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Lessons In Life Part 6-8 by Cherrie
part 6	part 7	part 8	part 9	part 10
Part 6
These lovable characters are owned by Maki Murakami, bow down and show respect *bows*. Yay, I'm writing Ryuichi! It's kind of hard because Ryuichi is, in my opinion, one of the most complex characters to ever grace the world of anime, and I don't know exactly how he thinks o.O LESSONS IN LIFE (Chapter 6 - Ryuichi Sakuma) "Tada! What do you think?" Tatsuha was wearing a really big grin as he welcomed me at the door. My eyes widened as I stared up at him. Not because of the grin - he usually does that when he's done something he's really proud of - but because of the blue-black mark that marred his pale skin. On his hand, he held something that looked like an ice pack, and gave me the idea that he was just about nursing it. "What happened?" I asked immediately, rushing inside the apartment to push Tatsuha down on the couch. Kumagoro fell from my head and onto Tatsuha's lap. Kumagoro never falls from me so I initially wondered if something was wrong with him and his grip, but I realized that he's also worried about Tatsuha. "Aaw, Kumagoro's worried about me, too!" exclaimed Tatsuha happily as he held Kumagoro up. "Did Tatsuha-kun get into a fight?" I asked, guiding his hand with the ice pack to the discoloration on his cheek. It looked like it awfully hurt. I hope it's all right. He adjusted the pack a bit, and eventually held it in place. He grinned. "You can say that," he answered. "But it's fine now, I got what I wanted," he declared, his grin widening. I frowned. "I didn't know Tatsuha gets into fights," I said sadly. In his hands, I could see Kumagoro feeling sad too. We share the same feelings, and we especially share our fondness for Tatsuha. Kumagoro only likes a few people, he told me so. But he really likes Tatsuha because he's one of the few people who really talk to him. Maybe that's why we're both disappointed with the idea of our new best friend getting into trouble for something. "No!" Tatsuha said quickly. "No, it's not what you think." He looked past my shoulder. When I looked, it was at the direction of a dark hallway where Yuki-san's office was - Tatsuha usually invites me over because he said he didn't want to leave his brother alone too much. Especially now when Yuki-san would be alone. He's really a good brother, he doesn't want to say it. Tatsuha lowered his voice so only I and Kumagoro could hear him. "Eiri did this to me," he said, pointing at his cheek. "But why!?" I asked, my head automatically looking back again to where Yuki-san was. "I...kind of taunted him," explained Tatsuha, letting out a sheepish grin. "But before you get angry," he said, seeing my frown again, "I did it for him. And Shuichi." That certainly got me listening. I felt my ears instinctively perk up at the sound of Shuichi's name. Shuichi is one of my best friends - not to mention that Kumagoro likes him a lot - but he's been quiet and sad lately. I noticed because he doesn't talk as much as he used to before, and that's just awful because I always feel sad too whenever someone around me is sad. I even cried with Shuichi before, during that time when he dropped a whole pack of strawberry pocky down the NG roof. It was nighttime and we couldn't find it, and Shuichi cried because the pack was so expensive that he didn't have any more money left. Things got so frustrated because the candy store was already closed and I couldn't buy him any and we both cried because we wanted to eat more pocky. "I wanted to see if there's any hope of bringing Shuichi back," continued Tatsuha when I didn't say anything. "We all know that my brother has this problem about having to admit things to himself and other people. Shuichi is one of a kind, and I don't want Eiri to regret something he failed to do for them both. That's why I tried to trick him into saying things himself," said Tatsuha, his grin still in place. "Technically, he didn't say anything about Shuichi, but his reaction to my words was as good as he can get." "Wow," I mumbled, staring at him. "You did that for Shuichi?" I asked. A few seconds more and I found Kumagoro and myself tearfully hugging Tatsuha, so happy to know that Shuichi has so much loving friends. "But still, Tatsuha was very stupid to get himself hurt!" I added, in between a smile and a frown. I was happy with what he has done, but I still can't stand knowing that he hurt himself doing something good. Tatsuha is too nice for anybody to hurt. It's not a secret to us both that he likes me. It's actually something I thought would keep me from being friends with him before. But unlike most of the people who shares the same opinion of me, Tatsuha didn't seem to take my reaction to him as a sort-of twisted rejection. He understood what I meant when I told him to really think things through. Most people would tell me to just flat out tell them that I'm not interested. I like people, and I also want them to like me. But being famous gives me an awful impression to some people, because I suppose I'm being stereotyped as the typical celebrity who looks down on others because I've got millions waiting behind my back. I hate it. People find it hard to befriend me because I make others really nervous by my name alone. I guess that that is one of the reasons why my words are always mistaken for something else. Like when I tell people that they don't know what they're saying when they tell me they love me, they think I'm pushing them away. But Tatsuha and I quickly became friends. I think Shuichi plays a really big part in this. He would always bring Tatsuha with him. Shuichi is one of the very few people who I think understands me. Maybe he's shared a lot of his own insights with him, too. I owe Shuichi a lot because when I met him, it seems as though I found friends everywhere I go. My life back here seems ever so different from my life in America. I became happier than I've ever been for so long. "Oh, I just remembered!" I said, quickly letting Tatsuha go to fish something out of my jacket. I found it on the left inside pocket, a small piece of folded paper. I showed it to Tatsuha and he read: 10 Reasons Why Shuichi-kun Should Go Back To Yuki-san 1. Shuichi is very