The Key to My Heart

Title: The Key to My Heart: Chapter 10
Author: JadeHeart
Archived: Found on gurabiteshiyon.net. If anyone else would like it, please ask me first!
Fandom: Gravitation / Fake
Rating: R
Warnings: Bad language mainly
Timeline: After the anime/manga finishes.
Characters: Yuki, Tohma, Ryo, Dee (little bit of JJ!)
Feedback: Feedback is always welcome! If I don’t get feedback, I don’t want to continue!
Summary: Just how far would Yuki go in search of Shuichi?
Author’s Notes: Good for you, everyone who picked up the (not too subtle!) hints, I tossed out at the end of the last chapter! When I was writing chapter 9 I thought, ‘my goodness, these boys are going to need help!’ Jim may be good – but he’s only human! There’s the whole of New York to search! So that’s when it came to me that Jim was already set up to have the contacts, so let’s get some of the local police involved. And why not have two NY detectives who would definitely be sympathetic to Yuki’s plight! For people who don’t like the cross-over – sorry.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, they belong to the creators of ‘Gravitation’ and ‘Fake’, nor am I making any profits from this. (Except the character of Jim Harris, who is still mine!)


The Key to My Heart: Chapter 10


There was a sound. A soft sound. A rhythmic sound.

What was it? Yuki’s still sleep dazed mind struggled a little, trying to place it. The sound stopped. Peace. Yuki sighed and fell back into a deep slumber.

When next he awoke, he cracked his eyes open to be greeted by a stream of bright sunshine, shining through the crack between the thick curtains. He sat up in bed, rubbing a hand over his face, and then through his hair. He yawned and glanced over at Tohma’s bed. It was empty, neatly made as though it had never been slept in. Tohma was so anal sometimes.

Yuki yawned again, throwing the covers back, and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He reached for his cigarettes on the bedside table and drew one out, as he moved towards the balcony. He pulled the curtains back, squinting a little as the full brunt of sunlight splashed over him. It was so damn bright!

He opened the door and stepped outside, lighting his smoke. He drew in deeply. Ah, yes, that felt good! He looked out at the day, glancing up at the sun, noting its position high in the sky. His eyes widened. Shit! It was late!

He strode back inside. Where the hell was Tohma? Why hadn’t he woken him earlier?

A wave of coldness swept over him. Had there been bad news? Is that why Tohma hadn’t woken him? He clamped his jaw tightly. No. There was no bad news. If anything, if it had been bad news, Tohma would have most definitely woken him. Or at least made certain he had remained here until Yuki had got up.

So, no bad news. But then where the fuck was he?! Yuki stabbed his cigarette down into the ashtray, and made his way to the bathroom. First things first, shower and change.

He finished his shower, wrapping a towel around his waist to walk back into the main room. He rummaged around through his bag, pulling out clean shirt, trousers and boxers. He heard the door click open behind him, and turned to see Tohma walking in.

“Ah, Eiri. You’re up.”

“So where the hell have you been?” Yuki growled.

“Oh, Jim and I have just been talking, catching up on old times. We waited to have breakfast until you woke up.”

“Why didn’t you wake me earlier?”

Tohma shrugged. “There was no need. You needed sleep more than anything.”

“Thought Harris said something about having to make a call this morning.”

“He did.” Tohma said, calmly watching as Yuki dressed. Both were completely unabashed at Yuki’s nakedness. “The detectives we need to see aren’t going to be in till later this afternoon. So there was no rush.”

“Great. More hanging around doing nothing.” Yuki groused, a frown on his face.

“Don’t be so worried. By the time we have some breakfast, though with it being this late it is probably more accurate to call it brunch, and discuss a few things, it will be time to leave anyway. So no time has been particularly wasted.”

“Huh!” was Yuki’s response.

Tohma smiled and made his way back to the door. “Come along. Jim’s waiting downstairs.”

Yuki followed Tohma to the elevator, before making their way to the hotel’s dining room. He spotted Jim sitting at a table in the far corner, reading a newspaper. He looked up as they drew nearer, with a smile of greeting.

“Nice to see you’re finally awake.” he said to Yuki, then raised a hand to catch the attention of a waitress across the room. She soon arrived with a steaming coffee pot and proceeded to pour three cups. “I took the liberty of ordering some bagels. Didn’t know if you’d like them, but I think they’re great!”

