goodness.

Chapter Fifteen: Far East of Eden

“Tohma!” Hiro called. The man turned, and the look on his face made Hiro stop in his tracks.

“May I help you?” The producer asked dryly, no expression on his boyish face whatsoever.

“Why are you so mad? Hiro asked concerned. True, he was jealous of Tohma's wife and shouldn't have come following after him like a little puppy… but that was just it, he cared that much for the man who had changed his life so completely.

“I am not mad, like I said; I have things to take care of. I would be rehearsing if I were you.” The dryness in the usually warm voice was killing Hiro. He should be the one upset, he should be the one feeling used, but no, here he was… begging.

“I thought you were mad about last night.” Hiro added. Tohma looked puzzled for a few seconds, and then shook his head.

“Hiro, how old do you think I am?” Of course Hiro didn't know, as well as he didn't know many other things. In fact, Hiro now realized, he didn't know anything about the man who could make his skin burn in a matter of seconds.

“I'm sorry I bothered you with my concern,” Hiro returned as dryly, and then turned to head back into the studio. Tohma's expression saddened as soon as Hiro's eyes looked away.

“It just gets me how attached I seem to be; how much I need you. I don't like to lose control, and lately, that's all I seem to be doing.” Tohma's tone was soft, almost back to normal. Hiro immediately turned and went to him, grabbed the back of his blonde head and gave him a quick, aggressive kiss.

“And how do you think I feel… I can't compete with that!” Hiro whispered against Tohma's lips. Tohma smiled so widely and beautifully, that it literally took Hiro's breath away.

“Is that it?” Tohma kissed Hiro this time, but tenderly, “You are jealous of my wife?” Tohma let out almost laughing as he put his arms around Hiro's neck, and kissed him deeply. They kissed for a full minute, before they realized they were in a very public place. Letting go of each other as if they had been caught red handed, they both looked about to see if there was anyone around. Tohma smiled. He was back to his normal self, and Hiro felt such a rush of desire… and something else.

“I won't take no for an answer tonight,” Tohma warned, pointing one slender finger at the long haired man.

“Yes boss,” Hiro saluted, and then bowed giving the blonde man a lopsided grin.

XXX

“I can't hear a thing,” Ryu complained. They were all hiding around the corner, witnessing the incredibly erotic scene with incredulous eyes.

“Oh my fucking God, I leave for a little while, and I miss all the juicy ones!” Noriko whined in a low voice.

Shuichi just stood there stupefied. Never in his wildest dreams, would he have thought Hiro was gay, and involved with Seguchi Tohma on top of that. Man… had he been so caught up in his own little collapsing world to see what was going on around him?

“I think he said… I won't take no for an answer tonight,” K-san said, straining himself to hear.

“Oh man… Tohma's getting some tonight!” Ryu rubbed his hands together as he made the comment.

“You don't sound surprised. Wait a minute… did you know Tohma is… you know rooting for the same team?” Noriko fisted a hand full of Ryuichi's hair in her hand, and turned his face to meet hers.

“Yeah… we did it once,” Ryuichi stated matter of fact, and all turned to him in unison.

If someone would have told Shuichi a year ago that he would be here, at NG studios, witnessing his best friend make out with Japan's music industry's most powerful man, and that he would be listening to Ryuichi Sakuma admit that he had been involved in a sexual relationship with the same man… Shuichi would have laughed.

“You and Tohma!?” Noriko almost yelled, catching herself before they were discovered.

“Yes!” K-san interrupted, “And I stood guard by the door, to make sure you didn't show up.”

“I can't fucking believe this!” Noriko threw her hands up in the air.

“Me neither…” Suguru let out in awe. Just what kind of person was his cousin really? If he had thought him cool before, now, he was above God.

“Did you really sleep with Seguchi-san Ryu-kun?” Shuichi could barely form the words

“We didn't sleep… we fucked,” the singer whispered in his ear seductively, then he turned to the rest smiling goofily, “It was a one time thing though, I won a bet so he had to put out, but he was way too easy to get into, so I know he must have done it before… lots of times… I wonder with whom?” The singer wondered, pensive.

