Unlocking My Love

Author: JadeHeart
Fandom: Gravitation
Warnings: bad language
Author’s Note: Well, between being very busy with work and getting side-tracked with different stories finally my little muse managed to get back to this story, which is a good thing as I’m flying out tomorrow evening for work overseas again. So I hope you all enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this, they belong to the creator of ‘Gravitation’.


Unlocking My Love: Chapter 6


Yuki stabbed at the key pad frowning, trying to ignore the butterflies fluttering in the pit of his stomach although they felt more like rampaging elephants over his innards.

He paced in the kitchen as the phone continued to ring, puffing on his cigarette. Finally he heard the click and cheery undulating voice say, ‘Hi! I’m not h-e-r-e!’, then it dropped back to a more normal tone though still just as happy sounding. ‘Leave a message’, and then a click.

Damn it! Yuki cut the call immediately and his hand clenched around the phone, restraining the urge to toss it away. He couldn’t afford to break this one, not until he had picked up a replacement for his last. He didn’t want to especially make it a habit sending his cell phones to an early grave. Their demise tended to cause him some inconvenience.

He growled to himself, still pacing, then angrily dialled again. The cheerful message played once more and he waited till it was finished and the annoyingly irritating beeps sounded. “It’s me,” he said gruffly. He really hated leaving messages. “Call me,” and hung up.

He threw himself onto the couch and let the hand holding the phone fall by his side. Damn it, why hadn’t Shuichi answered? Had he changed his mind after all? He recalled the events of yesterday’s press conference, the closeness and body heat as Shuichi had leant against him, the feel of his arm around Yuki’s shoulders, and warmth of his breath against his face. Hell! It had been so fucking long since he had had any of that! How much longer could he go on like this? He was no fucking saint, and more than one person would be happy to call him a devil. He needed Shuichi!

The phone suddenly jangled in his hand, startling him, the vibrations running through his palm and fingertips and up his arm. A shiver ran down his spine as the sensation seemed to pool in his groin bringing an instant response. Oh shit, he snarled as he quickly brought the phone to his ear to answer.

“What?!” he spat out, not even having checked who the caller was.

“Somebody seemed to have got out of bed on the wrong side this morning!” He recognised the cheerful voice that replied, hearing the echo of a chuckle.

“Shuichi,”

“Yep, that’s me! So just how long have you been up? Bet it’s only been about an hour.”

Yuki glanced at his watch and realised that Shuichi was actually quite correct. Although it was nearly midday he had found himself unable to sleep the night before and had only finally fallen into slumber in the very early hours of this morning, so resultantly he had only awoken not long ago.

“Are you free today?” he asked, refusing to answer the previous question.

He heard Shuichi’s laughter. “I knew it!” he crowed. “What’s the matter, Yuki? Were you too busy thinking about me?” he purred.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Yuki growled, knowing he would never admit that was exactly the case.

“Okay, okay, I won’t tease you anymore.”

“So, are you free?” Yuki asked again.

He heard Shuichi’s sigh. “Sorry, but since we had some time off the other day things have just been hectic. One of the previous photo shoots turned out like crap and Toma demanded they are redone before we go on tour, so we’re going to be tied up till real late.”

“Oh,” Yuki felt completely deflated. Well, what had he really expected? Shuichi had work to do just the same as anyone else. He still had to make a living and work commitments took precedence. He felt like a fool. Serves him right for screwing up the first chance they had met - looks like that was going to be their last.

“But, hey,” Shuichi continued, sounding hopeful. “Can you get away now?”

“Right now?” Yuki asked, surprised.

“Yeah. If you can get here soon I can at least grab a lunch break before the shooting starts in the afternoon. K always makes sure we at least take a midday break before this kind of thing because they just drag on for so long. Can you make it?”

Yuki looked at his watch, gauging how heavy traffic might be and how long it would take him. Oh, fuck it all! He would make it somehow! “Sure. Wait for me.” he said.

“Really?” This time it was Shuichi’s turn to sound surprised, and pleased. “When will you leave?”

“As soon as an annoying brat gets off the phone I can go,” Yuki said evenly.

“Oh, sorry!” Shuichi laughed, obviously not offended by Yuki’s tone. “See you soon. And don’t get caught speeding!”, then he hung up.

