The Key to My Heart

Title: The Key to My Heart: Chapter 24
Author: JadeHeart
Archived: Found on gurabiteshiyon.net. If anyone else would like it, please ask me first!
Fandom: Gravitation
Rating: R
Warnings: angst, bad language
Timeline: After the anime/manga finishes.
Characters: Yuki/Shuichi/Tohma
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: For those people that are interested, Chapter 13 has been re-posted now with the previously edited portions included. I would like to say to all the readers for whom English is a second language, that I truly admire the fact that you take the time to write reviews to me in a language other than your native tongue. Please don’t feel that I don’t understand what you are saying, and please don’t feel embarrassed if you are having some difficulties expressing yourself. I have had no problems reading what you have written, and the fact you have taken the time to write the reviews at all, even though it may be a little awkward for you to do so, only makes me appreciate it all the more! Thank you for your praise and support, A. Lafaye, Emily, Gina and everyone else!
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, they belong to the creators of ‘Gravitation’ , nor am I making any profits from this.

The Key to My Heart: Chapter 24


The place was noisy as usual, the air thick with smoke. Yuki lit up his own cigarette and added to the pollution. He refused to have a drink, even through he desperately wanted one. However, the track record so far tonight where he and alcohol were concerned was not good, so he wasn’t about to tempt fate.

He watched Shuichi from the bar close to the DJ stand. The way Shuichi jumped around the small podium reminded Yuki so much of his antics on stage, the sheer exuberance he could not contain when he was around music. There was a small cluster of bouncing females directly before Shuichi’s dais, all looking up with smiles as they flicked their hair back and shook their booty. Fucking sluts! Yuki growled in his mind, watching their flirtatious efforts towards his Shuichi. He chewed on the butt of his cigarette. It was bad enough he had to contend with the girl that Shuichi was living with, he didn’t need to see this kind of exhibition as well!

He flicked some ash from the end of his cigarette. He couldn’t really blame them, he supposed, Shuichi was looking hot tonight! He was in tight leather pants, and a cropped black tank top that bared his midriff. The shirt reminded Yuki more of Shuichi’s normal attire at home. It was the first time he had seen Shuichi wearing something that was more daring. The first time he had seen him at the club he had been dressed more conservatively – at least all his skin had been covered then.

He was sure that Shuichi knew he was there. He had positioned himself at this bar so he had a clear view of the DJ area, which meant that Shuichi should also be able to spot him. He had seen Shuichi glance over this way, and flash a smile, so he hoped that that smile had been directed at him and not a come-on to someone else nearby.

Shuichi was now throwing smiles out at his adoring band of groupies, making them gyrate harder in an effort to catch his attention further, but he never favoured one above the other. Soon another man joined Shuichi on the stand and a few shouted words were exchanged, before the other took the headphones and Shuichi disappeared towards the back.

Shuichi had thrown himself into his work, smiling at the crowd, dancing to the beat as it pounded through the air. He really did enjoy his work. However, he found himself constantly scanning the crowd, looking over the heads of the fan-girls below his tiny stage, across the moving mass on the rest of the dance floor, looking for one tall, golden head.

He hadn’t seen Yuki yet. The man had said he would come tonight, but so far Shuichi had seen no sign of him. Had he changed his mind, perhaps? Shuichi wondered why his stomach knotted at that thought. He realized he had been looking forward to seeing Yuki, to speaking with him again.

He sighed, letting none of his inner emotions show on his face. The man probably had other things to do, and he had been so inconsiderate in making him come down to the club. He was a jerk for doing that.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a flash of paleness. Looking across, he saw Yuki leaning against the bar nearby, cigarette between his lips. He was here! He had come! Shuichi couldn’t help the broad smile that lit his face as he spotted the man, or the flash of pure delight that washed over him.

As soon as his break came, he slipped away and made his way to the bar, snagging a towel as he went. He was so glad the man had come and that they could talk again!

“Hey!” a voice shouted suddenly in Yuki’s ear, making him jump a little. Turning his head he saw Shuichi standing next to him, broad smile on his flushed face. He must have come through a back way from the DJ podium and then from behind the bar where Yuki had been standing. A small towel was wrapped around his neck, beads of sweat still running from his temple and hairline. Even as Yuki watched, he grabbed an end of the towel to wipe over his face.

Shuichi leant back on the bar, just as a bottle of water was placed there, beads of icy liquid sliding down the side. He picked it up and placed it unopened against his forehead with a pleased sigh at the coolness. Yuki could see that Shuichi’s entire body was covered with sweat, his eyes following a droplet that slid from under the boy’s top, flowing down his taut stomach, to disappear into the waistband of his pants.

