Unlocking My Love

Title: Unlocking My Love
Author: JadeHeart
Fandom: Gravitation
Warnings: some bad language

Author’s Note: A New Year’s present for all my readers! Thank you again! If anyone is confused about some hints about past events in New York affecting Ryuichi, Tohma and Jim Harris this is told in the side story, “Unchained Memories”.

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


Chapter 25


“Man, I’m beat!” Shuichi said with feeling, stretching his legs out in the car. He slumped further in the seat. “We haven’t even started the concert and I feel I could sleep right now after today.”

“Well, we have been on a pretty full schedule since our arrival,” Suguru said, looking just as weary. He smothered a yawn. “We’ve managed to accomplish a great deal in a short time.”

“You have indeed and you should all be proud of that,” K said, turning in the front seat to smile at them. “You’ve done well.”

Shuichi scowled at him. “Well, I hope Tohma appreciates all we’ve done for his stupid whim!” he growled under his breath.

K smirked at him. “Hardly a whim. You of all people should know by now that NG’s president doesn’t do anything for such a stupid reason. It’s a pretty clever move he’s made; this gives Nittle Grasper a revival which boosts sales of their prior albums, and introduces their old fan base to Bad Luck, whilst introducing your fan base to Nittle Grasper. It’s a win-win situation, no matter how you look at it.”

“It also firmly establishes Bad Luck’s presence here in America, and linking them to good causes and other charity events for the people here which is excellent publicity and promotional value,” Sakano put in from the driver’s seat.

“What you’re trying to tell me is that we’re still all puppets in Tohma’s grand play?” Shuichi held his arms up and waved them in imitation of a marionette. “So how long are we expected to let him pull our strings?”

“If you’re smart,” K said seriously. “For as long as Bad Luck is successful. Tohma’s one of the best in the business. Anywhere in the world. Don’t dismiss his ideas just because you’re feeling jerked around.”

“I know, I know,” Shuichi slid down further in his seat, scowling. He agreed with everything K was saying, it wasn’t that he didn’t, but he still hated feeling that he was being manipulated.

He glanced across to Hiro sitting next to him. “How come you’re not saying anything?” he asked.

Hiro half smiled at him. “I’m too tired to think of anything to say,” he replied. He pushed his long hair away from his face. “We’re all going to have to try and wake up properly before the concert tonight. At the moment we look like the walking dead. That’s sure going to make a good impression on the crowd for the first night.”

“It’s natural to feel like this,” Suguru added. “We’ve been so busy getting everything ready for the concert and now it’s the first night we’re mentally just winding down.”

“Which means we’ll have to mentally wind back up if we’re going to make it through the concert,” Hiro said. “We’ve made it a pretty physically demanding show.” He shook his head ruefully. “What were we thinking?”

“It’ll be fine,” Shuichi said, smothering another yawn.

“You’ve got a few hours free when we get to the venue,” Sakano put in. “Rooms have been set aside with sofa beds so you can all get some rest well before you have to begin preparing for the show.”

“You’re a life saver, Sakano!” Shuichi said earnestly.

“You can thank the President,” Sakano responded. “It was his instructions.”

“See?” K said, smiling. “Tohma does look out for you.”

Shuichi didn’t answer, just stuck his tongue out at K.

Suguru shook his head. “How juvenile,” he muttered.

“So how was Yuki?” Hiro asked, turning to look at Shuichi. “Sorry we had to pull you away after telling you take the time off.”

“It’s okay,” Shuichi said, smiling at his friend. “I’m sorry you both were doing all this stuff without me. I didn’t realize.”

“We thought you could do with a break,” Suguru put in. “It was unfortunate that we were not considered enough of a representative sample.”

“I think you and Hiro are plenty good enough!” Shuichi declared, pulling himself up straighter. “You’re both as much Bad Luck as I am so they should have been more than happy if it was just you two!”

Suguru looked at him skeptically. “Are you saying that because you mean it, or because you just want to be able to sneak off to spend more time with Yuki?”

“Because I mean it, you ass!” Shuichi exclaimed, getting riled.

“Oh, then in that case – thank you, that’s really nice of you to say that,” Suguru said, complete nonplussed by Shuichi’s indignation.

Hiro just chuckled, amused by watching the by-play between his bandmates. “Yeah, thanks, Shuichi. However, we both know that Bad Luck wouldn’t be anything without your voice so we don’t really blame the interviewers for wanting you to be there as well. But we are sorry for busting up your date. So how did it go?”

