Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Cold Heritage ❯ Solace ( Chapter 1 )

*All the characters of Gravitation do not belong to me. Oh, I am full of woes! They belong to the ever-imaginative Maki Murakammi!

*This is my first fanfic dedicated to my favorite couple full of romance, sorrow, tragedy, and, most of all love!!!

Cold Heritage

By Paradisum

Prologue

It was the early evening when the door burst open, revealing two men with their daggers drawn, ordering the family to relinquish all their personal affects and other objects of worth. "We have nothing!" cried the father, shrinking away from the table. He gathered his wife and young daughter behind him to shield them away from the oncoming bandits. "Well, well, we will just have to take something more valuable then," said the man with the long, dark hair. He eyed the two women whimpering behind the old man. "They will do!" he said as he and his partner walked steadily toward them. "Noooooooo" The old man lunged at them, grabbing the knife from the table.

The black haired man drew his sword, and pierced his heart before he got to an arm's length within him. "Noooo, Papa!" yelled the girl, as her mother whipped her away from the scene. Instead, she went for the same man, but his companion had her by the hair and yanked her toward his body. He slit her throat from ear to ear; the blood seeped through her dress. His dagger glinted with the moonlight and the blood of her mother. Her eyes rolled back into her head. She was no longer a lively woman but now a discarded corpse. He threw her body aside and made his way toward the young girl. She screamed, but there was no one to hear her cries of pain and humiliation.

A lone boy hid under his bed. He was too frightened to stir and clutched his head in his hands. He heard the cries of his sister, but he was motionless. The fear gripped him so he remained under his bed. The bandits were ransacking the house. They were searching, destroying, enthralled in death. The young boy whimpered, but silenced himself because they might hear him. Then, there was absolute silence. He peaked out from under the bed and saw nothing. He crawled out, his body numb from the shock and terror. He moved quietly into the next room, but large hands encircled his waist, and his cries were muffled. Then, there was only darkness.

Chapter One:

Solace

"Shuichi, you're going to be late if you don't get up. Don't you have meeting today?!" yelled Hiro as he snatched the cover off the bed of his dear friend. Shuichi, still lightly asleep, remained immovable. "SHUICHI!" roared Hiro. Shuichi, frightened, sprung out of bed, only to trip over the disheveled covers causing him to crash onto the floor. "Hiiirrrooo…" whined Shuichi as he tried to pry his body out of the sheets.

"Today is the 15th. Does that mean anything to you, Shuichi?"

Shuichi, still tired from last night's event of the University holding a show to honor his paintings, responded with a mere shrug. "Well, if you have forgotten, let me remind you that you are to meet Tohma Seguchi today at 1:00 since he has acquired an interest in your latest painting." said Hiro as he began to make up Shuichi's bed. "Ohhhhhhhhhh, that's right!!!!!!" yelled Shuichi as he scrambled to gather some clothes, which were so carelessly tossed everywhere around the room.

Today was the day that he was to meet with Tohma Seguchi, the proprietor of the Serenity Art Gallery. He was the biggest buyer of paintings in the world of art. Impressing Tohma Seguchi would certainly guarantee him recognition of his work. Having his work displayed at the gallery would certainly prompt the people to buy his paintings. He would suddenly have the success of an Artist that he has always dreamed of.

His paintings were mythological in nature, taking on the aspect of knowing the pagan Gods of the old world, whether they were from Greece, Egypt, Rome, or Norway. On canvas, he would recreate a moment from their past. He would capture the world of the Old Pagan Gods and bring them life into this world, which have long forgotten their existence. His latest painting was titled, Artemis, which depicted the Goddess, running in the forest, clad in golden armor, her bow and arrow drawn as she made her way through, ready to hunt. It was perfectly symbolic considering who she was. But now, he was late. It was already 12:30pm, and it would certainly take at least 45 minutes on the train to travel to city.

