In This Empty Room

Author : Bishonen Rapist ( VoodooMagicc@yahoo.com )

Web Site : Pieces: J-Rock/J-Pop Fanfiction Archive

Pairing : tetsu x hyde

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Author's notes :

The Facts: When I write fiction, it has to have a little bit of fact in it... so... here are the facts that were mentioned in this chapter. Hyde is indeed hyper like I tried to portray him to be (though I could say the say for Ken), and does have a tendency to kiss Tetsu every now or then... they indeed started their tour in Osaka Cosmo Square and ended in Tokyo Dome and Tetsu does drive the laruku car for those two reasons. The journal entry in this fiction was just a little something I thought to put in when I heard (out of his own mouth; not irl face to face, of course... I would pounce him :x) in an interview with Laruku that Tetsu kept a journal 1989-92. Of course, you should know about the Doi-chan/Tet-chan thing and also that Hyde was the guitarist of Jerusalem's Rod. There are some more facts, like the fact Ken and his parents don't talk for the reason mentioned in the fiction, but I'm getting lazy so... :x

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- Part 4 - [ Lastly ]

"Tetsu, Haido, what are you doing? Get over here!" shouted Ken hoarsely, he and Yukihiro motioning toward the limousine, not dreading the fact that fans (more than before) were swarming everywhere, but the fact that Haido and Tetsu, (who was in a wheelchair), was in the middle of it.

"Wait! Tetsu is trying to sign some autographs right quick!" Hyde shouted back over the crowds of fans; Ken rolled his eyes.

/Tetsu, how generous you are to fans... not that I blame you, but you've just gotten out of the hospital!/ "Look at them; so wild, bold, and crazy -- kami, they look so damn happy," said Ken softly, looking out the tinted windows of the limo at the fans pasting themselves to it.

"Yeah, I know. All these Laruku fans in Tokyo alone; amazing," Yukihiro replied, gently caressing Ken's neck. Ken kissed his lover's sweet honey lips and chuckled .

"I was referring to Tetsu and Haido, Yuki-chan; you silly creature."

Yukihiro's lips met with Ken's once again and slightly Ken moaned; Yukihiro was now caressing that spot through the fabric of his pants. "Yeah, but I'm your silly creature, right Ken?" he replied calmly, a seductive smile appearing on his face.

"Yes, yes, of course!" said Ken quickly, trying to keep his voice from going squeaky.

"Good."

"Hey guys! Come on Tet-chan and get in," said Hyde in the nice, cheerful, tone that had been foreign to himself and his bandmates for the past two weeks.

"Okay, okay, I'm in. Are you happy no--"

"Ogawa Tetsuya, what are you doing walking? Where the hell is your wheelchair?" asked Ken sternly, yet it was evident he was just concerned.

"Um... I autographed it for a fan..."

"Your condition!"

"What condition? I got myself intoxicated and took an overdose, geez. I'm not handicap."

"Well, you could have been," said Ken in defeat, sticking out his tongue; Tetsu returned the gesture.

"Hey! You two are stealing my trademark!" Hyde whinned as the limo started to move.

"Oh, you want it back, Haido?" asked Ken and Tetsu in unison, performing the gesture once more.

"I'll get you both," said Hyde, this time in defeat, pouting. The other three men smiled brightly at their highly spoiled vocalist.

 

"Okay, Ja Ken, Yukkie," said Hyde, waving back at his two friends.

"Tetsu?" Hyde called out to Tetsu, who'd started walking away in another direction before he could fully depart from his fellow bandmates/friends.

"Yes?"

/...I know he's not fond of the decision the doctors made of me staying with him for the next month... so now, he's acting all buddy-buddy with me, like we were in and before our indie days... but there are times like this one where he lets his guard down a little and shows me he's just acting this way so when we go to see the therapist every two weeks, I'll give a good report to the therapist so after a while, he won't have to go anymore... it hurts to know that.../

"Where are you going?"

"My room."

"Oh..." Hyde's voice trailed off in uncertainty. "Well, okay then, goodnight."

"Goodnight Haido," Hyde yawned and thought crossed his mind. /I have to cheer him up... hehehehehe.../ "Tetsu?"

Tetsu turned around it Hyde's direction. "Yes?"

Hyde motioned closer. "Where is my goodnight kiss?"

/Nanra?! Did he just ask me what I think he just asked me or am I already asleep and dreaming?/ "G-goodnight kiss?" Tetsu's voice croaked out, almost nervously.

"Of course!" Hyde said, that inner child surfacing. "It's sort of like a tradition of mine, I think you know of it already," Hyde said, that smile lingering among his lips. And Tetsu indeed knew of this tradition of Hyde's, because some of Hyde's 'regular goodnight victims' were people of the staff (when Laruku had long days in the studio, staying until the midnight hour) and even Yukkie and Ken occasionally.

"I don't know Haido... I'm tired and really should be getting in the be--"

"Please Tet-chan?" Hyde worked his puppy-eye magic.

"Tet-chan? What provoked you to start calling me that?" Tetsu asked, noticing that this was the second time Hyde used this unfamiliar nickname for him.