“Ah, uhm,” Shuichi flushed as he remembered the last passionate kiss he had shared with Yuki. “Good – I think.”

“You think?” Suguru raised one eyebrow as he looked at Shuichi, then sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know what to do with you two. Will you just get yourselves sorted out and get back together.”

“Hey, what if I didn’t want to get back together with him?!” Shuichi stated, glaring at Suguru.

“Oh, please!” Suguru replied, rolling his eyes. “You so want to be with that man and always have! So much so that it’s driven the rest of us nearly insane from the very beginning. Even when you say you don’t want to, you obviously do!” Suguru paused, then looked at Hiro. “Did I just almost sound like Shuichi then?” he asked evenly.

Hiro nodded solemnly. “You did.”

Suguru nodded his head slowly in return. “I thought so.” He lifted one hand up to cover his eyes. “My life is truly doomed now.”

Shuichi began to chortle, before laughing fully. “You two!” he gasped between laughter. “I am so lucky to have friends like you!”

“You’ve only just figured that one out?” Hiro said, grinning at his laughing friend.

Shuichi settled back into the seat again, this time feeling a little less tired, smile still on his face. He was lucky, he knew that all too well. He had great friends like Hiro and Suguru, other people helping Bad Luck be the best band in the world like K, Sakano and, yes, even Tohma, and a very supportive family. So many people who were important to him for many different reasons and they had always stood by him.

And one other – Yuki. Yuki had been there too, even when Shuichi didn’t know it. Shuichi couldn’t deny it any more. No matter what happened, no matter what it might have been like in the past, or what might lie ahead of them in the future, he did want to be with Yuki. It might be unnerving, and a little scary, even hurtful at times but he still wanted it. It was just as Suguru had said – there was only Yuki for him.

Shuichi reached up and lightly touched his lips with his fingertips, feeling the tingle run through his body as he remembered the touch of Yuki’s lips; firm, moist, his tongue diving into his mouth, wrapping around Shuichi’s, drawing it forward. Shuichi’s eyes drifted shut for a moment, savouring the memory. He could almost feel Yuki’s hot breath on his face, his body heat pressed against him...

Shuichi’s eyes snapped open quickly, hurriedly taking a deep breath, trying to calm his rapidly beating heart and wanting to ignore the growing hardness in his pants. Not good, not good, he chided himself mentally. Got to focus on the concert tonight.

He shifted to try and get a little more comfort. He had to try and compose himself. What if Yuki turned up tonight? Shuichi had invited him, albeit a little hurriedly and he really hoped Yuki would come. But if he did what was Shuichi to do if he couldn’t control himself? He could hardly sing in front of a packed crowd with a hard-on! That would so not be cool!

-oOo-

“Hey, what’s going on?” Shuichi queried, seeing the crowd gathered in the corridor ahead of them. They had arrived at the concert venue and were making their way to the dressing rooms set aside for Bad Luck. The rooms for Nittle Grasper were on the opposite side of the stage, not because of any particular rivalry between the two bands, but it made it simpler for the support personnel in the entourages to not have to be dodging each other as they hurried about their business.

They drew closer and a hand dropped heavily on Shuichi’s shoulder, immediately halting him. He looked up at K towering above him, staring intently ahead.

“All of you stay here,” he instructed, pushing past them and striding briskly towards the crowd.

“What’s up do you think?” Shuichi mused.

“Don’t even think about it,” Suguru said at Shuichi’s side. “K told you to stay put.”

“He told all of us to stay here,” Shuichi said pointedly.

“Yeah, but he knows you’re the only one likely to disobey him,” Suguru replied evenly, not even looking at Shuichi.

Shuichi didn’t bother replying for K was walking back to them, a frown on his face.

“What’s up?” Shuichi asked before anyone else could.

K looked down at Shuichi for a long silent moment then pursed his lips, glancing back over his shoulder before returning his gaze to the group before him.

“This will probably piss Tohma off but you all should know about this,” he finally said. “Come on.”

He turned and began to walk toward the gathered crowd and the members of Bad Luck fell in behind him, Sakano bringing up the rear. K pushed past the people and went directly through the open door, closing it firmly once they had all entered, blocking the rest of the crowd out.

“What’s going on, K?” Hiro asked.

K nodded towards a jumble of material piled on the floor. “That,” was all his said.

Shuichi looked closer and saw that what he had just thought was pieces of cloth were in actual fact recognizable clothing. His clothing.

“Wah!” he cried out, leaping forward and reaching down to grab them.