“Glad you could make it!” the sound of Shuichi’s shout pulled Yuki’s mind, and eyes, from that delightful sight and the fantasies they evoked, back to the reality of the moment. It wouldn’t do for Shuichi to think that Yuki was ogling him – even if it was the truth.

“Not a problem!” he shouted back. This was going to be difficult. Trying to hold a normal conversation in a pounding night club was not the easiest thing.

“Come on! Let’s go somewhere quieter!” Shuichi said, waving for Yuki to follow him. With a nod of agreement, Yuki did so. Shuichi made his way to a corner, further away from the general noise. It wasn’t completely quiet, but more of a dull rumble so at least they would be able to speak without straining their voices.

Shuichi wiped his face down thoroughly now, running the towel around his neck and swiping it over his gleaming stomach. “Boy, is it hot tonight!”

You mean you’re hot tonight, Yuki thought, still running his eyes hungrily over the form before him. Looking the way he did now - sweaty, hot, flushed and hyped up from the music - Yuki just wanted to grab him and ravish him completely. Just as he used to do after one of Shuichi’s concerts. The energy Shuichi put into his concerts always made him exciting in bed afterwards. Yuki remembered that all too well. He felt his own face flush and was glad of the dim lighting to hide it from the other man.

“I didn’t think you were coming. It was getting late.” Shuichi said.

“I had some things to do first. I thought you would probably be tied up to begin with anyway.”

“Yeah, the set up can take a bit of time.” Shuichi flashed him another smile.

“So,” Yuki drew out his packet of cigarettes. “Did you listen to the music?”

Shuichi said nothing for a moment, taking a long drink from his water bottle. “Yeah. I did.”

“And?”

Another long pause. Yuki watched as Shuichi turned his back on him, moving to lean on a table nearby. His stomach clenched. This didn’t look good.

Shuichi turned back to him, placing the bottle on the table top. “I listened to it. I didn’t know what to expect at all. I mean, it was just music.” He looked away briefly. Yuki’s heart plummeted to the bottom of his feet. He didn’t remember anything.

“Then, I found that I liked it.” Yuki’s heart rose an inch. “I liked it a lot. So did Annette.”

Yuki growled silently at that. What did he care what ‘she’ thought of it!

“But you know what the weird thing was?” Shuichi continued. “I knew the songs.”

Yuki’s heart shot up like an arrow back into his chest cavity. He remembered!

“I could sing every one of those songs, all the way through, without missing a beat. There wasn’t one I didn’t know.”

Yuki could almost feel his face trying to break out in a smile. Now that would have just been plain scary!

Shuichi looked back at him. He didn’t look particularly happy though, Yuki thought. He had thought the boy would have been pleased to find he could remember something from his past. Wasn’t he happy?

“I really do remember them, but only as the music. I can’t remember their titles, or the words if you wanted me to repeat them. That’s all just a blur. I know it’s in here somewhere though.” He tapped the side of his head. “You know how you feel when you’re trying to say a word and it’s on the tip of your tongue, but you just can’t get it out? That’s how it feels with the words to those songs. However, put it with the music, and I can sing them all.”

Suddenly Shuichi flashed him a bright smile, one that lit up his entire face. Yuki felt himself let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. Shuichi’s smiles always meant that things would be better. “I’ve already spoken to the manager about maybe playing some of the songs here at the club! I know they’re in Japanese but the tunes are still pretty catchy. I left the ipod with him to have a listen to tonight, so who knows? Bad Luck might be making their debut in Canada right here!” He threw his head back and laughed, a loud happy laugh. “That would be just the best, don’t you think?!”

“Nothing like blowing your own trumpet.” Yuki muttered. That move was just so Shuichi, always taking quick advantage of anything that came his way. Couldn’t fault the kid for not acting quickly when these opportunities arose.

“So,” Shuichi said, picking up his bottle again. “Did you speak to my family?”

Yuki shook his head, “No, but I spoke to Tohma. He’s going to organize things and call me when it’s done. I’ll tell you as soon as I hear anything.”

“Tohma?” Shuichi questioned, frowning as he tried to remember.

“Tohma Seguchi, the producer at NG Productions. My brother-in-law.”

“Oh, yes, sorry, you did tell me. Why’s he organizing things?”

“He takes his responsibility for his bands very seriously. He’s been helping to locate you since you went missing.”

“He must be a really nice guy.”

Yuki nearly choked. Shuichi hadn’t just lost his memory – he’d lost his frigging marbles! Then he smiled to himself, he couldn’t wait to tell Tohma that though. He was sure that would lead to another stunned silence on the other end of the phone. He was going to have to make the most of these moments, because they had never come along before, and were unlikely to ever again.

