Unlocking My Love

Title: Unlocking My Love

Author: JadeHeart
Fandom: Gravitation
Warnings: some bad language

Author’s Note: I wanted to try and finish this chapter for Christmas - I’ve just managed to scrape in! This has been very rushed so I hope there aren’t too many mistakes. To all my readers who have waited so patiently whilst this story unfolds, thank you. For those who celebrate this time of year, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this, apart from Jim Harris and Annette; they belong to the creator of ‘Gravitation’.


Chapter 24


“So do I look all right?” Shuichi asked for the third time since they had left the hotel, tugging at the bottom of his jacket before running a hand through his hair which inadvertently caused some bits to stand up on end.

Yuki sighed loudly in exasperation. “Stop fidgeting,” he growled. He reached out and smoothed Shuichi's hair back down. “We're just having beers with them.”

“It's all right for you,” Shuichi complained. “But I've never met them before; you have.”

“They're just ordinary....” Yuki began to answer when the door swung open.

“'Bout time you showed up,” Dee said with a grin, framed in the doorway. “We were beginning to wonder if we had to send out a search party.”

He stood back and waved them inside. Ryo was just entering the living room from another doorway which Shuichi could see lead to the kitchen. He greeted them both with a warm smile.

“Welcome,” he said, coming forward to greet them. He held out a hand towards Shuichi. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Shuichi,” he said, clasping Shuichi's hand in a firm grip.

“And you,” Shuichi replied, smiling despite his nervousness. Ryo exuded a warm, calming presence and Shuichi felt himself beginning to relax. “Thank you both for helping so much before.” He bowed deeply to show the depth of his gratitude and thanks.

“We didn't really do anything,” Ryo began when Dee interrupted rudely, draping an arm around Ryo's shoulders and leering at Shuichi.

“Don't you believe it,” he said, “We worked ourselves to the bone to help out so now you're rich and famous if you want to show your appreciation a nice condo on ......”

This line of conversation was brought to an abrupt close as Ryo thumped Dee on the head without a change of expression on his calm face.

“We were just doing our jobs and more than happy to help,” Ryo said as Dee hunched down at his feet grasping his bruised skull. “We're just glad to see that everything worked out well and you were found safe. Aren't we, Dee?”

“Yeah, yeah,” was the mumbled reply then Dee stood again and headed for the kitchen. “Is beer okay with you two?”

“Yeah,” Yuki responded, speaking for the first time as he sat on the couch and immediately drew out his cigarettes.

“Shuichi?” Ryo questioned. “Is there anything else you would rather prefer?”

“No, no,” Shuichi said hurriedly. “That is fine with me.”

“Okay. Four beers coming up!” Dee announced loudly.

Just at that moment the front door rattled and swung open and the room was filled with noisy chatter as four teenagers entered, two boys and two girls.

“Hey, shut up!” Dee yelled at them, sticking his head around the corner from the kitchen with a glare. “Can't you monkeys see we've got guests!”

“You're the big ape making the most noise,” one of the boys snapped back, blond hair startling against his darker skin.

“Come here and say that, pipsqueak!” Dee growled. “I'll give you a crash course in manners.”

“In your dreams, mister!” the teen responded, giving Dee the finger. “You're too fat and lazy to even catch me. Besides, I’ve grown another two centimeters, jerk!”

“Aw, give it a rest, Bikky,” one of the girls put in now, slapping the boy's arm sharply. “You're being really rude. Just because Lai beat you, you shouldn't take it out on everyone else.”

“He didn't beat me!” Bikky stated firmly, glaring at the other youth. “I was just having a bad day.”

“Yeah, sure,” the other youth with Asian features said calmly, arm draped over the shoulders of the girl by his side. “Any time you want a rematch you just have to say the word. But that doesn't mean that it gets you out of paying for pizza this time.”

The scowl on Bikky's face was fierce but he grudgingly acknowledged his obligations. “Fine, but next time we're upping the stakes,” he said, pointing at his friend.

“Bring it on,” was the quick reply. “But don't start crying again when you lose next time!”

“As if I'll lose to a slanty-eyed bastard....”

“Ahem,” Ryo interrupted them, loudly clearing his throat. “We do have guests,” he pointed out to the teens before the argument got completely out of hand. “I would like them to leave with a fairly good impression of you if that is possible.”

One of the girls immediately went over to Ryo's side and hugged him. “Sorry, Ryo,” she apologised, looking up at him.

Ryo smiled down at her and patted her shoulder. “That's okay, Carol,” he said.

Now Carol glanced to where Yuki sat on the couch with Shuichi beside him and her eyes widened. “It's you!” she said, excitement in her voice and she threw herself across the room to give Yuki a crushing hug, his face buried between her young breasts.

