The Key to My Heart

Title: The Key to My Heart: Chapter 25
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/Annette (OC)
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: Well, we made it to another chapter. Anyone who read my recent story, ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, would realise that I have been in a rather dark mood lately. It’s probably a good thing that I didn’t get any inspiration for this story at that time – I probably would have had everyone turn up from Japan and the hotel they are all staying in burn down with them all trapped inside – or something equally grim! I don’t think people would have appreciated that sort of ending. So I think ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ was my way of getting all the darkness out of my soul, so I could continue with this story!
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 25


Yuki went to the club again that night, arriving later than he had done so before. He took up his previous position at the corner bar. This time, however, he was indulging in a drink. After the events of last night, he had come to the conclusion that it obviously really didn’t matter if he was drinking or not, he’d probably end up wearing it anyway, so he may as well actually get some enjoyment from it at the same time.

He could see Shuichi working, bouncing around and full of energy as usual. Yuki felt tired just watching him. He sipped his drink, trying to make it last. He wasn’t here to get drunk; he was over that. If he was going to talk to Shuichi, he wanted to be cold stone sober. The last thing he wanted to do was turn him off by acting like a drunken bastard, which was his usual state under these circumstances. The old Shuichi knew that and accepted it, this new Shuichi would probably be completely freaked and call the police. Not a good scenario, not good at all.

He waited, stretching his drink, glancing at his watch. It must be close to Shuichi’s break, surely? Another hour dragged by, but Yuki didn’t mind too much. He enjoyed his view, being able to just stand there and watch Shuichi. That was a past-time that he didn’t mind at all. Tonight Shuichi was wearing an almost transparent long sleeved shirt, with a plunging v-neck line that showed a lovely expanse of skin. A beaded choker encircled his neck, and his leather pants hugged his hips. The shirt was un-tucked and flowed loosely around his waist, slipping open as he moved in time to the music, flashing tantalizing glimpses of more gleaming skin. No, not a bad sight at all.

He then saw Shuichi turn his way, flash a smile, and wave for him to come over. He was a little surprised, but came as beckoned. He managed to push himself through the usual fan-club in front of Shuichi’s raised stage, to crowd up against the side of the podium. He looked upwards as Shuichi hunkered down to talk to him, motioning him to bring his head closer as he shouted over the music.

“I can’t get away for a break!” He brought his mouth close to Yuki’s ear. Yuki could feel his hot breath against his skin, and he couldn’t control the shiver that shook him at the realization that Shuichi’s mouth was so close to his ear. The old Shuichi wouldn’t have let that opportunity go by to lick Yuki’s weak spot, just to get a reaction from him. He would make certain to do it just for the pure pleasure of seeing Yuki squirm. Yuki was half hoping that would still occur.

“We’re short staffed tonight!” Yuki could feel his hair moving as Shuichi’s breath riffled through it. “Can you stay till later?”

Yuki turned his head to reply and found himself looking into Shuichi’s startled face, barely an inch between their lips. He could just lean forward a fraction….He could even make it seem like an accident, he was sure, and capture those lips in a kiss. It would only be brief; he could hardly claim it was accidental if he began to French kiss him in front of everyone, but even a brief brushing kiss was still a kiss. It had been so long since he had last kissed his lover.

Shuichi suddenly drew back a little, his cheeks flushing, then he leant forward and turned his head so his ear was to Yuki, obviously waiting for his answer. Gone - the opportunity was gone. Yuki sighed. It hadn’t really been an opportunity; more of a hope.

“I can wait!” he shouted back. He could smell the cologne Shuichi was wearing, something with a spicy aroma mixed with sweat.

Shuichi nodded at him, flashing a small smile. “Keep listening! There’s a surprise later on!” There was a mischievous twinkle in Shuichi’s eyes.

“What?”

“You’ll see!” was his answer and he stood. Obviously Yuki had been dismissed, banished to his corner of the bar for the duration of the evening. He returned to take up his post.