Damn it, Yuki thought, leaping to his feet and making a run for the odor. He jerked on his jacket, snatching keys form the hall table and pushing his phone into his pocket. He patted himself down and then saw his packet of cigarettes and lighter still resting on the coffee table back in the lounge room. Snarling he loped back, snatched them up and was back at the door, slipping feet into shoes as he opened it and stepped out. After locking the door, he swiftly raced down the stairs to the undercover parking, forgoing the slower lift and taking the steps three at a time in leaps, praying he didn’t misjudge and slip resulting in a sprained ankle or worse.

As he ran towards his parking bay he clicked the locking mechanism, seeing the lights flash and the beep indicating it had worked so when he reached it he just opened the door and slid smoothly into the seat. He gunned the engine, hearing the squeal of tyres as he backed out, almost doing a hook turn as he jerked the wheel round. There was the smell of burning rubber for a moment as the wheels spun, then he kicked it into gear and he lurched forward, shooting out into the sunlight. The sound of screaming brakes came from the car that had been traveling on the road that swerved hard to avoid the sleek black Mercedes that had abruptly appeared in front of him before disappearing rapidly into the distance, well and truly doing more than the speed limit.

Yuki kept his hands firmly gripping the wheel as he jumped from late to lane, cutting between cars that barely allowed enough space for his vehicle to fit, mere centimeters separating bumpers and fenders before he would jump once again, each time taking him further ahead. He knew these streets well and navigated them now with practiced ease, although the excessive speed and risks he was taking was making it rather more hazardous than normal.

He soon reached NG’s parking lot and, ignoring the sign that said ‘Staff Only’, swung into the nearest empty bay. As he threw himself out of the car he at least remembered to ensure he locked and armed the vehicle as he left, then bounded up the front steps. He didn’t notice the fine print on the sign before the bay he was parking in saying, ‘Reserved: President’.

Once inside the lobby he suddenly slowed. He had no idea where in this multi-storied building he would find Shuichi and he had no intention of wandering around aimlessly nor lowering himself to actually having to ask someone for assistance. He pulled out his phone, but before he could dial the full impact of his situation hit him. He was breathing heavily, lungs aching as he took deep breaths in an effort to feed more oxygen to his starving body. He could feel the sweat on his face and back making his shirt cling to him uncomfortably. Even his legs ached from his efforts.

He began to laugh, an ironic chuckle bubbling up at the state he found himself in. He was such an idiot. He was acting like a complete moron! Since when had he rushed around like this at anyone’s beck and call?!

He leant over and rested hands on his knees as he continued to chuckle at his own foolishness whilst still trying to calm his breathing. Gods, he was so pathetic. When had he become so whipped?

Since you nearly lost him, a voice whispered in the back of his mind, and the laughter faded abruptly.

Yes, yes, that was what this was all about. He had almost lost him once, he wasn’t going to let that happen again. When he finally had him back, then he could take it out on his hide for all this humiliation!

He straightened, taking one last deep breath and quickly wiped his face before dialling the number.

“Hello?” Shuichi answered.

“Where are you?” Yuki demanded without preamble.

“Where are you?!” Shuichi retorted, not cowed in the least.

“In the lobby,”

“Wow! You made good time!” Shuichi sounded impressed. “I thought I told you not to speed.”

“No, you told me not to get caught. I wasn’t,” was Yuki’s calm response as he placed a much needed calming cigarette between his lips.

Shuichi chuckled at his reply then said, “Wait there and I’ll be down in a minute.”

After Shuichi had hung up Yuki headed for the restroom he had spied in the corner. It would no doubt take a little time for Shuichi to get there so he had time to try and freshen up. There was no-one else present in the bathroom when he entered so he quickly stripped his jacket and shirt off, hanging them carefully on the hooks supplied. He grabbed a good supply of freshener towels and swiftly wiped his sweaty face and torso, the coolness on his heated flesh refreshing.

After tossing them aside he checked out the selection of colognes on offer. One thing Tohma always ensured was that all the restrooms at NG allowed visitors the opportunity to make themselves presentable before gracing his presence. In this business appearances did count as well as talent, so Tohma believed in providing prospective clients and supplicants every opportunity to impress him. If they failed after that it was entirely due to their own faults. He was pleased to find one of his favourites and splashed it on, careful to not over do it. With a last sprinkle of water over his hair to lay it flat, he dried his hands and replaced his shirt, foregoing his jacket instead simply tossing it over his shoulder as he left.