“Umph!” was Yuki's startled, muffled response as Shuichi looked on in shock. Just what was going on with these people?! He had been told about Ryo and Dee by Yuki prior and all they had done in trying to find him so he had wanted to meet them even though he had been extremely nervous doing so, but who were these kids? And what was this girl to Yuki?! Before he could straighten his thoughts out the second girl let out a squeal and flew from the side of her obvious boyfriend to engulf Yuki in as an exuberant hug as her friend. All Shuichi could do was sit there and stare.

“There they go again,” Bikky grumbled, plonking himself down cross-legged on the floor, resting his chin in one hand, elbow resting on his knee. A disgruntled expression was on his face as he watched the two girls shower affection on Yuki.

“Yep,” said Lai, joining him in the same pose. He sighed in resignation then spoke to Shuichi. “Just give them a minute to get over it and then they'll be fine.”

“Ah, okay,” Shuichi responded, still at a loss.

Carol and the other girl finally released Yuki, who took a deep breath as he came up for air once more, face red. “It is so good to see you!” Carol was gushing. “And you look as handsome as ever!”, giving his blond hair a light tug.

The other girl now turned to look at Shuichi whose lap she was nearly sitting in and her eyes widened a little, hands coming up to cover her mouth for a moment. “Carol, look!” she demanded, turning to her friend. “It's him! It's him!”

Carol now focused her attention on Shuichi also, surprise turning to delight quickly. “It is you!” and she threw herself at Shuichi although she didn't try to hug him as she had Yuki. Shuichi shrank back a little, feeling overwhelmed by this onslaught of attention from the two girls as they stared at him so intently he felt he was being peeled layer by layer.

“I didn't recognise you at first because you don't have pink hair anymore but I think you're even more handsome like this!” Carol continued. “Don't you think so, Lass?”

Lass nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, yes!” She turned to Yuki for a moment. “So you finally found him! I'm so glad for you!” She didn't bother waiting to see if Yuki was going to say anything, immediately turning back to Shuichi. “Are you all right now? We were told you had lost your memory so are you better now?”

“Ah, yes, I'm fine. Thank you,” Shuichi managed to utter.

“Oh, that's good!” Lass continued. “Yuki was so worried about you. I'm so glad he found you again!”

“So are you still going to be playing?” Carol then said.

“Playing?” Shuichi asked, trying to follow the conversation.

“The band,” Lass clarified. “We've wanted to see you play for ages.” She cast a coy look at Yuki. “Yuki said you're very good.”

“Uhm, well, we are here to play,” Shuichi attempting to answer the questions being fired at him in quick succession. Although his grasp of English had improved tremendously from his high school days due to his forced stay in America, but he still had a little difficulty in following the language when it was being spoken so quickly. He glanced at Ryo. “I guess it may be all right for you to come and see us play if you would like to.” Did these teenagers know what type of music they played?

“Whee!” Carol and Lass squealed in unison making all the males wince a little.

“You'll be able to get the tickets for us, won't you, Ryo?” Carol asked sincerely. “I'll be able to pay you back next month with my allowance.”

“You mean you know when they're playing already?” Bikky asked, looking surprised.

A withering look was cast upon him. “Of course,” was the quick response from Carol. “All the kids at school have been talking about Bad Luck for ages!”

“Bad Luck?!” Bikky sat up straight at that, even Lai looked more alert. He stared at Shuichi. “You mean that kid is in Bad Luck?”

“Kid?” Shuichi huffed, finally finding his voice and glaring at the boy sitting on the floor. “I'm 24 years old, thank you!”

“No way,” Bikky stated in disbelief. “You're hardly taller than me!”

“Well, I am!” Shuichi said in a tight voice. “Japanese people tend to be shorter than you Americans, that's all.”

“See, Bikky,” Lai put in smoothly. “There's hope for you yet to be taller than someone else.”

“Shut up,” Bikky growled, scowling at his friend.

“I'll try and get the tickets,” Ryo said then, looking over at Shuichi and diverting attention. “When do they go on sale?”

“I can arrange for some,” Shuichi said quickly.

“No, I couldn't let you do that,” Ryo stated, holding up a hand. “That wouldn't be right.”

“Please let me do this,” Shuichi said, standing and bowing deeply. “It's the least I can do to repay you for all your help.”

“Aw, let the kid do it if he wants,” Dee drawled from where he sprawled on the floor, beer in hand having for once quietly watched the interplay till now.

Ryo frowned at him then returned his gaze to the still bowed Shuichi. “Please stand up,” he said quietly. He smiled at Shuichi when he did. “As you insist I would be happy to accept your offer. And thank you.” He looked up at the teenagers in the room. “I'm sure they all would like to thank you also.”

“Thank you!” Carol and Lass said in unison, kissing Shuichi on each cheek, making him flush.

“And?” Ryo looked at Bikky and Lai sitting on the floor. “Unless you don't wish to go?”

“Hey, we didn't say that!” Bikky said quickly. He looked at Shuichi. “Sure, we'd like to go, but I ain't kissing no dude!”

“I may like your music also but I draw the line there as well,” Lai said calmly.

