Gravitation Fan Fiction ❯ Ryu's New Assistant. ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Title: Ryu's New Assistant - Chapter 5

Authors: Dark Nuriko and Mayhem's Angel

Disclaimers: Neither one of us own anybody or anything from Gravitation. We only wish too.

Warnings: Shonen-ai, yaoi, eventually. Not just yet.

Notes: The wonderful Nuriko-chan writes as Tatsuha. I write as Ryuichi. In this chapter, Nuriko is Sai. Sai is HER character, so please don't steal. I'm also Ryu's manager. Who doesn't have a name.

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Ryuichi waited anxiously for Tatsuha to arrive the next afternoon, packing up his stuff and not really listening to his manger going on about how successful this tour was, and how the next would be even better once he got over his slump. Slump. There was that word again. Tatsuha had mentioned it the night before and he had supposed he was right about it. He hadn't really put his whole heart and his all into that album. But if his manager was going to keep harping on it... He was going to meet with a very angry Ryu-chan, which if the man was smart, he wouldn't want to happen.

 

"I really feel that this tour was one of your best since Nittle Grasper's original formation. It really could have been better I think. You're not paying enough attention to the fans or the media. You need to get back in tune with them. Can't loose your touch..." His manager went on.

 

Ryuichi turned to him, glaring angrily, which had quite the effect since the singer was never like this. "Will you shut up and get out? I don't need YOU telling me how bad it was! I think I can tell myself! Get out!"

 

Tatsuha was led in at that moment, dressed up in a nice suit and a power schedule book in his arms. He had caught the tail end and he came in with a frown. "Actually sir. If he had spent less time with the fans and more on the music planning, the concert would have been better. Which is something that should have been noticed. Also, he wasn't given time to himself, which is important to anyone famous."

 

Ryuichi looked up, surprised to hear Tatsuha's voice. "Exactly. What he said. Now, get out before I get Tohma to replace you." His manager gaped like a fish for a few moments, before snapping his jaw closed, and walking out, brushing rudely past Tatsuha as he went.

 

"About freaking time!" Ryuichi said, throwing himself down on the couch. "Argh. He wouldn't shut up. Just kept going on and on and on and on. Maybe I should get a better manager. Maybe K'll come back. What do you think?" He asked, randomly venting over everything.

 

He shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about it. I didn't mean to take so long, but I was out getting your schedule, so that I could begin this on a good foot. Then I cleared what wasn't necessary so that you have time to yourself, as well as time for all that the work requires."

 

"Oh thank the gods. You are the best ever. Screw Tohma, I need more than just a month with you around." Ryuichi said, brushing his bangs back off his forehead. "Okay. So I was just packing before, but I think that can wait. I have way too many clothes to look at right now anyways. Do we have time to go do something?"

 

He checked the power PDA and smiled. "Actually, we have a man to handle the packing coming up. I thought you could do with a moment away from here."

 

"We do? But that's a bit weird, don't you think? I don't really want strange people touching my clothes. Who knows what kind of weird fetish they might have. So, I think I'll do that part tonight, okay? And I agree. Let's go get some ice cream. Or a hard drink. Whichever we see first." Ryuichi said, rolling off the couch and locating Kumagoro.

 

Noriko was standing at the door just then. "Actually, Ryu-chan, he asked me to help you pack, so you could relax."

 

Tatsuha smiled. "Sorry for bothering you, Noriko-san, but I couldn't get a hold of Tohma."

 

Noriko waved him off. "Unlike Tohma and the rest of your family... I like you Tatsuha-kun. So if this will help Ryu-chan, I'm all for it."

 

"Oh yay! Noriko-chan!" Ryuichi said, running over to give her a huge hug. "Thank you for helping me! You're sooo nice! Kuma-chan and I really appreciate it!"

 

She smiled, patting his head. "Thank your personal assistant. He's rather fast, and smart, that one."

 

Tatsuha flushed slightly. "I'm just doing what I was hired for."

 

"Aww, but you're so wonderful at it! Really, you won't ever know how grateful I am." Ryuichi told him in all seriousness. He'd just started today, and look at all that he had done in the short time they had known each other! Amazing! He was certainly the best thing going for Ryuichi at the moment.

 

Tatsuha's cheeks turned an even darker shade of red. "Your... welcome."

 

Noriko laughed. "Let's stop, he won't be able to handle many more color changes. Now head on out. Relax, Ryu-chan. I'll have things packed by the time you return."

 

"Okie dokie! Thank you Noriko-chan!" He said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before bounding out the door. "Hurry up, Tatsuha-kun! Arn-san'll beat you if you stay there!" He called back; referring to his often slow moving body guard who was already on his heels.

 

He smiled. "Actually, Sakuma-san, he's staying here as well. It's just the two of us this time. So you can fully relax."