As much as Yuki enjoyed being able to stare unimpeded at Shuichi all night, he was getting down-right bored. He hated clubs and the noisy atmosphere, the crowds, the loud music. Most of the music wasn’t to his taste, and the patrons even less. Not that he was looking to pick anyone up, but his lack of interest didn’t stop the inevitable. Fortunately, at this particular club the majority of attempts were from females. However, he was pleased he could return to his usual cold, cutting self to see these would-be suitors off, a number of them close to tears, but that didn’t concern him. Apart from that mild amusement, and his drinking which he was curtailing his consumption of, the evening dragged abysmally.

When it was almost closing time Shuichi once again looked over to Yuki, catching his eye and a broad smile crossed his face. He kept his eyes fixed on Yuki as he flipped a switch on the board before him. The next song swung effortlessly into place and Yuki felt his jaw drop as the first strains thumped out through the club. The crowd continued to dance, moving in time to the beat of ‘Blind Game Again’. Bad Luck was having their Canadian debut, just as Shuichi had said he wanted!

Shuichi just grinned at Yuki’s surprise, and gave him a thumbs-up before turning back to his board to flick a few more switches, then Shuichi grabbed the microphone before him and began to sing. The crowd didn’t stop when they realised that their DJ was singing the song; if anything they danced harder. How could they not when Shuichi’s velvety voice belted out the words with such intensity, his whole body focused on the song.

The crowd let the music flow through them, and the spontaneous applause and screams that greeted the end, indicated their pleasure and excitement for the new music. The grin on Shuichi’s face was like that of a Cheshire cat, stretching from ear to ear. Even from the distance that Yuki was standing, he could see Shuichi’s eyes sparkling with excitement. No-one could ever take that away from this extraordinary young man.

Shuichi gave a small wave to Yuki, that he interpreted as a ‘wait there’, whilst Shuichi switched the music to mellow background sounds as the hint to tell the patrons it was time to leave. Many were already making their way to the doors and fading into the night.

Shuichi vacated his podium and disappeared from Yuki’s sight. He reappeared probably about ten minutes later, which by this time most of the public had left and the club was almost empty.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Shuichi said as he arrived.

“Not a problem. So you managed to convince the Manager to play one of your songs. How did you do that?”

Shuichi took a drink of water. “Well, I didn’t exactly tell him I had any connection to it. I just told him that I thought the songs were pretty catchy and perfect for the club. He was a bit dubious of how they would be received as they’re in Japanese and it’s not like most of our patrons are going to be able to understand it, but I pointed out that when you dance you’re dancing to the beat, not the words.”

“So did he pick the song?”

Shuichi shook his head. “Nope. I did.”

“So why that one?” Yuki wanted to know. He would have thought Shuichi would have chosen ‘Rage Beat’ being the first song of ‘Bad Luck’ to gain recognition.

Shuichi shrugged, motioning Yuki to follow him as he made his way to the door. He picked up his coat and grabbed his bag on the way out. “Don’t know. Just something about that song made me think of being outside, and waterfalls, and for some reason my feet got really cold! Weird, huh! And it made me think of having fun! You know, going somewhere like an amusement park, or some place really fun!”

Their first date, Yuki thought. It was the song that Shuichi had suffered chilblains for to sell his million copies so they could have their first date. It had been a fun day; even though it had ended in tears, but up until then, it had been a really good day – for both of them.

“So what did your boss think about it?”

Shuichi smiled broadly, “He thought it was great! He wants to start including it into the programme regularly, and then maybe introduce some of the others as well!” Shuichi chuckled as they walked. “I left him pouring over the play list for the rest of the week, with his head phones on as he shuffled things around, muttering to himself! I made him copy them all, as I wanted my ipod back!”

They had made their way down to the boardwalk and found the café they had met at before. Shuichi ordered the same, a large piece of chocolate cake and coffee.

“Sure you don’t want some?”

“No, thanks.”

“They’ve got great strawberry shortcake.” Shuichi said turning to one side. Yuki froze at the off-hand comment. Could Shuichi have remembered that they were his favourites? “Sorry, you probably don’t like them. Annette’s friend loves them.”

Yuki’s heart fell. No, he didn’t remember, it was only coincidence.

Their orders arrived, Shuichi falling on his cake ravenously. Yuki let him eat uninterrupted whilst he sipped his coffee. As Shuichi took the edge of his hunger, he slowed down a little.

“How was your day?” he asked around a mouthful, before washing it down with his drink.