Ryo sighed. “A simple 'thank you' I am sure will suffice,” he said.

“Then sure,” Bikky said with a shrug. “Thanks a lot, man.”

“I will be sure to have the tickets delivered shortly,” Shuichi said. “Should I include one for you both also?” looking at Ryo and Dee.

Dee choked on his beer at the question then wiped the spittle from his chin. “Uhm, can't say I've ever heard of you before,” he admitted.

“Actually I wouldn't mind attending,” Ryo said surprisingly, making Dee look at him in shock. He smiled at Shuichi. “I've heard your music played by Bikky and thought it was rather good.”

“Then I'm going too!” was Dee's hurried response.

“Fine then,” Yuki finally put in, cigarette hanging from his lips. “That's six tickets so can we finally get another drink?”

“Of course” Ryo said standing, “My apologies.” He returned shortly with further beers although Shuichi and himself had barely touched theirs. Yuki and Dee immediately reached for their second.

“How about us?” Bikky asked.

“There's juice in the fridge,” Ryo said as Dee swatted Bikky's hand away from where it rested near his beer.

“Back off, you sawn-off midget!” he snarled. “Babies don't drink beer.”

Bikky stuck his tongue out at him as he stood and headed for the kitchen. “As if I would want to share spit with a pervert like you!” He looked over his shoulder towards his friends. “You can wait in my room where it's safer,” he said, “in case his perversion is contagious.”

“You just want to do the dirty with the girls, you rampant hormonal shrimp!” Dee threw back in response.

“Unlike you, we actually know how to control ourselves,” Bikky replied loftily. “Just because you can't stop yourself from jumping Ryo every minute don't lump the rest of us in the same basket!”

“Why you...!” Dee cut short what he was going to say as Bikky's door slammed shut firmly. “Damn brat!”

Shuichi now realised that he had missed the obvious about Ryo and Dee. Not only were they partners at work, they were obviously a couple as well. Like Yuki and me, he thought, sneaking a glance at Yuki. Did Yuki know? Of course, he did. Yuki had spent much longer with these two men, even having said that he had visited them at their home address before.

He now watched Ryo and Dee more closely. Although the two men sat apart, unlike he and Yuki seated on the couch, there was still an obvious connection between them. The way their bodies would incline towards each other, the way their conversation would flow and blend together, the amused or warm looks that would pass between them, even the teasing or scolding comments. These two men were obviously deeply in love and Shuichi felt a pang of envy. Ryo and Dee didn't seem to need overt displays of affection to show that they cared. He snuck a quick glance at Yuki by his side. Would he ever be able to get to that stage of comfortableness with Yuki? Probably not, he thought a little sadly.

He leant back with a sigh, then started as he felt something brush against the back of his head. Twisting around he realised that Yuki's arm lay across the back of the couch behind him.

“What?” Yuki questioned, raising his beer to his lips.

“Uhm,” Shuichi began then didn't quite know how to continue. He began to lean forward again.

“Hurry up and sit back,” Yuki suddenly said. “You're jiggling the couch.”

He didn't look at Shuichi as he said this but he also didn't move his arm so Shuichi had no choice but to gingerly lean back, feeling Yuki's arm warm against the back of his neck. He started a little as he felt Yuki's large hand fall upon his shoulder, glancing sideways to see the long fingers curled around his upper arm. A tingling began to spread through his body, permeating outwards from that point of contact.

“So,” and Shuichi tuned back to the conversation that had been continuing whilst he had mused. “We've not found out anything much so far,” Dee was saying, taking a handful of nuts from the bowl set on the coffee table before them and tossing a couple into his mouth. “The surveillance video just showed general staff coming and going, there was only one that stood out as suspicious.”

“Further investigation showed that one of the cleaning ladies' uniforms had been removed from the lockers. The owner was cleared as she was away on holidays at the time with her family. Just before going away she had lost the keys to her padlock and it had to be cut off and she hadn't got around to replacing it,” Ryo continued to story. “She wasn't particularly worried about doing so as there was only the uniform in there, nothing else of value.”

“So you think someone grabbed the uniform and got in?” Yuki queried. “Just like that?”

Dee shrugged. “Looks like it,” he said. “You can get into the car park if you walk through at the time the gates are opening for cars and get out the same way. If you come through the car park and go via the workers entrance you bypass the security guards in the foyer. Once you've got the uniform and pass key it's easy from there to access the living quarter floors.”

“Don't they lock the worker's entrance door?” Shuichi asked, curious.

“Sure they do,” Dee said, “Except when there are deliveries and the door's propped open.”

“So what's it all mean?” Yuki asked.

“Well, there are two possibilities,” Ryo said. “Either this was a very well planned break-in or it was just luck that everything fell into place.”

“That seems a little unlikely,” Yuki put in skeptically.

“I agree, but it does happen that way sometimes,” Ryo said. “Plenty of crimes occur as a spur of the moment action, simply because everything seemed to be just right.”

