The Coffeeshop ~My Gravi fic~

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

Chapter 18


Yuki awoke to find Shuichi leaning over him. His hair was damp, and his shirt was off, revealing his clean, tan, glistening yet petite chest.

'He must've just gotten out of the shower.'

"Yuki?" Shuichi said softly "I accidently knocked you out."

Yuki stared in silence for a moment, before bursting into laughter.

"How... how does that happen?" Yuki asked between laughter

Shuichi shrugged.

"Are you mad?"

Yuki started to nodd, just to watch his lover squirm. But upon taking in Shuichi's amazing body, he stopped, and felt himself shake his head.

"No..." he said softly, pulling Shuichi into a kiss "Now, what were you talking about before you knocked me unconscious?"

"Huh? Oh. OH!" Shuichi said, jumping up and almost hitting Yuki again. Yuki brought his arms up, sheilding his face "Sorry!" He said, scooting away, placing his cast behind his back, and calming down "My band... Bad Luck... we're back together."

"Really?"

"Yeah! Actually... it turns out that according to them, we never broke up in the first place, so..."

Yuki rolled his eyes.

"Only you would make that mistake Shuichi."

Shuichi hit him playfully.

"Shut up!" He said, "But, they want to perform at this club... about a month from now... Isn't that great!"

Yuki nodded. That was great. He was happy for Shuichi. He was finally getting to perform, and he knew that Shuichi loved it. But when he looked up at Shuichi, Yuki noticed that his pink haired baka didn't look as happy as he normally did.

"What's wrong?" Yuki asked

"It's just that..." Shuichi began "I... well... since it's been so long since I've performed..."

"You think you've gotten rusty?"

Shuichi nodded softly. Yuki reached for him, and pulled Shuichi into his grasp.

"You haven't." he said simply

"You say that..." Shuichi began "But what if you're wrong? And what if I am horrible, and I don't improve by the concert?" Shuichi's breathing increased "What if I get on stage in front of all these people and do horrible! What if they throw rotten tomatoes at me!"

"Shu..."

"Well... I guess it would help... you can eat tomatoes right?"

"Shu?"

"Huh?"

Yuki's lips pressed to Shuichi's, the unexpected kiss leaving Shuichi gasping for air, his body limp against Yuki's, who laughed softly.

"You are panicking."

"I know."

"Don't."

"I'll try."

Yuki brought his eyes to Shuichi's.

"You're amazing." He said simply "You shouldn't worry, I'm sure you'll do great. And besides, you have a month, right?"

Shuichi nodded, a smile coming to his face.

"Yeah, a month." He said happier "That's a long time!"  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

Chapter 19


"I can't believe it went by so fast!"

Shuichi sat on a park bench, his head held in his hands, once again, overreacting.

"Shuichi." Hiro said softly "Calm down."

"But I can't! I have three days to perfect everything and I can't!"

Hiro sighed, leaning back on the bench, his ever calm demeanor taking over.

"If you ask me." He said softly "I think you're overthinking it."

"Huh?"

"You're trying to perform like you did a year ago."

"And?"

"It's not a year ago. You're older, wiser, more mature... wait... scratch that last part. But still, you're not the same, so your performance can't possibly be."

Shuichi thought for a moment. He wasn't the same. So much had happened to him these past months. He'd gotten his job at The Coffeeshop, met Yuki, moved out of his 'moderatly big closet' and most importantly, he'd fallen madly in love.

"That makes sense..."

"So, now you just need to figure out who you are."

"Huh?"

Hiro laughed softly.

"You'll get it soon." He said "Everything will click just in time..." He stood, stretching, walking over to his motercycle "I promise."

Shuichi watched him go. He smiled at the memories he and his bestfriend had. When they first started BAD LUCK. Their first performance. And then he remembered Hiro leaving along with Fujisaki, their keyboardist, for college.

He sighed, looking down at the piece of paper crumpled in his hands. On it were written the lyrics to a new song he was attempting to write before the concert. It wasn't coming together. He closed his eyes, concentrating, trying to find the emotion that he was trying to convey with his lyrics.

"Shu?"

Shuichi looked up. He was still on the park bench, only now, the sun was begining to set, and he figured he must've been on that bench for hours. Yuki looked over him, a styrofoam cup of coffee in his hands.

"What are you doing here?"

Shuichi looked around and shrugged.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was out for a walk." He replied "I needed to clear my head. Writers block."