“Bagels will be fine.” Tohma assured him, and with a practiced flick of his wrist, he unwound his napkin and neatly placed it in his lap. Yuki ignored his, instead reaching for another cigarette.

“Ah, Eiri..” Tohma began, when Jim interrupted him.

“It’s okay. I had a word with the manager. He said we could smoke, as long as we stayed right over here out of the way of any other guests.”

“That was very considerate of you, Jim.” Tohma thanked him.

“Not really. Couldn’t bear to put up with him,” motioning towards the dark countenance of Yuki, with a chuckle, “Acting like a bear with a sore head!”

“How true!” Tohma agreed, with a smile.

“If you two comedians are quite finished?” Yuki said dryly. “You’re putting me off my food.”

“See what I mean?” Jim said to Tohma.

“So, when are we meeting these two cops?” Yuki asked, spreading cream cheese on a bagel.

“I checked with the precinct, and they’re on third watch today. So we’ll head over there a little before that. I know that makes it late in the day but I wasn’t going to try them at home without first having a chance to speak to them about it. Let’s just say, it’s polite to go have a chat with them in their work place, before trying to make it more personal.”

“Thought you said there’d be no problems?”

Jim shrugged. “I personally don’t think there will be. Like I said, Di wouldn’t have said anything, if she wasn’t pretty sure. But it’s still their choice to make. So I’m not going to try and put a heap of pressure on them if they don’t want in.”

“Huh.”

Jim half smiled. “I know if I let you lose, you’d probably want to try and beat them into helping us. Doesn’t work that way.”

Yuki said nothing, and they finished the rest of brunch in silence.

Jim glanced at his watch. “Let’s go. That gives us plenty of time to get through traffic.” They made their way out to the car and headed off.

“We may have to wait when we get there. We’re going to be there before the start of shift, so they may not even be in yet. Or they may be tied up with something. So you going to be able to sit tight if need be?”

“We can wait.” Tohma assured him, glancing back at Yuki. “It’s not like we really have anywhere else to go.”

“Fair enough.”

They continued on, and soon pulled into a parking lot filled with various cars, including police vehicles. Jim pulled a card from his wallet and placed it on the dash.

“Don’t fancy getting towed away!” he said. Yuki noticed it had FBI marked on the card as he exited.

They followed Jim up the steps and inside the building, making their way to the front counter, manned by an attractive woman in uniform.

Too old for me, Yuki couldn’t help thinking to himself. He preferred them young. About 20 something, small, lithe body, energetic….and male. Shuichi, he thought. Where the hell are you?!

His fingers itched for a cigarette, but he had seen the no smoking signs placed around the room, and he didn’t think breaking that regulation in the middle of a police station would be the smoothest thing he had done. But how he needed a cigarette!

“Can I help you, sir?” the policewoman asked Jim.

He pulled out his badge and smiled. “I would like to speak to Detectives Maclean and Laytner, if I may.”

The woman looked down the duty roster. “They should be in shortly. Were they expecting you?”

“No, but a mutual friend in the Bureau put me on to them.”

“And your name?”

“Jim Harris.”

“I’ll go and see if they’ve come in early, and leave a note on their desk. It may be a while though. I don’t know what work load they’ve got.”

“That’s okay. We’ll wait for a bit and see, if you don’t mind.”

She shook her head, making some notes. “Not at all. If you don’t mind the noise.” She winced as a particularly loud shout echoed through the reception. “It’s always like this on Thursdays.”

“Why Thursdays?”

She shrugged. “Who knows? Why the full moon? There’s no rhyme or reason to it, just that every Thursday it’s like this. No big deal.” She motioned over to one side. “Take a seat. Hopefully you wont have to wait too long. Those chairs are killers!”

“Thanks a lot.”

“No problem.” and Jim turned to leave her to attend to another query.

He waved Tohma and Yuki to the seats she indicated. “She didn’t think they were in yet, but was going to check for us and also leave a note. So we’ll see what happens.”

“I’m going for a smoke.” Yuki said, turning and stalking outside.

Jim looked after him. “So,” he said to Tohma. “How’s he really taking this?”

“Hard.” replied Tohma looking after Yuki also.

“It’s been a long haul. For the both of you.” Jim replied, looking over at Tohma.

Tohma meticulously settled his coat and hat on his knees, absently smoothing a crease out. “More so for Eiri.”

“Do you not like the kid or something?” Jim asked, looking with narrowed eyes at his friend.