“Stop!” K’s large hand wrapped around his wrist, tightening in a vice-like grip that actually hurt.

Shuichi winced and then he felt K loosen his hold a little.

“Sorry, Shuichi, I didn’t mean to hurt you but take a closer look. And don’t touch,” K instructed.

Shuichi followed this advice and now saw that especially in the middle of the pile there seemed to something odd.

“It’s acid,” K said, now releasing Shuichi fully.

“Acid?” Shuichi looked up at him confusedly. “I don’t get it.”

“Shuichi,” K said softly. “Someone poured acid over your clothes.”

Shuichi stared at the mass at his feet, now seeing more clearly the way the various synthetic materials had melted and seeped into each other, a mangled, sodden mess, still giving off stringent fumes now the room was closed.

“Who…?” Hiro began.

“Don’t know yet,” K said, “But I will.”

“As will I,” a voice said behind them making them all jump and turn.

In the doorway stood Tohma, none of them having even heard the door being opened. Behind the NG President stood Sakano, face flushed and chest still heaving, evidence of his haste to report to his master, with Ryuichi and Noriko completing the group.

Tohma strode into the room and stared down at the ruined clothing at his feet. He toed it carefully, before turning to K.

“Is there anything else untoward in the room?” he asked.

“Not that I could find,” K answered. “I did a quick sweep but I haven’t investigated thoroughly yet.”

“Then I would suggest that you do so,” Tohma stated evenly.

“On it,” K almost snapped the heels of his shoes together and Shuichi wouldn’t have been surprised if he had saluted. As funny as it might have seemed, Shuichi could see that K wasn’t taking this frivolously at all.

Tohma then turned to face Bad Luck. “It would appear,” he said quietly. “That there is someone who has an….issue with you, Shuichi.”

“Why do you think it’s just Shuichi?” Hiro asked. “It might be they just don’t like Bad Luck.”

“It’s only Shuichi’s clothes,” Surguru answered before Tohma could. He looked up from where he had hunkered down close by the clothes pile. “There’s only Shuichi’s clothes here; not yours, nor mine.”

“Could still be coincidence,” Hiro insisted.

Surguru shook his head. “Hardly,” he said firmly, standing. “It’s easy enough to tell whose clothes are whose going by the sizing. This,” and he nodded to the pile, “was definitely about just Shuichi.”

“Have there been any other…instances of this nature prior to this?” Tohma asked.

“No,” Shuichi responded immediately, then paused. “Well, not really.”

Tohma fixed him with a steely look which made him immediately begin to squirm.

“Well, there’s just been a few weird things over the past few days. Nothing really important, just little stuff,” Shuichi hurriedly tried to explain. He was beginning to get that panicky feeling of being a butterfly pinned on a board.

“What…things?” Tohma asked very slowly. Ryuichi stepped forward and placed a hand on Tohma’s shoulder, also looking at Shuichi.

“Uhm, well, I’ve not been able to find a few little things lately – you know, just little stuff like a belt, or my watch, or a necklace. But, hey, that’s probably just me being forgetful, right?” Shuichi said hurriedly, trying to laugh it off. The lack of expression on Tohma’s face was beginning to unnerve him, but even more frightening was the serious expression on Ryuichi’s. Shuichi had sometimes seen Ryuichi look serious, but the expression he wore at this moment he had never seen before and a coldness was beginning to grow in his gut.

“Continue,” was Tohma’s only response.

“Ah, there were those chocolates that made me feel kind of sick,” Shuichi muttered.

“Chocolates?” Tohma turned his head to now pin K with his gaze.

K had the good grace to look a little embarrassed. “I got them tested and found they just had some sort of sleeping potion injected into them. Probably valium and other stuff like that. It wasn’t enough to have done any real harm even if you ate the entire lot, just put someone to sleep or make them a little queasy from the mixture.”

“And you failed to tell me this why?”

“I thought it was just a harmless prank and not worth making a big fuss about since I was looking into it. Sorry, my bad,” K bowed to indicate his acknowledgment of his miscalculation.

Tohma turned away from him, clearly showing his displeasure. “Anything more I should…be aware of perhaps?”

“Well, it’s really hard to know what might be the wrong things,” Shuichi complained. “I mean, I’m always getting flowers and cards, and sometimes creepy mail…”

“Creepy mail?” Tohma’s sharp voice cut Shuichi off mid-sentence, accompanied by a sharp gasp from Noriko. Shuichi shot a quick glance towards her to see both her hands had risen to cover her mouth, her eyes wide. He swallowed hard, not understanding, feeling undercurrents swirling beneath the words and events of now that seemed to have far greater meaning to the members of Nittle Grasper, and he was sure he didn’t want to know what was hidden within those depths.