“But it definitely looks like you were the target,” Dee put in. “As no-one else was interfered with, and it would appear that your manuscript was the reason for it as nothing else was taken, and in truth the damage was pretty minor.”

Yuki raised an eye brow at that but didn't comment. “So could you see who it was on the surveillance tapes?” he asked instead.

Ryo shook his head. “Sorry,” he apologised. “They kept their head down and we couldn't get a good picture of their face.”

“We're not even sure if it was a chick or a dude,” Dee added. “Those uniforms could hide anything under them.”

“So in other words this has all been a complete waste of time,” Yuki growled.

Dee shrugged again. “Well, we can look at it this way,” he said. “Now they've got the manuscript they're not going to bother coming back so you don't have anything to worry about.”

“Huh!” Yuki huffed, scowling. He wasn't surprised. Tohma hadn't turned up anything different either after his enquiries. Oh, well, he would just have to redo the story before submitting it. If he changed it enough, it wouldn’t matter if the manuscript got leaked.

“The investigation is still on-going but unless another lead turns up we’re pretty much at a dead end. Sorry about that,” Ryo said apologetically to Yuki.

Yuiki shrugged. “Not anything else you can do,” he said. “It’s just a pain in the ass.” He paused, blowing out some smoke. “Thanks anyway.”

“No problem,” Ryo smiled.

“Now, how about something to eat, like pizza?” Dee said, clapping his hands, smiling broadly. “Didn’t I hear something about Bikky buying?”

-oOo-

Yuki yawned as he walked through the lobby, heading for the front doors.

He and Shuichi had stayed out drinking at Dee and Ryo’s far later than he had anticipated. Surprisingly, he had actually enjoyed their company and the time had just slipped by unnoticed. Shuichi had seemed to have had a good time too, soon bantering with the four teens who had joined them for pizza, accompanied by Bikky’s strident complaints about paying, with music being the main topic of conversation. Ryo finally shooed the kids off to bed when Bikky and Lai began to teach Shuichi how to play basketball in the lounge and Yuki was sure that Ryo feared for the well-being of his home’s décor if that continued.

The four adults then spent some further time talking, Shuichi being curious about Ryo and Dee’s work and enthralled by some of the stories they told, before Dee then pumped Shuichi for information about being a pop idol, wanting to know if he got fancy cars and things showered on him from potential sponsors. He seemed a little disappointed when Shuichi explained that there really wasn’t that much of those things as that was all controlled by the production company they were signed with. Dee then made a few cracks that Shuichi should introduce him to some of the pretty young groupies that must follow him until he caught the icy glare of Ryo and hurriedly cancelled that request.

Shuichi had continued to speak animatedly in the taxi as they headed back to their respective dwellings, and Yuki was pleased to see him acting so boisterously once more. He didn’t see that side of Shuichi much any more but it always brought back so many memories of the past. Shuichi had finally subsided and Yuki had felt a warm pressure on his shoulder. Looking sideways he saw Shuichi asleep on his shoulder, eyes closed, long lashes brushing his cheek, his breathing slow and steady. No wonder, Yuki thought, Shuichi’s been going at full steam since their arrival in New York in preparation for this concert. Any wonder he’s tired. He directed the driver to change plans and head directly to Shuichi’s hotel first, even though it was the one furthest away.

As they pulled up, Yuki gently shook Shuichi away. “Hey, wake up.

Shuichi’s eyes cracked open, blinking slowly, then a large yawn opened his mouth wide as he reached up to rub at his eyes. “Where?”

“Your hotel, idiot,” Yuki said quietly, letting Shuichi wake up properly.

Shuichi looked out the window, still rubbing his eyes. “Oh, it is too,” he muttered, yawning again. He suddenly sat up straighter and looked at Yuki. “Hey, weren’t you getting out first?”

“I would have except someone was busy drooling on my shoulder,” Yuki stated.

“Aw, not again!” Shuichi said, slapping his forehead. He wiped at his mouth and chin, obviously trying to detect any sign of moisture.

“It’s no big deal,” Yuki said, “If I had got out first you would have gone right back to sleep and could have ended up anywhere. If I take my eyes off you for one second you’re liable to get yourself into some sort of trouble.”

“Now that’s unfair,” Shuichi said firmly.

Yuki just raised one eyebrow and remained silent.

“Whatever,” Shuichi finally said, opening the door and exiting. He leant back down to look through the open window at Yuki. “So I’ll see you tomorrow? Can you make it?”

Yuki nodded. “Should be able to but it won’t be till late afternoon.”

“That’s okay,” Shuichi said with a bright smile. “As long as you come I don’t care what time it is.”

Yuki stared at Shuichi’s open face, wondering if Shuichi realized just how that statement made his heart race.

“Hey,” Yuki said.

“What?”

“Come here for a sec,” Yuki beckoned Shuichi to lean in closer.

“What?” Shuichi queried again, complying.