He had just exited when the lift doors opened and Shuichi stepped out. He was looking a little more like his old self today, wearing as tank top and long baggy shorts though Yuki noticed the shorts were probably a little longer than strictly fashion dictated. However the length did ensure that the worst of the scar on his leg was well hidden. Gone also were the days of crop tops for him, unless it were for stage costumes and his other scars could be hidden as with Bad Luck’s newest make-over. Yuki was now beginning to realize that although it still seemed that Shuichi just threw his clothes on casually it really wasn’t the case. Now there was obviously a lot of thought that went into dressing, whilst still appearing to be completely haphazard.

Shuichi’s face broke out in a smile as he saw Yuki standing there and he jogged over. “Come on, we’re going to have to eat here so I hoe you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine,” Yuki replied, following as Shuichi led them towards the small coffee shop situated to one side of the ground floor. It ensured that visitors were able to relax for a moment whist they may be waiting for appointments and kept the press occupied at the times they tried to camp out at NG to get a scoop.

“You grab a table and I’ll get our stuff. You want something to eat?”

Yuki shook his head. “Just coffee,” he replied looking around to see what was available amongst the lunch crowd.

“Okay,” and Shuichi shot off to join the queue.

Yuki noticed two people rising from a booth by the window and made a bee-line towards it, reaching it just before another slower moving couple could commandeer it. They glared at him as he sat but he just ignored them, not even warranting them a glance and disgruntled, they moved on.

He kept his eyes fixed on the short figure who had reached the register and watched as Shuichi juggled his tray between the flowing bodies. As he looked he saw Shuichi get jostled and he stumbled as his injured leg seemed to fold under him. Yuki stood hurriedly, almost ready to leap over table, chairs and patrons to reach his side when he saw him catch himself with a practiced ease, smiling forgivingly to the apologizing culprit, and all without spilling a drop from the coffee cups on the laden tray.

Yuki felt his heart return to its place in his chest from where it had leapt into his throat. As he sat back down he realized that Shuichi really hadn’t needed his help and the ease with which he had dealt with the situation and adapted so smoothly showed clearly that he was more than used to dealing with such incident and more than capable as well. That knowledge Yuki should have found comforting, but instead it just made him feel more inadequate.

“Here you go!” Shuichi said, almost dropping the tray down in the middle of the table and Yuki watched the coffee slop over the edges of the cups. He glared at the youth sliding into the seat opposite him. as he picked up his coffee cup and watched in distaste as the drops fell from the base.

“You managed to perform like a circus juggler when you got knocked and didn’t spill a thing and now you can’t manage to keep it all in one cup!” he growled.

Shuichi’s eyes opened wide as he picked up his own cup. “Oh you saw that, did you?”

“Yeah,” was all Yuki said. “I expected to see you land flat on your arse but instead you managed to save me the embarrassment of having known you.”

Shuichi just laughed. “Sorry for disappointing you! Here,” he said, pushing a plate before Yuki. “Something to try and sweeten your mood. If anything could!” he finished with a chuckle, taking the second and third plates for himself.

Yuki stared down at the large piece of strawberry shortcake as Shuichi lifted the jam-packed salad roll to his mouth. “There’s no way that will fit.” Yuki stated eyeing the nearly four inch high roll in the other’s hands.

“Huh?” Shuichi paused and then answered, “Sure it will. Watch me!”

Yuki did then watch in fascination as Shuichi’s mouth seemed to continue to open wider and wider as though he were a snake disengaging its jaw to swallow its prey whole. Surely the idiot wasn’t actually going to do that! Yuki watched as Shuichi’s pearly white teeth reached both top and bottom and bit down, penetrating the bread and contents until they met in the middle, tearing off a chunk.

“That,” Yuki said, taking a sip of his coffee. “Is just plain abnormal.”

“Hmmph!” Shuichi mumbled, chewing.

Yuki looked at the youth’s face, cheeks distended like a chipmunk frantically gathering nuts for winter storage. At least he was able to chew with his mouth shut, he thought. It would be way too gross otherwise.

With far more elegance, Yuki picked up a fork and cut a bite-size portion of his cake off, pausing with it before his mouth. Shuichi wrinkled his nose up and rolled his eyes, fully realising Yuki was making fun of him but unable to speak at that time. He finally swallowed and brought the roll up for another bite.