"Hiro, why didn't you wake me up?" Shuichi shouted as he desperately tried to gather his shoes. "I did wake you up, or at least, I tried! You just weren't listening!" smirked Hiro as he watched the wreck that Shuichi was becoming as he ran a comb through his hair. " Well, this is what you get for your laziness." For amusement, he watched Shuichi as he hurriedly tried to put on his black Capri pants, a long sleeved, collared white shirt, a black vest to match the pants, and jerked on his white sneakers.

"Ohhhh, Hiro, you idiot, I hate you!" was the last statement Shuichi made as he grabbed his book bag and his portfolio, and scrambled out the door, heading for the train station.

It was 1:36, when he checked his watch. Luckily for him, the train arrived just as he reached the platform. On the train ride, all he could think of was how he had ruined his chance of being a part of the gallery. As the train door opened, he ran up the stairs onto the street. He was to meet Seguchi Tohma at Amarone on 9th avenue and 47th street. His only hope was that Mr. Seguchi was a kind, gentle, and patient man. Shuichi just hoped that his reputation as an ambitious, strong, and high tempered man was just an exaggeration, but then again, maybe not. As he entered the café, he told the maitre'd that he had an appointment with Mr. Tohma Seguchi and asked if he was still there.

Luckily, the waiter told Shuichi that Mr. Seguchi had called and left a message for a Mr. Shuichi Shindou, explaining his lateness and that the meeting was to be rescheduled for two o'clock. Shuichi nearly jumped up and down with excitement and nearly burst into tears as he heard the message. Wait until Hiro hears this!! He told the waiter that he would wait, and the waiter seated him at a table for two near the window, giving him an ecstatic view of the streets and the people below.

As he sat there, his mind drifted back to the time when his mother had given him his first art set for his birthday. The memory was so vivid in his mind that he could even remember what the paint had smelled like, like autumn and spring compressed into colors. He was only six years old at the time, but his mother had plans to teach him about everything concerning art. She had been an Art Professor at New York University. She did not have any particular area of interest. She focused on all forms of art, whether old or modern, beloved or abhorrent, and religious or free. She just loved Art. She was going to teach him everything, but life is full of unexpected events that leave a person hurt and so full of anger. Just then, he heard someone say his name.

"Shuichi, I apologize for my lateness. My wife and I were waiting for another client of mine."

"No, Mr. Seguchi. It is alright. I am excited to have this meeting with you," said Shuichi as he began to rise from the table to greet the man that would determine his future. He was not about to explain his supposed lateness. Mr. Seguchi appeared perfectly suitable for the meeting dressed in a black slacks and a white collared shirt, with a long tailored black coat to accentuate his curves, and his blonde hair styled short and wavy. All in all, he looked exactly like a businessman.

"Yes, well, thank you. I have always admired your work ever since your entrance into the New York Institute of the Arts. Your work is bold, and may I say, quite appealing."

"Thank you. Mr. Seguchi"

"Oh, Shuichi, please! Call me Tohma. I am a proprietor on the verge of buying your work for my gallery. I am sure we will become friends."

"Yes, Tohma. Well, I just wanted to express my thank you for the chance."

"You're welcome. Well, shall we order? I am quite famished". They had ordered their meals and drinks, and continued to discuss the plans for the gallery as they awaited their food.

"Well, Shuichi, after last night's dinner in honor of your work, I am quite fond of the idea that my gallery will be the first to sponsor your art."said Tohma as the waiter brought his glass of Chardonnay. He took a sip and continued on.

"Shuichi, your work inspires me. It inspires me to create a new world of Art away from Rembrandt, Monet, and even away from older artists.Your work, and I might add, will bring men and women all over the world to look and fall in love with your work just as I have." Shuichi, all but listened to this high praise, as he took a drink of his coca-cola.

"So, at last night's event, you had 10 paintings on display for the Institute. I would like to buy all of them for my gallery. I will give you $5000 for each painting." Shuichi almost spewed his coke when he had heard the amount. At $5000 a painting, that would give him $50,000 in total. How could be deny the offer!

"Mr.-uh-Tohma, that is a very gracious amount. I accept the offer," said Shuichi, trying desperately to hide the joy that he was feeling.