sad nowadays and he needs somebody to play with! (Yuki-san is always Shuichi's playmate, ne?) 2. Whenever they fight, Shuichi always says that he misses Yuki-san, so I'm very sure that Shuichi misses him now, too! 3. Tohma says that Yuki-san gets into mood swings, so fights are always his fault. He needs Shuichi to be there to cheer him up! 4. Shuichi always make sad songs when he's not with Yuki-san. 5. Shuichi makes happy songs when he's with Yuki-san! 6. Shuichi won't play with Ryuichi and Kumagoro when he's sad. 7. Tohma is sad because Yuki-san and Shuichi are sad. 8. Everybody is sad! 9. K's job gets hard when everyone around him is sad. 10. "What's this?" asked Tatsuha as he finished reading it. "And how come there's only 9?" "I can't think of any more," I said sadly. "Anyway, it's a gift I'm going to give Shuichi!" I said and smiled again, taking the list from him. "Because I really think Shuichi should go back. I talked to him yesterday and he said that he couldn't because it's not yet time and there's something he's looking for. I don't know what he meant by that, and I didn't ask him to explain because I don't want to sadden him more. But I'm making a list so maybe I can help him find what he's looking for. I really don't want to see--" Before I could say that I don't want to see everyone like this, Tatsuha cut me off because he suddenly lunged and hugged me. At first, I was scared because nothing never really comes out good whenever people touch me this way unless it was I who started the hug. But I eventually knew that the hug didn't imply anything, and that it was actually a pleasant and friendly gesture. I hesitantly hugged back and spoke, "Anou, Tatsuha?" "I'm sorry," he said, still hugging me. "You just make me really happy sometimes." I blinked, tilting my head a bit, but the only thing I saw was Tatsuha's dark hair. But what did he mean by what he said? Sometimes, I feel as if Tatsuha's the older one between the two of us. I think he notices it too. But I like it this way. I haven't known him for long, but he already gained much of my trust. I feel as if I'm always safe around him, and that he'd never hurt me. Tohma always warns me to be careful of the people I befriend, but it just so easy to get along with Tatsuha. "Great," he said as he finally let me go. "I'll help as much as I can," he added, standing up. He straightened his clothes and looked at me. "But for now, I think we need something to eat. I'll go check to see what we have, you can go around if you want. Just don't disturb Eiri, he can get really moody." And so Tatsuha left. Kumagoro wanted to go with him. I told him that he'll just bother Tatsuha-san, but he won't listen. In the end, Tatsuha broke our fight and said that it's okay for Kumagoro to come because that means that he can ask him about what I would like to eat without having to bore me as he look around. Not that I'll get bored anyway, but Tatsuha can be really thoughtful sometimes. And so, I was left looking around, my list still in hand just in case I'd get an idea. I really tried to do what Tatsuha told me to, but I just couldn't stand there without looking back at the hallway where Yuki-san's office room was. If he was working, it doesn't sound like it. He's being too quiet. Unless he writes his novels by pen and paper, I'd bet he isn't doing anything in there at all. I looked towards the kitchen to see if Tatsuha was looking, and assured that he won't see me, I walked towards the hall. The door seemed to be slightly opened, and I could see Yuki-san's back as he sat there in front of his laptop. At the far corner, I could see a box of cigarettes lying on the floor. I have no idea how it got there, but I think it's a good thing that Yuki-san isn't smoking right now. I wonder if he himself threw it away? But I quickly looked away when Yuki-san moved. I moved behind the wall, peeking only a little way lest he sees me. Not that he looked like he's going to turn to me, though. He had pushed his chair back and was now laying his head on his folded arms. Beside him was what looked like a CD case, and I recognized it to be the newly released album of Bad Luck. I didn't know Yuki-san was one of Shuichi's fan, but then again, he should be. Shuichi is a great singer! The CD itself seems to be inside Yuki-san's laptop, and he's listening to it through a pair of small earphones. When I first listened to that CD, I asked Shuichi about the songs. Shuichi would always make great songs, and though this new set was just as good, I noticed that they contained sad, tragic lyrics. He didn't say anything about it and just shrugged his reply, saying that those things just came to him when inspiration struck. Watching Yuki-san now, I think I understand the meaning of the lyrics as I now play them all in my head. What especially stood out was the promotional song of the album itself, the one Shuichi just recently finished. I think it was one of the saddest song Shuichi ever did. And I think that that is the reason why that track seems to be the one playing over and over in Yuki-san's player. // Listening to the echo of your voice in my memories The illusion that kept me going seems to fade away The sun rises from the horizon and I see the break of day Revelations come in this morning litany Never in your words did you say you love me Eye blank, little by little I feel you push me away I'm sorry to miss it, I must've gone blind But I can see clearly now So long have I thought that we'll last forever, that what we have is enough But though in love, I'm still human, I can still make mistakes // That's was how the song ended, or so I remember. Yuki-san should stop listening, because I don't want to think that Shuichi meant what the lyrics implied. He couldn't. And Yuki-san shouldn't hurt himself so much. I know he's hurt, because even with his back to me, I can see how tired he was. He was shaking, though his movements were so small I could've missed them. I suddenly felt so heavy that I had to push myself away from the door. Somewhere around me I could hear Tatsuha talking to Kumagoro about whether he should open the can of fruits or just the peaches. I looked down at my list. I now know what to put for #10, but I won't write it down just yet. What Tatsuha has done