Tohma’s forehead creased a little, before he answered. “It’s not that I don’t like Shindou,” he said slowly, looking over at Jim. “I will admit that when he and Eiri first got together, I was completely horrified. And very angry.”

“Uh, oh, that’s not a good thing where you’re concerned.”

Tohma brushed the comment aside. “I thought that Shindou was causing Eiri nothing but trouble. There was all the publicity that occurred.”

“Because they’re gay?”

“Well, you could argue that Eiri is bi, and the tabloids certainly had enough evidence of his association with the members of the female sex before he met Shindou. But, yes, the issue of their gender certainly caused quite a stir. With both Eiri and Shindou in such high profile careers, they were never out of the public eye, so every little thing was open for scrutiny and misinterpretation.”

“But that’s not all of it, is it?” Jim said shrewdly. Tohma looked at him. “Come on, Tohma. I know you too well. You may be a prick, but you wouldn’t be one over just something like that. You’ve lived in the limelight yourself for too long to not just let most of that wash right over you. So, what’s the real reason?”

Tohma sighed and settled back into his chair further, shifting on the uncomfortably hard seat. “You’re right. It wasn’t so much their relationship as far as their gender, or anything like that. My main concern was that Eiri…well, he had some issues from his past, and I didn’t think that Shindou was good for him because of that. I could see small pieces of Eiri crumbling away before my eyes, and I was afraid I would lose him. I nearly did once. A long time ago. I made a promise then that I would never, ever, let that happen again. And I would do anything to stop it.” There was steel in Tohma’s voice that few people would have heard. Jim had. Once, a long time ago.

“Ah,” Jim said, nodding a little, as he too settled backwards, shoulder brushing Tohma’s. “You should be careful what promises you make to yourself. You could get yourself into a lot of trouble.”

“As you know all to well.”

“True.” Silence for a moment. “So you didn’t think Shu was good enough for Yuki?”

“No.” Tohma replied bluntly.

“And now?”

“Now…” Tohma mused a moment, dropping his head to look intently at his hands, folded neatly in his lap.

What did he think of Shindou now, he wondered? For all that the boy had grown up a bit in the past couple of years, he was still so….so…..exhausting!

From a business perspective, Tohma knew that Bad Luck was one of the best, and biggest, things to come NG’s way. They were even out stripping Nittle Grasper in their hey-day. So as president, Tohma would hang onto, cultivate, and squeeze every last ounce of talent from Bad Luck, and send them flying to the greatest heights of the world.

And Shuichi Shindou was integral to that dream. Shuichi was like an earthquake, with himself at the epicentre, and just like an earthquake, everyone who was in range of the shock waves, couldn’t help but be affected by him. Including Tohma. So as a businessman, Tohma whole heartedly supported Bad Luck, and Shuichi Shindou.

But as a person? What did Tohma really think of him?

“I realised,” he said quietly, looking up. “That even though I had thought Shindou was the worst thing for Eiri at that time, because I could see so much damage seeming to occur to him. I realise now, that although Shindou may have been responsible for that crumbling, he was also responsible for putting Eiri back together again. And in a better way than he had been before.”

He glanced over at Jim, who was watching him intently. “It’s hard to explain what the two of them have together. It’s not just that they are a couple living together, that they are partners. It’s….deeper than that. I truly don’t think that there is anything that could tear them apart. Except perhaps death.”

“Perhaps not even that?” Jim said quietly. “Isn’t that why you’ve insisted on sharing with him all this time?”

Tohma pursed his lips, then nodded in acquiescence. “Yes. I wasn’t certain that Eiri wouldn’t have chased Shindou, even through death. He can’t bear the thought of losing him.”

“Hmmm.”

They lapsed into silence again. “He seems to be a bit more like himself. At least like the first time I met him.” Jim said.

“Yes. I think that just knowing that Shindou is alive, still gives him great hope and the will to keep going.”

“What happens if we can’t find him?” Jim said softly. “There are plenty of missing persons every year that are never found. And not all of them have met with foul play. Some just don’t want to be found. What will Yuki do?”

Tohma sighed and spoke. “I…don’t know. I don’t know when Eiri would decide that enough was enough, that he had to give up. That’s something only he can choose to do.”

“Do you think he would give up? Doesn’t seem like that sort of guy to me.”