 

That stopped Ryuichi dead in his tracks. "For real? Haha! Great!"

 

Tatsuha nodded, handing him sunglasses and a baseball cap. "Here, this should keep you from being recognized. Just don't let Kumagoro out... because we don't want to be mobbed."

 

Ryuichi took them and put them on. "Yeah, I know. Public areas mean no Kuma-chan. He always gets so upset about that. But eventually I calm him down. Strawberry bribes usually work."

 

"There will be a whole selection of strawberry delights on the plane ride back home."

 

Ryuichi blinked. "What? How does that fit into anything? Silly Tats-chan! Let's go already. I'm getting hungry."

 

The teen laughed softly. "It means he can have all he wants, as long as he stays hidden while we help you relax."

 

"Oooh. Then why didn't you just say so?" He said, pushing the button for the elevator.

 

Tatsuha laughed. "I thought that would have been obvious. I guess I'm not entirely set for this job. But I'm getting there."

 

"Nah, you're pretty set. It just didn't make lots of sense to me. Too many big words." Ryuichi laughed, stepping out of the elevator. "Where are we going then?"

 

Tatsuha grinned. "I thought we'd go to a small, out of the way restaurant. You can pick the kind of food you want. I know most of the places around here."

 

"I'd really love some American. Do you know any places that make it well?"

 

The teen smirked. "Most certainly. Come on, follow me." He led the way to a nice place that made some of the best American food around, and yet was small and out of the way, so crazy fans wouldn't expect him there.

 

"Oh wow! This place looks great! I don't think anyone'll find me here!"

 

Tatsuha winced at the loud voice. "No... they shouldn't. But they will if you announce it too loudly."

 

"Oooh. Riiiight. Good idea. Quiet is better." Ryuichi said, lowering his voice several decibels. "So, what do you recommend here?"

 

Tatsuha took a seat, not even opening the menu. "I would say the Double Swiss and mushroom burger."

 

Ryuichi was all in favor of looking at the menu. "That sounds... interesting. Seeing as I hate mushrooms, I'll have to pass on that one." He scanned the pages of the menu, looking for something he recognized. "I always really liked chicken burgers. They were all I got at some of those fast food places in America. There were always stories about them in the newspapers." Ryuichi informed him.

 

Tatsuha, having taken a sip of the water at that time, choked a little on it. "I... see. Well... not all people like the same things."

 

"True. If they did, it would be quite boring. Everyone would be the same. That wouldn't be much fun, or interesting at all. Don't you think?"

 

Tatsuha nodded his agreement. "Of course. I like variety as well as the next person."

 

"Well, that's good. Y'know, you're sounding a lot different today. Too business like. You gotta relax too."

 

Tatsuha raised an eyebrow. "If I relax too much, I won't be able to do my job. Yet for now, I'll chill." The waitress came up, giving Tatsuha a grin.

 

"Hey Tatsuha-kun, the usual?" she asked. He grinned back.

 

"Of course." She giggled before turning to Ryuichi.

 

"And for you?"

 

"Uh..." He scanned the menu one final time. "Chicken fingers and french fries, please."

 

She smiled. "Certainly, anything to drink?"

 

"Coke please. Or pepsi if you don't have that."

 

She laughed. "We have both. So I'll get you coke." She then took the menu's and moved off to fill their orders.

 

Tatsuha laughed, propping his arm up on the table and resting his chin in his hand. "I think she likes you, Sakuma-san."

 

"What?!" Ryuichi nearly yelled incredulously. "How can you think that?! I barely even spoke to her!"

 

Tatsuha's hand slipped, causing his jaw to hit the table. He winced, before hissing slightly. "Stop it," he hissed. "You don't have to be so loud. I only said it because they don't have coke products. Which means she's going out of her way to get you one."

 

"What?! Why on earth would she do that? Does she know who I am? Should we leave?!" Ryuichi panicked, quieter this time.

 

Tatsuha shook his head, laughing, even as he rubbed his jaw, which was beginning to bruise. "No, Sakuma-san, she doesn't know. She's always like this with cute guys. She does it to get noticed. If the guy's interested, then they go out... that's what makes things fun."

 

"Oh. But why does she do that? She's a pretty girl; she shouldn't have to do things like that." Ryuichi thought about it for a moment. "Have... have you been or a date with her before? She does seem to know you rather well."

 

Tatsuha laughed, shaking his head. "I suppose she just does things that way. And no… I'm not... into women..."

 

"You're not? Then who... oh." Ryuichi blushed brightly at this.

 

The teen laughed. "I'm like my brother in that respect. But don't worry; I won't try to jump you when your back is turned."

 

"Oh, no. I'm not worried about that. I don't mind. You just seemed to like women... you know... that way." Ryuichi blushed darker, looking down at the table and playing with his napkin.

