To The End

Disclaimer: I don’t own Gravitation or any of its characters. Gravitation belongs to Maki Murakami, I’m only borrowing them temporarily for entertainment purposes. I don’t make money off this. I just love the characters and enjoy writing.

A/N: Thank you for reading the story. Hope you\'re still enjoying it. I\'m still trying to get a chapter out a day, work allowing. Thank you to all of you reading and of course, my beta\'s.

Reviews:

Anon: We\'ll just have to see where everything goes.

Albi: Thank you very much. I\'m glad you\'re enjoying it. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

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Pictures of You
Week 6
Day 39 of Eiri’s absence

Shuichi laid in bed, debating whether or not he should get up and move. He let a soft groan escape his lips, deciding it was best to get moving. He sat up and stretched his arms high above his head before slipping off the bed. The newly woken man pulled his shirt down to cover his thighs. The colder weather had forced him to dress before going to bed. Socks, boxers and a dark blue shirt that Eiri had left behind, served as warmth for the young man.

Shuichi headed for the bathroom, sliding his feet against the hardwood floors. A knock at the door, made him detour to the entrance of the apartment. The young man yawned as he swung open the door.

Shuichi gasped softly, his body paralyzed by the sight before him. Eiri stood in the entry way, a large bouquet of lilies in his hand. The writer smirked to his lover, but remained silent.

Shuichi’s heart which had momentarily stopped raced back into motion. The pink haired man flung himself onto his lover. “Eiri!”

The blonde wrapped his arm around the singer, embracing him firmly. “You’re wearing my shirt, brat.”

Shuichi pulled back a bit, looking up to Eiri. The singer’s eyes were filled with tears of relief and happiness. “I’m sorry, Eiri. I missed you so much and it got so cold last night. You know I don’t have anything warm so I…”

“Did I say you should be sorry?” Eiri interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Shuichi grinned, his heart filled with joy. “Oh, Eiri! Are you back for good?”

Eiri snorted lightly. “Not if you won’t even let me in.”

“Eiri, I’m sorry,” Shuichi apologized, tugging on the writer’s arm, leading him inside and closing the door behind them.

“Better,” Eiri said, slipping his shoes off. The blonde turned to Shuichi and handed the flowers over to his lover. “For you.”

Shuichi’s face lit up. “Thank you! Thank you!” The younger man accepted the flowers and raced to the kitchen to find a container for his gift.

Eiri walked into the living room. “I see everything is in one piece.”

“Of course, I kept everything in order, just the way you like it.” Shuichi quickly joined Eiri in the living room, putting the vase with the flowers on an end table by the couch.

Shuichi turned to face Eiri, watching his lover. Eiri’s face showed little emotion, which confused the younger man. “Eiri, I’ve missed you so much!” Shuichi said, once again throwing his arms around the writer, hoping to get some reaction from his quiet partner.

Eiri sighed. “I’ve missed you too.” Eiri lifted Shuichi’s face from his chest, so they could look eye to eye.

Shuichi moved forward to capture his lover’s lips with his own. He felt the blonde’s hand running through his bed head hair. Shuichi relaxed against the man against him, feeling a strong arm pull him close.

Eiri pulled away from the kiss, staring into violet eyes. Shuichi blushed and couldn’t help the huge grin plastered to his face. The blonde laughed softly and released his hold on the pink haired man. Eiri took hold of Shuichi’s right hand, pulling him gently down the hall to the bedroom.

“Eiri…” Shuichi blushed as they entered the room.

“Hmm?”

“What do you have in mind?”

Eiri turned to face Shuichi, a small smirk spreading across his face. “I’ve been gone a long time. Is it wrong to want to make love to you?”

Shuichi felt his cheeks flush. He threw himself against the taller man, placing another kiss to his lover’s lips.

Shuichi heard Eiri moan and felt the man’s arms encase him into a firm embrace. Shuichi slipped his own arms around Eiri’s neck, his fingers playing with the nape of the blonde’s neck.

Eiri moved his left hand, knotting it into his partner’s hair. He pulled gently, exposing the singer’s neck before showering the pale skin with kisses and gentle nips.

Shuichi felt his knees give, but Eiri’s strong hold on him kept him upright. Shuichi moaned, keeping his head far back, unable to deny his lover the pleasure of sucking on his neck.

“Oh Eiri!” Shuichi moaned, clinging to his lover.

Eiri slid his mouth to Shuichi’s left ear, sucking it gently. Shuichi let a soft giggle escape when he felt blonde hair tickle his face. The singer gripped his partner’s back, his gestures pleading for more contact. Shuichi gently ground his hips into Eiri’s thigh, hoping the older man would understand how much the singer was enjoying the attention. Shuichi felt himself harden as Eiri’s right hand snaked down his back to his butt, squeezing it firmly. The pink haired man let out a loud gasp. Desire filled his body and he knew if Eiri continued to tease him, he wouldn’t be able to last until their clothes were off.