“Perhaps. If he believed that Shindou was at least alive and well. Perhaps that would be enough for him.” Tohma looked at Jim again. “I had never realised before, just how much Eiri lives for Shindou. I knew Shindou felt that way about Eiri. I had seen him behave in that way right from the start. That is what was so startling about him. He threw himself into this relationship with Eiri without any hesitation, or second thoughts. He just made up his mind that Eiri was the one for him, and that was that. Nothing anyone did could change his mind. Not even anything Eiri did could change his mind!” Tohma shook his head, still somewhat amazed at the memories.

“All I can say is that Shindou is a very interesting person.” he suddenly smiled at Jim. “I think you’ll like him. But I do warn you. He’ll drive you to distraction in the first five minutes of meeting him!”

“You know,” Jim said, smiling. “I can’t wait to meet him!”

The door swung open and a shadow crossed the floor. Looking up, they saw Yuki standing in front of them. “Is there anywhere to get some damn coffee around here?” he said.

Jim laughed and stood up. “That’s a great idea! I’ll see what I can rustle up! Wait here a moment.” and he took himself back to the counter to speak to the desk sergeant again.

Yuki threw himself down on to a chair, and grunted in pain. “Fuck that’s hard!” he cursed, leaning forward and reaching around to rub the middle of his back where it had thumped against the slat of the chair back.

Tohma smiled. “They are probably deliberately chosen for the lack of comfort they possess. I don’t imagine that the police department wants to encourage people sitting in their lobbies for long periods of time. They probably hope that most will get tired of waiting and just leave.”

“Probably!” Yuki slouched lower in his chair, long legs stretched out before him.

Jim soon returned to them. “They’ll bring some coffee out for us.’ Tohma raised an eyebrow and Jim just shrugged with a smile. “Sometimes rank has its privileges!”

“Ah!” Tohma said.

True to his word, a police officer soon arrived, balancing three coffee cups. They each gratefully took one, it was becoming a long afternoon.

Yuki glanced at his watch, then looked up at Jim.

“So where the hell are they?” he growled impatiently.

Jim checked his own watch, pursing his lips. “I’ll go check.” and he wandered back to the counter. He had to wait a moment whilst the desk sergeant finished with the customer she was dealing with first. After a few moments of hurried words, Jim walked back to join Tohma and Yuki.

“They’re here, but they’re in a briefing at the moment. We’re just going to have to wait.”

Yuki muttered something uncomplimentary under his breath, taking another deep swallow of his thick coffee. “I’m going to make a call.” he suddenly said, standing. He stalked out the door, tossing his empty cup expertly into a bin nearby.

“Who’s he going to call?” Jim asked, watching him leave.

“Ghostbusters?” Tohma said, with a straight face.

Jim nearly choked on his coffee, as a burst of laughter erupted from him.

“Fucking hell, Tohma!” he spluttered, trying to wipe the splattered coffee from his chin, and brushing futilely at the stains down his shirt. He had drawn every eye in the reception area with his outburst, and he felt his face growing red from the embarrassment.

He glared at the grinning Tohma. “How the hell do you know that line?!”

“We do have TV and movies in Japan, Jim.” he said mildly.

Jim snorted, still brushing at his tie, frowning at the marks showing up on the light mustard colour. “Yeah, but it’s not exactly the sort of film I imagined you watching!”

“Just goes to show, you don’t know everything about me.”

“As if I could! Your secrets are tighter than a chastity belt on a virgin!”

Tohma couldn’t help chuckling. It felt good to loosen up a little, and laugh.

“So, seriously, who do you think he’s calling?”

Tohma looked over towards the door Yuki had disappeared through. He looked thoughtful. “You know, I have no idea.” he said quietly.

************

Hiro put the phone down gently. He drew in a shuddering breath, feeling a burning in his eyes. He raised a hand to his face, felt the dampness on his cheeks.

He was alive. Shuichi truly was alive. Okay, they still hadn’t found him, but they hadn’t given up yet. That bastard Yuki wouldn’t give up, that much Hiro knew. He may not particularly like the man, he just couldn’t find it in his heart to do so, but he did have a measure of respect for him. He knew that when Yuki put his mind to it, nothing could stand in his way.

Over this time, Hiro had come to notice that where Shuichi was concerned, Yuki’s protective streak had come out most strongly. Shu had the habit of doing that people. Hell, he had been doing it to Hiro all their lives! Not that Hiro particularly minded. He couldn’t imagine his life without Shuichi.