“Uneventful, but I do have some news.” Shuichi’s fork paused on the way to his mouth as he looked at Yuki quizzically, and with a little trepidation. “Tohma called and said he’s spoken with your family, and they would like to come here to see you.”

Shuichi slowly placed his fork back on the plate, before propping his elbows on the top, chin on hands. “When?” he finally said, his face unreadable.

“Two days time.”

Yuki saw Shuichi’s eyebrows shoot up, before he schooled his expression again to neutral. “Hmm.”

Yuki lit a cigarette. “How do you feel about that?”

Shuichi picked up his fork again, playing with the last of the cake. “Don’t know.” He cast a quick glance at Yuki. “Do I…like my family?” he asked hesitantly.

Gods, what a question to ask! Yuki thought. “Yes, you get along fine with them all. They’ve always supported you in your career, though I understand that they had hoped you’d grow out of it, but when there was no sign of you doing so they’ve given you their whole-hearted support.”

“That’s nice to know.” Shuichi murmured with some relief. He flashed a crooked smile at Yuki. “I had been wondering if I’d had some major falling out with them or something like that. I’m glad there’s nothing to worry about!” Shuichi finally picked up the last cake portion and placed it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully “So where do I meet them?” he asked.

“I thought you might like to meet at the hotel I’m staying at. They’ve got some function rooms; we could book one for the day.”

“Hmm” Shuichi looked thoughtful. “I suppose that’ll work. Is it all right if Annette comes?”

Yuki wanted to be able to emphatically say ‘no’, but instead replied, “If you want. Your family has been told of her, so they would probably be happy to meet her.” And I hope they hate her!, he thought nastily.

Shuichi let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad about that.” He then looked again at Yuki. “You’re going to be there, right?”

Yuki stubbed out his cigarette. “I’ll pick up your family from the airport, but I’ll leave you to it after that. This is a family reunion only.”

“I guess you’re right. I just would have been happier if you were there. You are, after all, the only person I know from my past, who is here at present.”

“You’ll be fine.” Yuki tried to reassure him. He wished he could be there with him, but he thought it would be better to give Shuichi’s family as wide a berth as possible, despite what Tohma had said. Tohma wasn’t always right. He couldn’t exactly recall a time when he hadn’t been, but there was always a first time. Even for Tohma Seguchi.

“I’m still not sure what to expect.” Shuichi confessed in a small voice. “What am I supposed to say? ‘I’m sorry, but I don’t remember who you are,’ sounds a bit harsh.”

“Just be yourself.” Yuki instructed “They’re not expecting you to remember everything. They’re just coming to see you, to know that you’re okay. Just give them time to adjust as well.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I just don’t want to cause them any further worry, or hurt them anymore.”

“You won’t. Stop worrying so much.”

“Easy for you to say.” He heard Shuichi mutter under his breath. It was such a common response, one that Shuichi would have given normally, that it caused Yuki to feel he had flashed back to the past. It almost felt like he had Shuichi back.

Shuichi looked at his watch. “Shit!” he exclaimed, standing hurriedly. “I’ve got to go! I hadn’t realized how late it was.”

“But Tohma….” Yuki began; he didn’t want Shuichi to leave just yet. They’d barely spent any time together tonight.

“Look, are you doing anything tomorrow?” Shuichi suddenly asked, cutting Yuki off. “I’m not working tomorrow night, so why don’t we meet here in the afternoon?” He flashed a quick smile at Yuki. “It’ll be a novelty to see each other in broad daylight for once!”

“Sure.” Yuki could do little else but agree.

“Great! Here,” and Shuichi pulled a pen from his bag, scribbled on a napkin and pushed it towards Yuki. “That’s my cell phone number. If anything comes up and you can’t make it, give me a call. I can tell you now though, you won’t get me before midday!”

Yuki pocketed the paper. “So what time?”

Shuichi chewed his lip, “What about, say, 2.30pm?”

“That’ll be fine.”

“Okay. Gotta go! See you tomorrow!” and with a final wave, he disappeared into the night.

Yuki stood less hurriedly and made his way back to his hotel, hand clutching the pocket with the napkin with Shuichi’s number on it, like a lifeline.