"Yes, and when my gallery opens, your paintings will be on display and be bought. As the gallery owner, I will take my usual 15% of the profit made form each painting. It is my standard price for every new Artist whose work I display. Of course, I will put all this into writing. My attorneys can have the contract by tonight. The contract will specify all the details as such as we have discussed." Shuichi was dumbfounded. Here Mr. Seguchi was, offering him a contract and an Art show. Why the hell am I gawking at him for? Say something, you idiot!

"Yes, Tohma, I accept your offer."gasped Shuichi.

"Very well then! I hope that this is the start of a friendship. You are going to be famous Shuichi!"

Famous! Shuichi could not retain his excitement. As the waiter came with their meals, they enjoyed the rest of their lunch discussing further plans for the Art gallery.

***************************

It was 3:06 by the time Shuichi left Mr. Seguchi. Mr. Seguchi had been kind enough to pay for the meal. Since it was still early, Shuichi thought that it would be nice to stop by the Institute to create more paintings. With the work that had been bought, Shuichi was sure that Tohma would come to love all the other works of Art that he would create. I am finally getting my dream. But before he would go to the Institute, he wanted to tell Hiro the exciting news that could not wait until he was home.

Shuichi had to take two trains to make his way downtown to stop by the Village to Hiro's job. And being that today was a weekday-rush hour. Hiro worked in the Village in Barnes and Noble on 8th street. When his stop came, he was up the stairs, desperately trying to get past the crowding pedestrians. When he finally made it to Barnes and Noble, he saw Hiro at the cash register with the customer. "HHHIIRRROOO!" shouted Shuichi as he made his way to the register. Hiro, unaware of anyone but his customer, merely sighed at the sound of Shuichi's voice piercing his eardrums. The customer, an aging woman with white hair, had just finished paying for the new Danielle Steel novel gave a Shuichi a glare meant to kill and stormed past him, muttering curses. "Hiro, guess what?"

Hiro was not in the mood for Shuichi's overdramatic attitude simply asked "What?"

"Guess?"

"No, what is it?"

"Guess?"

"No"

"Guess?"

"Shuichi-" whispered Hiro, in a voice so ready to kill. Shuichi, quite aware of how aggravated Hiro was getting simply came out with it.

"Well, as you know, I just had lunch with Mr. Seguchi and-"

"Yes, Shuichi, I know this. What's the point?" Hiro asked, becoming quite annoyed that Shuichi was giving him a glazed look.

"Well, he wants to buy all the paintings that I had on display last night. All of them at $5000 each." Hiro's breath caught as he heard the large figure. "What!?"

"He wants to buy all the paintings! Hiro, are you deaf?!"

"Shuichi, that's great!" exclaimed Hiro as he moved from behind the counter to embrace Shuichi in a hug. They had known each other since they were young children and he had known that this was Shuichi's biggest dream come true. They made such a commotion that Hiro's boss had to tell them to be quiet or to take the excitement outside. Hiro and Shuichi finally ended their embrace.

"Well, so what happens next?"

"Uhmm…Tohma says that he wishes to display my work and from the gallery, if they are bought, I make a profit of 85%."

"We're so going to be rich, Hiro."

"You're going to be rich. I'm so happy for you, Shuichi."

"Hiro, we're best friends. I couldn't have done this without you" said Shuichi in a low voice, his violet eyes showing the first sign of tears.

"Oh, Shuichi, don't cry. I know. We have been friends for such a long time. You're my family."

Shuichi continued to cry as Hiro embraced him once more. "Okay".

"So what are your plans for today?"

"I thought that I would go over to the Institute and work on creating a new masterpiece." Shuichi said with glee.

"Okay, so I will see you tonight. I`ll bring Chinese"

"Okay, I'll see you later, Hiro" and with that ran into the crowded streets again, leaving Hiro to admire Shuichi's ambition and his spark for life. Ever since they were children, he had always loved Shuichi's vitality, his humor, and his ability to make Hiro's world shine with just a smile. Why can't I tell him that I love him? Hiro quickly erased that thought from his mind as he set to work, charging a book for the next customer.