for Yuki replayed back in my head, and with a sidelong look towards the kitchen, I made up my mind. I now convinced myself that Yuki and Shuichi are going through this things for nothing. Of course, I have nothing to do with what's going on between them, and I know nothing when it comes right down to it, but with the way I see it, they're just hurting each other with what they're doing. Shuichi said that he is looking for something, and I think he'll find it with Yuki. I just think that he doesn't know how to look. But even if they do get together, I doubt things will change if Yuki won't give Shuichi what he needs. Unless somebody does something crazy enough to draw attention. "Tatsuha." I reached the kitchen just in time for him to look towards me, and something about the way I called him seemed to make him stop. I could see him frown, but my thoughts were too deep that I couldn't even do as much as comfort him. What I was about to say, what I intend to do...there's something in me that pushes me to ask his permission. I have a feeling that I might hurt him if I don't. Tatsuha's feeling always have to come in check. "I think I have a plan." End of Chapter 6 I'm so sorry if this took long to come out. I seem to be neglecting my Hunter X Hunter fanfics lately because of this one, so I kind of swore that I won't write anything Gravitation related until I finish something for HxH ^^; Anyway, there you go! Since I took long, I'd give you all a teaser for the next chapter. <--peace offering, please accept! Chapter 7 will be narrated by Fujisaki Suguru *all hail!*. Ryuichi will do something nobody would expect him to do, but would be enough to snap Yuki off his "pathetic reject" state. Plus, Yuki/Shindou break-up goes to the public! I have a feeling that I'm just about to mess up Fujisaki-sama's career o.O Tatsuha plushies to the following people for the wonderful reviews! Megamie-san for appreciating Tatsuha's greatness, I thank you. And yes, he does deserve to spend more time with Ryuichi. I really want them to be together, but this fanfic isn't big enough for romantic developments of so many couples, unfortunately. Maybe next time, when I'm done with this one ^-^ Evil Tsubasa and Colleagues, thank you so much for reviewing every chapter. It seems that every time I check my reviews, you're always there ^-^ I'm feeling a bit sorry for Yuki now for some reason, and I do want him to be with Shuichi. I'm still thinking about the ending because I don't want it to become a sappy reunion of some sort. No, I think I like seeing Yuki getting hurt ^___^ Tairamika, I also like the Uesugi brothers, I think they're really cute when they're together. We don't know much about their relationship though, except that Tatsuha seems to be afraid of Yuki enough to not play anything tricky around him =P As for fangirl eeking and eeping, *taps space beside her* here! Let's annoy the world together! *^-^* Setsuri, thank you for the gifts! *glomps pack of strawberry pocky* Haha! I inserted something in this chapter about strawberry pocky for you ^____^ And yes, Fujisaki-sama will have his very own chapter next *all hail the genius that is Fujisaki Suguru*. silvercross, kyaaah! *major glomp and sings, "It's a small world after all..."* Thank you for reading this fanfic. As for SD...ehe...ehehehe...*hides behind her chair* Rukawa-sama is such an arsehole! I don't know what to do with him! *throws temper tantrum* SD is currently on hiatus for me right now, I'm sorry. I kind of lost interest in SD pretty quickly, I'm really so very sorry! >o< I hope you understand, I'm really really really very sorry *teary eyes and apologizes over and over*. mad melma, thank you for reviewing! Hai, I hope you would review again so I'd know if I'm doing as well I'm expected to ^-^ yamatoforever, thank you for reviewing again! Tatsuha and Ryuichi may be up to something. Actually, I think all the characters are o.O Things will come together in the end, so please be patient! Chibi Kitty, yes, there will be more! Thank you for the enthusiastic review! Astralkitten, thank you, I still have much bug spray ^___^ Besides, I wrote this in the middle of the day, so not much bugs =P I found out that inspiration comes during the evening, so I thought that nighttime is the right time for me to contemplate on what I should write about and just write them in the morning ^_____^ Thank you for reviewing again! *glomps* And yes, love Tatsuha because he is a god himself, he just won't admit it, mwahaha! hopeanne, wow, you reviewed the chapters one by one! ^____^ Thank you! And thank you for liking the Mika chappy. It's so good to know that people didn't find it bad, thank you so much. Thank you thank you thank you so much to everybody! Again, crappy lyrics are written by me. I noticed that Japanese lyrics tend to be more poetic than Western lyrics, and that's why I have a special fondness for them, and that's why I really tried to follow that "tradition". I like to consider myself a poetry lover; words usually blow me away. You can make me go teary-eyed by singing to me a song with beautiful lyrics. Hyah, I'm that pathetic ^_________^
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Part 7
Again, Maki Murakami = goddess. Me = really really pathetic human who has nothing better to do with life. All hail Fujisaki Suguru! *throws rose petals around* Fujisaki's my ultimate favorite character in Gravitation. He reminds me so much of myself, (I'm really very quiet in real life, and really very moody ^^;). Oh, and if anybody would think about it, Fujisaki-sama would be 18 years old by now in this story, surely he does mild curses every once in a while. Anyway, that's it for initial ramblings! LESSONS IN LIFE (Chapter 7 - Suguru Fujisaki) I have come to the decision that I will never get myself a girlfriend unless it's completely necessary. And by completely necessary, I mean around 30 or older where I'd look completely stupid if I'm not yet married kind of necessary. I think those things are just more trouble than they're worth. Let's just say that squealing girls who expect you to worship the ground they walk upon - or girls who would want to worship the ground you walk upon - are just not my cup of tea. Of course, I have nothing against people who think