Shuichi ran at a fast pace through the streets. He hadn’t kept note of the time and it was far later than he would normally remain out.

He mulled over how the evening had gone. He had noticed as soon as Yuki had arrived at the club, though he had made no move to acknowledge him at that stage. When he had beckoned the man over to the podium, he had felt his heart give a jump as Yuki had approached. As he had spoken to Yuki above the noise, he couldn’t help but inhale the pleasant smell of the man’s cologne. It reminded him of something, but he couldn’t remember what.

When Yuki had turned his head suddenly to answer his question, he had found himself almost nose to nose with the man, and had felt his face flush. It must have looked to anyone else watching, that he had been about to kiss Yuki! What would Yuki have thought of him then? He had tried to cover his embarrassment, but didn’t know if he had succeeded. There had been a strange look in the man’s golden eyes - those eyes fascinated Shuichi for some reason – a look that he hadn’t been able to decipher. He had hoped that he hadn’t pissed the man off and given him the wrong idea, but Yuki had seemed okay with it all and stayed till he had finished working.

An involuntary smile crossed his face as the strains of ‘Blind Game Again’ filtered through his mind. He couldn’t resist humming a few bars, putting a skip and leap into his running stride. That had just gone perfectly!, he thought happily. He had thanked his lucky stars that his boss had liked the songs in the first place, but the response of the crowd assured their continued air play in the set. He hadn’t intended to sing, it hadn’t been part of the deal, but after the first verse he just couldn’t help himself! He was grateful that his boss had thought it had only helped, not hindered. Thank goodness for that! All in all, the night had gone so well! He couldn’t wait to tell Annette! He would have to let her know that he probably wouldn’t be back for dinner tomorrow night, at least probably not till late, since he was meeting Yuki.

He slowed down. His leg was beginning to ache a little from the exertion, so he dropped to a walk. He still hadn’t properly introduced Yuki to Annette yet. He felt a worm of guilt twisting in his mind. He knew that he couldn’t expect Annette to be dragged out late at night, not when she was studying so hard, and that was the only times he had been meeting Yuki.

He chewed a nail as he walked. That wasn’t the only reason though. Why? Why didn’t he seem to want Annette to meet Yuki? Was it because the man was so good- looking? He didn’t look Japanese; he was tall with blond hair and light eyes, not what one would usually expect. He hadn’t even thought to ask Yuki why he was of this colouring. Strange. He would have thought it would have been the first thing that came to mind to ask. Yet for some reason it just hadn’t crossed his mind, as though he had automatically accepted that that was the way Yuki looked. Perhaps, somewhere in the back of his mind, he did remember how Yuki looked. Maybe that is why he didn’t question it. So that would mean he had known Yuki before. That thought comforted him in a way.

But that still didn’t explain why he was obviously, deliberately, avoiding having Annette meet Yuki - and it was deliberate, he had to admit that. Annette was an attractive girl; intelligent, witty, funny, everything any guy would like. It’s what Shuichi liked about her. Yuki would no doubt think exactly the same thing. After all, there was no reason why he shouldn’t. He didn’t think Yuki would make a move on Annette, but he couldn’t be completely sure, and he had to admit that he wondered if Annette wouldn’t think Yuki was pretty cool. Because he was. Cool, that is. He had this calm, aloof demeanor that just set him apart from everyone around him. His golden good-looks would be enough for anyone, of any nationality, to take note of. Annette was bound to think Yuki was attractive. Hell, Shuichi thought the man was attractive, and he was a guy!

So Annette would automatically like Yuki, that was for certain, but just how much? Was that what was worrying him? That Annette would like Yuki better than him? Was he afraid of losing Annette to Yuki? Was he that insecure in his relationship with her?

Ouch!! He pulled his thumb from his mouth, tasting the metallic tang of blood. He could see the dark droplet at the side of the nail where he had ripped it. That hurt! He sucked on the digit as he continued on his way.

That must be why he felt guilty every time he met Yuki, why he felt guilty at how pleased he felt when he was with the man. It was because he was leaving Annette out, so it felt like he was deceiving her, like he was trying to hide Yuki from her. He shouldn’t be feeling so happy to be with Yuki when he was excluding Annette. It was funny really, in a way it was almost like how he felt being with Annette, and that was just plain weird!

