Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Break Through ❯ Blade ( Chapter 20 )

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Gravitation or any of the manga/ anime mentioned within this story.

For mature readers only.

 

Chapter Nineteen: Blade

 

 

“Do you know Yuki-sama?” Ryuichi asked innocently once they were in his car. Shuichi had fallen silent after seeing the reason for his angst talking so casually with Seguchi, and seemingly not caring that he was there glaring daggers—at least he hope he had—The bastard didn't even faze. It made the young singer so angry he could cry.

 

“You could say that.” Shu replied looking absently out the window.

 

“He doesn't seem to like you too much though.” Ryuichi added, sitting Kumagoro on Shuichi's lap.

 

“Yeah… he doesn't, but who cares? Is not like we're a couple of anything crazy like that. He doesn't like me because he thinks I'm perverting his little brother Tatsuha.” Shuichi half smiled.

 

“Oh really? Then he'd really hate me!” Ryu laughed, “Although I don't think Tatsu-kun can be any more perverted than he already is.” Shuichi had to smile at that one, “Anyway, you owe me a lot of dates.” Ryu added getting serious.

 

“About that; I wanted to ask you… I mean… you know… what do you feel about me, that is…”

 

“I like you,” Ryuichi blurted, replying the question before it was asked. Shuichi's eyes betrayed his shock, “I like you a lot, and I want to have sex with you… very badly.” The sincerity and straightforwardness of his idol left Shuichi speechless.

 

“Ryu-kun…” Shu barely managed to let out. “I don't think…”

 

“I don't worry about stuff like feelings and complicated relationships, I just want to feel good, and make people around me feel good.” The older singer added more serious than Shu has ever seen him.

 

“Ryu-kun…” Again, the younger man had no words. The philosophy was so simple, and yet, so… feasible.

 

“You don't have to say anything; I always get what I want, one way or the other.” Shuichi was taken aback by those words. He should feel flattered, but was not in the least. He was scared to let his once idol- now friend down. Scared of losing that friendship, scared of not being able to say no and disappointing him. Just as he did Yuki.

 

“Ryu-kun…”

 

“I told you not to say anything… I'm hungry, I want Sukiyaki!” All seriousness was gone from Ryuichi's face and his goofy self took over once again. If he ever said anything he acted as if he forgot “Sukiyaki, sukiyaki, sukiyaki!!” He chanted now, throwing Kuma-chan up and down.

 

“Ok, I won't say anything, but can I ask you something?” Shuichi asked coming out of his embarrassing shock.

 

“Sure, but if I don't like your question I won't answer.” Ryu smiled.

 

“If I told you that I already like someone else, and I can't be anything more than a friend to you, would you hate me?”

 

“I don't care if you like someone… I never take no for an answer. I'll get you when I want you bad enough.”

 

“But…”

 

“You said one question. You're talking too much Shu-kun, I want to sing! C'mon, sing with me…” Ryuichi chanted and began to sing the lyrics of Glaring Dream. Shu felt such a rush of happiness that his idol knew the lyrics of his tune, that he himself got carried away, and began singing with the older man forgetting all about his blonde God… at least for the time being.

 

+

 

At the restaurant they chose-- which of course had a Karaoke bar-- they ordered food for a battalion, and made the manager open the Karaoke section just for them, with the promise of autographed pictures giving props to the place.

 

They ate, drank and sang all the songs they loved. There was no more talk about feelings and relationships, just innocent fun. Shuichi felt so at easy with Ryuichi, so much that he was actually was beginning to contemplate getting involved with him.

 

“Well, well, well… what do we have here?” Tatsuha's voice halted the two in mid song. The younger man seemed to be everywhere as of late. Shuichi noted a bit annoyed. Ryuichi jumped from the stage and ran throwing himself into his arms.

 

“We saw your brother!” Ryuichi said happily, “He looks better and better every time I see him.” he gushed.