He dropped his finished cigarette to the ground, grinding it underfoot. “I should be able to tell you more tomorrow. Tohma’s very good at getting things moving quickly. He won’t let things drag.”

“Hmmm.” Shuichi took another drink, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand after. He glanced across the floor, then looked back at Yuki. “I’ve got to go. My break’s nearly over. Thanks for coming down.”

“Not a problem. I’ll probably see you tomorrow night.”

“Yeah, okay. I guess I’ll see you then.”

“Yeah.”

He could see Shuichi didn’t want him to come again, but he had to. Even if he wasn’t just delivering an update from Tohma as to what arrangements would be made, he still would have had to come. He couldn’t stay away. So no matter how much Shuichi wished Yuki would just fade back into his forgotten past, Yuki couldn’t do it. Not even for Shuichi.

Shuichi disappeared into the crowd, making his way back to the DJ station. Yuki watched until he had mounted it, taking his place, smiling down at his adoring fans that gathered below him. Yuki turned to make his way to the door. It was time for him to leave. He took a step forward when the body in front of him suddenly lurched backwards, spinning around as it did so, before colliding hard against Yuki’s chest.

“Oh, sorry!” the young girl giggled, gaining her balance.

“Claire, come on!”

“Bye!” she waved jauntily as she was dragged off into the crowd by her friends.

Yuki watched her go, then glanced down. The front of his burgundy shirt was completely soaked, droplets of liquid still sliding downwards. He could feel the stickiness making the fabric cling to his skin. His lips pressed together tightly as he felt another cold trail slip down his flesh to soak into the waistband of his pants. This night well and truly, majorly sucked!

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

Yuki didn’t get out of bed till after midday. He was tired from the constant late nights, and although he certainly had gone to bed earlier last night than he had previously, the multiple all-nighters from before were still catching up with him.

He had woken up around mid-morning but had refused to get up at that point, instead rolling over and closing his eyes. He had managed to doze off again, so by the time his eyes had opened a second time, he had felt more refreshed than he done so for a long time.

He yawned widely, stretching out fully across the bed so he was spread-eagled, feeling every muscle complain at the pull, yet delight in the sensation also. One thing he couldn’t deny he liked was having a bed fully to himself at times so he could do just this.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, glancing at the clock. When he got back to Japan his internal body clock was going to be completely screwed up with the hours that he was keeping! Another yawn made him decide to head for the shower and think about what to do for the day.

As he dressed after his morning ablutions, he felt a little at a loose end. With the search for Shuichi over, Yuki found that the adrenalin that had pushed him on all this time was no longer needed. Now all he could do was wait and see what would happen next, and it was all up to Shuichi at the moment. Yuki found that he hated this enforced waiting, the uncertainty that was gnawing at him all the time. It didn’t make him feel comfortable one little bit.

He wandered down to the dining room, picking up a paper as he went, heading for his usual table in the far corner of the room. He passed a large group of Japanese tourists being herded along the buffet table by their harried-looking guide. Yuki felt a stab of home-sickness at the sound of his language but still wasn’t inclined to stop and converse with them. For their part, they didn’t give him a second glance. With his pale hair and eyes and his tall height, they would be unlikely to associate him as one of their countrymen. He seated himself comfortably, as far away from the chattering crowd as he was able to be. He decided to have a reasonably substantial lunch as he had missed breakfast and he was finding that his appetite had slowly been returning as each day went by. As he began to eat, he tuned out the dull rumble of voices, and wondered when Tohma might call.

Just then his cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and answered, “Hello?”

“Good morning, Eiri. Although I think it might be afternoon at this point, isn’t it?” Tohma’s cheerful voice greeted him.

Speak of the devil, Yuki thought, lighting a cigarette and leaning back. Sometimes Tohma made Yuki almost believe in ESP. The man was damn freaky at times!

“Yeah, it’s afternoon here, so what’s up?”

“I’ve been in touch with Shindou’s family. They are all greatly relieved that you’ve found him and that he is well. I’ve explained very carefully the circumstances about his lack of memory and they are understandably concerned. They have decided that they will come over to see him, so I have arranged for them to be there in about three day’s time.”

“That’s a bit soon, don’t you think? Shuichi has only just found out that he’s got a family.”

“Eiri, you can’t expect them not to want to see him, they had almost given him up for dead. It’s been very difficult for them. They only want to see him in the flesh, so to speak, and to know that he really is alive. I put them in touch with a specialist here with regards to head injuries and brain trauma, so they could gain a better understanding of the amnesia that Shindou is suffering. Of course, at this point in time, no specialist would be willing to commit to when he will regain his memory, or if he ever will. There is always that possibility.”