“Eiri Yuki… or so the rumors say…” Suguru added feeling proud that he could add something to the conversation. Shuichi almost choked at the mention of that name… it can'tbe true, it just can'tbe.

“That makes sense. No wonder the day I met him he said he would fuck Tohma and let me watch,” Ryu smirked.

Shu turned to him sharply; this conversation was proving too much for Shuichi's heart to take. He felt ill, all the hatred he thought he developed for the mangaka the night before, evaporated and became hurt instead.

“Damn… Tohma the babe magnet, do you know I wet my pants every time I hear Yuki Eiri's name… I hate that bitch Mikka!” Noriko whispered envious. “So if you lost the bet, was he going to fuck you?” she asked Ryuichi, very interested. `That bet makes no sense to me.”

“No, he was going to take Kuma-chan and give it to Su-chan!” Suguru snapped his eyes to the singer. “Can you believe the nerve to even suggest something that cruel!” the older singer cried.

“Hiro's coming,” K-san snapped and they all scrambled back into the studio and pretended to be busy. Hiro came in with a smile from ear to ear; he went to his guitar, and without paying any mind to anyone, began to play the first few notes of the new song. Shuichi couldn't take his eyes off him. He realized now, how little he knew his friend. He had thought him the least likely person to understand what he was going though… and look at him! Not only was he in the same boat, but with the man he had sworn again and again he hated more than anything. Shuichi sighed and went to his place in the studio, followed by Ryuichi. Once there, he took another look at his friend, the friend he thought he knew, but did not. His view of Hiro was now changed… forever.

XXX

Yuki stood heaving in the middle of his room. Everything lay in disarray around him. In his blind rage he had destroyed everything in his path, except for the painting that hung majestically staring down at him from its place on the wall.

“Why can't I fucking get you out of my mind?” Yuki asked staring at Shuichi's image with contempt. He grabbed a lamp from the floor and threw it forcefully missing his target… on purpose. For some sick reason he could not bring himself to hurt him, even an inanimate form. Sitting on the bed, and sighing frustratingly, Yuki pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a deep drag from it.

“Hpmh…At least you didn't wait until I've fallen too deep.” The mangaka puffed at his cigarette a couple of more times and put it out, then went out of the room, daring one last glance at the fallen angel he had loved but a day before. Going into his studio, Yuki drew until his fingers felt numb. He had forgotten the feeling these past few months. He had been after the kid so obsessively that had neglected his only friends in the world. For the first time in months, the images flowed effortlessly onto the paper as if they were drawing themselves. By the end of the night, Yuki was the calmed and collected man he had once been. Before… him.

He came to the decision to devote himself to his manga once more, something he never should have stopped to begin with, Yuki realized a little too late. No little boys were worth the trouble, or to come between himself and his creations.

That morning Yuki Eiri walked into his office startling everyone—including a very worried Onizuka—with two months worth of Kenshin and Weiss, and also a brand new adventure, “Angel Sanctuary,” about angels and demons, and a young hybrid between the two who very much resembled a certain singer. And a nemesis, who was the spitting image of Yuki himself.

XXX

“Alright, from the top!” Shuichi yelled, pumped with adrenaline. They had been at it all day. Ryuichi seconded him loudly, and everyone else moaned and whined.

“Oi, let's take a break!” Hiro complained, rubbing the back of his neck. “Besides, I have to go potty.”

“Where… to the top floor?” Noriko asked flashing him a sarcastic grin. Hiro looked at her. He'd noticed the woman's teasing all day long, and it was getting on his nerves. He was two seconds from telling her off, the gig with Nittle Grasper be damned.

“I'm sure you know… there are bathrooms on this floor as well.” He replied as sarcastically.

“Yeah, but the ones upstairs are `prettier.'”