"Oh."

Shuichi looked up at Yuki expectantly. Usually when his lover had writer's block, he'd grab onto him, and make his 'muse' 'sing' for him. Meaning that he'd make love to Shuichi until they both couldn't take anymore, and then scurry away to his laptop for hours.

But this time, Yuki stood calmly, his hand in his pocket, the other raising his coffee to his lips. He sipped it, and winced at the taste. He sighed.

"I swear, there are no good coffee places anymore."

"If you don't like instant coffee, then why do you go to places that serve instant coffee?"

Yuki paused for a moment, thinking. He then shrugged.

"I dunno."

Shuichi sighed and rolled his eyes. Yuki sighed and tossed the cup into a trash can, and extended his hand to Shuichi, who gladly took it.

"What are you doing brooding here?" He asked, walking slowly

Shuichi sighed and leaned against Yuki's shoulder.

"I can't think." He replied "I have to write these new lyrics and..."

Before he could finish, Yuki reached down and took the piece of paper still clenched in his hands. He read it, and paused for a moment. And then when a strong wind blew, he released it.

"YUKI!" Shuichi yelled, starting to run after the lyrics, but found that Yuki wouldn't release his hand, and only continued to walk, practically pulling Shuichi behind. "Yuki! What'd you do that for?"

Yuki shrugged.

"They were horrible. Start over."

Shuihci looked up at Yuki. He was smiling.

'What a strange sense of humor...'

"But that's the problem... I can't... I have no inspiration."

Yuki turned to him.

"Want me to be your muse?"

Much to his surprise, Shuichi shook his head.

"No." He replied "I just don't think that'll help."

Yuki frowned a little.

"What?" Shuichi asked

"Nothing..." Yuki said, pulling Shuichi into his embrace "I just realized that I haven't kissed you all day."

Shuichi laughed softly.

"You love kissing me, don't you?"

"What can I say?" Yuki replied "Your kisses... make me shine."

Shuichi smiled, eagerly standing on tiptoe to meet Yuki's kiss.  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

Chapter 20


Shuichi was extremely excited when Yuki had wanted to spend the day with him. Waking him up with a kiss, and refusing to leave his side, the two spent the day in the park, inspiring each other.

Shuichi crumpled yet another piece of paper and tossed it behind him.

"Litter bug."

Shuichi looked up at Yuki, who lay beside him, a piece of straw dangling from his lip. He lay casually on his back, hands behind his head.

"Shut up." Shuichi said playfully, scooting over to him, laying on his chest

"What? I care about my environment."

Shuichi laughed softly.

"Did you have fun today?"

Shuichi nodded.

"Yeah." He said softly "I did."

"Too bad it's going to be dark soon."

"Yeah, I wish this could last for ever..." Shuichi said softly "I want to stay here forever... No. I want to transcend time."

There was a beat of silence. Shuichi suddenly sat up, his head hitting Yuki's chin. Yuki groaned in pain, and Shuichi stood.

"That's it! Sorry Yuki... but... That's it!" He yelled, taking off

Yuki sat up and sighed.

"Baka." He muttered  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

The inevitable night of the concert finally came. Yuki stood in the audience, staring up at the dark stage, waiting anxiously. He sighed, rocking back and forth.

'He wouldn't let me see the lyrics... I wonder what finally inspired him.'

Tatsuha, who stood next to him laughed.

"Chill Bro." He said "Relax."

"I can't." He replied

"Aw, is big brother worried about his wittle boyfriend?"

"Shut up, Tatsu."

"Aw! That's so cute!"

"Shut up!" Yuki said, delivering a swift wack to the back of his head

"Ow!"

The lights finally went up and Yuki saw Shuichi on stage, a smile on his face. Yuki relaxed at that, seeing how happy his lover was to be back on stage. The music started, and Shuichi's eyes met Yuki's, who smiled back.

Itsu no mai ni ka bokura

Nanigenaku detta

Yasashisa yoseatte

Kakurenbo wa tsuzukuno

Sou sa

(Before we knew it

We'd sort of casually met

Gathering kindness together

The hide-and-seek continues

That's right)

Yuki cocked his head at Shuichi, who wasn't looking at him anymore, but at the crowd of screaming fans, who had been waiting anxiously for his return. He was surprised at just how many people had shown. The club was nearly full.