At this question, Hyde flashed on another smile; that devilish little smile that made Tetsu want to melt everytime. "Well," he began, inching a little closer, "everyone calls you Tet-Tet; fans, friends, staff, family... so I just wanted a name that only I could call you. Now, stop trying to change the subject. The sooner you present my goodnight kiss, the sooner you can go to bed."

Tetsu rolled his eyes childishly. /I guess I have no choice but to kiss him... it's not like I don't want to kiss those pouty, kissable, lips anyway.../ Tetsu inched a tad bit closer to Hyde, tilting the shorter man's chin up slightly; placing a soft, gentle kiss on his lips. Reluctantly, he withdrew.

Hyde purred in Tetsu's ear like a satisfied kitten. /It was short, but sweet... like Tetsu put actual passion into it.../ Hyde thought for a second about what he'd just thought in his mind. /Waaaait a minute, Takarai Hideto...! Did you just say [think] that? Tetsu is not even like that... he would never put passion in a kiss with a male... especially a person like me... /

"Haido... are you okay?" Tetsu asked in concerned, seeing that Hyde was unusually quiet and looked as if he wanted to cry.

Hyde shook his head and smiled reassuringly. "Nothing... just thinking about something..." Quickly, he changed the subject. "See, was that so hard? You could've done that in the first place and gone on to bed! It would've added a few more minutes to your sleep. You knew I was going to win anyway," Hyde said, striking a triumphant pose.

"Whatever Haido," Tetsu said in defeat.

Hyde gave Tetsu a peck on the cheek. "You should be proud, you've made it to the number one mark of my top 20 and this is your first time as a victim!"

Tetsu couldn't help but smile "Haido, do you ever quit?"

Hyde pondered that question -- for two seconds. "Never."

/He just smiled... and it doesn't look like he was pretending just to get a nice report either... it makes me feel good knowing that/

Tetsu chuckled. "Goodnight, Haido."

"Nightie, Tet-chan." Hyde yawned once again and slowly walked up the European styled mansion.

/...Ah, my second home... how Tetsu found all the time to organize everything together is still beyond me. Never did I know of this amazing place Tetsu has! To think, he organized all of this himself... and I just know this must've cost him a fortune... this is Nippon afterall/

Just as he was getting closer to his room, something caught his eye; a door, it was apparently, with one of those beauteous [copper looking with gold lacing] labels seen mostly in books portraying how Europeans designed things of great beauty so even the common people could afford when European dynasties ruled, beside it. Inside the label, read "Sileneux Memoir -- Keep Out' in gold letters.

/...I didn't know Tetsu knew french... well, he got Laruku's name from a french movie, so I suppose they were speaking french in the movie? If that's the case, he probably can speak it.../

Hyde studied the first two words that Tetsu had insisted on being in French.

/Ah, I know nothing of the french language but I can tell from looking at it, it says 'Silent Memory'... I can tell because of a little english lesson Ken gave me once and it's almost spelled like the english language spell it... Tetsu is loosing it, I swear! From the look of it, it's private, so why have it as a room? And if he must have it into a room, why doesn't it have any protection like a security pad or someth--/

Hyde's thoughts silenced when he opened the door. "Beautiful," Hyde whispered softly, sighing in wonder like a child's first time to the toy store. First thing that caught his eye was the glimmering cyrstal chandelier, then the semi-large built in bookcase, filled with books. Then, the walls themselves... the paintings... were his.

/He kept my paintings... I can't believe it... I couldn't bear to look at them, they brought back too many memories of all my happy and unhappy times with Sakura... funny, maybe that's why he calls this silent memory, because it reflects on some memories you don't want to remember and keep silent, yet they stay with you? Gently, he touched one of his works, 'Song of Eternity'.

/...You have to have nothing but a good heart to keep these paintings/ Hyde giggled softly at his remark about his own work. /I still can't believe he kept these... some are awfully raw... and to put it in this gorgeous house, this beautiful room.../

Hyde continue to stroll around in this room, which was 4 times larger than Tetsu's room, and that was saying something. Out of all the rooms Hyde had seen so far, in his opinion this was the far most interesting and most gorgeous in design.

/I feel like I'm in a dream... all these things that Tetsu treasure and will forever be in his heart... I didn't know he savored times which he consider memorable like this... in such a sweet, beautiful way.../

Hyde had seen all, and enjoyed almost every bit of 'silent memories', even though they weren't his own, and even though he found it odd that almost each piece was associated with him in one way or another. Satisfied with all that he'd seen in this 'new discovery', Hyde headed back toward the door to head himself to his room; he was sleepy, afterall.

Just as he was about to turn the doorknob, a book fell from the bookcase. /Huh? What was that?/ thought Hyde half sleepyly, turning around to see what'd caused the noise.

/Oh, one of Tet-chan's books.../ Hyde made a few steps towards the left to pick up the book. /...This a journal... Tetsu's journal.../ Hyde examined the thick, black, book. On the front, read: '...You have no bravery to know the truth... 1989 - 1998'.

It looked like it'd been written with a silver glitter pen, yet it looked like it was professionally done, so he assumed Tetsu paid for it to be written on there my a professional instead of doing it himself. Slowly, Hyde opened the thick journal, but his conscious kicked in, resulting in him closing it back.