“Noriko-chan,” Ryuichi came to her, smiling goofily, “leave Hiro-kun alone”

“Yeah, why don't you pick on Su-chan?” Shuichi smirked, giving Suguru a mocking glance.

“Don't call me that!” Suguru snapped.

“Why does she have to pick on anyone?” Hiro asked confused.

“Because I am a woman... I have to pick on someone. It's an unwritten rule. Today you were the unlucky one, that's all… don't take it personal… so please don't tell the boss.” She batted her lashes and smiled innocently.

“Whatever…,” Hiro mumbled walking away. At that moment Tohma walked in, almost bumping into him. Seguchi smiled warmly, first at Hiro, then at the rest.

“All set for tomorrow's recording session?” He asked sounding somewhat exited -very strange coming from him.

“I think so,” Hiro replied.

“Good, so let's take a break. I have a lot of things to discuss with you all.”

“I'm starving,” Noriko whined, followed by me too's from everyone but Hiro. “I feel like eating steak... let's go to the Hard Rock Café!” She exclaimed hopeful they would all agree.

“Sounds good, we can discuss everything I have planned. We will be a very, very busy in the next few weeks. I have a full schedule for both our bands.” Tohma pulled his cell phone and called his driver, telling him to bring the limo to the front. Shuichi couldn't stop staring at the man... howcouldhe not tell? His every gesture showed, though they were not feminine, but there was something… elegant, yeah that was it, a little too elegant. Hiro on the other hand seemed so natural, like nothing had changed. Shuichi wondered yet again, how long had they been “involved.”

“Let's go.” Seguchi said and walked ahead. Everyone seemed to fall a step behind to allow Hiro to take the spot next to the blonde producer.

“Shu-kun, did you know?” Ryu whispered conspicuously, no elaboration needed.

“No…” Shu whispered back, noticing somewhat uncomfortably the closeness of the older singer.

“Tohma told me a while back that he had a “thing” for your friend,” Shuichi snapped his eyes to Ryuichi's, “but he also told me that Hiro-kun wasn't… you know, into guys,”

“How long ago was this?”

“When he called me to propose the greatest hits thing... I think.” Ryu answered pensive.

“I see… so that's why he gave us a chance?” Shu said, more to himself that to Ryu.

“He didn't say that, but he really does think you guys have talent… I think so too.” Ryuichi came even closer to Shuichi, giving him another uncomfortable shudder.

“Hey, what are you two shushing about?” Noriko demanded, coming between the two.

“Nothing you'd want to know.” Ryu replied sweetly, “only us boys care about this sort of thing.” Hiro turned to look back at them puzzled, and Suguru just shook his head, feeling very much left out.

“Tell me and I'll decide whether I care or not.”

“Fine, don't complain though. I said, `Noriko-chan put on some weight since last I saw her.'” Ryuichi mocked sweetly.

“You fucking fag!” Noriko shouted making everyone turn towards her. Ryuichi took this as an opportunity to make a run for it. She ran after him, pushing everyone out of her way. “You better pray I don't get you!” She screamed furious.

“You're so fat… you can't outrun me!” Ryuichi yelled back.

“You bastard… I hate YOU!”

“They never change…” Tohma shook his head, smiling warmly, remembering some of their “altercations” from long ago.

“Are you the only `normal' member of Nittle Grasper?” Hiro joked.

“I'd say the most `mature,' not normal.” Tohma winked, eliciting a warm smile from Hiro. Both Suguru and Shuichi rolled their eyes to one another.

As it turned out, Noriko was the only one in the mood for steak. Since Hiro didn't eat red meat, he suggested sushi, and to everyone's complaining Tohma ordered the driver to take them to Tokyo's most exclusive sushi house.

“Must be nice to screw with the boss,” Noriko whispered into Ryuichi's ear, who in turn did the same to Shuichi. The only ones left out were Suguru, and of course the individuals in question.

“What are you guys whispering about? I'm starting to feel bad,” Hiro said eyeing them suspiciously after a while.