otherwise, but personally speaking, I kind of think that giving somebody the opportunity to hurt you is kind of stupid. There are many other priorities in one's life, and centering it on Just. One. Person. really is a very bizarre bargain. Also, the whole sappy image is a bit off putting. I mean, Nakano-san is usually a charming guy, but utter the name "Ayaka" within his hearing and he'd turn into this gooey thing more unstable than a ton of jell-o atop a skyscraper. Hm, not everybody seems to share the same opinion, though. I should know, almost everyone around me is somehow paired with somebody. I'm so sorry, I try to mind my own business, but I just don't see the point. I've always thought this way and I tried to tell myself to stop making other people's stupidity my problem, but this certain opinion of mine kind of rekindled itself especially now when I spend every single day with a really miserable Shuichi Shindou. Before, it didn't bother me as much because Shindou-san still does his work. Unlike before when he'd sulk for the whole day and do absolutely nothing, at least now he's doing his best to meet deadlines and such. Also, Nakano-san tends to treat us to a lot of places just to cheer Shindou-san up. But I don't know. I mean, spending years of my life with these people attached me to them somehow. Of course I get bothered by these things, too. I'm not that cold. Oh, don't get me wrong. Shindou-san's doing a great job trying to not let his personal life get to him and his career, and Bad Luck's fans still know nothing about the whole Eiri Yuki thing. He still greets his fans with his usual smile, and he keeps his jumpy personality when faced with reporters. It's almost admirable really. You'd think he's just a simple-minded individual, but if you spend enough time watching - like I've done for so long if anybody bothered to notice - you'd see how his character truly plays. And speaking of watching, that's exactly what I'm doing right now. Nakano-san's telling us about something about candies and such, not minding the fact that Shindou-san's not being as enthusiastic as he should be. He still wears the same interested look, but I don't know, maybe it's just me. Meanwhile, I think Nakano-san's doing a pretty good job handling Shindou-san. After all, he was the one who first made him smile, but I suppose that that is just natural being that they're best friends. Oh, and if you're waiting for me to break down whining about being out of place, I'm sorry to say that you might be disappointed. I don't exactly have a best friend, but I do have my own connections. Shindou and Nakano-san do consider me as one of them now that we've been together for two years more or less. But I've always enjoyed my times alone, and as long as I know I've got people behind my back, you can say that I consider that enough for me. I'm not very comfortable around too many people. Nakano-san even asked me once to stop calling him and Shindou-san the way I do, but I don't know, old habits die hard, and they are older than I am. Respect is given where respect is worth, or so to say. Anyway, while sitting here drinking my milk shake, I caught a glimpse of a few girls who just entered the restaurant. I met the eyes of one of them, and I think they recognized who we were. I knew we should've worn sunglasses, but my two band mates just won't have it. The two were oblivious to the girls though, so only I had to put up with having to smile at them. The one I was looking at turned away and giggled, and their tinkling voices drifted away as they took a seat somewhere in the near vicinity. I could still feel them looking even when they passed us by. This brings me back to the whole girlfriend thing. I swear, it's rare to find anyone who won't giggle if you smile at them. I know that I'm less popular than my other band mates, but I do have my own fans. Don't expect me to be too humble about it, I'm not like that, and it's pretty obvious that some girls are pitiful enough to go for the quiet, workaholic type. I never really found myself especially good-looking either, but who am I to say what girls like anyway? Besides, the fact that I'm the only single Bad Luck member might've added to the appeal. Wait a second. Why am I limiting my thoughts to girls? After all, Shindou-san's with Yuki-san, and even if Nakano-san all but declared himself straight and taken, there was a time when some guy put the moves on him (don't ask what happened to mentioned guy). Not that I think that'll ever happen to me. All I'm saying is that there's that possibility. But no, I think my opinion goes up for the guys as well. Now that I think about it, I think I really can last long without having to have any significant other. Take Ryuichi Sakuma for one. He's single, but he seems all right, with his penchant for talking to inanimate objects set aside. He gained much respect to himself on his own. Then again, watching him talk to a banana can be kind of cute, especially during those times when said banana would turn out to be Shindou-san. I think he gets a lot of supporters being that way. But I don't know, I'm not like that. But maybe I still could go for the singles line. Sure, he seems to be with Yuki-san's brother most of the time, but it's the fact that he lasted 30 years without seeming to have a steady partner that appeals to me. And...speak of the devil. I seem to have this uncanny ability to sense a lot of things lately. Unless I'm seeing things, there's Sakuma-san looking around by the door right now. He seemed to be looking for something. I kept my eyes on him, wondering if he's looking for us. And yes, he seemed to be looking for us, or at least one of us, for now he's walking towards our table. "Shuichi?" he asked, catching Shindou-san's eyes. Shindou-san looked up at him and stared, eyebrows shot up curiously. Something doesn't seem right. For one thing, Ryuichi Sakuma greets Shuichi Shindou with an overly enthusiastic dive that would all but break all things breakable within five meters' radius. But now, he just stood there, his face betraying none of his usual childish expressions. And unless he's keeping the thing somewhere inside his jacket, his little pink bunny seems to be out of action as well. Standing there staring at Bad