/No, no, no! I'm in Tetsu's place, already invading his private room, and now about to invade something that could be one of his most personal items... but... the title is what gets me interested... 'You have no bravery to know the truth'? Maybe I'll just read the first entry.../

Hyde re-opened the journal, taking a seat on the small, comfortable sofa near the fireplace which was out of use this time of the year. Everything was so peaceful, so quiet.

August 2, 1989 |Greetings, journal. Gosh, I feel so stupid writing in you; but then again, I am. Well, let me properly introduce myself, give you a little background information on myself, and what happened to me today... it's because of what happened today that provoked me to even start writing in a journal, for I don't think my life will ever be the same.

First off, my name is Ogawa Tetsuya, which I shortened to Tetsu, so it can kinda be a nickname. However, my close friends and my family call me Tet-tet... my best friend, Ken, who will be starting his freshman year in college later this year, calls me Tet-tet-baby to annoy the hell out of me though... it's the way he says it that's annoying, actually humorus, but I try to to keep a straight face.

I was born right here in Osaka, known as a major industrial city and a commercial and financial center; also nicknamed 'Venice of Japan' because of the numerous canals and rivers here. I'm out of highschool (surprise, surprise, I actually got out... a lot of my peers are worried about me... they are worried I might not make it out in the world, and I don't blame them. I barely made it out of highschool, because I'm not the best at my studies.) So what is this eighteen, (almost nineteen) year old doing with his life? Starting a rock band. My family was like, 'Are you nuts?' and I was like, 'Yeah, I thought you knew'

With that, Hyde giggled and continued to read. Really, I thought they knew me enough to know that much. As for my peers and my close friends, they weren't surprised because I'd been long talking about how I wanted to start one. I have a guitarist already (Hiro) and I'm the bassist. Now I need a drummer and a vocalist.

Do I think this band will make it? I don't know, but I know I won't give up on it unless I have no other alternative. I have decided a name for it, L'Arc-en-Ciel; it's the title of a French movie I went to see a couple of weeks ago and it means 'the arch in the sky' in other words, rainbow. Why rainbow? Because I hope the music this band will produce once it's formed will sort of be that way; everyone has a storm in there life some way or another, but the end of every storm, there's also a rainbow to brighten up their day and hopes... and hopefully, that'll be the purpose this band serves; to be that rainbow.

Okay... so maybe that sounded a little... corny. Anyway, let me tell you what happened to me today.

All day I'd been searching for two more people I could recruit to the band and around nine I decided to rest myself, so I went to this little hangout Ken introduced me to, went in, and took a seat at the bar (don't freak, it wasn't a real bar, just rootbeers and sodas like that; I don't smoke like Ken does and certainly don't drink unless it's a real joyous time like my coming of age celebration) Then suddenly, all these women, (and some men,) started getting all wild and crowding the platform that the musicians play on each night.

Curious, I got up and slowly got through the crowd to see what who the women were drooling over. I didn't even get a chance to examine them well when someone caught my eye; a beautiful women, hair flowing to her waist, her face so angelic, eyes so captivating... certainly not like any asian female I'd seen! But all the more beautiful in every way; playing her silver guitar. Her smile wanted to make me melt! She smiled so brightly, as bright as the sapphire necklace around her neck...|

Hyde looked up from his reading almost in horror; the look was priceless. /August 2, 1989... around nine, hangout spot, hair to waist, characteristics differ from most asian women... silver guitar... that sounds like me when I was in Jerusalem's Rod! No, there were others who use to perform at that hangout, maybe he's talking about one of them... but, I indeed was wearing a sapphire necklace and I remember all of the nights Jeruselm's Rod performed there and at other places, just like I do Laruku... but... this all must be a mistake... wait, he said a hangout though not the name of the hangout which is 'The Hangout', so it's probably some other place./

Denial is not only a river in Egypt, afterall, and Hyde was deep in denial. Hyde smiled uneasily at his conclusion; a part of himself didn't believe that. Just as Hyde was about to go back to reading, ready to break his promise to himself at just reading one entry, he heard something -- a piano; the song being played was forbidden lover.

/...Who could that be, playing the very song I wrote... for Tetsu.. Wait, Hyde, what are you talking [thinking] about? You did not write that for Tetsu!/ Slowly, he convinced his mind that he hadn't written that song for Tetsu, but in his heart, he knew he had.

/...Why am I having these feelings for him? I shouldn't! I deserve to be alone, curled up in a ball in a dark corner, Sakura taught me that, and he was right. I don't deserve anyone, and I know the last person I deserve is Tetsu... he doesn't need a cheap whore like me in his life.../ Hyde shook his head, trying to keep his mind from going into the memory vault of his past, so he could focus on his future -- a positive one.

The dark, yet sweet sound of forbidden lover being played was nagging at his brain so much that he was tempted to put Tetsu's journal away - almost. He just had to continue reading.

| I couldn't keep my eyes from her beautiful face. I was truly breathless. Then, she looked my way... and she winked, and smiled. I felt my knees giving away like you wouldn't believe. I caught myself, but barely, and sat down again by the small bar. I swore silently to myself. If only I didn't have Hiro already as the guitarist... I would've definitely tried to snatch her up and try to get her to leave her band. Hey, I'm not a Libra for nothing. Before they were finished performing, I got up, and headed out, in case I tried doing that anyway. Just as I was leaving out, I caught the announcer as he said the name of the band: Jerusalem's Rod. Hmm, Jerusalem's Rod. I'll keep that in mind. I'd decided I would call Ken ASAP, and tell him. I would tell him about the first encounter I'd had with the fallen angel. |

Hyde's feelings were torn in so many directions it was hard for him to think properly. Tetsu, was referring to him, and there was no way he could deny it. To think, this journal, in reality this diary, went on until last year was just... overwhelming. To know Tetsu probably poured his soul, his emotions, good or bad, into it. Yet, Hyde couldn't invade his privacy more than he already had. He just couldn't.