These past few months with him not around had seemed so unreal, as though it would all be a dream that Hiro would awaken from soon. During this time, Ayaka had stayed close to him. He had appreciated that, and more than enjoyed the company. He had even managed to build up the courage to take their relationship further. Not all the way, not yet. He wasn’t going to play on her sympathy for his loss of his best friend. He wasn’t that low. But she had willingly come to him one night. Seduced him, of all things! It had taken all his will power not to let it continue further. That had been really hard! She had agreed that it wasn’t the right time yet, but she had then gone on to pleasure him, both orally and manually. And it had been completely mind blowing!

He felt his face grow hot, and a familiar hardening in his trousers. Not again! Since that night with Ayaka, his thoughts and fantasies about that time were so much more intense it was making his life a little uncomfortable!

He dragged his thoughts away from his own pleasures, to focus back on the recent conversation. He appreciated the call from Yuki. Yuki knew Hiro didn’t really like him. Hiro was sure that the feeling was entirely mutual. However, because they had something in common, namely Shuichi, they had settled into a ‘comfortable’ association. Neither would do anything to try and turn Shuichi against the other, neither would deliberately try and do something against the other. Neither of them could bear to see Shuichi cry. Gods, how ironic could it be that one of the things Hiro missed most, was having Shuichi bawling on his shoulder over the slightest little thing! It was funny what suddenly seemed important to you, once it was gone.

He turned and made his way to the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out a beer. He took a long drink, savouring the feel of the liquid sliding down his throat, the malty taste in his mouth.

Shuichi was alive. He was absolutely, completely alive. That was the very best of news that he had heard for so long. It had nearly killed him with this waiting. The constant not knowing, the doubt that forever filled his mind. He couldn’t bring himself to believe that Shuichi was dead. He hadn’t even wanted to think that. But it was the uncertainty that hung over that thought. The not knowing either yes, or no.

He hadn’t heard anything from Yuki since that first phone call. Just thinking about that day made the pit of Hiro’s stomach turn to ice. He shivered where he stood, unable to stop the coldness coursing through his veins. If he lived to be one hundred, he never, never, wanted to feel like that again!

He remembered when he had first heard the news. He had caught it on the radio as he had got up that morning. Immediately he had rung Yuki. He had hoped at that time that Yuki would tell him that Shuichi had missed that flight. The day had dragged on, and every report that Hiro had heard was worse, every update described in detail just how bad it was.

He had continued to ring Yuki’s number, both his cell and home, leaving message after message, whilst all the time his heart was a tight knot in his chest, threatening to rise up and choke him. He had even driven over to Yuki’s place three or four times during the course of the day, standing in the hall, leaning on the bell, pounding on the door, almost screaming out both Yuki’s and Shuichi’s name. Praying, just praying, that one of them would open the door, and the nightmare would be over. But the apartment had remained silent each time.

By the time that Yuki had called him that evening, he was exhausted. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. He no longer had any hope. Shuichi had been on that plane. Now he just prayed for a miracle.

When Yuki had called, Hiro had been surprised. Yuki obviously knew what had happened, and said he was on his way to find Shu. However, he had taken the time to call and tell Hiro. Hiro had appreciated that. When Yuki had told him that he had called because it’s what Shuichi would have wanted him to do, well, that brought a flush of warmth flooding into his cold heart. For a fleeting moment, he had almost felt close to Yuki, like they shared a secret bond. A bond called Shuichi.

He walked outside, still holding his beer. The sunshine was warm, sheltered out of the wind as it was.

“Who was that, Hiro?”

He turned to see Maiko. Shuichi’s little sister looked up at him from where she sat a little distance away. He walked over and squatted down next to her, giving her a gentle smile.

“It was Yuki.” he said quietly. He saw her eyes widen, fear growing large in them, and hurried to reassure her. She, all of Shuichi’s family, had been fearing the worse for the past two months. They had tried to hold on to their hope, but it had been hard, and Hiro had watched that hope change to resignation of the inevitable. It had broken his heart to see Maiko’s young face clouded in grief for the brother that she thought she would never see again.

He reached out and placed a hand comfortingly on the top of her head. “He’s okay, Maiko.” he said. “Truly.” She continued to just look up at him, disbelief shinning there.

“It’s true. Yuki said that they have definite proof that Shu is alive. But there is a problem.” He had to be honest with her.

Her bottom lip trembled a little, and she bit down on it, as she struggled to get her emotions under control, to be strong. It had been very hard on her. It had been really up to her to be the support for her parents. It saddened Hiro. She was too young to be bearing such a heavy burden.