“Wouldn't you like to know?” Suguru replied. He was two seconds away from blowing the whistle. The only reason why he didn't was the small fact that because of his comment they all found out; otherwise he would have a long time ago.

“Yes I would.” Hiro turned to him, as if the teen held all the answers.

“We were talking about you and Tohma-kun,” Ryuichi said with a devilish grin, before Suguru could make something up. Noriko hit him in the arm, and both Shuichi and Suguru covered their mouths in shock, “What? It's no fun if they don't know we know!” Ryuichi whined rubbing his arm, and again Noriko hit him, but much harder this time.

“Well, so much for secrecy.” Tohma let out annoyed, watching Hiro carefully, and wondering, how in the world they found out?

“Don't look at me! Su-chan told us.” Ryu defended his integrity.

“I did not!” Suguru shouted, looking at Tohma like a deer caught in headlights. Hiro's face underwent a drastic change of shades, until it settled back to his normally fair one.

“Alright! Who cares? Let's not talk about it, Ok?” Hiro snapped, avoiding Shuichi's eyes.

The rest of the drive was very awkward to say the least, but they managed to get there.

Once the car stopped, Hiro was the first one to jump out Tohma followed but not before turning a stern look at the remaining crew.

“I would hope this doesn't reach my wife.” He pointed a direct look at Suguru, then at Ryuichi, and then turned to follow Hiro without waiting for a reply.

“You guys are the worst!” Suguru begrudged and went out of the car as well. The others just looked at one another, shrugging and snickering. All but Shuichi seemed to be cool with it.

The conversation went from anything and everything, once past the “Hiro and Tohma being involved” awkwardness. The two bands were actually having a great time. The food was ordered, brought, and the casual talk deviated back to the collaboration and the next few weeks. Tohma wanted Bad Luck to go on tour as soon as possible; to have them fresh on everyone's minds. Also he didn't want to overlap Mikka Costa's tour with the band's. Of course Nittle Grasper would not be touring, just doing TV shows, radio and such, to which Bad Luck would perform as well. Tohma wanted to focus on the new material in the Greatest Hits album, rather than the old songs. “Shining Collection” would be the first single, followed by the other three new songs.

All in all, when Tohma said they would have a busy schedule… he was not joking. Shuichi, Suguru and Hiro listened to the man talk as if he were a prophet; while Ryuichi and Noriko were more focused on the food in front of them, no doubt accustomed to it all. Shuichi's blood flowed rapidly, pumping him with adrenaline; he was so ready for this. He'd waited all his life for it. And finally at long last, his dream would become a reality. Until now Bad Luck had been on trial, the real test was about to begin. After their album was released, they would be a bona fied, honest to goodness band.

“Any questions?” Tohma addressed them, once he finished going over his plans.

“I'm cool.” Noriko replied dismissively.

“Me too, you're the master Tohma-kun, I'd go to hell if you tell me to… and so would Hiro-kun.” Ryuichi added shifting his eyes to the guitar player, who only glanced and rolled his eyes. He figured early on that Ryuichi Sakuma said exactly what was on his mind, without any regards for protocol or feelings.

“Ryuichi… stop it.” Tohma warned sternly.

“I was just joking; you two are so uptight… I need Kumagoro, Shu let's go to your place to get him.” Shuichi, as much as he liked and admired the older singer, did not want to be alone with him, not after all the very noticeable advances he had pulled all day.

“You're not funny.” Noriko noted, stealing one of his sashimi.

“Tohma!” A female voice exclaimed and they all turned. Mika Seguchi, and Mikka Costa stood not ten paces away. A waiter was taking then to their table, and not far behind Tatsuha came to join them.

“Hey Shuichi!” He greeted as soon as he spotted him, and came to their table.

“We'll sit with them.” Mika stated. The waiter immediately bowed, and from out of nowhere other waiters came with chairs, menus and services for them. Tohma's face took a somber look to it, but didn't object. Hiro squeezed his thigh gently to reassure him that everything was fine. The producer smiled a bit at this, then turned to his wife.