Noting Tetsu was still downstairs from what he could still hear, Hyde placed the diary carefully in the bookcase and headed downstairs. /I know the grand piano is in the main living quarters, so common sense tells me, it's coming from there./

Slowly, quietly, Hyde walked in the main living quarters, which in other words, was the living room. There he saw; Tetsu, eyes brimmed with tears, refusing to let them go. So there Hyde stood, behind Tetsu, his eyes closed, savoring this moment until Tetsu finally finished the song.

"You play beautifully, Tetsu. I never knew you played piano," said Hyde softly, startling the man below him.

"Did you just think I bought this piano so it could collect dust? It's a waste of money, I say, to buy a fifteen thousand dollar piano and not know how to play."

/You never knew I could play the piano, Haido? Just an example of how much you don't know about me; not even the simple things like this/

Hyde nodded in agreement. "Your right, Tet-chan; it was a silly thing for me to say -- Tetsu?" Hyde sat down next to Tetsu, he was crying.

"Tetsu, look at me," said Hyde demandingly. Tetsu did as ordered. "Why are you crying? You know you are too beautiful to be," it was too late for Hyde to bite that last statement from his tongue, but it was true. He'd always thought of it to be true; that Tetsu was beautiful.

Instead of a response to Hyde's question, Tetsu hugged Hyde tightly, having no intention of letting go. With each sob Tetsu bore, it was like a dagger in Hyde's heart.

"It'll be okay," Hyde whispered softly, kissing the top of his head. "I'm here... I'm here..."

 

______________________________________

 

Hyde awoke, this time to meet the sound of thunder and frightning lightning. Before he could think of anything else, he leapt out of his bed and into Tetsu's room, jumping in the bed with him.

[1] /Sona okeru?/ thought Tetsu, as he felt a "light" body pounce him. Just as he was about to turn around to see who or what this was, a voice confirmed it for him.

"Ne, Tet-chan, it's lightning out," said Hyde softly, rolling off Tetsu. Tetsu turned on his other side so that he was facing Hyde. He was aware of the fact that Hyde was terrified of lightning.

"Well did you have to come in here and knock the wind out of me, Doi-chan?" asked Tetsu affectionately - maybe a little too affectionate.

"Knock the wind out of you? What does that suppose to mean? Are you trying to say I'm fat?"

"No, but you're no feather either."

"Oooooooooo!" Hyde sat up and flung a pillow at Tetsu, and by him not seeing this coming, it hit him right in the face; he then returned the action. The pillow fight lasted for quite some time until Tetsu pinned Hyde down gently.

"You are," Tetsu began, his breathe tickling Hyde's nose /You are... so very beautiful to me.../ "defeated!" Tetsu flung a pillow at Hyde, got up, and did a victory dance; it was silly, but cute.

"Bravo, to the man in the Eva pajamas," said Ken clapping along with Yukihiro.

Tetsu froze. "How long have you been standing there?" Ken pretended to look hurt.

"Now is that any way to greet a friend? And you gave me the key, remember," he and Yukkie walked in, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Well, Yuki-chan and I have been here since Haido built a fort using plush toys and stuff animals, if you must know."

Tetsu plopped on the bed. "Hn. What time is it?"

"Just... four thirty-nine," said Ken nonchalantly. By now, Hyde had his arms around Tetsu's neck from behind, head propped on his shoulder, sighing contently.

Ken and Yukihiro glanced at each other knowingly.

"W-what?! Four thirty-nine p.m.?" Tetsu shrieked out.

"Uh... no?" said Ken in one of those 'duh' tones.

"Tet-chan?"

"Yes?"

"Who is Doi-chan?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Yes."

"Why did you start calling me that?"

"You gave me a name that only you can call me, so I'm giving you a name that only I can call you."

"Oh... why Doi-chan?"

"Because I think it's cute. It's short for Doiha, which is Haido scrambled up."

Hyde giggled "That is cute!" Hyde removed his arms from around Tetsu's neck, which disappointed Tetsu somewhat. Tetsu looked up only to see Ken and Yukihiro staring at him; Ken with that knowing look.

"Well," said Tetsu, trying to avoid their stares, "I'm going to take a shower and get some breakfast ready."

Three pairs of eyebrows rose. "Breakfast? Don't you mean dinner? D-I-N-N-E-R."

Tetsu shook his head "No, no, breakfast. I don't care what time it is, when I wake up, I must have my breakfast before I eat anything else. It is the most important meal of the day." -insert anime-like sweatdrops here-

"Haido, you need to shower too. There are some fresh linen and some robes in your bathroom. I have some spare toothbrushes too that you can use and remember to clean your ears... you have a lot of gold in them!" said Tetsu, whether he knew it or not, like a mother fussing at her child.