 

“Really?” Tatsuha arched a brow, “Hello Shu-kun, I hope I'm not interrupting anything,” the monk shifted his eyes to the younger man; Ryuichi let the monk go and sat at the table and began eating. Tatsuha sat down as well, not taking his eyes off Shuichi.

 

“Not at all, why would it bother me?” Shuichi replied, but in truth he was somewhat annoyed with the kid, and Ryuichi, who didn't look like the victim he claimed to be at all.

 

“So what's this about my brother looking good?” Tatsuha turned back to Ryuichi, disregarding Shuichi's answer.

 

“He does!” Ryu quipped and put Kumagoro on Tatsuha's head.

 

“He's a grouch, he looks older than he is, and he is socially impaired. Honestly, I don't see what people see in him.” Tatsuha laughed fixing Shuichi a knowing glare. He took the bunny from his head and made it dance on the table, “So, was he at NG?” the monk asked dismissively.

 

“Yeah,” Shuichi answered casually.

 

“What for?”

 

“I don't know; he left Seguchi-san.”

 

“Really? I though Tohma was going with your friend.” Shuichi was shocked that even Tatsuha knew, had he really been the last to know?

 

“Who told you?” Shu asked, and Tatsuha looked at Ryuichi, who busied himself with the sushi rolls.

 

“I got my ways to find things out.” The monk smirked.

 

“Ryu-kun did you tell him?” Shu directed sternly to the older man.

 

“It wasn't me… it was Kuma-chan!” Ryu took the bunny from Tatsuha and shook it, and reprimanded angrily. “Bad Kuma-chan!”

 

“Don't worry about your friend's integrity… who am I going to tell?” The teenager replied calmly stealing food from Ryuichi's plate.

 

“Your sister,” Shuichi said trying not to sound worried. He remembered the phone call from the night before. Hiro hadn't mentioned a word of what had happened, and he was dying to know.

 

“I hate her; I could care less if her man is cheating on her. Serves her right, if she can't do the job, somebody's got to do it.”

 

“That's such a mean thing to say, she your sister!” Shuichi spat disgustedly. Were all the Uesugi so cold?

 

“And my brother is engaged with Mikka, but if she would want me to take care of her… I so would.” Tatsuha continued nonchalantly.

 

“You're too much.” Shu murmured dismayed.

 

“Hey, to each its own”

 

“What are you doing here anyway?” Shu asked clearly annoyed now.

 

“I told you, you and I need to talk.” Tatsuha met the lavender eyes fearlessly.

 

“Do I have to leave?” Ryuichi wined.

 

“Of course not Ryu-kun, but you can go sing something for us.” Shuichi turned to the singer, warming his expression. Ryuichi smiled widely and setting Kumagoro on Shu's lap, he kissed the singer's cheek affectionately and ran to the stage faster than they could take another breath.

 

“What do you want me to sing?” He yelled from the stage.

 

“How about… Break Through?” Tatsuha suggested. Shuichi nodded profusely, he so wanted to hear his idol sing his favorite Grasper tune.

 

“Alright!” Ryu yelled looking for the song. Tatsuha had observed the whole display from before with poorly hidden jealousy, but decided to leave it alone for now. And to move on to the more important topics.

 

“So what's the deal with my brother?” He asked without preamble.

 

“What?” Shu shifted his eyes to him almost choking in his drink, “What are you talking about?” Tatsuha didn't repeat the question; instead he calmly turned his attention to Ryuichi who had started his song and was currently dancing around on the little stage. A pull to his loin reminding him of the night before almost made him forget the matter at hand, but that could wait, he needed to deal with the competition first.

 

“I'm not stupid. I know Eiri better than he thinks. I spent my whole childhood idolizing the bastard, before I realized he's not worth it. But that's of no importance. I think I can tell when two people have a thing for each other, call it a sixth sense if you will,” the teen monk returned his cold eyes to Shuichi, and the younger singer couldn't even meet the cold penetrating gaze he knew so well in a lighter color eyed version. He wondered mildly how similar Yuki and Tatsuha really were. Their likeness seemed to be much more than physical. Shuichi shook his head dropping the stupid thought. HE really should be wondering… how the hell did Tatsuha found out? And who else knew?