“What?”

“Yuki said that Shu’s lost his memory, so he’s wandered off somewhere. They’re trying to find him in New York.”

“New York?” it was name that meant no more to her, than a place on a world map.

“Yes. That’s where he went to. Yuki said that they’ve got some help from the police, and they’re doing everything they can to find him.”

“How long will it take?” Maiko so desperately wanted her brother back.

Hiro sighed, and crossed his legs under him to sit down properly. “They don’t know. It’s not going to be easy. New York is a pretty big place.”

Maiko’s lip began to tremble again. “Hey,” Hiro said, stretching out an arm to place around her shoulders, and drew her to his chest. He heard her snuffle into his shirt, trying not to cry. “It’ll be alright. Yuki’s over there, and so is Tohma Seguchi. Both of them are looking for him. And they’ve got this far, right? If he’s over there, Yuki will find him, don’t you worry about that.”

“I guess.” Maiko said in a small voice.

Hiro could feel her tears soak through his shirt. “So let’s put on a brighter face, and go tell the good news to your parents, okay?”

The girl raised her head and scrubbed an arm across her face, wiping away the tears. The gesture was the same one Hiro had seen Shuichi use so many times, and his heart clenched. He fixed a smile on his face, not letting his inner turmoil be seen on the surface.

“Feel better?” he asked. Maiko looked up at him, putting on a tremulous smile. “Good girl.” he said with affection.

Suddenly, she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here, Hiro.” she whispered brokenly, squeezing him. “It’s like having a part of Shu with me all the time.” She drew back and looked up into his face. “I’m just so glad you’re here.”

He smiled warmly down at her, brushing back the hair from her face. “I couldn’t leave you all here alone, could I? Shu would have kicked my ass if I had!”

Maiko gave a small smile. “Yeah, he would have.”

Hiro stood and held out a hand to assist her to her feet. “Let’s go and tell your parents the news.” and they made their way back into the house.

Yes. Shuichi was alive, Hiro thought, feeling the beginnings of a smile on his face, the thawing of his heart. He was alive.

****************

Yuki finished his cigarette.

He had felt….relieved, after speaking with Hiro. The two of them would probably never be ‘friends’, but they did have their own kind of understanding. Yuki respected Hiro. For his loyalty, dedication, ability to have put up with Shuichi for all these years. For that alone, the boy should be given a medal! Yuki had only had to deal with it for a few years, and it still drove him crazy! How Hiro managed to maintain his calm, unflappable manner after all this time was something Yuki could only envy!

Well, he had done what he thought was the right thing. Hiro would make certain only the people that really needed to know, were told about the news. That Shuichi was definitely alive, but still, unfortunately, missing. And that Yuki was still looking for him.

He ground out the cigarette and walked back inside, noticing Jim and Tohma laughing together. He still couldn’t help but wonder about what had gone on between those two, sometime in the past. He dropped into a chair next to them, a little more carefully than he had done so the first time, remembering the jarring pain he had received for his troubles.

“Ah!” Jim spoke up just then. “Looks like we might be getting some action.” Yuki watched a uniformed policeman walk towards them.

Jim stood to greet him, pulling out his ID to be scrutinized again, before a brief wave indicated they should follow. The police officer buzzed them through the security doors and led them down a corridor. There was the noise of bustling activity coming from a number of rooms they passed. The officer opened a door, and they entered to a bare room with just a table and four chairs, and a fifth chair placed in one corner. A long glass window filled one wall.

“An interview room.” Jim informed them, taking a chair.

“If you’ll just wait a moment, they’ll be with you shortly.” the officer said to Jim. He nodded his thanks, and the officer left, quietly shutting the door behind him.

“Take a seat, boys.” Jim waved to the vacant ones. They were of the same design as the ones in the reception area.

Yuki eyed them with distaste. “I think I’ll stand.” he said, reaching for his cigarettes.

Tohma took one of the other chairs. “Is that alright?” he asked Jim, indicating Yuki’s cigarette.

“Yeah, should be fine. It’s not uncommon to let perps smoke in these rooms. I don’t think they’ll mind.” Yuki had already lit up, and taken his first lungful, before receiving Jim’s go ahead.

The sound of the door opening again, made the three of them turn.