"Waiiiiiiiii! Stop mothering me like a baby," replied Hyde, pouting.

"Oh, so you're saying you're not ?" Ken snickered at Hyde and Tetsu's bickering.

"Oooooo! I'll get you Ogawa Tetsuya!" Hyde proclaimed, walking out the door to his own room.

 

"Where's the bathroom?"

"Uh, the nearest one is behind you."

"Ah..." Yukkie left for the bathroom.

"So, are we invited to this breakfast or is this just something for you and Haido?" asked Ken, flashing one of those 'innocent' smiles.

"Well, it's going to be hard enough satisfying Haido's appetite --"

"His appetite? Yours is no better."

"Anyway," Tetsu proceeded, "you and Yukkie are invited to join us."

Silence.

"Ken."

"Yes?"

And Tetsu explained what'd happened the previous night.

"Damnit, Tetsu, he asked you what was wrong... why didn't you tell him how you felt then?"

Slight pause.

"I don't know... those soothing words, being in his arms, being caressed by him... the most wonderful feeling in the world... the first and last time I'll get to experiance such a feel."

Ken sighed. "Don't say that, Tetsu."

"And why not? It's true. Those ten minutes will never happen again. He was just feeling sorry for me... it was... pity."

Tetsu got up and headed towards his bathroom when Yukihiro came out. /That goodnight kiss... the first and only time I'll be able to kiss those lips.../ His thought were drowned out as he stepped into the shower.

 

"That was delicious."

"Ditto."

"Yummy, Tet-chan."

"Thank you, though you didn't help me do the dishes."

"All you did was put them in the dishwasher!"

The four men smiled and giggled like fourteen year-old school girls.

"So, what are you going to do today?" asked Tetsu, plopping down on the sofa in front of his big screen tv.

"Are you nuts? I'm not going to do anything in this weather and in case you're forgetting, the day is almost over," replied Ken, proceeding to get a cigarette.

Tetsu stopped him. "You should know more than anyone my rules for in my car and my home." Ken grunted; when it came to smoking, Tetsu was sooooo square.

"What was that?"

"Rain, lightning, a little bit of hail." A panicked looked crossed Hyde's face.

"Don't worry Haido," Yukihiro said reassuringly "we're here with you."

"Which leads me to my question," Ken began "do you mind if Yuki-chan and I crash here tonight if the storm doesn't slow down?"

Tetsu slightly quirked an eyebrow at his friend; Ken had that twinkle in his eyes -- that mischievous twinkle. Ken had to be up to something.

"Yeah, sure. No way I would put you out in that storm anyway," Tetsu replied, yawning.

"Don't tell me you're sleeping already! You just got up two hours ago!"

"But hearing the rain pound makes me so sleepy again..."

"Fine then, go back to sleep. Ken, Yukkie, and I are going upstairs and play a card game. You're becoming an old man, Tetsu," with that, they left. Tetsu yawned and laid back on his comfortable sofa and closed his eyes; he now couldn't go back to sleep. /I hope I didn't hurt the guys' feelings.../ Tetsu got up and headed himself upstairs.

"Guys?"

no answer.

"Guys, I really am sorry... look, I can't go back to sleep anyway... I'm up now... maybe we can watch a movie?"

Silence. Hyde's bedroom door was open.

/Oh... they must be in Haido's room.../

Tetsu walked in the room -- it was empty.

/Well, maybe they went to the arcade... I forgot to give them the password for them so they won't have to use coins.../

Just as Tetsu turned to leave the room, a voice, no, three voices, stopped him.

"Oh Tetsu..."

Tetsu turned around. "Ye--"

Three waterguns squirted him in the face. The three men laughed at their dripping victim.

"I'm sorry, Tetsu," said Ken, trying to hold back his laughter. "But I really thought you got potty trained years ago!"he burst out in laughter like Yukihiro and Hyde who already were.

Without saying a word, Tetsu left the room.

"Did you see the look on his face? Classic! I wish I'd had my camcorder with me!"

"I know!" The three men laughed so hard they were almost cackling. Yukihiro glanced toward the door, and abruptly stopped. Desperately, he tapped Ken's shoulder.

"What is it Yukkie?" Yukihiro was silent; except for his eyes. They did the talking. Hyde and Ken followed his eyes and their mouths dropped. Tetsu was back, almost with a smirk on his face and with his weapon; it was a very large watergun, about seven times larger than any 'ol super soaker. It was apparent that it was heavy, which was a slight disadvantage, for Tetsu had a light body. It was dangerous, and not only because of its size and the capacity it had to store water, but because it could spray three people at once and reach long distances.

"Hello boys," said Tetsu calmly. The three men dropped their waterguns, split up, and ran.

"What's wrong with you guys? Why are you running away from me?" said Tetsu almost evilly; being the villain felt great. /I wonder... where did they go.../

Quietly, Tetsu crept downstiars. First, he checked the indoor pool & jacuzzi; nothing. Then the basement, all the bedrooms, the kitchen... then he heard something; footsteps, coming from the hall closet where Tetsu's other pairs of platform shoes were kept. Preparing his watergun, he opened the door; only to find Yukihiro smiling at him.