 

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Shu responded after a - little too long of a pause.

 

“Spare me.” Tatsuha spat,” I can help you get him you know. That is if you haven't already call for a pillow on his bed.” The monk added slyly.

 

“Tatsuha,” Shu was almost shaking from anger, but he managed to remain calm by some sort of miracle, “I truly wish for you to stop assuming shit. I have no clue where you got such an absurd idea, or what rumors are going around, but I warn you… stop!”

 

“Or what?”

 

“Or…” Shuichi had no idea how to deal with him. He was certainly smarter than most people he'd ever had to deal with, other than Hiro, but his best friend wasn't a bastard like these people. The Uesugi were in a entirely different league. No wonder Seguchi wanted out of his marriage. “Or I will begin a very `hot and sweaty' affair with Ryu.” Shuichi threatened out as a last resort. It was low he knew, but he didn't care. He was sick and tired to have to deal with these bastards. Tatsuha's face took such an angry countenance, that even Ryuichi stop singing.

 

“What's wrong Tatsu-kun?” Ryu asked, looking from Shuichi and Tatsuha concerned.

 

“Nothing, nothing at all.” Tatsuha replied smiling and going back to his normal self.

 

“Sorry, I didn't mean to say that. I just… you just got me angry that's all.” Shu looked down to his plate and picked at the food.

 

“Why would you get angry, I mean, if there's nothing going on with my brother, you shouldn't care what I say, ne?” Tatsuha looked at Ryuichi again, and nodded smiling reassuringly.

 

“I know this might sound weird, but I know you and Yuki-san don't get along, so I thought you wanted to use me to get him.

 

“Why would I want to do that? And why would I know to use you to get to him? I thought you said you didn't know what I'm talking about?” Tatsuha took Ryuichi's glass and drank from it. “You know, this conversation is proving very interesting Shu-kun.”

 

“You have a way to confuse people.” Shuichi let out tonelessly.

 

“I learned form the best.” Tatsuha reached out and took Kumagoro from Shuichi, “I want him,” he added softly pointing his chin to Ryu, and I will do whatever it takes to make him mine. And if that means to play match maker to my asshole of a brother, so be it.

 

“I don't…” Shu began.

 

“You might not know what you want. But I know he has a thing for you.”

 

“You lie! How would you even know that? You three don't even like each other.” Shuichi almost screamed, his anger getting the better of him. Just remembering Yuki's disregard, made his blood boil.

 

“I know and that's all there is to it. Do you want me to help you yes or no?”

 

“No! I don't have a thing for your brother. Don't worry though; I have no intention in taking Ryu-kun from you.”

 

“Suit yourself, don't say I didn't offer.” Tatsuha replied shrugging.

 

“Shuuuuu-kun! Ryuichi finished his song, and threw himself from the stage to fall on Shuichi's back. The older man hugged Shu tight from behind and blew on the back of his neck. Making the younger singer visibly shudder, and the monk blow steam from his ears. “We have to go back.” Ryu said lifting Shuichi's wrist to show him his own watch. Bad Luck's singer stood up, gently shaking Ryuichi off him.

 

“Right, we do. I'll talk to you later Tatsuha.” Shuichi said thanking god for the golden ticket out of the suddenly cramped place. Shuichi walked ahead hurriedly leaving Ryu behind.

 

“I think you're scaring him Ryu-chan.” Tatsuha joked raising a brow.

 

“He's so dense. I think I'm gonna have to spell it out for him.” Ryu laughed, “I don't care. The harder they fight, the sweeter they fall,” He held his lips pensive, “Or is it, the more they fight, the better they taste?” The puzzled look on Ryuichi's face, made Tatsuha throw his head back in laughter.