*****************************

It was late in the evening when Shuichi was on the train home. He had spent the entire afternoon creating new pieces of art, inspired by Tohma's words of wealth and fame. As soon as he got there, he had created 2 pieces that he was fond of, and after he was done, he set to put them away for the next Art Show at the Institute, which would be in about two weeks. Well, it doesn't hurt to get an early start. The Institute had offered him a full scholarship and he, of course, had accepted it. It had been his dream to attend the Institute.

That was his thought as he stepped of the train to walk to his apartment down by the pier. The apartment that he shared with Hiro was a two-bedroom apartment that overlooked the Hudson River. He and Hiro had acquired the apartment once they had graduated high school. They had paid first month's rent with the money that Shuichi had saved from his job as a waiter, and Hiro had been working in Barnes and Noble since he was sixteen, so they had enough to live on their own.

Shuichi decided to stop by the pier to look over at the river. It was one of the small pleasures that he could gather from the city, being able to look up at the sky, feeling free and wild. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the sense of feeling at ease, but was interrupted by a voice asking if he wanted to play. Shuichi opened his eyes and spun around to see two men, staring down at him. One had on a black mesh shirt, revealing numerous tattoos and a nipple piercing, and the other was a brunette with a black t-shirt tucked into black leather pants. They towered over him.

"What do you want?" strained Shuichi as he looked around for help.

"W-We just want to p-play," said the brunette. His slurred words were an obvious sign that he was drunk, but he friend was just as sober.

"We just want to see what you have under those pretty clothes of yours," the other said, reaching out a hand to grasp Shuichi's face. "You're so pretty," the brunette said as he licked his tongue over his lips.

Shuichi wrenched his face out of the guy's touch, just as the brunette grabbed him from behind.

Shuichi began to yell for help, but his mouth was soon covered. Shuichi prepared to struggle, kick, bite, whatever, when a fist connected with his abdomen and then his face. Shuichi yelped in pain as his head began to spin. The brunette dragged him to the ground and pinned him beneath him. The other, in the black mesh, came and pinned Shuichi's hands above his head, while the brunette began to fondle him. He proceeded to remove Shuichi's pants. Shuichi began to yell, when all of a sudden, he felt a hand clamp over his mouth.

"Shut up!" yelled a forceful voice. Trapped, Shuichi fought back tears of pain and fear when he received a strike to his face, obscuring his vision. His head swam in a sea of pain. His arms began to ache, and the brunette almost had his pants off.

"I'm going to enjoy this!" said the brunette as his friend laughed and held Shuichi's arms tighter. Shuichi closed his eyes. Think of all the good moments. A lone tear spilled over his eyelashes as the man pulled down Shuichi's pants to pool around his ankles. He had his fingers tucked into the hem of Shuichi's briefs when Shuichi began to drift away from this horrid moment when suddenly the weight on his arms was gone.

When Shuichi opened his eyes, he saw a black figure grab the hair of the brunette, and hauled him to his knees and sent a hard blow to his stomach, and then a kick to his groin. The brunette screamed in agony, but was silenced by a punch to his face, which knocked him unconscious. The other man, having let go of Shuichi's arms, began to run when the figure grabbed his shirt and spun him around, and punched him in his gut. The man fell clasping his stomach. He looked up and whispered, "Please don't this man!" But the figure was merciless and sent a punch to his face, knocking the man unconscious just as his friend.

He merely looked at the black figure walking toward him. The last thing Shuichi saw before he drifted into unconsciousness was a man with cold, golden eyes.

***************************************

Shuichi stirred as he awoke with a mild headache to find himself laying in something soft. He opened his eyes to the brightness of a room. How did I get home? Shuichi began to rise, when he saw that he was not in his bedroom. He abruptly rose to take in the sight of a bedroom filled with a boudoir in the corner, and contained several paintings on the walls. He looked around him to peer at the bed, which was a four-poster bed lined in blue silk sheets. Where am I? Shuichi began to panic when he heard the door open to reveal a man standing in the doorway with a glass in hand.

"Well, I see that you're awake." The man said as he strolled toward the bed.