Yuki leant forward and kissed him, lips meeting, holding, moulding to Shuichi’s. Yuki could feel the warm gust of Shuichi’s breath as it entered his mouth, mingling with his own. He pulled back and met Shuichi’s eyes, wondering what reaction he would get.

Shuichi stared back at him then a slow smile spread across his face. “You,” he said, with a low chuckle. “you always manage to surprise me.”

“That’s good, isn’t it?” Yuki asked. “Means you won’t get bored.”

Shuichi gave a soft laugh. “Yeah, you’re right. But that’s gonna be a lot of surprises, you know.” He moved away from the car and gave a jaunty salute to Yuki. “See you tomorrow!”, then he turned and walked briskly into the hotel.

Yuki watched until he was inside, before directing the driver to his apartment, sitting back to ponder what Shuichi had said. Could he take as meaning that Shuichi was seriously considering being with him again? Permanently? He inhaled deeply, holding it, then exhaling slowly. Don’t rush it, he calmed himself, don’t push him too hard for an answer. He couldn’t afford to screw up this time.


Yuki smothered another yawn as he settled into the waiting taxi.

Yes, last night had been a good night and he didn’t care how tired he was now, not when the end of the evening had ended so promisingly. He just hoped that Shuichi wouldn’t have had any second thoughts upon awakening this morning. Yuki had a full schedule today and really couldn’t get away any earlier. Mizuki would be meeting him at the studio where his interview was being recorded, having remained at the hotel where Tohma had ensconced her and her son after the break-in although there had been no further trouble. It had just seemed simpler than moving back again, especially as Tohma said he would pick up the hotel bill. As long as Mizuki was okay with it, Yuki wasn’t going to insist she returns to be with him. He didn’t need her at his beck and call, he could look after himself.

“SHIT!!”

Yuki was suddenly thrown abruptly forward as the taxi driver slammed on his breaks, twisting the wheel furiously to avoid not only the car who had cut dangerously in front of him, but to avoid the car in the lane beside them as well as the truck squealing in behind them. Luck or whatever deity of taxi drivers there is, was on their side and they navigated the perilous pitfalls surrounding them to be able to pull onto the shoulder, shaken but unharmed.

“You okay, mister?” the driver turned around to check on his passenger.

“Yeah. Fine,” Yuki answered, rubbing his forehead where it had connected hard against his forearm which he had thrown up instinctively to protect himself as he was thrown against the back of the seat in front of him.

By this time, other cars had also stopped to check on them. The drivers concerned in the near disaster huddled together and Yuki caught smatterings of the conversation, enough to realize that the car that had caused the entire incident had not stopped and no-one had been able to get the license number.

Yuki glanced at his watch and growled under his breath. Damn it, he was going to be late if they didn’t get a move on! He pulled out his mobile phone and quickly dialed Mikuki.

“Yuki, where are you? You don’t have much time. Don’t tell me you over slept?” Mizuki’s harried voice reached his ear before he could say a word.

“I didn’t over sleep,” he defended himself. “I’m in a taxi right now. There was a near accident on the highway and I’m caught in it at the moment. See if you can push it back by half an hour or so.”

“You’re not hurt?” Mizuki asked.

“No, nothing like that. It was just an idiot driver.”

“Okay, I’ll see what I can do. Get here as fast as you can.”

“Will do.”

Yuki hung up and glanced out the window at the still talking people. He sighed as he opened the door and got out, pulling his cigarettes out of his pocket. May as well enjoy a smoke at a time like this.

-oOo-


Yuki walked through the open gate, seeing Shuichi on the basketball court with Bikky. He sat on the bench, the players not noticing his arrival so engrossed in their game were they. He could see Shuichi frowning in concentration as he kept his eyes fixed on Bikky dribbling the ball. When Bikky finally moved it was lightening fast but Shuichi responded almost as quickly, his small, lean build an advantage. He managed to intercept Bikky, stealing the ball for a moment, heading for the opposite basket. However, Shuichi’s beginner status was all too clear when Bikky came flying in, stealing the ball mid-bounce from Shuichi’s grasp, circling his opponent, before sprinting to his basket to take an astounding leap upwards to dunk the ball firmly into the basket.

“And that is how you do it!” Bikky declared with a broad grin, pointing at Shuichi still trying to catch up to him.

“How…do…you move…so fast?!” Shuichi gasped out as he stopped, leaning over to place hands on his knees as he tried to get his breath back.

“I’m not an old man like you!” Bikky teased, sticking his tongue out.

Shuichi glared up at him, hair clinging to his sweaty forehead. “When I catch you…”

“Yeah, yeah,” Bikky interrupted, rolling his eyes. “If I had a dollar for every time anyone has said that to me I’d be a frigging millionaire!”

“I think I need to work on my stamina,” Shuichi stated, straightening up and pushing his hair back. “And I used to think I had a lot of it in my stage performances and yet I can still get run ragged by a kid.”

“I’m not a kid!” Bikky exclaimed.