“Uhm, yeah,” Shuichi said. “You know, the usual stuff. Not everyone likes Bad Luck. Personally I can’t see why you would bother going to all that trouble to write to someone just to tell them that they don’t like you, or don’t like your music. And I mean, sometimes the mail from the fans that do like you is even creepier!”

“Where?”

“Eh? Where what?”

“The mail!” Tohma’s tone stabbed right through Shuichi, making him take a back step unconsciously.

“Ah, I…don’t know,” Shuichi looked around the room, glancing towards Hiro and Suguru. “I just sort of read some of it and then throw it out or leave it around. I don’t know where it goes after that.” Hiro and Suguru also shrugged, indicating their lack of knowledge.

“Sir,” Sakano put in from behind, leaning forward to speak quietly into Tohma’s ear. “Most of the mail would have been collected and boxed before being placed in the store room as per my instructions.”

“Get them,” Tohma ordered, not looking at his subordinate. Sakano bowed and swiftly exited the room. Shuichi could see that the crowd of people in the corridor had dissipated, probably dissolved by the mere presence of Tohma Seguchi.

“You three will be taken to Nittle Grasper’s rooms,” Tohma stated. He fixed K with a hard look. “You,” he emphasized, “will escort them there and check every inch of those rooms before allowing them to enter. They will then not leave there until I indicate otherwise and no-one,” again the emphasis on this word, “is allowed to enter without my permission. All personnel entering will be searched and watched at all times whilst in Shuichi’s presence.” He paused for a moment, holding K’s gaze. “Is that understood, Mr Winchester?”

K dropped to his knees before Tohma and kowtowed, holding the position for a long moment, then only raised his head slightly to answer, “By your command.”

Shuichi could only stare, dumbfounded. He had never seen K like this. He’d never bowed to Tohma, although he would show respect to him, there was never this subservience. There was no snappy comeback from the American, no laughing the matter off and telling Tohma he was stressing over nothing, no back-slapping the members of Bad Luck and reassurance that there was nothing to worry about as K pulled out his ever present and extensive arsenal hidden somewhere on his person.

Instead there was this tension, a tension so thick it was almost difficult to breath, choking him. He didn’t understand why things had suddenly turned out like this. There had always been fans and some strange things sometimes so why was Tohma so concerned over this? He could understand some of the reaction. It was a worry that someone could have got into their rooms and done this but that could be fixed with just tightening security surely?

“Now,” Tohma turned his back on the still bowed K to face Bad Luck. “You will follow K and obey his every instruction, is that clear?”

“Don’t you think…” Hiro began but was immediately cut off by Tohma.

“You will do as you are told!” he said sharply in a tone that brooked no further argument.

Hiro snapped his mouth shut and just nodded, mirrored by Suguru. Tohma pinned his gaze upon Shuichi waiting for his capitulation. A part of Shuichi wanted to rebel at this heavy handed treatment, but the look in Tohma’s eyes, the emotion that glimmered there which Shuichi couldn’t determine, instead made him nod slowly also.

“Good.” Tohma turned and headed for the door. “Carry on.”

Ryuichi stepped closer to Shuichi, reaching out to rest both hands on his shoulders, looking him in the eye. “Do as Tohma says,” he spoke in an even, quiet voice, sounding every inch the serious adult. Shuichi wished fervently for the insane giddiness he usually portrayed. This was unsettling him even further.

“He will keep you safe. Always,” Ryuichi continued, giving Shuichi’s shoulders a final squeeze, then he too left.

As the door closed once more, leaving only Bad Luck and K within the room, the silence held. Then almost in unison they all exhaled deeply, trying to re-establish their inner equilibrium. K stood, brushing his trousers down as he straightened up.

“So,” he said, looking at Bad Luck. “Let’s get you three settled in your new quarters.” He smiled then to relieve their still worried looks. “Nothing else is probably going to happen so don’t look so worried. I’ll be checking everything out and security will be doubled, you can be sure of that. No-one’s going to be able to get close to you to do anything stupid. I guarantee it.”

K’s smile suddenly broadened into his usual smirk and the wicked glint returned to his eyes, the only warning the members of Bad Luck had before he reached out and scooped Shuichi up under his arm and headed for the door.

“Let’s go troops!” he called out, pumping the air with his free hand. “Time for battle!”