“We were having a meeting,” Tohma said calmly, as soon as the staff was out of ear shot.

“Go on; don't let us disturb you… I'll just say one thing; I registered Tatsuha in school today.”

“Mika!” The teen hissed between his teeth embarrassed. He had cleverly positioned himself between Shuichi and Ryuichi; Tohma rolled his eyes but said nothing.

“We can finish tomorrow after the recording session; I assume you all tuned the song to perfection.” Tohma added turning away from his wife.

“What song?” Tatsuha interrupted.

“Our collaboration song.” Shuichi whispered as if he was doing something wrong.

“Oh my god, nobody told me this!” The monk exclaimed utterly offended.

“Noriko… how are you? I haven't seen you in years!” Mikka quickly changed subjects away from the monk's schooling, much to his relief. “How are your husband and baby?” She asked casually.

“They're fine, Saki is already five.” Noriko replied just as frivolously.

“Oh my god, how time flies, I remember when you were pregnant.”

“Yeah… me too,” Noriko rolled her eyes, and the three women laughed, “But you guys haven't aged a bit, Mikka. Last time I saw you was at your engagement party. My, you look even younger now… how do you do it, sleep in a bubble?” The older woman awed, and all the men were left to look at one another and hope they didn't go on and on with their frivolous conversation. “So when are you finally getting married?” Grasper's keyboardist asked in a little tone.

Shuichi tried to focus on his food, but he could feel Mikka Costa's piercing gaze burning a whole on him. He tried not to show his nervousness, but was not at all sure if he was succeeding.

“Soon, very soon,” The pop singer replied proudly, “On another note, Tohma we do have to talk, or have you forgotten that I am to release an album as well?” Mikka directed to the mogul.

“Of course not, I've already set up a meeting with your manager; I am sure they'll let you know.” Hiro on the other hand could not help but steal glances at Mrs. Seguchi; the woman was more stunning up close, and again, his jealousy and insecurities surfaced.

“So, can I come to the studio and see you guys in action?” Tatsuha interrupted again. He was near the point of melting just by sitting next to Ryuichi, whose leg he kept rubbing with his own by “accident”

“Absolutely not!” Mika snapped immediately.

“Why not?”

“You have school.”

“Not until Monday!” Tatsuha argued.

“We don't mind… ne Shu-kun?” Ryuichi added running one smooth hand over Shuichi's hair, as if to emphasize that he was speaking to him. Mikka's eyes opened wide for a second, and Tatsuha felt like smacking Shuichi, who was so mortified, he could just pass out.

Tohma stood startling everyone, “If you'll excuse us, we have work to do; in fact we were right about to leave before you came,” Both bands looked at one another and stood as well.

“You haven't even touched your food,” Mika noted, contesting the veracity of her husband's words.

“Can I come?” Tatsuha asked, standing as well.

“Not now,” Mika muttered, grabbing him by the jacket and pulling him back down.

Tohma Seguchi gave his spouse such a hard stare, that those who knew him well were shocked. “It's almost nine; don't tell me you are going back to work?” she added accusingly. Tohma continued to stare at her intently.

“Yes I am. I will call you later,” he finally said and began walking away.

“I wish I could believe you.” Tohma ignored her and went to the nearest waiter to take care of their check. The rest followed suit, bowing and uttering quick goodbyes to the one's remaining.

“Mika I want to go too!” Tatsuha whined, as he watched the man of his dreams walk away, rather too close to Shuichi.

“Not now I said!” Mika's tone was not her own, as she just watched Tohma walk away without giving her a second thought. Her heart constricted in her chest and she could feel the tears rise.

“Let him go,” Mikka interrupted, “So we can talk quietly.” Mika didn't respond, just stared in Tohma's direction. Tatsuha gave the singer a grateful bow, and ran after the departing group.