No, wanna sell your soul

Shareta kiiroi tatchi de

(With a fancy yellow touch)

No, forget smile again

Itsumo odotteitai dake

(I just want to be dancing always)

Tatsuha looked at his older brother, who's eyes were closed, listening intently to the song. A smile came to his lips.

"Yuki... is this about--?"

"Shut up Tatsu."

Nee oikakete oikakete

Shiroi kaze

Nee koi ni natte ai ni natte

Hane hirogetai

(Hey, chase me, chase me

White breeze

Hey, I want it to be a crush, then love

I want to spread my wings)

Yuki couldn't help but agree with his brother. He smiled listening further to the lyrics.

'These words. They're about us. This is our song.'

Nee ii koto mo warui koto mo

Subete tashite

Ni de watte umake ikite

Toki o koetai

(Hey, take the good things and the bad

Add them all together

Divide it all by two and live well

I want to transcend time)

'This is our story.'

::Lyrics are from Super Drive::  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

Chapter 21

After the concert, Yuki, unable to make it backstage through the crowd of screaming fangirls, made his way through the crowd outside. He had long since been seperated from Tatsuha, and had figured his younger brother had gone home, since it was getting late.

He looked up at the sky. The sun was swiftly setting, the last rays of light stretching across the slowly darkening sky, casting shadows on the world below. Yuki stood patiently, hands in his pockets, watching the crowd slowly dissipate.

"Y-- Yuki?"

Yuki opened his eyes. The sun was almost completely gone now, only just a bit of orange lingered in the sky. He must've dozed off while leaning against the building.

'I didn't realize how tired I was...'

"Yuki-kun?"

Yuki looked around, searching for whoever was calling him. He didn't spot Shuichi's exotic pink hair, nor Tatsuha's similar face. In fact, the only person that was on the street was a petite young woman, with long silver hair, and pale skin.

Yuki cocked his head at her, trying to remember her.

"Yuki-kun!" She yelled, walking faster towards him "It is you!"

Yuki's eyes widened when he recognized the crystal blue eyes, the beautiful face and wide smile. But when she stopped and in total 'Sailor Moon' style, gave him a really lame pose with a peace sign, he knew exactly who it was.

"Oh... my... God..."

She jumped with excitement.

"Oh!" She said "Yuki! Yuki! Yuki! Yuki! Yuki! Yu-yu-yuki!I'm so happy to see you! It's been ages!" She continued, her unusually loud voice rivaling Shuichi's.

A smile crept onto Yuki's face as he embraced her, picking her light body up and spinning her, making her express a giggle that never failed to bring a smile to his face.

"I missed you so much." Yuki said, squeezing her again, laughing as she placed a big obnoxious kiss on his cheek  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

"Y--Yuki?"

Yuki lifted his head from her shoulder to find Shuichi standing in front of him, looking worn out. His shoulders were slumped, making the tiny boy look smaller than he already was. He moved as if every muscle ached, but what brought Yuki's attention most was the hurt look in Shuichi's eyes.

He turned away, looking back at the woman in his arms and released her.

"Oh, no Shuichi. You've got the wrong idea... this is Mei-chan... she's..."

"His best-est buddy in the whole wide world!" Mei said loudly

Yuki chuckled softly.

"That's a bit of an overstatement." Yuki said, nearing Shuichi, who looked like he might collaspe from exhaustion at any moment "Mei... she's like my little sister I guess. I haven't seen her since..."

"Nina's funeral." Mei said simply

Yuki looked up at her, memories starting to return to him.

"Um... I--."

But he was cut short as Shuichi's lips pressed to his. Yuki smiled against Shuichi's lips. His lover was trying to take his mind off of it.

'I must've looked more upset than I realized...'

Yuki reluctantly pulled away from the kiss, smiling down at Shuichi, and pulling him into his embrace, feeling Shuichi practically put all of his weight on him, which Yuki didn't mind.

"Nice to meet you..." Mei said, reaching out her hand "Um... what was it again?"

"Shuichi Shindo." Shuichi said, taking Mei's out stretched hand "Nice to meet you too."

Yuki hailed a cab.

"Why don't you come with us for a while Mei?" Yuki asked

Mei cocked her head for a moment, her silver hair falling to the side, thinking.

"Sure." She said, following the two into the cab "Why not?"

The elevator in Yuki's building was out of order. And he lived on the second to the top floor. Half way up the stairs, Shuichi's legs gave out, and Yuki carried him, enjoying being able to tend to his lover, despite Mei's teasing.