“You are for an old man like me!” Shuichi replied with a grin. He stretched his arms up, and noticed the figure sitting on the bench. “Hey, Yuki!” He turned to Bikky for a moment. “Thanks for the game. Catch you later!”

“Later,” was Bikky’s response.

Shuichi hurried over to where Yuki sat.

“I’m glad you could make it,” he said with a smile, looking down at the immaculately dressed man.
“Well, you did say you had the day off,” Yuki responded, lighting up a cigarette. “It seemed stupid to waste it so I moved my schedule around a bit.”

“Thanks for doing that,” Shuichi said, sitting down beside Yuki. He suddenly realized that he was still dressed him nothing more than shorts and t-shirt, and still sweaty from his exertions. Did he smell?, he suddenly wondered, worrying.

“You look like you and that pipsqueak are getting along well,” Yuki suddenly said.

“Huh? You mean, Bikky? Yeah, we’ve hung out a couple of times now.” Shuichi turned to Yuki with a broad smile. “He’s been trying to teach me basketball but I’m not too good at it.”

Yuki was silent for a long time and Shuichi frowned. Was something wrong? Had Yuki had a bad day so far or something?

Yuki dropped his half-finished cigarette to the ground, slowly grinding it underfoot. “So, you’ve had time to hang out with that brat and everyone else, but always telling me you’re so busy.

“Eh?” Shuichi was taken aback by the fierce intensity in Yuki’s voice. “No, I mean I am busy, you know that, but I have had some time off now and then. Sometimes just an hour or so and since Bikky’s on school break at the moment he’s been free too. It’s not like I spend heaps of time with him or anything. This is only the second time we’ve met up, honest!”

“And I’m supposed to believe that?” Yuki snarled, glaring at Shuichi. “So you spend a couple of hours with some kid you hardly know, then what? A few hours with another ‘friend’? What about a few hours with that ex-girlfriend of yours? A few hours is more than enough time to screw her. You come in about thirty seconds anyway so in a couple of hours you could screw her a couple of hundred times if you can get it up that is!”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!” Shuichi demanded, angry now, feeling his face heat. “Don’t you dare say such things about Annette!”

“Oh? Defending your darling Annette, are you? Missing her so much since you left her that you couldn’t wait to have her come stay with you in Japan and bring her back here to play happy families again?”

Shuichi sprang to his feet and glared down at Yuki, fists clenched at his sides. “Shut up!” he almost screamed. “Why the hell are you saying all this crap? I haven’t done anything with Annette – not in Japan, and not since we arrived here! Why can’t you just believe that?!”

Yuki was on his feet now, staring down at Shuichi. “How can I when I keep seeing you fawning all over her, and she hangs around you like a bad smell!”

“She is ‘supporting’ me!” Shuichi yelled. “Something you wouldn’t know about since you just decided all on your own to piss off to New York without a single word to me about what you’re doing and not given a fuck about me! You know, you’ve got a bad habit of running off here when you get scared and I’m getting real sick of it! So why don’t you fucking grow up?!”

“So I’m supposed to just sit back and shut up whilst you flirt with you ex?!” Yuki demanded.

“I’m NOT flirting!” Shuichi stressed. “She’s been encouraging me to do my best in my music. And she’s been encouraging me about you as well, you arrogant, conceited, tight-ass! You weren’t around to tell me to do my best!”

“So are you telling me anyone would do then?!” Yuki growled.

Shuichi reached out and grasped the front of Yuki’s shirt, bunching it in his fist, glaring into Yuki’s golden eyes.

“Not anyone!” he said fiercely. “Only the people who are important to me, and I was beginning to believe that you were one of them! But you fucked off which told me that you didn’t think I was important to you!”

“Geez!” Bikky’s exasperated voice broke the angry silence that had settled between the two of them.

They both turned, glares transferring to the youth.

He stood there with basketball casually tucked under one arm, the other hand raised as he twirled it in his ear, completely unfazed by those looks.

“Why don’t you two just get a room?”

Shuichi’s jaw dropped in surprise as Yuki blinked a couple of times also.

“What?!” Shuichi finally stuttered out. “Why would I want to get a room with this jerk?”

“More to the point, why would I want to be in the same place as a snot-nosed, spoiled brat like you?” Yuki snarled back.

Bikky just rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Boy, are you two so much like Dee and Ryo.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “’Cept they didn’t really argue like you two. Dee just kept chasing Ryo who kept avoiding him.” He bounced the ball a couple of times. “Ryo was pretty good at that but it was damn obvious that he liked Dee too.”

He turned and lined up the basket. “It was funny at first but it got pretty annoying after a while.” He lobbed the ball and it sailed upwards to strike the backboard and fall into the basket before bouncing to the ground.

Bikky ran forward and collected it on the bounce, dribbling it back towards where Yuki and Shuichi sat. “It was way better once they finally got it together,” he continued. “It sure was a hell of a lot quieter. Except at night.”