"Who are you and where am I?" Shuichi asked, clutching the sheets to his chin.

"You're in my apartment. I brought you here after what happened last night. You're a heavy sleeper." Shuichi glanced around, his eyes zooming in on the window, to find that the sun was out. "It's 9,"said the stranger.

"Who are you?" Shuichi asked again, while the man brought the glass and set it down on a table next to the bed.

"Yuki Eiri. Do you remember what happened last night?

"Uhh…I remember-" but stopped when he realized what exactly had happened last night. The memory of those two men was still engraved in his head. Shuichi looked up at the man, when it registered that he was the black figure.

"You saved me!" screeched Shuichi.

"Yes, well, you needed help!" said Yuki as he handed Shuichi the glass of water. Shuichi accepted the glass. "Thank you"

"Here take these." He said as he handed Shuichi two white pills. "This should help with your headache. "Well, Shuichi, is there anyone that you want me to call for you?"

Shuichi, surprised at hearing his name, looked up at the man, "How do you know my name?"

"I went through your wallet." Yuki replied as he pointed to Shuichi's clothes, which were neatly stacked on a chair. Shuichi stared at the pile when it came to him that he was sitting in a bed with nothing on but his briefs. He began to panic, drawing the sheets to his chin, and shrinking away from the man.

Yuki, noticing Shuichi's discomfort, stepped back. "I won't hurt you."

Shuichi relaxed. The stranger was right. There was no need to fear him. After all, you idiot, he did save you! Shuichi looked up into the stranger's eyes. They were the same golden eyes from last night. But the peculiar thing about his eyes was that he had feeling that he had recognized those eyes like if they were from one of his dreams.

Shuichi continued to stare taking notice of Yuki's blonde hair, cut short but managed to frame a strong face, bangs falling softly into his eyes. His skin was smooth and perfect, and glowed with his blonde hair acting as a halo. He had a stubborn jaw with a pointed nose. He was wearing a loose dark blue collared shirt with black slacks, and he was barefoot. He seemed quite young, perhaps no more than twenty-five. He's gorgeous! Shuichi continued to stare until he was interrupted by a voice.

"Are you going to stay staring at me, or would you like to take a shower?"

Shuichi was dumbfounded. "What?!"

"Would you like to take a shower?" Yuki said, as he went into the closet to retrieve some fresh towels and set them neatly on the bed.

Shuichi was angry and embarrassed. Looking into Yuki's hazel eyes, he felt all the blood rush into his face. "You pervert!" I don't even know you and you're asking to me to take a shower with you!" Shuichi yelled as he climbed out of the bed, grabbing the sheets to wrap around himself as he moved toward the door.

What is with this kid? Yuki only stared at Shuichi, making his way inch by inch toward the door. "Hey, will you relax! I didn't mean with me, you idiot, I meant if you want to take a shower, you are more than welcome to!" Those words stopped Shuichi from going for the door in nothing but briefs and a blanket snuggly wrapped around his body. He turned toward Yuki. "Oh, sorry!!!" Shuichi clutched the blanket firmly as the heat from his body seemed to rush into his cheeks.

Oh boy, this certainly is going to be new! Yuki thought as he reached over to retrieve the glass that Shuichi had set on the table. "I will be waiting in the kitchen if you need anything. Please follow me." He turned abruptly, leaving Shuichi speechless and pondering as he stood there in the middle of the room in nothing but a bed sheet. Shuichi followed Yuki where he led him toward a brightly lit bathroom. "You can take a shower in here. Although my clothes may be a little big on you, I didn't think that you would want to wear your clothes after last night." Shuichi blushed. "Thank you." He walked into the bathroom with his head low, until he felt a yank and the bed sheet that he was clothed in, was held in Yuki's hands. Shuichi gasped. "You can't very well take a shower in a blanket."

Shuichi blushed even harder, and rushed into the bathroom. He looked into the mirror and saw that his face was rather flushed. What am I going to do? Shuichi turned on the shower when he heard a knock on the door. He had undressed, leaving him to hide behind the door as he peered into Yuki's face. "You forgot the towels."