 

“You're too much, you know that?” The monk laughed, “You go and chase after him, but in the mean time, if you need to vent… here I am.” He smirked.

 

“Ooh, I do need to vent. Let's vent tonight!” Ryu smirked mischievously.

 

“Your wish is my command.” Tatsuha bowed low, and with a quick kiss on the cheek, Ryuichi went out to follow Shuichi.

 

+++

 

 

So what happened?” Yuki asked as soon as they were seated.

 

“I told her everything. I also told her that I could not keep up the charade. That I want to move on and live my life as I please, and that she should do the same.” Tohma began lowly.

 

“Sure, as if she's going to actually listen. You've been through this before; she never has taken you seriously.” Yuki took Tohma's hand from under the table in one of the very few and far between displays of affection. Tohma smiled at the irony of it. A few months ago he would have given anything for it, but now, it seemed almost funny that Eiri would comfort him like this. “I tried calling her, she's not picking up. I'll go by your place later on and see what's up. The mangaka looked out the window at the passing people. He always chose a table next to the a window for that very purpose.

 

“That's unexpected. Are you feeling guilty… or worried perhaps?” Yuki turned to the blonde producer sharply.

 

“No, not guilty, but I am worried. I told you, I don't want to have anything in my conscience.”

 

“Or you might be worried because she's your sister and you love her.” Tohma added matter of fact.

 

“Felling guilty sounds better.” The blonde man replied sarcastically.

 

“Don't worry; I'll do right by her. I told her if she needed anything that I'll be there for her. I do care for her…” It was Tohma's turn to stare at the passing crowds.

 

“I hope she doesn't do anything stupid.” Yuki added sounding very much the concerned brother he wasn't known to be.

 

“She won't. She's too proud for that. Mika will most likely try to prove to me that she doesn't need me. And eventually she'll come around.”

 

“I'd still keep an eye on her if I were you.” Yuki observed, “I've never seen her like this... it's going to be hard to deal with her I'm sure. Once it sinks in that you're serious, she's going give you a fight you won't forget”

 

“I know, and I'm ready for it.” Tohma sighed, “Don't worry though, of course I will keep an eye on her. Don't think that I will distance myself completely. I might not love her romantically, but I do feel responsible for her… like a brother.”

 

“Like a brother that I'm not?”

 

“I didn't mean it like that Eiri.”

 

“I don't care, is true. I'm no brother to her or the brat I know… by the way, how is he doing?”

 

“I saw him this morning at the studio. Although the situation didn't lend itself to ask, but for the looks of it, it seems as if he is fine… and as if he already knows.” Tohma sipped from his tea, pushing thoughts of his young his brother-in-law far, far away from his mind.

 

“Really?” Yuki quipped, “I wonder what he thinks. As weird as that kid is, he's probably the most normal of us all.”

 

“I'm not too sure about that,” Tohma smiled, feeling a little guilty for not taking care of the kid as he had promised.

 

“Anyhow. I'll be very busy for a while. In the months that I wasted chasing…” Yuki stopped himself from finishing that statement. He wasn't sure why, but he disliked talking about Shuichi altogether. “The company went into the dumps, and I have assumed the bastard boss role again.”

 

“Don't talk as if you didn't like it. You live for it. In any case, all your books are still in the top spots, I have no idea what you are referring to when you say `in the dumps'”

 

“To me it is, and that's all there is to it. I started another book to bring us back to number one, so I'll have very little free time… do try to get Mikka off my back soon, if you can by the way.”

 

“Another one?” Tohma raised a brow.

 

“Yes, I'll send you a copy once the first issue is ready.” Yuki offered dismissively and had some of his tea. He really didn't want to dwell on it. It reminded him of Shuichi and the reasons why he had given up on him… and that made him feel frustrated and angry.