When Shuichi admitted that he was too tired to stay and chat, Yuki put him in bed, and returned to find Mei sitting patiently on the couch. He smiled at her. She looked the same. She always seemed to look the same. Still the same happy, almost childish face she's always had.

He smiled at her, and she smiled softly back, her blue eyes shining brightly.

"What are you doing in town?" Yuki asked, sitting down next to her

"Business." She replied simply, she stretched and looked around "You're doing well."

"Yeah."

"I'm surprised you--. Never mind."

"Didn't move?"

Mei looked up at Yuki, surprised.

"Yeah. What can I say... I like this apartment... and... well, quite frankly, I'm broke."

Mei laughed.

"I get that."

"Doubt it."

"I know."

Mei came from an extremely wealthy family, and the two had become friends as children, and secretly, highschool lovers. But, realizing that they weren't meant for each other, they seperated.  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

"So... Shuichi huh?" She asked, "Seems like an interesting character."

Yuki nodded.

"Yeah..."

"How'd you meet him?"

"At a coffeeshop."

"Hm." Mei paused for a moment, turning her head up to the ceiling, thinking "Aha!" She said "Now, I remember!"

"What?" Yuki asked

Mei grinned.

"Something you promised me, about two years ago."

Yuki's eyes widened, realizing what she meant.

"No... way..."

"Way."

"You can't be serious."

Mei's grin widened, and she nodded excitedly.

"Yep!" She said

Yuki sighed.

"When?"

"Tomorrow!"

"Wha--."

"Oh come on Yuki! You promised me!"

Yuki sighed, rubbing his fingers across his face.

"Fine."

Mei smiled with satisfaction.

"Good boy... besides, I think Shuichi would like this."

"He has to come to?"

"YEP!" Mei said, far too loud for the thin walled apartment, upon Yuki's shushing, she relplied "Sorry. But, uh-huh."

Yuki sighed, loosing the will to argue. He slumped back into the couch, his eyes closing.

"Meet me here tomorrow night." Mei said. Yuki felt her slide something into his hand, and felt the weight shift as she stood off of the couch.

"You're lucky I love you Mei."

"I know." She replied, walking away, leaving the apartment and a defeated Yuki behind.  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

Chapter 22


When Shuichi returned home the next night and entered the living room, emptying his pockets of the numerous numbers many girls who'd come to his concert had slipped him. On the table, he found a hastily scribbled note.

Shu,

Meet me at Lido.

Yuki

Shuichi cocked his head.

"Lido? That dance club?" He blinked a few times. Sure, he'd been there numerous times. He loved the music, but Yuki just didn't seem like the type to go there. But nonetheless, Shuichi obeyed the note, changed and headed out.  

[The_Scarlet_Rose]

"No, Mei!"

Mei frowned, tugging harder on Yuki's hand.

"Come on!" She yelled, almost louder than the booming music "Remeber what I did to get you here!"

"Yes!" Yuki yelled back "And it almost got me arrested! Those cops thought I hit you!"

Mei rolled her eyes.

"But come on."

Yuki looked at Mei, then his eyes widened in horror as he looked across the large dance floor. He shook his head.

"Nuh uh Mei." He said hastily, trying to pull out of her grasp "I... I can't."

"You can!"

"We both know I can't dance!"

Mei sighed.

"You mean to tell me that you never went dancing with Nina?"

"She danced. I watched."

"Stalker."

"Shut up."

"Yuki-kun!" She said "It's easy!" She reached down and took his other hand, her body swaying to the techno music playing. Yuki was lost in the fluid motions of her body. Her hair moving with her, she moved as if she was in pure ectasy, the lights of the club playing on her pale skin. She turned away from him pressing her body against his, still moving. Before Yuki knew what had happened, he found himself in the middle of the dance floor.

"Mei! What the--!"

Mei giggled loudly. Yuki blushed and turned to leave, but Mei clung to his shirt, pulling his body back against hers.

"Come on!" She said "You were doing great! Just keep moving with me."

"What if Shuichi--."

"That's the idea Hon." She replied, swaying again "Good, like... HANDS ABOVE THE WAIST EIRI YUKI!"

Yuki grinned to himself.

"Hey, if you're going to make me do this, then I'm going to make this the most unpleasant experience possible."

"Put your hands there again, I'll break them."

"Fine, maybe I'll just lea--."

"Shut up!" She shouted, resuming dancing

Yuki laughed, letting her have her way.