Yuki’s hands clenched at the thought that Shuichi may never remember. That he would never remember Yuki ever again. He hated that it might be a reality!

“Okay, I’ll let him know. Shall I pick them up at the airport? I’m not too sure that would be a good idea.”

“Actually, Eiri, they appeared to be pleased that you were there with Shindou, even if he doesn’t remember you or anything else. I think you have gravely misjudged their impression of you and your relationship.”

“Huh!” Yuki wasn’t convinced.

“Anyway,” Tohma continued, “you can pick them up. They are expecting you to do so. I’ll fax the itinerary through to the hotel for you, so you have all the details. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.”

“What about Nakano?”

“He, Fujisaki, K and Sakano will all be arriving two days after Shindou’s family.”

“Shit, Tohma! You can’t throw that entire fucking crazy bunch at Shuichi right off! The kid will probably run away screaming, and I wouldn’t blame him one bit!”

“Calm down, Eiri, I believe this is the best way. If there are any buried memories that are likely to resurface, they will most likely be to do with either his family, or the band. The more exposure he has with the various people from both areas, the better. Even if he only remembers the strange events, surely that is better than nothing?”

“With that bunch of loonies, it will probably send him over the edge of insanity!” Yuki growled, stubbing his cigarette out.

Tohma chuckled, “I know you’re concerned, Eiri, but I wouldn’t have been able to hold them off any longer anyways. Nakano and Fujisaki were all ready to board a plane immediately. You know how they are.”

Yuki would have expected no less from Hiro, but Suguru? Now that was a surprise.

“Alright. It’s not like I can change anything now. You’ve already made all the arrangements.”

“That’s true.” Tohma agreed calmly. Yuki just shook his head. Tohma would never change.

“I’ll let Shuichi know tonight what’s happening. And if he freaks out, don’t blame me!”

“So you wouldn’t say ‘I told you so’?”

“You don’t listen to anything I say anyway, so how can I tell you I told you so? That would imply that you actually paid some attention to it in the first place!”

“Oh, Eiri, I’m wounded. I always listen to everything you say, in those sweet dulcet tones.”

“Jerk!”

Tohma laughed, “Enough. Did you meet Shindou last night?”

“Yeah.”

“Any new developments?”

“Well, you were right about the music. He remembers the songs. He said he can sing them all without a problem, but he doesn’t remember what they’re called.”

“Hmm. Still that is a very promising sign I would think. Anything else?”

A waitress appeared at his table and refilled his coffee. “No. We only talked briefly while he was on a break, and it was mainly about the songs.”

“So you still haven’t told him about you and he?”

“Get off my fucking back about that!” Yuki snarled loudly. A few of the other patrons in the dining room turned their heads to glare at the offensive language that interrupted their luncheon. Yuki ignored them.

“Alright, Eiri. I’ll leave it at that. I still think you’re making a mistake.”

“Why are you so fucking eager to try and push me back with Shuichi? You’ve always hated the kid!”

“Oh, Eiri, even after all this time, you still don’t understand me sometimes. When have I ever said that I hated Shindou?”

Yuki opened his mouth to respond, and then paused. Tohma was right – as usual! There wasn’t once that Yuki could remember where Tohma actually had come out and said that he hated Shuichi, but that didn’t mean that he liked him either. Yuki could feel a headache beginning. Trying to figure out Tohma usually gave him one!

“Whatever.” he snapped, beginning to get angry. Tohma seemed to pick up on this, even through the phone line.

“Okay, Eiri, speak to Shindou and let him know what is happening. Don’t forget to pick up the fax, I’ll send it through directly. If you don’t have it within the hour, call me. I’ll speak to you again once Shindou’s family are over there, and let you know when the others will be arriving. Talk to you later. Take care.” and he hung up.

Yuki lowered the phone to the table, reaching for his coffee. Damn Tohma! He always knew just what buttons to press to get a reaction out of Yuki. With almost anyone else, Yuki could keep his calm, aloof manner, but with Tohma….. He always felt so damn out of control, as though he was getting pulled this way and that.

He suddenly began to chuckle. Even to himself, it sounded a little hysterical. He had often wondered why he always got so mad at Shuichi. It was because the brat did exactly the same thing as Tohma! The two of them just seemed to instinctively know how to get past his defenses, and neither of them took no for an answer!

He laughed out loud, uncaring of the further disgruntled looks thrown in his direction. Oh, this was just too rich! How could he have been so blind to not have seen it sooner?! And the funniest part of it all would be that both Tohma and Shuichi would be absolutely horrified to realize that they were so much alike!!

Oh, that thought had just made his day!