“Laugh at me all you want,” he declared, staring Yuki down. “But I’ve got to be back in half an hour on the dot and I’m not likely to be done till nearly midnight, by which time I’ll be too tired to eat anything.” He took another big bite and almost half the roll had now disappeared.

Yuki gave a quick glance at his watch. Shuichi was right, there wasn’t much time. Damn, why could they never catch a break? He just wanted to be with the idiot!

“Don’t they feed you during the shoot?” he questioned, making just as much headway with his cake as Shuichi was with his roll.

“Sure they do,” Shuichi said after a brief pause whilst he finished the current mouthful. “But it’s usually more in the way of donuts, soft drink and coffee!”

“Hardly nutritional,” Yuki pointed out. “Though for you, probably your staple diet.”

Shuichi glared back at him over the rim of his cup as he took a large swallow of his coffee. “Hey, I like good food too! I used to eat everything you cooked.”

“True,” Yuki grudgingly admitted. Shuichi wasn’t a picky eater which made feeding him pretty easy.

“Besides,” Shuichi continued. “When we’re in the middle of jobs like this the sugar high keeps us going or we’d never get through the hours. Not to mention that we need to have something quick and easy to eat so we can do it on the run, and not too substantial or it would send us to sleep while we digest!”’ He took another big bite. Yuki agreed that he might just have a point there but that still meant Shuichi ended up with a lousy diet. No wonder he was trying to stock up now.

“You know,” Shuichi suddenly said after his mouthful was gone. “We’re doing well so far.”

“What do you mean?” Yuki pushed his now empty plate aside and pulled his coffee in closer.

Shuichi took another drink of his coffee to clear his mouth. “Well, we haven’t managed to have a real argument over anything yet!” He grinned goofily at Yuki daring him to disagree and thus start an argument over the point and so prove him a liar.

Yuki just frowned at him, refusing to rise to the bait. “Don’t push your luck,” he growled. “There’s always time for us to screw up!”

Shuichi threw his head back and laughed. “Yep, that’s us all right!” He pushed the last of the roll into his mouth, grabbing at his napkin to wipe his hands.

“Hey,” Yuki said, stretching a hand across the table. “You missed a bit.” Gently he wiped the drop of relish away from the corner of Shuichi’s mouth, fingertips brushing lightly over the corner of the moist lips. He saw Shuichi’s eyes widen, almost filing his face, and the movement of his jaw ceased suddenly.

As the youth seemed to freeze, Yuki wondered if he had overstepped the mark and began to pull back when Shuichi seemed to sense his intention and reached up to grab his hand tightly. It appeared he wanted to say something but his mouth was still full and he began to try and chew frantically, swallowing quickly so he could speak.

Too quickly as it turned out as he began to choke, his face turning interesting shades of red and blue. Alarmed, Yuki stood and leaned over the table, thumping on the bent back as Shuichi continued to gasp. Finally he sat up, still sucking in gulping breaths, tears streaking his face as Yuki fell back on his seat with a relieved thump.

“Well,” Shuichi wheezed, wiping at his face. “That was a real mood killer.” He reached out and carefully sipped his coffee to ease his sore throat whilst Yuki did the same, silence settling over them awkwardly.

‘Um,” Shuichi suddenly said, glancing at his watch. “I’m sorry to have to do this.” His face flushed and he looked embarrassed. “I know it seems like I’m just running away but I really do have to go.” He gave an apologetic look across the table, fingers nervously tapping on the table top. “I mean, I’d like to stay longer, honestly. It’s not because I’m trying to avoid you or….or feel uncomfortable….” His voice faded away as he dropped his eyes and turned his head so he wasn’t looking at Yuki any more. “Anyway, I’ve really got to go.”

He laid both hands on the table pushing himself up as he stood and Yuki finally broke the spell that had held him speechless, leaning over and clamping one hand tightly around one thin wrist, squeezing. He had found himself unable to do anything before, either speak or move as he had tried to quell the thundering in his ears and the pounding of his heart as with that one small touch previously he had been overwhelmed with longing. Now, the feel of Shuichi’s smooth skin under his hand was both intense pleasure yet tinged with pain.

Shuichi looked up quickly to meet Yuki’s eyes, questioning his actions, his eyes begging him to give him an explanation for what he was doing. Yuki knew that he had to say something, and not just anything. This was a crucial moment and what they were building between them was still as fragile as spun glass and just as easily shattered. “Can….” Yuki’s voice sounded strained even to his own ear but he forced himself to continue. “Can you get away tomorrow night?”