 

One of Tatsuha's eyebrow's rose at that. "No... I just know how to tease and joke with the best of them."

 

"Oh. I see. That's fine then." Ryuichi mumbled, wondering if the waitress would ever return to break the uncomfortable air.

 

Just at that moment, she did return, placing their drinks in front of them and giving Tatsuha a bowl of soup as well. "Here you go. You're meals should be here shortly."

 

Tatsuha grinned. "Thank you," he replied.

 

"No problem, Tatsuha-kun." That said, she left, Tatsuha taking a cracker and dipping it into his soup.

 

Ryuichi sipped his drink quietly, not sure where to direct the conversation next. "So, uhmm..." He tried, before clearing his throat and starting again. "Are you dating anyone?"

 

Tatsuha shook his head, sipping his root beer. "Nope. There's only one person I'd consider, but I think he's straight."

 

"Oh. Well that's a little unfortunate. Maybe things will change for you, or you'll find another."

 

"Maybe, yet I've got a rather busy work schedule coming up, so I don't really need to worry about it at the moment."

 

"I suppose that's also true. But you'll have to make time for love eventually. You shouldn't be alone forever, just because one is out of reach."

 

He laughed. "Oh really? What about you, Sakuma-san? Do you have someone you like? Or are seeing? Or perhaps would like to have more time to see?"

 

"No. No one I like really. And I'm not seeing anyone. I think I have the same problem as you. No time. Besides, being famous makes it harder to date normal people."

 

Tatsuha bit his lower lip for a moment. "Well, I'll have to change that. We can have you go out like this, and we can let you give it a try. After all, you said it yourself. You can't leave love out of your life."

 

"Hmmm. Maybe that can be something to try out. I don't know. I just haven't been interested lately." Ryuichi thought. He hadn't dated anyone in awhile, and he wasn't sure he really wanted too.

 

Tatsuha smiled. "Well, that's how I feel. I'm never certain I want to be with someone. Besides, I'm a little odd. So it's better being single."

 

"That's true. We're both a little odd, I think." Ryuichi titled his head, thinking about it. "But maybe you're right, and I should try to a little. What do you think if I asked the waitress out? Just for coffee or something?"

 

Tatsuha smiled, even as a little bit of him hurt at having it confirmed that Ryuichi Sakuma, the one he wanted with every part of his body, was straight. "Well, I think you'd make her day," he said softly.

 

"I'm sure I would. But I'm still not positive. I mean, did she even mention her name? I don't think I remember it if she did. Which doesn't help in asking her out." Ryuichi frowned a little, watching Tatsuha. He smiled, and yet, there had been a brief look in his eyes. Like deep, heartfelt pain.

 

"It's Sai, if you do want to ask her out. She didn't say it because I'm a regular here. Besides, that's how most dates begin, isn't it? Asking someone for their name and taking the time on the date to get to know them better." He still smiled, but the pain was still there. After realizing he could never be with the one he wanted, he had told himself never to make him sad, or hold him back.

 

"I suppose you're right. It wouldn't hurt to ask." Ryuichi saw that pain again in Tatsuha's eyes. Maybe it did hurt. Just not him.

 

He nodded. "Give it a shot, right? Won't hurt a single person," he replied, even as he finished off his soup. Before he could say anything else, Sai came with their meals.

 

"Here you go. A burger for you," she said, putting it in front of Tatsuha. "And this was yours," she said, placing the chicken in front of Ryuichi. "Can I get you boys anything else?"

 

Tatsuha shrugged. "Nothing for me." He then looked at Ryuichi. "How about you?"

 

Ryuichi suddenly found himself incredibly embarrassed again. "I-I was wondering… if you... ifyouwouldgoonadatewithme." He said in a rush.

 

Tatsuha looked away, biting into a french fry.

 

Sai flushed, smiling softly. "A date? I'd love to." She wrote down her number and name and placed it in front of him, giving him a soft wink. "Call me to set a time, handsome."

 

Ryuichi smiled, "Okay. I will. Thanks." He said, happy that it was a success so far.

 

Sai nodded, before happily moving away to handle her other tables.

 

Tatsuha swallowed, bringing a smile to his lips and he turned back to him. "Way to go, Sakuma-san. I'll make certain you have the time free, for whenever you decide to take her out."

 

"Okay. Great. Thanks for helping me with this. I hope it works out at least a little. Now, we just need to find someone for you." Ryuichi said, eating one of his fries.

 

Tatsuha had been in the middle of a bite of his hamburger, only to pause mid-way. "No, that's ok, Sakuma-san. I don't think so."

 

"Really? Well, it will happen eventually for you. Just have to be patient." He said, dipping his chicken into the sauce before taking a bite. "Ow! hothothot!" He exclaimed, fanning his mouth.