He had to do something about this. He was with Annette, and she had a right to know about what was happening to him at this time. He had to stop looking forward so much to seeing Yuki to the exclusion of her. It wasn’t fair to her. It was too late for her to come with him tomorrow to meet Yuki though. Again, a flash of guilt hit him. He really wasn’t being fair to Annette. This worry was beginning to eat at him.

He reached the apartment and let himself in. The place was in darkness as he had expected. He walked quietly into the bedroom.

He sat down gently on the edge of the bed. It was late, very late, or very early depending on your point of view. He knew that Annette would have to be up in only a few hours. He, however, would be able to sleep as long as he wished. He looked at Annette sleeping there, reaching out to gently stroke her hair back from her cheek, marveling once again at how soft her skin was. She murmured sleepily. He leant over and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. She murmured again, a little louder. Another kiss made her eyes flutter open.

“You’re home.” she murmured sleepily.

He smiled down at her, “Sorry I woke you.”

She yawned cutely. “How did it go?” she asked, obviously having trouble trying to concentrate.

“Fine. My family will be coming over soon. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“Uh, huh.” She yawned again. “How was Yuki?”

Shuichi felt a stab of guilt. “He’s fine. I’m going to catch up with him again tomorrow. Is that okay?”

Annette brought up a hand to rub her eyes, blinking to focus on Shuichi again. “Of course, it is.” She looked up at him, though how much of his face she could see in the darkness, he didn’t know. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Shu, you’re worrying about something. I can hear it in your voice.”

He stroked her hair, letting it slide through his fingers. Annette reached up a hand and placed it over his, stilling his movement. “Won’t you tell me?” she asked him quietly.

He signed. “Haven’t you wondered why I haven’t taken you to meet Yuki?”

Annette stroked his hand. “I was letting you decide when you were ready for me to do so. None of this has been easy for you, and this man is someone who is very important to you right now. He’s your only link to your past. I wasn’t going to try and put pressure on you about meeting him. Not that I haven’t been dying of curiousity!” He could hear the laughter in her voice, and couldn’t help but smile down at her.

“Part of it is that, I guess, but there’s also another reason.”

“Oh?”

“I’m jealous.”

“Jealous? Why?”

“Yuki’s really good-looking, and I’m worried that you’ll like him more than me.”

A small pillow struck him over the face, and he let out a startled ‘oomph!’.

“You idiot,” Annette said, half in anger, half in humour. “Why on earth would I suddenly fall for some other guy? It’s not like I haven’t had the opportunity before now if I was that way inclined. What makes you think he’s so special that I would forget how much I love you and go throwing myself at him?”

“I don’t know.” Now that she said it like that, it did seem highly ridiculous to him. What could he have been thinking before? It had sounded so logical when he had first thought it. Hadn’t it?

Annette gripped his hands hard. “Shu, I love you, you know that. I’m not about to forget all that just because I might see another pretty face.”

“Oh, so you think my face is pretty too?”

“Very!” she said with a small laugh, reaching up to run her fingers lightly down the side of his face. “Besides, I bet you that this Yuki can’t sing like you can!”

“Don’t know. He might.”

‘No,” she said firmly. “No one can sing like you can, Shu. No one.”

“I’ll arrange with Yuki a time when we can all meet again. All three of us.”

She smiled up at him, rolling onto her back. “I’m glad.” she said, reaching up to wrap both arms around his neck and drawing him down into a deep passionate kiss.

He leant into it, feeling her soft lips part under his, allowing him to dip his tongue deeper into her mouth. He dropped a hand between them and tugged the bed covers down so he could take their place, covering her lithe body. He stretched himself fully over her, feeling one of her hands slide down his back, then tugging at his shirt. He wanted this, he needed this; he loved Annette. She was everything he could want, and he knew she loved him.

He kissed her harder, forcefully taking control, driving them towards their climax. She made a surprised sound at first, but then ardently followed his lead.

He felt the pleasure stream out of him, felt Annette’s heart beating rapidly in time with his, as they lay there in a tangle of sweating limbs. He rolled to one side, wrapping his arms around her, drawing her in closer as she snuggled into his embrace. It was going to be alright, he tried to convince himself.