XXX

“What was that about?” Noriko pointed one slender digit at Tohma. “You didn't have to be such an ass… she's your wife for crying out loud! If that was me, I would have slapped you in front of everyone, or at least you would have worn my drink on your pretty head.” The woman accused her old friend as soon as they reached the limo.

“But that wasn't you was it, Noriko-can? So stay out of my business.” He warned sternly. Noriko held her hands up in surrender and bit her tongue.

“Hey wait up!” Tatsuha yelled as ran out of the restaurant. Tohma rolled his eyes, and the rest looked puzzled.

“Wow, who the hell is the kid?” Noriko ask as if annoyed, but in fact was giving Tatsuha a glance over, marveling at the uncanny resemblance to her secret love, Yuki Eiri.

“Shu's boyfriend…” Ryuichi joked, earning a stern look from the singer and a jealous one from Suguru.

“Mika's brother.” Tohma replied without turning. Tatsuha caught up to them, and before Tohma could object, claimed that Mika herself sent him away. The mogul went into the limo without acknowledging him, followed by Hiro, Noriko, Shuichi and Suguru.

“Shu told me you're not his boyfriend,” Ryuichi grabbed Tatsuha by the arm and whispered in his ear before he could go in the car. The monk visibly shuddered at the close contact -visible to Suguru at least- who sat in the car glaring at the two.

“He told you huh?” Tatsuha managed to reply, frozen by the look on the older singer's face.

“I'm glad…” Ryu whispered, loud enough for only Tatsuha to hear. “I hate competition,” he stated, his face dead serious- the way it only got when he sang.

“Are you guys coming or what?” Noriko shouted from inside the limo. The older singer flashed Tatsuha a smirk, and then put on his happy go lucky face for the rest to see, as he entered the car, leaving Tatsuha shaken to the core.

XXX

“What was that about?” Mikka asked watching the mortified look on her friend's face.

“I don't want to talk about it.” Mika responded browsing through the menu. Mikka pursed her lips, and then continued nonetheless.

“You let him treat you like that in front of those people?” The pop singer demanded. The Mika Seguchi she knew wouldn't have allowed that.

“What am I to do? And how is that any different from you and Eiri?”

“He wouldn't undermine me like that and you know it… Mika what's going on?” Mika turned form the menu to look into her friend's eyes. Mikka could see the tears forming in the older woman's eyes.

“I think Tohma is having an affair,” As the words were said, Mikka watched the tears fall from her friend's eyes.

“Is that it?” Mikka had assumed that since her friend had a stream of lovers, that they were in an open marriage. The two women had never talked about it, but judging by the mortified look on Mika's face, it was obvious that they did not.

“What do you mean `is that it'?”

“Sorry I didn't mean to offend you, I just thought, since you… well?” Mikka didn't know what to say without making it worse.

“It's ok; I know what you mean, and I know it is silly of me to feel this way, but I do.” The woman sighed, “You must think I am a self-centered, selfish woman.”

“No I don't; I just can't understand you guys sometimes.”

“Neither can I. I love Tohma, and you have no idea what I went through to get him to marry me. I might be self centered and selfish, but when it comes to Tohma, he is mine and mine alone.”

“Then, why do you have affairs with other men? Why don't you try to work things out with him?”

“I went through a lot to get him to marry me. He didn't love me. I knew it, and I didn't care. I am paying dearly for it now, but at times I thought that we were connecting, that we would be alright… but I guess…” A waiter came and took their order. The younger woman's sadness and frustration went away, and in its place was once again the fake façade she always displayed to others.

The woman could put up a tough front; Mikka thought as she watched her friend act as if nothing was amiss. She wished she could have that inner strength to deal with her own petty problems, to deal with Eiri and his disregard, but she was not that strong.

“It sounds as if you already gave up.” Mikka added as soon as they were alone again.

“What can I do? I don't want to lose him, but if I pressure him in any way he will leave me.” Mika whispered in a defeated voice.