Luck's lead singer is a disturbingly serious Ryuichi Sakuma. Shindou-san seemed to notice as well, for he frowned up at Sakuma-san. "Uh, Sakuma-san, is anything wrong?" he asked hesitantly in his worried voice. But no more words were spoken, and unless you cross out the respective gasps from me and Nakano-san, the whole table - no, the whole place itself - seemed to fall silent when Nittle Grasper's Ryuichi Sakuma grabbed Bad Luck's Shuichi Shindou And. Kissed. Him. Right. Then. And. There. Everyone, myself included, seem to be at a loss for words. Shindou-san, and especially Shindou-san, was not an exception. Staring wide eyed now at one of his supposed best friends next to Nakano-san, he was somehow rendered speechless by the sudden act. And he should be. Not only was he kissed by somebody not Eiri Yuki, but he was just kissed in public. Almost the whole of Japan knows that the lead singer of Bad Luck is really close with the lead singer of Nittle Grasper. What would this make them think? Somehow, I woke up from the daze faster than everyone else, and the quick flash of what seemed to be a camera registered in my head. Not knowing what else to think, only one thought crossed my mind. Shit. * * * * * "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!?!?" I sat quietly in one of the waiting rooms in NG, listening to Sakano-san rambling about the latest showbiz gossip shown on TV. Behind him stood K-san with a serious look on his face. What happened yesterday immediately went around like wildfire across the city. I doubt you'd find anybody who doesn't know about Shuichi Shindou's latest. Still shaken up about it all, I listen to the TV, trying not to be bothered by Sakano-san's cries. "Ryuichi Sakuma? But how did that happen?" "Well, apparently a good amount of witnesses have seen it. Bad Luck was eating in the Yamasaki House when Sakuma-san burst in and kissed Shuichi Shindou. Not many people saw Shindou-san's reaction though, so we can't really say anything about it." "But isn't Shindou-san with the novelist, Eiri Yuki?" "Well, yes, that's what we know. But through one of our sources, it seems as though Shindou-kun isn't living with Yuki-san anymore. He's staying at Bad Luck's guitarist, Nakano Hiroshi's house since the last two weeks. Many fans assumed that they broke up." "Oh, I see. But that's just too bad. Eiri Yuki and Shindou Shuichi made such a cute couple. Remember that time when Shindou-san defended Yuki-san from our reporters? And Yuki-san doing the gesture back by declaring their relationship in public? I thought that it was all so sweet." "Yes, but do also be reminded that it was Bad Luck has been rivaling Nittle Grasper for the past years, and Sakuma-san never seemed to mind. He's always the one who declared many of Bad Luck's achievements through the help of NG president and Nittle Grasper member, Tohma Seguchi." "Yes, you're right! Could it be that Sakuma-san's been trying to rival Yuki-san all these years? Yuki and Shindou are good together, but Ryuichi Sakuma is not so bad either, and he is a just as great hit with the fans as Yuki-san." "Anyway, awards night will come in a few weeks' time. Maybe Shindou-san would surprise us?" "Oh, what have I done in my past life to deserve these things!?!?" Sakano-san's voice blocked the sounds of the TV remarkably well, but I don't mind. I lost any remaining interest in the latest gossips, I've heard enough. What does Sakuma-san think he's playing at? I never thought he liked Shindou-san that way. Their relationship seemed pretty platonic over the past years, and now he just appears out of nowhere and does...this!? I wonder what Seguchi-san has to say about this. I wonder what Yuki-san would say! Ugh, great. K-san just told us that Nakano-san called and said that Shindou-san's calling in sick for today. Had I been more emotional, I would stomp over there and demand what Sakuma-san wanted with Shindou-san. I mean, the guy's pretty okay, but I wonder if he even thought about what this could do to Bad Luck. To Nittle Grasper. To the name of Eiri Yuki. Sighing, I stood up from my seat and walked towards the door. Looks like there won't be any scheduled practice today with things like this running amuck. Really, these things are causing too much trouble than they're worth. A kiss can damage a whole city as much as an machine gun could, even if the gun is in K-san's hands. And that's saying a lot. I could almost feel a headache coming in. Oh hell. Isn't it funny that I find reading a cure for headaches instead of the other way around? But who could blame me? With my current life, it's like I'm living in pathetic boat in the middle of an ocean storm. You'd think that two years of working with these guys would help me cope, but I don't know. Either I'm much too introverted or people are just far too crazy for my own liking. Or maybe it works both ways? Ah, who cares? I need an aspirin. End of chapter 7 Aah yes...aren't gossip shows just annoying? ^.^ Wow. That was hard! I didn't know how Fujisaki-sama should narrate things, so I'm not sure if this chapter is as good as it can get, I'm so sorry! Fujisaki's character is a bit detached, so it's hard to make him all emotional unlike the other former characters. *hugs Fujisaki plushy* I wonder if any of you expected that kiss coming though ^.^' Neee...before you all decide to drown me in a fish bowl, do allow me to finish this story first and see what'll happen. But I just had this sudden revelation that Ryuichi-sama isn't so bad for Shuichi, kind of like me thinking of Kuroro as a potential pair for Illumi besides Hisoka...but that's another story ^____^ Hm...Tatsuha Tatsuha...wonder what I'll do with him now? *thinks real hard but stops because her head started to hurt* Aah...I hate it when I'm nearing endings >.< Anyway, 3 chapters to go and we're all done! ^__________^ Big Kumagoro holding heart-shaped pillows to: Astralkitten (Well? ^.^ This antic open and crazy enough for you? Ryuichi is a really complicated character. I don't even know if he'd actually do this or not, but what the hell XP), tsu (thanks for reviewing, every single one counts! ^.^), hopeanne (thanks for the nice words! *ooh! pocky!