“Put me down!” Shuichi yelled from his hanging position. He flailed his arms and legs violently but it had no effect on K’s grip in the least. “K!!!”

“Some things just don’t change,” Suguru said as he followed.

“So it seems,” Hiro agreed, chuckling as they followed after the still protesting Shuichi.

However, Hiro noted the two dark-suited men that fell in behind them at a discreet distance, one hand hidden beneath their jackets. For all K’s bravado he obviously wasn’t taking any chances. Hiro wasn’t at all comfortable about this. Not at all.

-oOo-

Tohma strode down the corridor, people melting out of his way like the parting of the Red Sea before Moses. His mind was racing furiously, assimilating everything that had just occurred.

“I want everyone screened before entering this back stage area, right down to the janitors and catering staff,” he said abruptly. “Run security checks on the entire entourage again.”

“Yes, sir,” Sakano answered briskly, notebook already in hand and writing, having retaken his place behind his master.

“Get double security on all entrances and exits to this area, even if it means ventilation shafts. There is not to be a single means of entry into this location which is not monitored, understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Cordon off Bad Luck’s rooms. No-one goes there for any reason. Place guards there to ensure they remain untouched.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Where is the mail?” he asked, still walking.

“I placed it in your private office personally,” Sakano said. “The door has been locked as usual.”

“Good.” Tohma wasn’t too worried about that. Only Sakano and he had the key card to that door and the day Sakano betrayed him Hell would freeze over.

“Begin those preparations and then report back to me,” he instructed. “I will be in my office.”

“Yes, sir.”

Tohma heard Sakano’s footsteps recede in the opposite direction. That was a beginning anyway. But still, how did this happen? Why did it happen? And here of all places, here in New York? He was beginning to believe that this place was cursed for him. Firstly Yuki, then Ryuichi, now Shuichi…

“Tohma,” a quiet voice said as a hand dropped onto his shoulder, breaking into his spiraling thoughts, halting his progress.

He turned his head to see Ryuichi standing by his side.

“Where’s Noriko?” he asked, not seeing their other friend.

“She’s gone to check on her family,” Ryuichi said.

“Ah, yes.” Noriko’s husband and daughter had arrived the day prior to see the concerts. “I don’t believe they are in any danger but it is best to be certain. I’ll arrange for security for them to be sure.”

Tohma turned and began to walk away again but was halted by Ryuichi once more.

“Tohma,” Ryuichi said softly. “This isn’t your fault.”

“Then whose it?” Tohma questioned, meeting his friend’s gaze unflinchingly. “I brought them here. I am responsible for this and all the arrangements that go with it.”

“You cannot do everything by yourself,” Ryuichi stressed. “You cannot control everything.”

“I can,” Tohma said in an intense voice. “I must. I will not let history repeat itself.” He reached out then and lightly touched Ryuichi’s cheek. “I will not fail him as I did you.”

Ryuichi reached up and clasped Tohma’s hand, drawing it down to rest against his chest, holding it there. “You didn’t fail, Tohma,” Ryuichi said. “You saved me. I remember.” He bowed over Tohma’s captured hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “You have never failed me. Ever.”

Ryuichi lifted his head then and smiled at Tohma, drawing an involuntary smile in return. “And you won’t fail this time either. I know you won’t.” He released Tohma’s hand and stepped back a little, still smiling.

Tohma still felt the guilt gnawing at him, deep in his soul. He couldn’t be reassured by Ryuichi’s words. The memories of those previous times in New York still haunted his darkest nightmares; nightmares that woke him in a cold sweat, heart beating with fear from the what-ifs. How could Ryuichi say he hadn’t failed at that time? Ryuichi had suffered so much and it could only have been Tohma’s fault. There was no-one else to blame.

“Hey,” Ryuichi abruptly said, making Tohma refocus on him. Suddenly something soft hit the side of his head firmly making him blink in surprise. Ryuichi held up Kumagoro by one faded pink arm, smiling broadly behind. “Kumagoro says that you have lots to do but he knows you’ll make it all right again. He thinks you’re the greatest!”

“Does he now?” Tohma mused, staring into the tiny button eyes of the plush toy. “Does he really?”

“Yep!” Ryuichi crowed. He pulled the toy against his chest and hugged it hard, still grinning. “Kuma thinks you’re the smartest, strongest person he’s ever known. He knows you won’t let anything beat you!”

“Ah, is that so,” Tohma nodded slowly, then smiled at Ryuichi. “Well then, I had best get onto things, hadn’t I?” He reached out and gently patted Kumagoro’s head. “I wouldn’t want to disappoint Kumagoro now, would I?”