“Please, Eiri! I need you!” Shuichi pleaded. The singer felt Eiri’s lips curve into a smile against his cheek. The younger man, pulled away enough to look into his lover’s golden eyes. “Please, Eiri,” Shuichi whispered in a breathy voice.

“I’m sorry, Shuichi,” Eiri replied, his face turning from lustful to sullen.

“Wh… what?” Shuichi asked. “What for?”

“I’m sorry,” Eiri replied in a quiet voice before releasing his hold on the younger man.

Shuichi’s eyes went wide as he felt himself begin to fall back. The singer felt the floor beneath him open up behind him, but he couldn’t tear his gaze from the blonde who simply stared back looking sad.

“Eiri!” Shuichi shouted trying desperately to hold onto the writer’s hand, but he felt his grip fail and he fell back into the blackness of the floor.

Shuichi felt himself falling, watching Eiri become further and further away. Shuichi panicked, feeling wind whipping past him. He watched as the distant image of Eiri turned away and disappeared into a flash of bright white light.

“Eiri! Nooooooooo!” Shuichi screamed.

“Shuichi,” a soft voice came from next to him. Shuichi was still falling in complete blackness, but the voice came from his right side again. “Shuichi.”

Shuichi woke up with a start, throwing himself into a sitting position. Sweat covered his body, making Eiri’s blue shirt stick to him. He was breathless and his throat hurt like he had been yelling.

“Shuichi,” the voice came again, much clearer.

Shuichi jumped when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. The singer blinked, focusing on the figure next to him. “Tatsuha?”

“You must have been having one hell of a dream,” Tatsuha replied.

Shuichi felt himself shake as tears quietly ran down his cheeks. The singer raised a hand to his mouth, to try to cover up any sound that might threaten to escape.

“Shuichi, are you alright?” Tatsuha asked, rubbing his friend’s shoulder.

Shuichi shook his head, no. “It was just a nightmare.”

“Do you always have nightmares about my brother?”

“Huh? How did you know I was dreaming of Eiri?” Shuichi asked, sniffing and wiping his face of fading tears.

“You were calling out his name.”

Shuichi looked down to his legs. They were still covered in blankets. “He left again.”

“I see. I’m sorry, Shuichi,” Tatsuha replied, still caressing his friend’s shoulder.

Shuichi’s eyes widened. He thought about how much Tatsuha sounded like Eiri just then. Shuichi pushed Tatsuha away from him gently. “It was just a dream, that’s all.”

Tatsuha sighed. “Shuichi, why don’t you get dressed and meet me in the living room? You’ll feel better after you’ve showered and eaten. Plus, I have a surprise for you.”

“You have a surprise for me?”

“Yes, so get ready for the day. I’ll make us something to eat.” Tatsuha stood and left The singer to prepare for the day.

After Shuichi had showered and changed he walked into the front room. Tatsuha had set up the coffee table in the middle of the room, in preparation for breakfast. Two bowls, spoons, a box of cereal and a half gallon of milk were set in waiting for them.

“There you are,” Tatsuha said emerging from the kitchen. “I was starting to think you fell down the drain.”

“I wasn’t that long,” Shuichi mumbled. He took a seat one of the cushions Tatsuha had lain out.

Tatsuha walked over to the table and placed a glass of juice in front of Shuichi before sitting across from his host. “I know you weren’t. I was giving you a hard time.” Tatsuha smiled, placing his glass next to his bowl. “Are you feeling better after your shower?”

“A little,” Shuichi nodded and poured some cereal into his bowl, sliding it to Tatsuha when he finished.

“Good, so how’s work going?” Tatsuha asked.

Shuichi poured the milk over his cereal and pushed the container to his friend to use next. “We’re done recording, so basically there is no real work going on right now.”

Tatsuha fixed his cereal and took a bite. After swallowing, he replied, “Well that’s good, right? The album’s done, so you can have a few weeks to relax.”

Shuichi shrugged. “I suppose so. It is good in a way, since I’m taking a cooking class and the labs start soon, so class will be lasting longer.”

“What have you done so far?”

“Mostly talked about the different tools we’ll use. Things like pans, knives and chopsticks and how to use them properly. We also covered a lot on safety and sanitation.”

“That should be helpful. Have you actually started cooking yet?” Tatsuha asked, continuing to eat his cereal.

“No, not yet. That’s what the labs are. We’ll start tomorrow. I’m nervous but I’m also really excited.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Because I always end up cutting myself. The teacher assured me that if I just use the knife correctly, like we learned in class that I should be fine.”

“Well, when you start learning more, maybe I can come over and you can practice by making me dinner or something,” Tatsuha replied with a grin.

Shuichi finished off his cereal. “I’d like that. You can tell me if I’m any good, but I’m afraid it won’t be for a while.”

“That’s okay, I’m not going anywhere.”

Shuichi looked to Tatsuha and gave him a small smile. Shuichi was feeling better now. The dream had shaken him a little, but his friend’s company had cheered him up.

Tatsuha finished his breakfast and gathered the dirty dishes before heading to the kitchen. Shuichi followed him, taking the milk and cereal.