*), mad melma (Aaw, Ryuichi-sama isn't so bad. I mean, his head's really interesting. A found a pretty pink pansy on the west wing! *insane cackle* <--so much for coming out sane. Oh, and right. I hope Ryuichi's "whack on the head" works for you! ^.^), coherentidiot (Hehe, I liked talking about Kumagoro. I think he can be a really good friend if I try hard enough! ^____^), yamatoforever (Yikes...the more I read into my reviews, the more I feel the omen of drowning in a fish bowl o.O But don't worry, Ryuichi-sama will get back to his usual self right around chapter 9. He still has a gift to give, remember? ^.~), Megamie (Of all my reviewers, your guess was the nearest description to Ryuichi's plan. Yep, it could be anything ^.^ Yes, poor Tatsuha...I should make a gift for him too! ^0^), Kamikakushi (Lots of you really like Ryuichi, don't you? ^.^ Wah, I love him too! Yep, Tohma will come eventually, so please wait!), MorganD (Hehe, lovely bastard Yuki being put into place ^.^ Thanks! I'm updating as much as I can ^____^), kurayami (Whoa! You're the second one I know here! Hyah, it IS a small world after all, ne? ^.^ Ehe, you liked chapter 3 too? o.O Hm...ironic seeing that that chapter's the one I'm most scared about ^^; Anyway, I'm glad you liked this one! Eherm...I should update my other fics soon, shouldn't I? *sheepish grin*), Sesshoumaru LUVER (Yeesh! Another one praising Ryuichi. I hope you don't mind the whole plan thing =P Thanks for the review!), Evacrostian (I'm glad you like this fanfic! As for mailing lists, no, I'm sorry to say that I'm not a part of any. I'm kind of new as far as Gravitation is concerned, this is just my first try on a fanfic [and hell am I glad it's well-liked ^0^]. Does anybody know a good Gravi mailing list I can join? ^.^)
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Part 8
Gack! It's almost two months! Would it matter if I apologize? >.< I will anyway. I'm so sorry if this came out really late. I haven't been having much inspiration lately and...*tearful eyes* I'm just really sorry! I can't promise you anything because I'm not even sure if I'll be as quick as before. But two more chapters and it's aaaaa~ll done. Bleh, I suck! >0< Usual disclaimers. Maki Murakami owns Gravitation and all I have is a gray mass called a brain. It is this very same mass that I use to come up with these things ^.^ LESSONS IN LIFE (Chapter 8 - Sakano) Many times during my younger days, I told myself that I would be more than happy to die in the presence of Tohma Seguchi. He's my role model in a way. There's so much in him to admire and respect, so much to fear yet so much to look up to. Whenever I stop to think about my life before I ever set my eyes on him, all I come up with is a big, fat blank. I know I'm sounding delirious, but in some point of my life, he became the world, and to die for the world is very much worth it all. Well, of course, I was so young then. But still, this was a good chance to live up to a childhood dream. In a few seconds from now, I might as well drop dead in Tohma Seguchi's office room. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm really so sorry, Seguchi-san! I know why I'm here, it's about the rumors about Sakuma-san running around lately and it's my fault for not keeping my eyes open and I might as well kick Bad Luck and Nittle Grasper out of business because of my carelessness so I know I'm somehow responsible--" "Sakano-san." "--so if you'd be so kind enough as to just poison me to death instead of using a gun because somehow K-san kind of gave me a growing fright against those things--" "Sakano-san." "But I have to say that it's been nice working with him nonetheless and I tried my best so if there's any consolation--" "Sakano-san!" I abruptly stopped my rambling when Seguchi-san's voice finally rose an octave higher, thus, catching my attention. I get nervous quickly, and I tend to ramble about senseless things whenever I do. It uses up the adrenaline, I suppose. Somehow, I always burst up these frustrations in front of Seguchi-san for heaven knows what reason. You've got to admire him. I mean, years of my incoherent babbling and you'd think he would've shot me with one of K's magnums or something but no, Seguchi-san's ever so patient. This is the signal for me to calm down and shut up because it's his turn to speak. It's always like this whenever I'm called to come to his office. I aim to please. So shoot me and all, but I all but dedicated my life to please this man. As usual, he turns to me and graces me with that ever-present smile. I wonder why it's always like that. He's always with a smile, may it be even a smirk or whatever, it's always there. I often think about that actually. I mean, come on, nobody can be that optimistic, right? "You've said something about the news around tabloids. And you're right, that's one of the reasons why I called you here," Seguchi-san started. Oh boy. Someone hand him a wooden bat before he actually pulls out a gun. Would he be able to use a gun though? He smiles a lot it's almost unbelievable to think he's even capable of murder. He goes on speaking. "But you need not worry. All I'll be asking of you is a favor." "A...a favor?" I stuttered. Pathetic, isn't it? But I swear it upon my future grave. Standing in front of Seguchi-san is like standing in front of Kami-sama himself. Everyday is judgment day as far as I'm concerned. But what the hell is the problem? I panic a lot and Seguchi-san smiles a lot and I'll be relieved then he'll smile again and I'll smile back until my face cracks because Seguchi-san has such a nice smile and he can wear it like some famous fashion statement while I can wear it for but a while. What's my point in this? I panic around him even when it isn't necessary. I've known this for years, but I'm afraid of disappointing him, that's all. I remember Suguru when I think of this. Like me, he also aims to please Seguchi-san, and that's why he works so hard. Seguchi-san has that effect on people I guess. He's so kind that all you want to do is to keep him smiling. So much of a leader. I am so glad I work for him. Okay. Take that down. So far, that's the seventy-fifth time I said that this month. And to think the month just started three days ago. I might be breaking my record for December after all. But then again, I said that fifty times in a row