“Er, I’m not sure,” Shuichi mumbled a little uncertainly.

Yuki could feel that Shuichi was holding himself rigidly in place, could feel the tension in the muscles and tendons beneath his fingers. He took a deep breath and plunged on, releasing his tight grip on Shuichi’s wrist only enough to slide his hand down to rest fully over the top of the hand lying on the table. Shuichi looked down, surprise clearly visible on his face, before he threw a quick glance up to Yuki’s face.

Yuki softly ran his fingers over the back of the hand, tracing the tendons as he continued speaking. “Do you want to go to a movie or something?”

Shuichi’s disbelief increased. “Us? Together?” he almost squeaked.

“Who the fuck else do you think I’m talking about?” Yuki snapped automatically, then as Shuichi’s eyes narrowed at the response he panicked. Oh, shit, shit, he cursed himself, quickly adding, “I mean, yeah, us.”

Oh, smooth, real smooth, he chided himself. Get your act together, you stupid dickhead, before you mess it all up again!

He continued the gentle stroking of Shuichi’s hand which hadn’t been snatched away as Yuki had half feared would occur. “If you want to, that is.”

“What’s on?” Shuichi questioned, still looking a little shell-shocked.

Yuki shrugged. “I don’t know so you can pick.”

“Really? Me?! And you’ll come with me what ever I choose?”’ Shuichi peered at Yuki worriedly. “Are you sick or something?”

Yuki just managed to prevent himself from rolling his eyes and snorting. He was really going to be in for it now, he thought, dreading to think what torturous mind-numbing boredom Shuichi was likely to subject him to. He controlled a sigh. There was no helping it. If he wanted to make sure that they had the chance to spend more time together he was just going to have to put up with all kinds of crap no doubt.

“Yeah, I’ll watch it with you. But,” and he had to add this. “Try not to pick some really lame dribble if you can.”

A grin quirked Shuichi’s lips. “I’ll try, otherwise we’re going to have to hope that the music is so loud it will drown out your snores!”

“I don’t snore!” Yuki denied hotly.

Shuichi was smiling broadly by this time and turned his hand over under Yuki’s so their hands now lay palm to palm and he could wrap his fingers around Yuki’s wrist in return. “Okay, it’s a date.”

Yuki grimaced at that word and Shuichi just laughed at his pained expression. He waggled a finger at the other man and said, “It’s no use denying it,” he said cheerily. “It’s a date no matter how you look at it!”

“Okay then,” Yuki grumbled, “It’s a date. Just don’t be fucking late!”

“But isn’t that fashionable?”

Yuki glared at him. “Fuck fashion!”

Shuichi laughed again and smiled down at the seated man. “Anyways, I gotta go. Call me tomorrow, okay?”

“Sure,” Yuki agreed, wishing Shuichi didn’t have to go just yet but not able to think of any way he could legitimately keep him there any longer.

Shuichi gave his hand one last squeeze and his fingers lingered for another moment before he broke their grasp and took off at a run, obviously already late for his appointment.

Yuki turned in his seat to look after his disappearing form. Shuichi was right. No matter what he tried to say he had just asked him out on a date. He let out a deep breath feeling as though a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. That had gone really well. At least they had actually parted on still speaking terms – that had to be a good start. And they had even arranged for another meeting – yes, an actual date.

He stood and walked out of NG Productions. Now he had to just find a way to keep things going so smoothly and find a way to show Shuichi that he had to come back, that he belonged with Yuki. He reached his vehicle and something white fluttering on the windscreen caught his eye. Reaching out he pulled the piece of paper from under the wipers, opening it to read. It was in Tohma’s hand writing and said, ‘Good luck on the next encounter. Please see enclosed.’

How the hell had Tohma known what had just happened? Yuki wondered as he unfolded the second piece of thin pink paper. Did the bastard have hidden cameras and microphones in the building? Not that it would surprise him if he did. Or had Tohma just assumed that his meeting with Shuichi would go well. Ah, who knows with Tohma?! Just trying to figure him out would give you a migraine!

He finally had the paper fully opened and read it, feeling the colour drain out of his face as he shook with disbelief and rage. In his hand was a parking infringement notice.