“You won’t,” Ryuichi declared. “We believe in you!”

“Thank you,” Tohma said softly, smiling at his friend. He took a deep breath, letting his mind clear as he exhaled slowly. “I had best be going. There are still many things to do.”

“And don’t forget the concert!” Ryuichi called after him as he began to walk away.

Tohma looked back to see Ryuichi waving at him.

“It’s time for us to shine!”

Tohma waved back and then carried on his way. Yes, there was a lot to do still, including for tonight’s concert, and he wasn’t about to let Ryuichi down.

He reached his office, swiping his card and entering, ensuring the door was locked securely behind him. He sat down and pulled out his phone, pressing the speed dial number, listening impatiently through the ringing.

“Jim Harris,” was the answer he received.

“Jim, it’s Tohma.”

“I know who it is,” was Jim’s testy reply. “Your id shows up when you call. Make it short. I’m up to my eyeballs in a report that I’ve got to get done for a court case.”

“I…see,” Tohma hesitated. He was being unreasonable here, calling Jim suddenly like this. Jim wasn’t his own personal police force, he wasn’t there to be at his beck and call. The man had done more than enough for him over the years; he shouldn’t keep imposing on him like this. If anything, Tohma owed him.

“Tohma?” Jim’s voice jolted through him as he realized that his thoughts had wandered which was very unlike him. “Hey, what’s up? You okay?”

“I’m sorry to have troubled you. It was inconsiderate of me,” Tohma said apologetically. “I won’t hold you up any longer. My apologies.”

“Shit! What the hell’s happened?!”

“What do you mean?”

“Tohma, if you’re apologizing to me that much then something really bad has gone down! Nothing’s happened to Ryu, has it?”

“No, not Ryuichi,” Tohma tried to reassure his friend, now sorry to have bothered him at all and making him worry unnecessarily.

“So who then?”

“Who?”

“Geez,” Jim sounded exasperated. “Tohma, do you really think I’m stupid?”

“Of course not,” Tohma stressed. “I never have.”

“Then stop treating me like I am!” Jim snapped. “You wouldn’t have called me like this just for a simple chat; you’re acting weird by apologizing which isn’t your usual style; and you’ve pretty much admitted that something is wrong and although it’s not concerning Ryu it must be concerning someone important to you or you wouldn’t have called me at all. So just cut the crap and tell me what’s going on.”

Tohma thought about still trying to deny everything but decided against it. Jim was right after all, and it was doing Jim a disservice by trying to pretend otherwise.

“You remember Shuichi Shindou?” he asked.

“The singer kid that Yuki has the hots for?”

“Yes, the very same,” Tohma half-smiled at Jim’s summation.

“Well, sure I do. So what’s this got to do with him?”

“Someone got into his dressing room today and poured acid over his stage clothing,” Tohma said succinctly.

“Shit!” Jim swore softly. “That’s not good. Any leads?”

“We are only just beginning to look into it,” Tohma replied. “However, we are uncertain if this is an isolated instance or if it has been building over time.”

“So there’s been more?”

“Perhaps,” Tohma said. “Shuichi has indicated that some small personal items of his have been missing over the past few days. Also, a box of chocolates was delivered to him which apparently had been laced with some concoction which fortunately wasn’t lethal. He also indicated that some of his fan mail was perhaps a little…disturbing.”

“Shit, shit, shit,” Jim muttered.

“You are wearing that word out,” Tohma said mildly.

“I’m trying to keep things toned down as I’m in the office,” Jim replied. “Believe me, I want to be saying a lot more!”

“So what do you think?” Tohma asked. “Do we have something more to worry about?”

“Hard to say,” Jim answered honestly. “It could all be isolated instances, completely unrelated. Some could just be simple, innocent mistakes like Shuichi losing his own stuff, or the letters having no real meaning. Or…”

“Or they could be leading to something far more serious,” Tohma finished.

“Yeah,” Jim agreed. “And I hate to say this, but spiked chocolates and acid are seriously not the norm. Under any circumstances.”

“Yes, I realize that,” Tohma agreed.

“So who have you got on it?” Jim asked.

“K is conducting his investigation and he will be responsible for tightening up security.”

“Oh, that weird blond guy of yours?” Jim asked. “Yeah, he’ll do. He seemed to know his stuff. What else?”

“That’s all for the moment.”

“Tohma, you’ve got to get the police in on this one,” Jim said firmly.