 

“You know,” Tohma smiled, that little mocking smile of his, that made Yuki very much want to punch him, “I noticed that you only do that when something mayor goes on in your life. As if submerging yourself in work will somehow free you from your problems.”

 

“What the hell are you talking about?” Yuki snapped, three seconds from actually punching him.

 

“NeoGenesis: to deal with your parent's rejection and your loneliness. Kenshin: when I told you Mika was pregnant and that I would marry her. Naruto: When Mikka talked you into moving in together. Weiss: when you two got engaged… and this one. Well we both know why this one came about.”

 

“I don't fucking know where you come up with all these crap. I'm not even going to reply to it.” Yuki tried to sound as if he didn't care; he took out a cigarette and lit it.

 

“Of course you can't reply, because you know I'm right, just as I'm right about you smoking more out of nervousness than actual addiction.” Tohma took the cigarette from Yuki and threw it on the floor, stepping on it and pointing at the `no smoking' sign.

 

“You think you fucking know it all.” Yuki articulated fighting to keep his anger in check. The worst part was that Tohma was right, and deep down he knew it.

 

“Not everything, but I know you, and it hurts me to know that you cause your own pain.” Yuki got to his feet.

 

`I didn't come to be lectured. If Mika calls you, let me know. I'll do the same.” And the tall mangaka walked away. Lighting a cigarette as soon as he stepped outside. Tohma shook his head, sadness filling him… why couldn't Eiri admit that he was lonely, and seek the one who could end that loneliness and fill his soul?

 

+++

 

The bands reassembled and every member seemed to be dealing with a different drama. --Except for Hiro and Ryuichi of course-- Even Noriko seemed unusually quite after she returned from lunch.

 

“So, did anybody die while I was away?” K came in and asked as he took one look of the assembled crowd. “Where's Tohma?”

 

“Not here yet,” Suguru replied not looking up from his keyboard. He was feeling worst than he did before lunch, all that reminisce about the love of his life got him down.

 

“Wasn't he the one who said, `be back by three'?”

 

“He's the boss…” Noriko blurted getting up from her seat and heading out.

 

“Where you going?” Hiro asked.

 

“To make a phone call.”

 

“You can do it here, you know Noriko-chan. We'll be really quiet.” Ryuichi offered, putting Kumagoro in front of his face.

 

“Personal stuff,” She went out, and came back in a second later.” And don't be trying to listen to my call if you don't want to get your asses kicked!” Ryuichi looked down, his cheeks turning a light shade of red.

 

“You're too much Ryu-kun,” Shuichi laughed taking Kumagoro and running the other way.

 

“Oi, give him back Shu-kun!” The two singers began running around the studio. And the others rolled their eyes collectively. Tohma came in at that moment taking a look around the room, then went straight to Hiro.

 

“Where's Noriko?” He asked once he came to stand next to his lover.

 

“Making a `private' phone call.” Ryuichi stopped chasing Shu long enough to reply.

 

“Would you two stop?” Suguru pulled his music sheets off his keyboard right before they were blown and scattered all over the room, “What are you, in Kindergarten?”

 

Shuichi stopped and Ryuichi bumped into him. “Aw Su-chan is jealous `cause he don't have nobody to play with.” Shu chanted mockingly. Suguru calmly put his notes back in place and then turned to his band's lead singer.

 

“For someone who just got dumped you sure look very happy.” Shuichi's color drained from his face. He turned sharply to Hiro, who held his hands up in innocence.

 

“I don't need anyone's gossip to discern the obvious.” Suguru added smiling sarcastically sweet at Shuichi

 

“Let's continue, shall we?” Tohma interrupted before it got ugly. He wondered how his cousin knew, and what he knew. The producer walked into the mixing room, making a mental note to have a word with Suguru later.

 

They all went to their places and someone was sent out to find Noriko. At less than two weeks to release date, they were really running against time. Tohma would do everything in his power to have the Album mass-produced and distributed the day before release, but if there was conflict between the bands, that would prove a little hard, if not impossible. Noriko came, and they continued with the recordings.