The first person to enter was a young man, late twenties, perhaps early thirties. He had light brown hair, and deep, dark penetrating eyes. On his face was a gentle, welcoming smile directed at them. The person following was a man of a similar age, though dark haired, and with more of a cocky attitude, with piercing green eyes. They both carried themselves with a graceful ease.

The first drew closer to them, extending his hand in welcome. Yuki noticed that the other had positioned himself at the door as though on guard, just watching.

“Jim Harris, I believe.” The first man was softly spoken, with a pleasing voice.

Jim stood, and held out his hand to clasp the others. “That’s right.”

“I’m Randy Maclean.”

“Randy? I thought your name was Ryo.”

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t realize that you knew me by that name.”

“Which begs the question,” a deeper voice spoke up from behind Ryo. “How you do know that?”

Jim looked past Ryo’s shoulder to where the other was still standing, arms folded. Cocky little shit, was all Jim could think. “A mutual friend told me.”

“And who might that be?” the dark haired man pressed, not moving. Ryo threw a look over his shoulder as though to quiet the other.

Jim answered. “Diana Spacey.”

“Diana?!” Ryo sounded surprised and pleased.

“What’s that sea hag up to now?!” was the more unflattering comment made by the other.

“Why you…” Jim said, taking offense at the slur cast on his friend. He was beginning to get a little riled with the other’s attitude.

“Stop it, Dee.” Ryo’s voice chided, bringing an almost pout to the other’s face. Ryo turned back to Jim. “You’ll have to forgive him. He sometimes forgets he’s not still in grade school.”

“Ryo!” the other growled at his partner.

“Get over here, Dee, and stop being a pain.” Ryo motioned with his head. Dee slouched forward, still frowning at everyone all round.

“So you must be Dee Laytner.” Jim said, looking him up and down.

“And what of it?” Dee said belligerently.

Ryo reached up calmly, and slapped the back of Dee’s head. “Ow!” Dee let out, clutching the abused portion of his anatomy, and turning to look accusingly at his partner. “What was that for?”

“Play nice, Dee.” Ryo said, with a touch of warning in his voice. Dee immediately seemed to fold in on himself, though somewhat reluctantly.

Yuki was watching this interplay in amazement, cigarette hanging forgotten from his lips. These were supposed to be the great help that Jim was getting them! They were fucking nutcases! Complete and utter morons! They wouldn’t be able to find their way out of a paper bag, even with a flashlight! Jim couldn’t be serious! He’d be better off hiring a bunch of monkeys to help him! Hell, even Shuichi would be able to do a better job of finding himself than these two! And he’s got fucking amnesia!

Jim turned and introduced first Tohma, and then Yuki. Ryo smiled pleasantly at them both as they shook, ignoring Yuki’s cold look. Dee shook Tohma’s hand with no issues, but when it came to Yuki’s, his eyes narrowed in response to Yuki’s glare.

“So, what’s your problem?” Dee muttered to Yuki.

Yuki’s eyes narrowed further. “You!” he snarled back. Their hands gripped each other, growing tighter and tighter, squeezing like vices, neither one intending to back down.

“They are rather similar, don’t you think?” Yuki heard Tohma’s mild voice speak up.

“Yes, I would agree.” Ryo responded, taking a seat, before turning to Jim. “So what brings you to here? Does Diana need something?”

Yuki and Dee realised at the same time that they were being completely ignored. Like chastised children, they released their grips and backed away from each other. Throwing black looks in each direction, they both grabbed vacant chairs and sat.

“No. Diana doesn’t need your help. I do.” Jim rested his hands on the table, a serious expression on his face as he looked at both Ryo and Dee. “I’m going to lay my cards completely on the table, but I want your word that this goes no further than this room. Agreed?”

Ryo and Dee looked silently at each other. It seemed like they were almost communicating together, then as one they turned their faces back to Jim.

“Agreed.” Ryo said.

“Thank you.” Jim replied. “I’m not here officially as FBI. I’m working on something…personal.”

Ryo threw a quick glance towards Tohma and Yuki. “Something to do with Japan?”

“Not exactly Japan itself, but it is to do with a Japanese citizen we’re trying to find.”

“How well do you both understand English?” Ryo asked, directing his question to Tohma and Yuki.

“Just as well as you, Mr Maclean, despite your Japanese heritage.” Tohma spoke up smoothly.

Ryo started a little, and Yuki, too, was surprised. Ryo was part Japanese? He looked harder at the other man, taking careful note of his features. Ah, yes, he had missed it at first. It was the eyes. Trust Tohma to have seen it.