"Thank you." He shut the door without a moment's hesitation, and proceeded to take a shower. He did not want to think about last night.

Yuki could hear the shower when he stood over the stove making Shuichi breakfast. Last night when he had found Shuichi in danger, his instincts took over him to protect him. When Shuichi had been lying on the ground, having fainted, he had carried his small body into his car. He had wanted to take Shuichi to a hospital but when Shuichi had mumbled that he did not want to go to a hospital, he brought him to his own home. He remembered how Shuichi cuddled up to him when he held him in his arms; his arms encircled his neck, his lips pressed to the nape of Yuki's neck. Yuki remembered that the feeling was so casual, so mutual, and so familiar to have someone in his arms like that. He settled Shuichi into his bed, taking off his clothes, and just sat there as he slept. He looked so peaceful, so beautiful. He settled the blanket over him, and left the room. He would sleep in the other room.

His mind had drifted and he could smell that the bacon was beginning to burn. You idiot! Get your mind off of him. You have a deadline to meet! He did not hear the shower anymore, so Shuichi must have been out of there already. He grabbed a plate and placed bacon and scrambled eggs on it. He placed it on the table when a figure stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

"Good morning, Eiri." Yuki looked up. This is not what I need today! She stood there tall and straight, her brown hair fell past her shoulders and her brown eyes were focused on his. It was always a wonder to people why they did not look alike. He turned to his sister. Today, she was stylishly dressed in a knee length black skirt with stiletto heels, and a khaki blouse with a low V-neck. Her sunglasses were pushed back into her hair exposing a hard yet feminine face, with narrow cheekbones, and almond shaped eyes. That was the only feature that he and his sister shared, the shape of the their eyes despite the difference in color.

"What do you want, Mika?! I don't time have time for you today." He said, when he turned to the refrigerator to retrieve a carton of orange juice. "What a way to show love for your sister." She mused. She walked to a chair, settled herself into it, and crossed her legs. "I brought you a gift." Yuki turned. Every time Mika brought a gift, it always had something to do with a new publicity stint. He sighed. "What is it this time?" and leaned against the refrigerator. "Well brother, as your agent, I am required to make all book signing appointments, and I do have to say that I have acquired for you a new signing." Yuki rolled his eyes. "Mika, I am booked until the next 6 months, and you want to add another one."

"Well, yes, but that is not all." She removed her glasses from her hair and set them upon the table. "I want you to attend an opening next week. Tohma will be opening his gallery and he will be displaying the work of a new artist. He has not told me this artist's name for he wants it to be a surprise." She sighed. "I don't know why he just doesn't tell me. He always wants to surprise me, knowing full well, that I do not take kindly to surprises. You know, last year on our anniversary…"

"Mika!" Yuki said. He was very familiar with his sister's habit of rambling about anything but the topic at hand. She seemed to have caught herself when she brought her hand to her mouth. "Oh sorry. Well, anyway, here is the invitation." She pulled a card out of her purse. "Please be there." Yuki took the card, having jammed it in his back pocket. She proceeded to stand, pulling her sunglasses over her eyes when it finally occurred to her that there was a plate of food on the table. She stared at the plate, and then stared at her brother. "You're eating…in the morning?" Yuki walked past the table to set the carton of orange juice on the table. She lifted an eyebrow. "So you had company last night?" She smiled. "Who was it? Was it that young girl who was practically drooling over you last night at the party?"

"No" he said. He did not feel like being interrogated by his sister on personal moments. Mika tended to be rather nosy. "Well, I know that you have somebody here. You never eat in the morning. Come on, tell your big sister who she is." She grinned. Yuki looked at her, but said nothing. "Oh, so is she still here. Is she in the bedroom?" and then headed out of the kitchen to see her brother's morning guest. Yuki grabbed her arm before she was out of the kitchen. "It is none of your business."