 

The teen laughed, but it wasn't as carefree as usual. "Well, I'm certain it will happen someday. I just don't expect it soon."

 

Ryuichi dropped the rest of his chicken onto the plate and took a drink of his coke. "I know you don't. I just can't see why you seem so set against it happening."

 

He shrugged. "I suppose when you're in love... you don't want anyone but that person. While I know it's impossible to be with him, it doesn't change my feelings. So I just want to enjoy it, until I can eventually move on."

 

"That makes sense. Well, as long as you're content with that. You might not be happy, but I'm sure you'll find something good in it." Ryuichi said, agreeing mostly with what he said. It just wasn't the best idea, since it was a hard way to be happy.

 

Tatsuha sighed, moving to sip his soda. "Well, I guess it's more that I'm happy, knowing he's happy."

 

"That's how it often goes, I believe. Most people don't care for their own, but for other's happiness."

 

The teen smiled. "Isn't that the definition of being 'in love'. That you want what makes the one you love happy? Even if that happiness isn't brought by you being with them?"

 

"Ah. You speak many wise words today, Tatsuha-kun. I have not argument to that."

 

He laughed at that. "I guess so. But right now, this wise-man needs to visit the bathroom." That said, he got up and headed for the restroom. Once he was gone, Sai once more came around.

 

"Hello. I was just coming over to see if you needed anything else." She then laughed softly. "I almost thought you were the man Tatsuha-kun always talked about, seeing as he never comes in with anyone...But then you asked me out." She then brushed back a lock of black hair. "Not that I'm not grateful for the invitation, I just wasn't expecting it," she rambled on, refilling their sodas.

 

"Well, I don't think I am. Whoever he is, Tatsuha seems to really like him. Yes, we've been talking about that all afternoon, and he mentioned that it seemed like you liked me. I didn't believe him at first, but he explained it, and I thought it would be nice." He blushed a little. "I didn't mean to be so forward about it though. I don't know why you even said yes."

 

Sai smiled. "Well, because you seemed like you really wanted to go out. You're cute... why wouldn't I say yes? Besides, you're a friend of Tatsuha-kun's, and that's all there is to it." She then gave him a soft smile. "Yet I really could have sworn you were the one. You look just like his descriptions... and you're straight. So it really made me think. Yet, I suppose you would know if you were."

 

"I only met Tatsuha-kun a couple days ago. I really don't think it's me. Besides, I never said I was straight. I'm actually bi." Ryuichi told her. "So, I don't know. Maybe it's just someone who looks like me."

 

She laughed. "Honey, there's only one other person who looks like you, and that's Ryuichi Sakuma. And I know for a fact that Tatsuha-kun's had the hots for him for years. So when you looked like him, I simply thought you were the one he had mentioned getting closer to a few days ago. That boy's sweet, but he's set his heart up for ultimate heartbreak." She then heard a small bell. "Anyway, back to work. I'll be expecting that call." That said, she rushed off to pick up the order.

 

What?! He thought. I'M the one Tatsuha's so in love with?! But - But we only just met! How...? He had mentioned being a fan, Ryuichi just didn't know how big of a fan. Well, this might complicate things just a little. He really liked Tatsuha, but unlike the other, he hadn't known him that long. Oh. THAT'S what the pain in his eyes had been earlier. Ryuichi looked up when Tatsuha suddenly appeared at the table again. "Oh... um. Sai came by... but I told her you were fine.”

 

Tatsuha gave him a warm smile. "Hey, sorry about that." He sat back down and began eating again before answering. "And of course I'm fine. Just too much soda, is all. It looked like you two were hitting it off. I'm certain your date will go very well."

 

Ryuichi just nodded, not really paying attention. Sai had given him a lot to think about. "Yes. I'm sure it will."

 

Tatsuha noticed the change, taking it to mean he was thinking about the date. With a smile, he waved a hand in front of Ryuichi's face. "Hey, come on. Don't worry. It'll be fine. I promise you."

 

"Yeah. Okay. Umm. I think I want to go back now. I've got too many things to think about now. I need to talk to kuma-chan about it." Ryuichi said, still distracted. Ugh. It was making him feel sick in his tummy.

 

He frowned, feeling like he had ruined the whole outing by having him ask her out. Placing the money for the meal onto the table, he stood, looking toward him. "All right. Let's go on back then. You can then relax by yourself for a while, before we have to finish making certain everything's ready for when we have to leave."

 

"Okay. That sounds better. Sorry about this. I'm suddenly not feeling so hot."

 

He nodded, giving him a small, concerned smile. "I'll get you something to help you feel better when we get back, ok?" He then continued on back to the hotel, none the wiser for what had gone on.

 

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