“I don’t wish for this to be detrimental to Bad Luck. Bad publicity at this time could doom the success of the concert and their potential status in this country,” Tohma stated.

“Yeah, but putting business aside for the moment, you also don’t want them raked over the coals by the press prying into their lives and stuff, do you?”

Tohma didn’t reply.

“Call those two boys in,” Jim said firmly. “You know you can trust them and they’re good. Get them there now – use your influence and pull what strings you have to and request them specially for this case as you’ll be outside their jurisdiction. You need to have them there pronto before the crime scene gets messed up.”

“I’ve closed the rooms down and restricted access already,” Tohma put in.

“Good,” Jim sounded pleased. “So make your calls and get Dee and Ryo there now. They’ll take it from there. And don’t obstruct them, you hear? They can’t do their job if you’re stonewalling. Give them everything they ask for, okay?”

“Of course,” Tohma said. “I would do nothing else.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit,” Jim snapped. “I know exactly how difficult you can be in these circumstances so don’t give them any grief. Let them get on and do their jobs if you really want this sorted out.”

“I give you my word,” Tohma said sincerely.

“Okay. Tell Ryo to keep me in the loop, and you call me too. I want to know what’s going on every step of the way,” Jim said firmly. “I mean it, Tohma. Don’t leave me out in the cold on this one.”

“I won’t. I promise,” Tohma vowed.

“I’ve got to go. Talk to you later.”

“Thank you,” Tohma said with feeling. “Thank you for your guidance.”

“Hell, I haven’t done anything,” Jim replied. “You’ve already done the key things. It’s damn scary when I see you able to second guess us so easily sometimes. If you decided to become a master criminal we would really be in trouble.”

“I’m not planning to do so any time soon,” Tohma reassured him. “You’ll be the first to know if I do.”

“Humph!” Jim chortled. “That’s when I’ll retire and live a nice quiet live as a hermit on some deserted island. You can have the rest of the world.”

“That sounds fair, I suppose,” Tohma smiled at the thought.

“See ya,” Jim said then and hung up.

Tohma flicked through the stored numbers on his phone, finding the one he needed and dialed again. After another three calls he finally dialed the one he really wanted to make.

“Ah, Ryo, it’s Tohma Seguchi again. I’m very sorry to trouble you but I have a problem that I require you and your partner’s attendance once more. Had you received notification that I would be contacting you? You had? Good. Could you please come here immediately? I will explain everything in detail at that time. Thank you. I am most grateful and look forward to seeing you.”

He hung up and set the phone down, resting his chin on his joined hands for a moment, elbows resting on the desk before him. He had done all he could at this time, the wheels had been set in motion and he could only ensure they maintained their momentum now.

He gazed into the space before him, eyes not seeing the room at all but looking inward. He would not let this end the way it had before. He would protect Shuichi!

At any cost.

-oOo-

“Do you think this is all really necessary?” Shuichi asked once K had left them ensconced in what was to have been Nittle Grasper’s ready room and had instead been hurriedly altered to accommodate three sofa beds, already full extended.

“Tohma and K obviously do,” Hiro said, laying down on one of the beds, cigarette in his mouth, ashtray resting on his chest. He stared at the ceiling, watching the smoke drift upwards. “I don’t know whether to be worried because they are taking such precautions or completely unconcerned because they are the ones organizing it so I’m certain nothing could happen.” He tapped the ash from his cigarette into the ashtray. “It’s a weird feeling.”

“You’re right,” Suguru said from where he sat on top of one of the other beds, frowning. “It is worrying that my cousin is acting as though there could be a serious problem, however I know full well that if he is taking control there will not be a thing undone or forgotten to maintain our safety. I for one will believe in him and try not to worry.”

Shuichi gnawed at his bottom lip for a moment, brow furrowed as he thought. “I guess you’re right,” he finally said with a sigh. “It’s not like we can do anything about it and worrying isn’t going to solve anything. I guess we’ve just got to trust in them.”

“Besides,” Hiro said, turning his head to smile at Shuichi. “You really need to be focused on the concert. Won’t Yuki be here?”

“I’m not sure he’ll come,” Shuichi muttered.

“Why not?” Suguru said in surprise. “Didn’t you ask him? We delivered the tickets to everyone else you wanted to come.”

“I did ask him,” Shuichi declared. “Just not in the way that I had intended to. I had meant to when he first arrived but we got into an argument, then we...um, kind of got sidetracked and then K dragged me off. So I didn’t exactly have the opportunity to do so properly.”