"Well, well." She shook her arm out of his grasp. "Okay, I will not disturb her." She headed toward the door. "Just be sure that you're at the Gallery next week. This is very important to Tohma." Yuki sighed. "Fine." Mika winked at her brother. "Good. I will call you later." She let the door close behind her. I hope not! But he knew his sister too well to wish for that pleasure. Despite her constant interruptions and her nosy habits, she was very good at her job. He had hired her as his agent because she had wanted to rekindle their relationship again after some years of separation, and he had thought that it was a good idea. But now, after 2 years of this, he was really rethinking the plan. Oh well, what are families for if they can't annoy you!

He heard the bedroom door open, and Shuichi appeared, wearing one of his white shirts and his black pants with the ends rolled up. His hair was still damp. He walked toward Yuki into the kitchen when his nose caught the scent of fried bacon, his favorite. Yuk stared at Shuichi. The boy was so small in his clothes. Shuichi looked up at Yuki. He seems mad. I shouldn't have done this. "I didn't want to wear my clothes…they…I'll give them back." He started to walk back into the bedroom. "Shuichi, wait. It's all right. Are you hungry?" Shuichi smiled, "Yes." Yuki poured him a glass of orange juice. "Here, sit."

Shuichi sat in the chair. The plate was filled with bacon and scrambled eggs. He ate into it hungrily. Yuki watched Shuichi eat. He sure can eat. Shuichi stopped, his fork in midair. "Aren't you going to eat?" Yuki brushed ha hand through his hair. "I don't eat in the morning and I am not hungry." Yuki continued to watch Shuichi eat. "I am going to get dressed. I will be back." Yuki left Shuichi in the kitchen as he walked to the guest room to retrieve his disc with his new novel on it, titled Gliding Lovers.

Shuichi finished his meal and decided to wash the dishes since Yuki had been so nice to him. He was just finishing up when Yuki walked back into the kitchen. "You did not have to do that."

"Oh, I wanted to. It was the least that I can do." Shuichi noticed that Yuki was dressed in his shoes.

"I can take you home now."

"Oh, yeah, okay, I'll go get my stuff." Shuichi hesitated before he went through the bedroom door. He heard Yuki call out his name. "Shuichi, it's okay." Shuichi turned back around, and managed a light smile.

Shuichi managed to find his sneakers, and he and Yuki headed down to his car. Shuichi noticed that he lived in the Upper East Side. He noticed that Yuki was wealthy but did not expect him to have a penthouse. They made their way to the parking lot where his car was parked. Last night, he didn't notice Yuki's car but today, he saw that Yuki's car was sleek and black. It matched Yuki. They both got in the car, Shuichi in the passenger side. They headed out of the parking lot with the attendent, saying "Good morning, Mr. Eiri." Yuki was heading down Broadway, when he noticed that Yuki didn't know how to get to his apartment. "Ah, Yuki…" Yuki stopped him with a glare. "I know where you live."

"Oh, but…"

"Your wallet, remember?!"

"Oh yeah, okay." They rode in silence when they pulled up in front of Shuichi's apartment.

They sat in the car in silence when Shuichi spoke. "I don't know how to thank you for what you've done for me." Before Yuki could reply, he felt Shuichi's lips on his. It was a light kiss. Their lips met for one brief moment but that moment seemed like an eternity. Then, their kiss deepened and Shuichi was kissing him with his every being. It took a moment for Yuki to respond, but he did, grasping Shuichi's head in his hand. Their lips clashed like tidal waves, their tongues met with fierceness. The kiss was long and sensual. Yuki's tongue swirled around Shuichi's, taking him as he did before. He took their kiss further, settling Shuichi in his lap. Shuichi could feel him under him and he twined his fingers through Yuki's hair. The taste of Shuichi lingered on his tongue as Yuki pulled away. Shuichi sat there nestled in Yuki's lap, his eyes boldly staring into Yuki's. Yuki stared at Shuichi, then placed Shuichi back in his seat. He turned his head to peer up at the building. "It's all right." Shuichi turned away. "Maybe we could do something when…"

"It's not a very good idea, Shuichi." Yuki replied, his head still facing the wheel. Shuichi eyes dropped. "Oh, well thank you anyway." He got out of the car and stood there for a few moments, but Yuki just started the car and drove away. He watched until the car disappeared from his sight, pressing a hand to his lips. He wanted to know him. He had never met someone so warm and cold at the same time. He was so familiar. Where have I seen him? Shuichi contemplated this thought as he walked up the stairs to his apartment.