 

After that little conflict between Suguru and Shuichi, the two were tense in the beginning, but before long, were submerged in the project in full. By the end of the day the song was recorded and Tohma intended to stay overnight to mix it and have it done by morning. Hiro of course would stay with him. And the rest went their separate ways.

 

There was nothing to do now but wait.

 

+

 

“So what you doin' now Shu-kun?” Ryuichi asked as they stood in the lobby.

 

“I'm going home to get some sleep. I didn't get any last night. About you?” Shu asked fearing he answer.

 

“Oh, I have a date.”

 

“A date?”

 

“Yeah, with Tatsu-kun.” Ryu smirked.

 

“Oh, I see… so you guys are going steady or something?”

 

“Oh no, he likes sex and so do I, so we get along great.” Shuichi just nod, not knowing what to say to that. He could not understand the older man even if he tried. “Let's do something tomorrow. We have nothing to do before the albums release.”

 

“I know, isn't that weird? Shouldn't we be promoting or something?” Shu was not the most knowledgeable guy in the business, but he knew that much, he'd seen enough pre-release interviews in his life to challenge anyone to a trivia quiz.

 

“Tohma-kun doesn't like it. He's likes to make everyone wait and bite their nails until everything is said and done.” Ryu replied used to it all.

 

“Why?”

 

“That's his style… it works, so I don't care.”

 

“It may work for Grasper, but Bad Luck needs all the help it can get.”

 

“Tell him… or better yet, have Hiro-kun tell him.” Ryu elbowed Shu playfully.

 

“What am I? I'm not going to use my friend's romance with the boss to get stuff done.” Shu snapped a little too angrily.

 

“Don't be mad at me Shu-kun, I was only saying, you're so uptight sometimes.”

 

“I'm not like that ok?”

 

“Ok, but I don't see what's wrong with it.”

 

“We're not going to agree on that, so let's not talk about it ok?” Shu hugged the older man and headed on out. His van was already waiting outside. “I'll call you tomorrow.” The younger singer said over his shoulder, waiving.

 

“I'll be waiting!” Ryu waived back holding Kumagoro in the waiving hand, the bunny's pink ears flipping from side to side.

 

+

 

Suguru was already in the van when Shuichi got in. The two ignored each other. It was very awkward without Hiro, but Shuichi guessed he'd have to get used to it, since most likely his old friend would now be Seguchi's shadow.

 

“I'm sorry I said that before.” Suguru blurted uncomfortably. Shuichi just nodded, but said nothing. “I know it was out of place, but you got me mad. I know you were referring to Tatsuha.” Shu looked up to him.

 

“The thought didn't even cross my mind,” Shu said, “ I did notice you two got some issues… but then again, who doesn't have issues with him?” Suguru smiled knowingly

 

“I guess you're right, anyway, I'm sorry.”

 

“It's cool, although I have no idea what you were talking about.”

 

“It seemed to me like you did.” The van began moving. Suguru saw a figure he knew well… very well. “Stop!” He commanded and stared at Tatsuha going into the building. He reached for the door handle but Shuichi stopped him from opening the door.

 

“You don't want to know where he's going.”

 

“Do you?” Suguru turned to him sharply.

 

“I'm not telling you.”

 

“Just tell me this, is it true that he's involved with Ryuichi-san?”

 

“If I tell you that, then I'd be answering your first question.” Shu smiled slyly.

 

“I'm not playing Shuichi-san.” The seriousness in the teen's face made him look much older than he was. Shu sighed and nodded his head. Suguru nod saying nothing; he looked towards the entrance of the tall building.

 

“Let's go.” Shuichi commanded, and the driver took off.

 

+

 

“Hey!” Tatsuha greeted casually. Ryuichi threw himself into his arms and kissed him full on the mouth. The teen was not one to complain and answered in full. K stood there rolling his eyes at the annoying, but very erotic display of affection. There was a flash coming from somewhere. K looked around worriedly, and the other two didn't even seem to notice.