“You argued? Again?”

“Yes, we argued but we sorted it out so everything was fine when I left. At least I think it was,” Shuichi said.

“You think?” Hiro asked.

“Well, Yuki might have been a bit pissed that I left him when I was the one who invited him out in the first place.”

“Hm, he could be,” Hiro stubbed out his cigarette, rolling over to place it on the floor. “He’s a bit like that I know, but I’m certain he’ll come.”

“You think so?” Shuichi queried, seeking reassurance.

“I’m sure he will. He’s been here practically every day to watch you rehearse I doubt he’ll pass up the opportunity to see the real thing.”

“But Yuki’s not really into crowds and concerts and stuff,” Shuichi said, chewing on a fingernail. “He might decided it’s all too much and just forget about it.”

“Oh, please! That man’s practically your stalker,” Suguru said, laying down.

“Stalker? Yuki?” Shuichi stared at Suguru.

“Well, what else would you call him?” Suguru said, glancing over to Shuichi. “The man follows you everywhere, including around the world; knows your schedule almost as well as you; knows all your close friends and family, and can get the inside information on everything about you from your own boss.”

“Well…when you put it like that it does sound a bit like a stalker,” Shuichi mused.

“But only in the nicest possible ways,” Hiro said with a chuckle.

“Heh,” Shuichi responded, laying down also. He stared at the ceiling, hands clasped behind his head. “I really hope he does come. He hasn’t heard the new single.”

“He’ll be here,” Hiro said, yawning. “You’ll see. Now I’m gonna get some shut-eye. I’m beat.”

Shuichi looked over to his friend with a smile, noting Suguru already with closed eyes and breathing regularly further across. “Yeah, me too. See you in a few hours,” he said.

Hiro grinned at him. “Don’t be late,” he replied, closing his eyes.

In a matter of moments Shuichi could see that Hiro had fallen asleep also and he felt his own eyes begin to feel heavy and drift closed as sleep beckoned. He couldn’t worry about anything else. The concert was what was important, nothing else. Tohma would look after all the rest.

As sleep dragged him down further one last thought lingered; his hope that Yuki would be there when he awoke.

-oOo-


“So how do you feel?” Hiro asked, taking a drink from the water bottle in his hand. He would much rather have had a cigarette but that wasn’t a good idea just before going on stage.

“I’m fine,” Shuichi answered, flashing a bright smile at his friend. “Perfectly fine.”

“Uh huh,” Hiro responded, watching Shuichi continue to rapidly pace before me. “Glad to see that you’ve got nerves like steel.”

“Huh?” Shuichi halted abruptly as he realized what he was doing. “Ah.” He grinned sheepishly at Hiro. “Funny, huh?” he said. “I’ve got butterflies the size of elephants stampeding in my stomach at the moment. I thought I would be over stage fright by now.”

Hiro grinned at him, reaching out to ruffle his hair although the amount of hair spray and gel prevented it from moving a great deal. “You’ll be okay,” he reassured Shuichi. “You’ve never let stage fright get the better of you. Although, you have had some interesting ways of getting over it.”

“So at least for this concert tour can you please refrain from doing anything strange without at least consulting us first?” Suguru said as he joined them. “We don’t need any unexpected, and unpleasant, surprises.”

“I’m not planning on doing anything except exactly what we’ve rehearsed,” Shuichi pouted.

“Good,” Suguru replied. “’Cause there’s our cue.”

Shuichi turned his attention back to the stage, just in time to hear the emcee announce Bad Luck. He had hoped that Yuki would have been here tonight, their opening concert, the one that could make or break them. However he’d been unable to find out if Yuki was here as K had confined them to their room, only allowing the necessary personnel to enter to finish costumes and make-up. K had said he would look around and bring Yuki backstage if he turned up but there had been no sign of him yet and Bad Luck was about to start.

Shuichi pushed down the disappointment and gathered his resolve. Even if Yuki wasn’t there he could still sing, he could still perform, and he would give the best damn performance this crowd had ever seen!

A thunderous roar of applause filled the darkened stadium following Bad Luck’s introduction making Shuichi’s every nerve ending tingle with eager anticipation. Yes! This was what he was all about! This is what he had worked for and longed for! Adrenaline flowed, pumping through his veins, a broad smile growing on his face.

“Let’s go!” he yelled, running forward, Hiro and Suguru close behind.

As the lights came up, illuminating the stage and the crowd’s screams echoed in their ears, the opening bars of ‘Rage Beat’ pounded out.