"I've got you now!" Tetsu did a lot more than squirting -- more like, drenching Yukihiro and Ken who he hadn't seen until Yukihiro got out of the closet.

"I'm sure you enjoyed the little shower I've given you, but maybe you should take a real one, ne?" Tetsu chuckled, "I guess I've gotten the last laugh."

With that, Tetsu went back downstairs in search of Hyde. /That was too easy... now to find Haido.../ Tetsu was in luck, for Hyde was in the refringerator looking for a snack! Tetsu couldn't help but laugh, which blew his cover.

"Tetsu!" Hyde turned pale, backing up against an exit which led outside.

"Give up, Haido... you're cornered," said Tetsu, confidence in his voice. Without thinking of the storm out, Hyde opened the door and ran .

"Haido!" Tetsu shouted, looking frantically for his friend. Hyde, on the other hand, didn't care, and though he heard Tetsu's voice, he went further. /He's just trying to get me... well I won't give in that easily! I know tricks when there're trying to be pulled. I'm far enough, he won't find me here with this big tree... bwahahaha!/

Confident that he'd found the perfect hiding place, Hyde sat down on the drenched earth. Then, without warning, lightning struck -- the other side of the tree that Hyde was standing under. Hyde stood up, quickly backing away from the tree; shocked that it could've been him. He then ran, crying.

"Testu!" he screamed, desperately trying to find him.

/Was that Haido's voice?/

"Haido!"

Hyde had ears like a bat, (an: that's not a bad thing o.o;) so heard him despite the hard pounding of the rain and thunder. Following the direction in which the voice came, he was relieved when Tetsu's form came into view; so relieved he tripped over an unidentified object (UFO! Wait, it wasn't flying x_x;).

Tetsu caught him. "You didn't have to take the game that seriously, Doi-chan. Come on, Haido, let's go inside, ne?" Tetsu whispered softly in his ear as picked Hyde up in his arms and kissed his forehead, proceeding to carry him inside.

"Tet... chan.... you can... put me... down... now..." said Hyde, shivering as they entered the kitchen.

Tetsu put Hyde down and closed the kitchen door. "Haido... you're shivering"

"You aren't doing any better," Hyde gently caressed his cheek before brushing his hair from his face. "... I was so scared... the lightning... it almost struck me... I was... so scared!" Hyde's sobbing soon began.

"Shh, shh.. it's okay... everything is alright now..." Tetsu embrased him, resting his chin on head. They stayed that way for a while; neither one of them saying a word.

"If you two stand there any longer, you're both going to catch cold," said Ken, chuckling when he saw how Tetsu and Hyde visibly jumped at the sound of his voice. Tetsu turned away to blush as he realized the position he and Hyde were in; reluctantly, he let go of him.

"Tetsu, why are your cheeks so pink?" asked Ken.

/Ken knows exactly why my cheeks are pink! He think he's slick... I know what he's up to.../

"Ah, I don't know... I hope I'm not running a fever..."

Ken slightly tilted his head to the side; a habbit when he didn't believe Tetsu. "Well, that means I'll have to be your nurse again!"

Tetsu blinked, until it finally sinked in. "Noooooooooo!" Tetsu ran upstairs like a madman, to his room; locking the door behind him. He remembered all too well the last time Ken nursed him when he had the flu; it was awful. Purple soup, wrong medicine, the sound of dishes being broken; when he recovered, his home looked like hell.

Tetsu smiled; even though Ken had wrecked his house, but he knew his friend was only trying to help. He then headed himself toward the shower. Afterwards, he unlocked his door and plopped on his bed; he soon fell asleep.

 

Tetsu woke up laughing -- Hyde was tickling his feet.

"Finally, you're awake!" Hyde stopped, now sitting next to Tetsu indian styled. Ken entered the room on the phone.

/"Yes, he's awake now -- oh your welcome! I try to keep him in line. Okay, I love you too, mom-- bye"\

Ken handed Tetsu the phone. Hyde and Tetsu looked dumbfounded; last they knew, Ken's relationship with his parent's wasn't all that good when he dropped out of college to be the guitarist of Laruku. Without saying a word, Tetsu took the phone.

/"Moshi moshi?"\ When the voice on the other end responded, Tetsu went pale -- it was his mother. /I forgot... Ken is my mother's play son!/

/"It's okay, mom, I understand. You couldn't have possibly known I was in the hospital when you were in the Netherlands. I don't know, mother... I don't know what I was thinking."\

Tetsu glanced at Hyde; he'd just lied to his mother, he knew exactly what he was thinking when he attempted suicide.

/"Yes mother, I'm fine now. How are you and papa? That's good. Yes, he's here, would you like to speak to hi-- oh, okay."\ Tetsu glanced at Hyde again; his mother never liked Hyde for some reason.

/"No mom, really, that's okay. I won't be home long anyway our tour will be in a month. Yes I'm up to going through with the tour. Yes, I promise, mommy,"\ At this, Hyde and Ken snickered.

/"Yes, Ken's taking care of me. Okay. Love you too, bye"\ Tetsu tossed the phone to Ken.

"So, what did mommy have to say? Something not to pleasant about me, I suppose," said Hyde in that 'I don't care what the old bag says about me' tone.