 

“C'mon Ryuichi, let's go.” K urged. Tatsuha and Ryuichi let go of each other and stood there looking at one another.

 

“Damn!” Tatsuha shook his head from his current dizziness, “What was that all about? Not that I'm complaining of course”

 

“That's how horny I am, I been waiting all day!” Ryu winked his nose at the teen.

 

“Is that because of me, or because you spent all day singing next to a sexy, sweaty Shindou Shuichi?” Ryuichi just smirked. Another flash came and went. This time K went around the lobby looking for the jerk who dared to snap pictures of Ryuichi, and then a very bad feeling came over the usually careless blond American.

 

What was that all about?” Tatsuha asked as the manager as he came back from his search, with a worried expression.

 

“Nothing to worry about yet…. Let's go.”

 

+++

 

Yuki sat back and admired the page he had so diligently been working on. It usually took him very little to put his ideas on paper once he got a particular scene or plot in mind. For some reason however, this new project was proving to be more than he wanted to handle.

 

He stared at the panels one by one and tried to concentrate on the artistic aspect of it, and what needed to be fixed, rather than the actual content of the page. Or more accurately, the `object' in the page.

 

“The wings are all wrong.” The mangaka whispered tracing his finger over the, would be ebony feathery appendages. Then they went to the boyish face, the slender chest and flat stomach.

 

“What the fuck am I doing, why can't I get you out of my mind?” He dropped his hand, and turned his gaze away, trying to take the kid off his mind, but the harder he tried, the more he thought of him and Tohma's words. He knew with every fiber of his being that his drawings were a means to escape reality. He just didn't like to hear it out loud.

But Shuichi… he was an entirely different matter. Not even the comfort his pad and pencil had awarded him in the past, seem to work against the young boy's charms.

 

“It would help if I quit drawing you, now would it?” Yuki whispered, setting his cold eyes back on the drawings in front of him. He stared at the angel in front of him for long time, then closed his eyes and dared to invoke the images from that night. Yuki moaned as the memories from their passionate, rough embrace came flooding in.

 

“Leave me the fuck alone!” He yelled snapping out of it. He got up and walked to the couch and threw himself on it. Taking his glasses off and setting them on the side table next to it, he sighed and stared at the ceiling for a long time.

 

“Humph, is not like you're even good at it.” The mangaka let out sarcastically with a little ironic mock. Sighing deeply again, he closed his eyes, letting the day's frustrations and mental exhaustion take a toll on his tired body. Closing his eyes, the last thing he Yuki saw as sleep took a hold over him, was the sweet smile of a thirteen year old Shuichi at that convention so long ago, when he had thought his life was not worth to anyone and he been at the verge of taking his own life.

 

+++

 

 

A/N: Well, well, well. Our story is slowly coming together ne? Now mostly everything is out in the open, and sooo ready for a conclusion already (sorry, but that's not gonna happen yet hehehe)

 

My question is… Where the hell did Mikka Costa go? And what will Mika do once it sinks in that Tohma don't want her for real? Well, I guess we'll have to read to find out ne? And what about those flashes (the Star magazine perhaps)? …. Very suspicious I'd say

 

Next Stop: Bird: This is your typical filler chapter, with a nice trip to the Hot Springs and all. Y' know… anime style!! I know I promised lemon for this chapter… but guess what? You'll get… not double, but TRIPLE dose on the next one. Don't miss it!

 

Random question: Since I'm about to run out of Gravi song titles, I was wondering if it would seem too out of pattern to use the `instrumental or mixes' song titles, like Power Cave or Missing Piece and such? Let me know. Also I want to know who is getting bored with the story? I mean, I have noticed that feedback has decreased, and that a lot of the reviewers ask for Shu and Yuki already… am I boring you kids? Tell me so that I know if I should speed things up or keep building up.

 

“Till the next one.