“Thank you, Tatsuha, for breakfast and for visiting,” Shuichi said, putting the cereal in the cupboard and the milk in the refrigerator.

“You’re welcome. It was time for me to visit you anyway.” Tatsuha washed the dishes one by one and then set them on a towel to dry.

“It’s still appreciated,” Shuichi replied. Leaning against the kitchen wall, he folded his arms next to his body.

“Stay still,” Tatsuha said. The monk dried his hands off and left the room.

Shuichi stood puzzled for a moment. “Tatsuha, what are you doing?” Shuichi pushed himself off the wall and moved to exit the kitchen when Tatsuha reappeared in the doorway.

“I told you not to move. Go back there and stand how you were.”

Shuichi gave Tatsuha a confused look, but walked back over to the other side of the kitchen and leaned against the wall. “You’re insane, you know this, right?”

“Just trust me, would you? Now, look down at your arms like you were.”

Shuichi sighed, humoring Tatsuha by lowering his head. A bright flash made The pink haired man look up with wide eyes. “Tatsuha, what are you doing?

“I’m taking a picture, silly. I thought it was obvious,” Tatsuha replied, holding up the camera for his friend to see.

“Why would you want a picture of me?” Shuichi questioned before blushing deeply. “You perv! Take pictures of Ryuichi if you want something to get off on.” Shuichi lunged for the camera in the young monk’s hand.

Tatsuha laughed, easily avoiding Shuichi’s attack. “I didn’t say it was for me.”

Shuichi froze. He felt his heart stop and he swallowed a lump in his throat. His mind shot to Eiri, but he didn’t want to assume. “Is… Is it…?”

Tatsuha smiled again and nodded. “Yes, it’s for Eiri.”

Shuichi looked to his friend, hopeful. “Really?”

“Yes, so how about another one?”

Shuichi pushed the hair from his face and tried to pose casually, but felt a bit awkward. He couldn’t figure out where to hold his arms and he shifted from one foot to the other. The singer was used to having photos taken, but he couldn’t figure out why this one seemed to be so hard to pose for.

Tatsuha reached out and took hold of Shuichi’s forearm, leading him out of the kitchen. “Let’s try one with you sitting down. You look like you’re going to be shot against the white wall.”

Shuichi followed Tatsuha and took a seat on the couch when they reached it. The singer put his hands in his lap, feeling a little bashful. Thoughts filled Shuichi’s head. He wondered why Eiri would want a picture of him.

“Shuichi!” Tatsuha said, trying to get the pink haired man’s attention. “Now, look up at me and smile.”

Shuichi obliged his friend, giving Tatsuha a smile. The singer watched as his friend positioned the camera and took the picture. Shuichi blinked, blinded from the flash.

“That was good,” Tatsuha said, peering from behind the camera.

“Was that the surprise you had?”

“No,” Tatsuha answered, taking a seat next to Shuichi. “This is.” The younger man dug into his jacket, retrieving a folded piece of paper and handing it to his friend.

Shuichi looked at the note in Tatsuha’s hand before taking it cautiously. “What is this?”

“It’s from Eiri.”

Shuichi felt Tatsuha’s eyes on him as he opened the folded paper. The singer recognized the handwriting and his heart began to race.

Shuichi,
Moron, eat something and don’t make a mess of the place while I’m gone.
Eiri

Shuichi read the note over and over, his hands shaking gently from excitement.

Tatsuha sighed, reaching for a cigarette from a pack in his jacket and lighting it. “I know it’s not much, but he did think about you.”

Shuichi smiled and held the note to his chest tightly. “Thank you, Tatsuha.”

“For what? Handing over a little note?” the monk asked, taking a drag from his cigarette.

Shuichi nodded. “Yes, it’s a lot more than it seems. It’s hope.”

Tatsuha almost choked on the smoke exiting his lungs. “Hope?”

“Yes, he said not to make a mess while he’s gone. So he’s coming back,” Shuichi grinned, skimming the note again.

Tatsuha chuckled. “You’re such an optimist.”

“Is that so bad? Has he said anything about not coming back?” Shuichi questioned nervously.

“No, it’s not bad at all. I wish I could be more optimistic sometimes. As for Eiri, I believe he’ll come back.” Shuichi cuddled the note, feeling relieved by Tatsuha’s words. “Hey, do you feel like going out?” the dark haired man asked.

“Where?”

“Well, I told Ryuichi I’d be in town today to see you and he said we could go hang out with him if we liked.”

Shuichi thought a moment. He was feeling better and seeing Ryuichi would definitely put him in a good mood. “Okay, let’s go. I think getting out for a while will be good for me.”

“There’s that optimism again,” Tatsuha laughed. “The world could use more people like you, Shuichi.”

“Thanks,” Shuichi said with renewed enthusiasm.

“I can take more pictures, too. Maybe, even get some of Ryuichi,” Tatsuha smirked as he punched his cigarette out in the tray next to him.

“Perv,” Shuichi giggled.

“Damn right,” Tatsuha grinned.