“We,” Shuichi growled with a glare at Yuki, “are nothing like Ryo and Dee!”

Bikky took another lob at the basket, missing this time. “Yeah, yeah,” he said absently, frowning at his missed target. “As if anyone believes that.”

He collected the ball once again before turning and sprinting back to the basket, leaping high to tip the ball into the hoop. He landed back on the ground, feet slapping firmly against the asphalt. “Yes!” he whooped with satisfaction.

Bikky turned to look at them both. “Anyone can see how much you like each other,” he said. “So why don’t you just admit it and get it over with?” He collected his ball from where it lay on the ground. “Dee and Ryo were much happier after that.”

Bikky turned as his name was shouted out by some other youths just arriving at the courts. “Gotta go!” he said, flicking a casual wave at Yuki and Shuichi before taking off at a run.

The two of them looked after his retreating back then looked at each other, neither speaking. Finally Shuichi began to chuckle, one hand coming up to cover his eyes.

“Man, are we really that stupid?”

Yuki lit up a cigarette. “I guess,” he agreed gruffly.

Shuichi looked at the man beside him, watching him silently for a moment. Yuki really was handsome; tall, good-looking, lean. Shuichi couldn’t deny that he found him very attractive.

“So should we do what he said?” Shuichi asked.

“What’s that?” Yuki queried, eyeing him. “Get a room?”

“No!” Shuichi said, blushing. “I meant, admit it.” Shuichi sat down on the bench.

Yuki gazed down at him and then looked off to the side as though intently watching the basketball game currently in motion. “I suppose.”

Shuichi grinned at Yuki’s reluctance. “Okay, I’ll go first,” he said, knowing that if he waited for Yuki to do so they would be there all day. Shuichi took a deep breath, steadying himself, trying to ignore how fast his heart was racing. “I like you,” he blurted out in a rush. He took a deep calming breath and then said a little more calmly, “I really like you.”

He waited as Yuki continued to smoke, before reaching up to remove the cigarette from his mouth and sit heavily on the other end of the bench, hands coming up to hide his face. “Likewise,” he finally mumbled.

“Come on, Yuki!” Shuichi said a little testily. “At least say it properly this time!”

Yuki raised his head and glared at him. “What the hell do you want me to say?” he snarled.

“Say it like you mean it!”

“What? You want me to get down on my knees or something?!” Yuki snapped. “Don’t be a moron!”

“I’m not a moron!” Shuichi growled back. “I just want you to say it like it actually means something so I know it’s the truth. Is that too much to ask for?”

“I travelled half way around the fucking world for you and you still don’t think I mean it?! Are you an idiot?!”

“I’m not an idiot and stop calling me names, jerk!”

“Fool!”

“Pig!”

“Dumbass!”

“Bastard!”

By this time they were leaning so close to each other their noses were almost touching. Shuichi could feel Yuki’s hot breath lifting his hair, the golden eyes flashing fire as they glared at him.

“You,” he said in a low voice. “are impossible.” He leant forward to press his lips against Yuki’s in a long kiss.

Yuki didn’t pull away instead Shuichi felt his tongue slide forward to slip past his teeth and into his mouth. He revelled in this touch, flicking his own tongue to stroke and twine around Yuki’s, holding him in place by this touch alone.

He suddenly was pulled out of this delightful sensation as he became aware of the resounding whistles and catcalls. He pulled back from Yuki to see Bikky and his friends calling and clapping, mixed with cries of ‘ewww!’, at the other side of the court having abandoned their game for the obviously more entertaining show Shuichi and Yuki were putting on.

Shuichi felt his face heat a little and heard Yuki growl in the back of his throat. Yuki gave the youths the finger and then reached out and pulled Shuichi back into a kiss, this time harder and more forceful than the last, one hand tangled in Shuichi’s hair at the back of his neck. When he was released, Shuichi felt breathless and his lips tingled.

“Let’s get out of here where we won’t have an audience,” Yuki said in a low voice looking directly at Shuichi.

Shuichi nodded silently, his whole body tingling as Yuki stood and hauled him to his feet, dragging him along behind by a firm grip on his hand. He glanced back briefly to see Bikky give him a broad grin and thumbs up salute before turning back to the game with his friends.

Shuichi followed silently, allowing Yuki to continue to lead him by the hand. His heart was racing, wondering what Yuki was intending. He knew it was going to be something intimate, no doubt something sexual. He wasn’t worried exactly but he still felt a nervous anticipation of what he knew was to come. His own level of excitement at these thoughts was making itself evident in the tightness in his groin. He was highly aware of the feel of Yuki’s hand in his, the strength in that grip, and it made his heart race at the thought of that hand touching him elsewhere.

“So,” Shuichi spoke quietly, staring at Yuki’s broad back. “What was that all about back there? Do you really think that I’m back with Annette?”

Yuki stayed silent for a time then Shuichi heard him speak, “Not really.”