He took out his keys from his pocket, opened the door, and found Hiro lying on the couch with the phone in hand. He looked so peaceful with his red hair flowing over the pillows around him. He didn't want to disturb him so he silently crept to his room. He placed his keys on the table and fell across his bed to think about Yuki.

The door of his room opened with Hiro peering at him, anger and worry in his eyes. "Where the hell were you?" Shuichi sat up, surprised and speechless. "I…I…I was with a friend." Shuichi managed. What a lame excuse. Hiro just stared; the phone was still clutched in his hand. "And you couldn't call?! I was worried sick about you. Who were you with???" Hiro said, the anger easily showing in his voice. Shuichi swallowed and tried to gather the courage to answer Hiro. He had known Hiro since they were young. He tended to act like a mother hen, but Shuichi would never tell him that. He had a good heart, and he was the best friend that he had. "I was with a friend." Shuichi repeated. Hiro's anger softened a bit.

"And I repeat, you couldn't have called?! I came home last night and you weren't here. I thought that something had happened to you." He placed the phone on the hallway table. "So who was this friend?" A sly smile started to appear on his face. "Was it that blonde girl who came to the gala on the last night? She did seem quite interested in your `art'…" he paused, taking in Shuichi's appearance. "Whose clothes are those?"

Shuichi sat there quietly listening to Hiro's questions until he heard that one. Since he thinks that I was with a girl, then I won't tell him about last night. And with that, a smile played across his face. "Yeah okay, I was with her. Well, my clothes were ruined so she let me borrow her brother's clothing." Hiro raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Really?! Why would your clothes be ruined?"

A sly smile played across Shuichi's lips. Hiro took that as an answer as he shook his head. "Oh, never mind."

You know, Shuichi." His smile turned into a frown. "I worry about you. Ever since…" Shuichi raised a hand to stop him.

"I know what you are going to say and I'm fine. Last night, I was just with a girl. I'm home now, so don't worry."

Hiro could not help but worry. Shuichi was so full of energy, so full of life, that he did not want anyone to diminish it. So throughout both their lives, he had played the role of protector. "Okay, well, since you're safe and you're home, I'd better get ready for work." Hiro stood up and walked into his bedroom down the hall, leaving Shuichi to think about the Blonde angel from last night. Yuki! The name played over and over in his mind. "I shouldn't have kissed him. Now, he doesn't want to see me." He mumbled as he buried his head into a pillow.

Hiro, dressed and ready for work, walked back into the bedroom carrying a card in his hand. "Oh Shuichi, I forgot to tell you; this came for you in the mail." Shuichi sat up, and took the card. He opened it. It was a letter specifying when the Gallery opening would be. It was going to be on the May 24, 2003. His new paintings would be featured. Shuichi stunned, read the letter over and over again, and then let out a giant scream. "OH MY GOD!!! It's happening!!! It's happening next week." He leapt out of bed, took Hiro by his hands and spun around like a little child.

"Whoa, what happened?" Hiro managed as Shuichi continued on with his excitement. Shuichi finally stopped. He showed Hiro the letter. "The Gallery will be presenting my paintings next week." Hiro grabbed Shuichi into a big hug. "That's great!!!"

"I know. I didn't think that it would be this soon, but it's here. It's next Saturday at 6:00pm."

"You'll be there, right?"

"Of course I will." Hiro said as he continued to hug Shuichi. "Now, I'm going to be late for work. We'll talk about it tonight."

"Okay, yeah."

Hiro gave Shuichi a final hug, grabbed his jacket, and gave Shuichi a wave before he closed the door.

Shuichi was left standing there in excitement and awe. He read the letter over to see that it was indeed real. Yes, It's finally happening! Shuichi jumped onto his bed, and let out a huge scream. "YESSSSSSS!!!"