“Isn't that better than to live everyday knowing he does not love you; to live with the fear that he can leave anytime?” Mikka thought about her own fears with Eiri, “Mika, I don't know you right now.” She said finally, looking the other way

“I just don't know what to do. You tell me Mikka; how would you deal with someone who does not love you and does not consider you worthy of his time?”

“Simple, I would leave.”

“Would you really?”

“Eiri and I are not the same as you two!” Mikka let out defensively.

“Then why are you getting upset.”

“When did this conversation become about me. Are you in such denial Mika?”

“I think the one in denial is not me. I know exactly how Tohma feels; I'm just not willing to let go, even though I probably should.”

“What is that supposed to mean… I'm not in denial!” Why was she getting so upset? Mikka suddenly wanted to leave; she had not talked to Eiri all day and she was starting to worry. He had been mad the night before, and his failure to call her, told her that the magical time they shared the day before was over.

“I wanted to ask you about that boy.” Mika changed the subject; she had no intention in discussing Tohma and her suspicions, with someone whose relationship was on the brinks of ending.

“What boy?”

“The boy on the TV show; the one kissing Tatsuha... Shuichi, isn't it?” Mikka shot her eyes to her Mika, shocked at first, but recovering quickly

“Oh, you saw it too.” Mikka remarked absently, waiving a hand.

“Yes I saw a replay on `Star Access'” Mika said calmly, getting the desired expression from her friend.

“Star Access?!” Mikka repeated shocked. That the whole incident had been weird was a fact, but from there to become a worthy of a comment in the highest rated celebrity gossip show was whole different matter.

“I've never seen Eiri act like that before. He seemed almost…happy when he hugged that boy. No wonder he was so mad when he saw him with Tatsuha.”

“Is this why you called me today?” Mikka asked resentful.

“Doesn't it worry you?” Mika drank some of her wine, observing the younger woman's expression closely.

“Why would I be? He's a little boy, and c'mon, are you implying that Eiri is interested in men?” Mikka gave a short laugh, but in reality was feeling less than confident. She knew the whole thing would be in everyone's mouth for a while, but that didn't bother her as much as the thought that Mika might be right… Eiri might in fact be interested in Shuichi Shindou.

“Just be careful, that's all I'm saying.” Mika advised.

“You know, I have no time for this.” The pop singer stood, “I'm going to see if Eiri is alright…I will see you later.” Mikka said tightly.

“Do you even know where he is?” The oldest Uesugi asked, no sarcasm or reproach in her voice, just merely stating a fact they both knew. Mikka set her eyes on her for a minute, sighed, and then left more disturbed than she cared to admit.

Mika watched her friend go with a worried expression on her face. She was seeing herself in her friend. She wondered if she should tell Mikka about Eiri and Tohma's old romance, but then decided against it. The young singer would most likely not understand; besides Mika was not ready for Tohma to know of her knowledge on the matter. That little ace, she would keep up her sleeve for now. Sighing, she pulled out her phone and dialed.

“Where is he?” She said simply.

“At the studio.” A male voice replied.

“Good, keep me informed.”

“Should I call you once he leaves?”

“Only if he goes somewhere out of the ordinary.” And with that Mika hung up the phone. Hiring a detective was low on her part. But she was determined to find out what Tohma was up to, whether her feelings would be destroyed or not.

XXX

A/N: I was told by a reviewer that Far East of Eden is not a Gravitation song. Let my clarify this by saying “Shindou Shuichi: Vocal Collection” Oh yes, there are a lot of unknown songs in that one-- my personal favorite is “Blade”-- Not heard in Gravitation, nor the OVA, but I guess inspired by it… like Predilection… good enough for me.^^

On another note, what is that Mika up to? Don't tell me Hiro and Tohma will be caught! NOOOOOOOOO!!!

Next Stop: Sweet, Sweet Samba. More Hiro and Tohma goodness (this time there will be `goodness' if you know what I mean^^) Enjoy it while it last, because I will be wrapping up their story soon… to give way to the “real” point of the story YUKI AND SHUICHI MAKING UP ALREADY!!!