“Ah, that’s okay then. I just wondered if we needed to get an interpreter for you.” Ryo explained.

“That’s quite unnecessary, but thank you for your consideration.” Tohma replied with a small nod.

“Why not go through the Embassy?” Dee put in then. “You’re FBI, you’ve the clout to get what you want.”

“It’s a little more complicated than that. The only way is by old fashioned street work.”

“Why come to us?”

“Like I said, I’m doing this under the table. The person in question was a survivor from the flight that went down two months ago.”

“I know the one.” Dee spoke up from where he lounged in his chair. ‘Almost a complete loss of life.”

“Yeah. But one of the survivors is the person we’re trying to find.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“He’s got amnesia. Doesn’t remember who he is, or where he was from. We tracked him as far as here to New York, but we’re going to need some help from here on. I asked Di, and she suggested you two might help.”

“Don’t know why she did that.” Dee spoke up. “Look, Jim.” he said, lighting up a cigarette. “We’ve got enough work on our plate at the moment. Unless it comes through the official channels, our hands are tied.”

Jim nodded. “Okay. If that’s how you feel, I understand. Thanks for your time.”

He began to stand, when Ryo’s voice halted him. He was looking at Tohma and Yuki still. “You haven’t explained exactly who these two men are, and how they fit into the picture?”

Jim threw a glance over at Tohma, than answered. “They’re the kid’s…friends.”

“Friends.” Ryo repeated, looking intently at them both. His eyes were drawn back to Yuki. “And what did you say the name of this person you’re trying to find is?”

“Shuichi Shindou.” Jim said, not understanding what Ryo was getting at.

“Ah!” Ryo said quietly, almost with an air of triumph. He had seen the small twitch from Yuki at the mention of Shuichi’s name, the flash of yearning. “So,” he said to Yuki. “He’s a lot more than just a ‘friend’ to you, isn’t he?”

Yuki glared back, jaw clenching. Dee stood and moved closer behind Ryo, as though to protect him, glaring back just as fiercely. “What’s it to you?!” Yuki growled.

Ryo smiled calmly at him, saying nothing, but turning to look up at Jim. “Let’s meet later tonight at my place, so we can talk some more. We’ll see what we can come up with from there.” and with a warm smile directed at them all, he stood.

“Hey, Ryo, what..?” Dee was saying behind his partner, when a gentle hand on his shoulder quietened him.

Ryo turned back to face Jim. “Get my address from the desk on your way out. Call about 10 tonight, and if you like, we can have a late dinner even. Dee and I’ll be finished our shift by then.”

“Sure.”

“Great. We’ll see you out.”

They filed out of the room, Yuki brining up the rear. He couldn’t understand the sudden turn around by Ryo. He had shown no intention of helping them, and then suddenly was inviting them for dinner that night! It didn’t make any sense! Obviously his partner, Dee, didn’t understand either, not judging from the dark scowl on his face.

“Dee!” a voice called loudly from down the hall behind them.

Dee spun around with a look of pure horror, holding his arms straight out in front of him in a defensive position. “JJ!” he roared. “Don’t you even dare think of doing anything stupid!!”

The carrot topped figure hurtling towards them, skidded to a stop upon seeing that Dee was with company that he didn’t know. Damn it, how was he supposed to get Dee alone if there were all these strangers around!

“Now go and annoy your own partner!” Dee ordered him. JJ sighed, and moped off. Guess he didn’t have much choice.

Ryo chuckled. Dee scowled at him. “Knock it off! It’s getting to the point I can’t even take a piss without worrying he’s going to jump me!” That only made Ryo laugh harder. Dee took a mock swing at Ryo, who easily dodged out of the way, before draping an arm around Dee’s shoulder, trying to placate him.

Suddenly, things fell into place for Yuki. Suddenly he knew why Ryo had offered to help. These two, Ryo and Dee, were much more than just partners working together. They were partners in more ways than one. Just like he and Shuichi.

He glanced at Tohma, who just stood with a calm smile on his face. He wondered if Tohma had figured that out. Probably. Tohma didn’t miss much. Did Jim know? Yuki glanced at the other man. He stood grinning at the interplay between the two cops. Judging from that smirk, yeah, Jim knew.

Perhaps this would work out after all, Yuki thought to himself, following the two detectives down the corridor as Ryo continued to try and drive the sulky look from his partner’s face.

If they didn’t drive him nuts first!