when I got bored yesterday so I don't know if the fifty times thing would count. Oh, but I digress. Anyway... "These news will surely affect Bad Luck," began Seguchi-san, cutting my line of thought. "Do not worry too much about Ryuichi. He's been in this career for years, and a small problem such as this will not affect him. But I am afraid it might affect Shindou's performance. He's been singing for two years now, but he has always stood by Eiri. Unanimously proclaimed as one of the most loved couple by their fans, it never crossed Shindou's mind that something like this could happen to him. "What I want you to do is to make sure all of Bad Luck's activities go as smoothly as they should. Personal problems should not get in the way if you still want things to go as they had before. I've tried to speak with Ryuichi, but he won't say anything about it. I'm so sorry for all this trouble, Sakano-san." It took a while for those words to register in my really thick skill. But once they did, I quickly shook my head and automatically bowed in front of Seguchi-san. "It's no bother, shachou. I'll do my best," I said, keeping my head low. "I know you would," said Seguchi-san, and there's that smile again. It can end a raging war, I swear my life on it. Geez. One would get the idea that I was in love with the guy. K once asked me during one of our coffee breaks about it. It was a joke, but really, one can't help but feel uneasy. Don't get me wrong, Seguchi-san's charisma is well-known, but no, I'm not in love with him. My devotion for him is like a student's devotion to a mentor, or something like that. After all, he was the reason why I got into the music industry to begin with. "Okay, that about sums it up, Sakano-san. Thank you for your time. I think I should call Mika and tell her I'll be home early. Which should I cook: burgers or pasta?" he asked, that ever-present smile on his face. I also noticed that Seguchi-san's been spending a lot of time with his wife these past few days. Not that he doesn't have the right to, but I never really thought they were very close. Both of them seem to be so busy all the time. But him being closer to her is good, right? He seems so happier than usual these past few days. I wonder what happened. "Uhm, pasta I think," I said, not really knowing which to say. But I heard that Seguchi-san makes really mean pasta. Some sort of specialty I think. So yeah, I think that one's the better answer. "You think so?" he asked. He thought for a while, then gave me a smile yet again. "Yes, I think that's good. Mika's been having a bit of an appetite lately, so I wouldn't want her getting angry with me by feeding her foods with so much cholesterol," he said, letting out a short chuckle. "Thank you again, Sakano-san. Good luck with Shindou-san." I stepped out of the office and took a long, deep breath. That went pretty well. Without my initial panic anyway. I really should get it inside my head that Seguchi-san never meant me any harm. But yeah, he still scares me. But after regaining my composure, I straightened myself up and started looking for K. * * * * * Uhm...okay, so that wasn't so bad. It actually went so well that I feel as though the world is planning something behind my back and is just playing dumb with me. It's like this. I finally convinced myself that I can't let Seguchi-san down - although that goes without saying from the very beginning - so I called Nakano up to check on Shindou. A few minutes into the conversation, Shindou's voice dominated the phone, and he himself told me that he was fine and would be coming back to NG to finish his album. So now, here I am lounging on the same spot with K. We practically own this corner of the lobby since Bad Luck always seems to be late every time a meeting is scheduled. I hate these times. I have nothing to do but bite my nails, hoping that the members of the band I'm taking care of won't get themselves killed by the media or something that would hinder them from finishing their work. "Sakano-san, stop fidgeting. They'll be here," K's voice said, followed by a quiet sip from his coffee cup. How can he do it? How can he be so calm at a time like this!?!? "They're always late. I know that there's nothing to worry about. Besides, this is Shuichi we're talking about. He's a strong kid, y'know," he said, almost as if he's reading my thoughts. I stare at the man for a good few minutes, wondering whether or not he's psychic or something. It's almost as if he knows everything that's about to happen. Why can't I be like that? I sighed. "I don't know. It's just that it's been--" But my words were cut off by a violent rumbling of the ground. There were some pretty loud banging and crashing from the hallway across from us, and K and I looked at the direction from which the noises came from. Sure enough, a puff of smoke came up and wheezed past me to land on K's lap. "K~!!!" said the puff of smoke. It more like gushed actually, and 'it' is holding on to K's arm like a vice. K groaned. "Ryuichi," he mumbled, an uneasy grin on his face. His eyebrow was twitching as he tried to unlatch Sakuma-san from his arm. But the singer didn't seem to budge and he just looked up at K with big puppy eyes. Wow. For a man over 30, you'd think he was so much younger than Suguru. "Ne ne, I heard Shuichi is coming back. Is it true, is it true? Is he here yet? Is he, is he?" he asked, almost bouncing in his place while shaking K vigorously. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. I forgot that Ryuichi Sakuma also stays here in NG. It would be so awkward to have him and Shindou together. Shindou has been hiding from Sakuma for quite a while now. Though whether or not the singer of Nittle Grasper doesn't see it or just chose to ignore it, I'm not entirely sure. K gave me a sidelong glance, and something told me that he knew what I was thinking. Aah, there it was again, the psychic thing. What did I tell you? After finally taking Sakuma off his neck, K said, "Yes, Ryuichi, he's coming back and no, he's not here yet." "Hurray!" exclaimed Sakuma. I don't think he even heard the last thing K said. Really. A man over 30. I really haven't much to say about the guy. Sakuma seemed to be looking for something as he dug up something from behind him. It took but a few moments for a familiar pink bunny to emerge. "Kumagoro, did you hear that? Shuichi-kun is back!" he said and jumped off of K. "By any chance, you're not planning on doing anything, are you?" asked K, giving Sakuma what seemed like a suspicious look. "Hm?" asked Sakuma, glancing up from his bunny to K. "What is K talking about? I just want to see Shuichi and say hello to him! Kumagoro and I missed him so much, isn't that right, Kumagoro?" He proceeded on glomping the little bunny. "But that's too bad because Ryuichi is going somewhere and he can't wait. Oh well, maybe we can see Shuichi next time, ne?" I didn't think it was possible, but his grin just widened. And his face didn't even crack. Wow again. That leaves only Ukai-san and the whole of Nittle Grasper might just be proclaimed the music band that has the biggest smiles. K was still anxious - well, as far as 'anxious' looked like with him anyway. He's still pretty calm, but I guess I've been spending far too much time with him that I can already read him. Did I mentioned that Bad Luck is always late? K looked up at Sakuma. "Ryuichi, you're not going to do something like that thing on the restaurant again, would you?" he asked. Sakuma stopped playing with his bunny and looked at K again. "Eh? You mean the--" "Yo, Ryuichi!" The three of us looked up at the sound of that voice. And right there by the entrance doors of NG stood Yuki-san's younger brother, Tatsuha Uesugi. He's been spending a lot of time with Sakuma, or so I just noticed. From what I remember from Shindou, this Tatsuha kid has a huge crush on Sakuma. I guess he finally got close to him. I'm quite sure he knows about that thing that happened between Sakuma and Shindou (who doesn't?), but he doesn't seem to be anywhere near bitter about it. He actually looked like he was glowing. My line of thought was yet again cut off as Sakuma's high-pitched...uh, squeal echoed through the main lobby. "Tatsuha~!!!" he called out, literally tackling the young man in welcome. It was almost as if they haven't seen each other for a while, and that I rather doubt. So that kind of says a lot. "Heh, good morning to you, too! So, are you ready to go?" he asked, straightening himself from Sakuma's tackle. "Yep!" said Sakuma, and as he said this, he placed Kumagoro on Tatsuha's shoulder before turning back to me and K. "Ne, I'm sorry for bothering you, so I'll be going now. See you two later!" he said, waving to us before pushing Tatsuha out the main doors. K and I were silent as we watched the two out. The glass doors allowed us to see them still as they walked away. Their backs faced us, but we can somehow see Sakuma saying something to Tatsuha, to which the younger man gestured the other to come closer. Sakuma did so and Tatsuha leaned in to whisper something to him. Sakuma leaned back and blinked for a second, before looking behind him to catch K's eyes. I looked alternately at him and K, only to land still on the man outside again as he grinned brightly and waved at K like an innocent child who didn't just kiss the lead singer of the band K was managing. Oh yes, Ryuichi Sakuma can get away with murder. As for K, he sat there with a frown on his face, deep in thought. For a while I just sat there quietly, watching for any changes on his facial expression. By the time I got none, I decided to wake him up. "Uh...K-san? Are you all right?" I asked, leaning in to poke him on the arm. It took a while for him to respond, and when he did, I had to lean back to avoid getting smacked on the face. K was...well, beaming, to put things simply. "Ooh, I get it..." he drawled, his blue eyes twinkling in mischief, and he cast yet another side glance towards the main doors to the street from which Sakuma and Tatsuha took a turn. He then cast his eyes on me, and I almost flinched at the wide grin he wore. "Er, you got what, K-san?" I asked tentatively, though I doubt he can even hear me. He was that lost in thought. "I think we'll be all right after all, Sakano-san!" he said happily, still grinning. Gods, these people really scare me. Everybody knows something I don't. Granted, I'm not as deep as most people are and half the time I panic more than anything, but it's just that I get really paranoid over the littlest things. And this, this situation where my co-worker's grinning from ear to ear and practically cackling under his breath...well, who can blame me when I say I'm scared? It's times like these that I miss just being a simple fan boy who pays for concert tickets instead of being the one behind the production of the said events. But still, I also like working for Seguchi-san. This thought brings me comfort. I am so glad I work for him. And that's the seventy-sixth. End of Chapter 8 Oh yeah, this royally sucks, big time. This chapter is kind of rushed because I really am waaaay off schedule and I never really sympathized with Sakano much. I do like him, but I just don't think I can be one with his thoughts because we're not in the least bit alike >.< I miss Fujisaki so much! *hugs Fujisaki plushy* I'll make this short because I really can't face you people now. *hides face in shame* Special hugs go to incoherence, Megamie, silvercross (thank you for liking the last chapter! And yeah, I like Ryuichi x Shuichi too, but they're so cute as just friends too, ne? ^.^), futago>akuma-tenshi01 (uhm, well, using different perspectives is the style of the fic. It's an experimental thing ^^; And the kiss...eh, it'll pay off in the next chapter ^.~), mad melma, hopeanne, Astralkitten, yamatoforever (oh yeah, post the next chapter quickly. Two months...I'm so sorry! *bangs head on her table*), MorganD, nanami27 (I didn't update for so long >0< I royally screwed it this time...*bangs head again*), aoi_megumi, Aishiteru (I love long reviews! *glomps* Thank you! And about Fujisaki, self-centered? Ehe, I don't know...but whoa, does that mean I'm self-centered too? o.O), Kamikakushi, Leina and Yui-Mag. Oh yeah, and special thanks to Mikuro Kurayami. I just finished my other fic and you pushed to another chaptered one again. Yyep, my life gets better by the minute, doesn't it? ^^; Feedbacks are always appreciated! ^____^ I'm so sorry again! >0<
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unfinished