Tetsu nodded. "Where's Yukkie?"

"He went home, like I'm going to. The storm has let up"

"Oh... you and him didn't come together?"

"No, we bumped into each other at a cafè and just decided to come here."

"Oh," Tetsu got up and stretched.

"Wait, Ken-chan, before you go, can you give me a piggy-back ride? You always give Tet-chan pback-rides," said Hyde, trying his puppy eye magic on for size.

"I don't want to throw my back out this early in my life."

"What does that suppose to mean? Tetsu is heavier than I am!"

"Watch it, Ken. That's how Haido and I got the pillow fight started -- wait, what did you say Haido?!"

Hyde stuck his tongue out at him.

"Calm down, children," said Ken in a high pitched mother's voice "I will give you a piggy back ride, Haido." And so Ken bent down and Hyde got on his back; the riding soon began. (A/Q: Is it just me or did 'The riding soon began didn't sound right, did it? X_x *perverted at the moment*)

"Thank you, Ken-chan!" said Hyde happily, hugging him.

"You know you're welcome, Haido," said Ken, ruffling up Hyde's hair.

"Bye Ken."

"Bye, buddy. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye Haido."

"Bye Ken." In just a few minutes, Ken was gone.

"What time is it, Tet-chan?" Tetsu looked down at his Rolex watch Hyde had given him last year for his birthday.

"Ten twenty-one."

"Oh, okay. Well, I think I'm going to turn it for the night." That devilish little smile appeared on Hyde's face again. "Do you mind carrying me up to my room?"

Tetsu thought for a moment. /No harm in that... I guess/

"Sure."

Hyde squealed childishly "Goodie!" With that, Tetsu began to fulfill Hyde's request.

"Are you satisfied now?' asked Tetsu, laying Hyde gently in the bed.

"Now, Tet-chan," Hyde said, pulling Tetsu closer to him, /My god my heart is beating so fast.../ "you know I'm never satisfied." With that, Hyde placed a feathery light kiss to Tetsu's lips.

"Looks like you'll be remain at the number one spot on my list for a long time..."

Tetsu blushed.

"Waaaaaai! Tet-chan are you blushing? Soooo kawaii! I have to tell the guys this!"

Tetsu stood up and covered his face. "Oyasumi, Doi-chan."

"Oyasumi Tet-chan," said Hyde, still snickering. When Hyde was sure Tetsu was out of sight, he sighed. "Oh Tetsu," said Hyde dreamingly, turning off the lamp that was on the nightstand.

/I think I've fallen in love with you all over again... or have I never stopped loving you? God, I'm a sick freak... either that or I need a life... or are you my life?.../ Hyde soon fell asleep.

Meanwhile, back in Tetsu's room, Tetsu was having some thoughts of his own. /Haido, why must you do me this way? Your soft goodnight kisses, your gentle touches... it's driving me beyond mad... I'm trying to forget how much I love you, get along with just being your friend, but... I need you... I love... you./ And like Hyde, Tetsu fell asleep.

 

Hyde's eyes fluttered open; it was morning. /Maybe I should tell Tetsu how I've felt over the years... how I feel now.../ Hyde hopped out of his bed and headed himself towards Tetsu's room and knocked on the door.

"Tet-chan?" No answer. /Maybe he's still sleeping.../ Hyde opened the door quietly only to find Tetsu wasn't there. Right then, Hyde started to panic, looking everywhere for him. Then, he gave up and picked up the phone; dialing Ken's number, which rang twice before someone picked up.

/"Hello? Ken? Yeah, it's me... listen, I can't seem to find Tetsu -- he's in the studio, why? A meeting? Why in the studio? Alright then... well, I guess I'll get ready and head there then. Okay, thanks, see you there."\

With that Hyde quickly washed up and dressed leaving the home of his future... lover? /Don't think about that right now, Hyde/

 

Hyde yawned as he entered the studio; it was eight thirty, afterall.

"Mo-ningu, mina," said Hyde sleepily, plopping down on the couch nearby. The producer, manager, Tetsu, Yukihiro, and himself were here -- Ken had yet to arrive. /For once, I'm not the late one/ Softly Yukihiro was drumming -- on Hyde's head.

"Yukkie?"

"Yeah?"

"Did Tetsu call this meeting or did the producer?"

"Tetsu."

"Oh, well, how did you find out about this meeting? He didn't even leave me a note!"

"He called me."

"Oh... I see..." Hyde was going to get Tetsu for that. Just as he was starting to nod off, Ken entered the room.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, apologently.

"It's okay, Ken," said Tetsu, who seemed to be the only one full of energy this time of morning; Hyde guessed because he called the meeting. Otherwise, he would be his partner in the sleep drool sleep crime.

"Now, I called you all here today for a meeting," he began, "concerning our upcoming album, Ark. Now I know it's suppose to be coming out in a month, but this past incident has motivated me to make a slight change, that is, if you agree to it because I know this is suppose to be part of our three month break. Well, we had these extra songs we'd recorded but decided against putting them on Ark, so I was thinking we could revise those songs, do a few more, and put it on another album. In other words, do a double album! The name of it would be Ray, because that was what we were going to call Ark because we liked both names. I've already talked to our producer and manager and they think it's a great idea, so I'm just waiting on you guys."