Yuki stopped abruptly but didn’t turn, although he maintained his tight grip on Shuichi’s hand. “I…believe you if you say you’re not.”

“Then why did you…?” Shuichi didn’t know if he should continue this conversation. The last thing he wanted to do was to repeat the argument they had just had. It still left a sour taste in his mouth.

“You’ll laugh if I tell you,” Yuki mumbled.

“I won’t,” Shuichi said, squeezing Yuki’s hand. “I promise.”

Yuki stood silently for a few more heartbeats then said, “I was jealous.”

Shuichi stared at the hunched shoulders in amazement. Yuki was jealous? Of Annette? A chortle slipped from his lips before he could smother it.

Yuki spun around and glared at him. “You promised!”

“I know. I know,” Shuichi waved his hand before placing it over his mouth to muffle the following chuckles whilst Yuki continued to glare at him. Shuichi could see his face colouring with embarrassment and tried to get himself under control.

He took a deep breath and managed to stifle any further unexpected mirth. He took a step closer to Yuki and reached up to touch his cheek, smiling.

“You don’t have anything to be jealous about,” he said. “Annette and I are over. You’re the one I’m interested in. Okay?”

Yuki reached up and placed his hand over Shuichi’s holding it for a moment against his face. “Fine then,” he said then turned away and continued to walk, tugging Shuichi after him once more. “Just remember that from now on,” he added and Shuichi wisely decided to remain quiet, simply rolling his eyes. Although it was kind of nice to see Yuki get jealous, he didn’t want it to get out of hand either. He would wait till another time to talk this through a little better. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy the warm feeling building within his chest.

They reached the open street and headed for the main road, Yuki obviously hoping to flag a cab down. They were almost there when there was a loud squeal of brakes from behind them and a vehicle flew past so quickly the displacement of air blew their hair violently back, throwing dust up into their eyes, forcing them to stop and put up arms to protect their faces.

The car screeched to a halt, swerving to angle across the narrow road, effectively blocking the way.

Yuki had come to a halt and now pulled Shuichi in behind him, watching as the driver stepped out of the car. The long blonde hair lifted in the wind, dark sunglasses hiding the eyes. The driver leant on the roof of the car and reached up to remove the glasses.

“It’s taken a while to find you, Shuichi,” K said with a broad smile.

“It’s our day off,” Shuichi said defensively, looking from behind Yuki’s back. “You knew I would be back at the hotel later.” Yuki still hadn’t let go of his hand.

K walked around the car and up to them with a nod for Yuki. “Sorry, time off has been cancelled. You’ve got a radio interview to get to pronto.”

“Now?” Shuichi said in surprise and disbelief.

“Yep,” K said, grabbing his arm and beginning to drag him away.

He came to an abrupt halt and turned to see Shuichi’s arm stretched out, his other hand still held tightly by Yuki who glowered at him.

“He said he had the day off,” Yuki snarled. “If you’ve booked something without telling him that’s your problem!”

K raised one eyebrow, taking note of Yuki’s dark frown and the tight grip. “Well,” he said, scratching the side of his nose. “Officially this wasn’t his day off,” K explained with a grin. “I was just being my usual nice self and let him go because he wanted to see you. Hiro and Suguru have still been working all day.”

“They have?” Shuichi looked at him with wide eyes, a touch of guilt in his voice.

K nodded. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Shuichi, but I can’t keep presenting Bad Luck when it is absent the lead singer. This is pretty important.”

“Oh,” Shuichi said quietly. He knew K was right; he hadn’t realized the rest of the band had been covering for his absence.

He glanced over at Yuki, meeting his eyes. He wanted to say something to him, to tell him that he didn’t want to go. Ideally he wanted to tell K to go jump off the highest building but he knew he couldn’t. He still had a job to do here after all. But he didn’t want to make Yuki mad either. If he did, would Yuki leave him again – this time for good? He didn’t think he could cope with this yo-yo of their relationship anymore.

Yuki looked back at him, remaining silent. Shuichi felt the grip tighten on his hand for a moment then loosen, before slipping away and Yuki’s hand fell to his side. He stood there looking at Shuichi. “You’d better go,” he said quietly.

“Come and see the concert,” K said, tugging the now unimpeded Shuichi along behind him. “I’ll send you a pass.”

Shuichi allowed himself to be lead away but continued to watch Yuki even as K bundled him into the car. He wound the window down as K revved the engine.

“Come tonight!” he called out, hanging dangerously out the window as K took off with a squeal of tyres. “I’ll be waiting for you!”


Yuki stared after the vehicle and ground his teeth in frustration. He had been so close. He could almost taste Shuichi as he had lead him away and Shuichi had seemed just as keen. Finally he had thought they would be able to get somewhere at last. Then that damn K had to turn up and ruin everything!

Yuki turned and stomped along the pavement, anger and disappointment churning inside. He supposed he would go and see Shuichi sing tonight. It would kill a few hours and he had nothing better to do anyway.