The other three men looked at each other, the question 'Has Tetsu gone mad' evident in their face.

"Well," Hyde finally spoke up, beating Ken to the punch, "we don't have that kind of time, do we? I mean Ark will be coming out July 1st, advertisements for it have been out since the beginning of the year, and we launch the Grand Cross Tour July 14th."

Tetsu nibbled on his bottom lip; a habbit of his when he was nervous. "We can make time. Busting our arse a little won't hurt; we'll recover." And with that being said, the other three men huddled up.

"You know, Tetsu," the manager began, "it is a good idea; to do a double album, I mean. But as Hyde said, do we have the time? If we can pull it off, we'll pull it off." Tetsu nodded. "If the rest of Laruku agrees, Tetsu, you know you'll have a deadline giving you less than a month to finish this double album."

"Yeah, I know." The producer smiled. Tetsu reminded him so much of himself when he was Tetsu's age. "Tetsu," said Hyde, stroking one of his eyebrows "you have yourself a deal."

Silence.

Extended silence, until Hyde broke it, the sleepiness long and gone. "So what are we waiting for? Let's get busy!"

 

And from there, with busted asses, L'Arc-en-Ciel pulled it off. Their 16th single Pieces, coming out June 2nd follwed by their double album Ark & Ray, the four men were now getting ready for the 1999 Grand Cross Tour, beginning in Osaka Cosmo Square. With Tetsu driving the 'Laruku Car' because of Hyde's ungodly slow driving and Ken's murderous driving, the men, after four 1/2 months, the time had come for the end of the tour at Tokyo Dome. The screaming crowd silence as they reconized the melody to be that of forbidden lover's. The first spotlight, which was green, flashed upon Yukihiro, the red one Ken, the yellow Tetsu. Then there was a blue spotlight, that focused on Hyde as he began to sing... And with the song ending, a tear was shed; by his heart. With a bow and a 'we love you all, thank you' the quartet went to their dressing rooms.

There was a light knock on Hyde's dressing room door.

"Come in."

It was Ken who walked in.

"Hey Haido, great performance, ne?"

"Yeah, it was. Finally it's over... I'm so exhausted." Ken gave a light chuckle.

"Yeah, I think we can all agree there."

Silence.

"Well, I didn't come in here without a purpose," Ken began.

"I'm listening," said Hyde, putting on his shoes.

"Haido, I know you're unhappy one way or another, and trying to make sense of some things," Hyde looked up. "And so I'm here to give you some advice."

"Ken, please save it okay? Enough people have been giving me adv--"

"Just listen to me, will you?" Ken sighed. "I'm not doing this for you, but for a friend I love dearly who you've hurt, not physically, but emotionally," Hyde looked at Ken suspiciously.

/...Who, no what, is Ken talking about?.../

"Think about all the things that has been said to you since Tetsu was entered into the hospital and then think about all the things that wasn't said. When you have thought about it, your questions should be answered and you can act from there, ne?" Ken then gave a friendly smile and left the room.

/...Think about all the things that were said to me and the things that weren't said? What kind of riddle...?... I guess it won't hurt to try?.../

With a sigh of awkward relief, Hyde took hold of his rolling luggage and walked out of his dressing room.

"Hideto," Hyde looked around to face Tetsu, surprised to be called by his full name.

"Yes?" Tetsu looked down and nibbled on his lower lip. He was nervous, Hyde could tell, but his facial expression was unreadable.

"Ah, nevermind... it wasn't important. Beautiful performance, by the way. I guess we did pull it off, ne?"

/But what you had to say was important, wasn't it Tetsu?/

Hyde nodded. "As you know, I'll be leaving for my place in the morning, Tet-chan, so if you don't mind could you...?"

"Sure Haido."

"Thanks. Oyasumi."

"Oyasumi, Haido."

And with that, the two went to their separate bedrooms. Night fall long and gone, the two men were in their beds sleeping; at least one was.

As for Hyde, a face of his past was haunting him in his sleep.

"...No...please, no! Leave me alone, you can't ruin my happiness! What are you doing? No stop! Leave him alone! Take me instead, I deserve it... he has done nothing to you! Oh please no!"

"Tetsu, no!" Hyde screamed, sitting up in the bed. His heart pounding almost out of his chest, coughing because of lack of air, Hyde was in uttermost shock, fear, and confusion. Wiping off what he thought to be sweat, he came to realize it was... blood. He passed out soon after...

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[1] The hell?

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Author's Note: This chapter was kinda weird... and more angst. Sorry for my typo in one of the earlier chapters. I wrote this when I was eleven-twelve actually. I hope eight yr olds don't write like that @ such an age, lol. I dropped in a little Ken/Yukkie stuff in there for the K/Y ppl out there upon request, but that pairing is certainly not my style... you should've seen me, just adding those few lines I was sweating bullets, haha ^^; I think I'll also quit w/the Japanese... it's kinda silly, when you think about it. They *are* Japanese so when reading fics, you're already assuming there're speaking in the language so me typing things in Japanese is just like showing off. I hope to get "Every Rose Has A Thorn" out soon, I'm revising it a little now. I've been getting lots of support and encouragement on this fic, and I thank all of you, really ^.~

 

--------------- to be continue ---------------