Six Months Ago...

Shindo Shuichi bounded up the steps. This had to be the place; there simply wasn't any other option. Shuichi had come all the way from Japan and was convinced that he was moments away from finding Yuki. Shuichi had quite literally tracked Yuki Eiri halfway across the world.

Filled with determination, Shuichi had boarded a flight to New York and, after arriving in the United States, tracked down the writer's hotel. After several long distance phone calls, Yuki's sister and brother-in-law, Seguchi Mika and Seguchi Tohma, had reluctantly helped. It was Tohma who had given Shuichi an address and the youth had grabbed the first taxi cab in sight. Now, his feet were pounding up the old wooden steps. This had to be the place. Where else would Yuki go?

Shuichi was breathing heavily as he continued his frantic pace. His footfalls echoed through the abandoned building, and the harsh sound split the silence of the night. Shuichi plowed onwards, up the staircase and through his own anxiety. Whatever Yuki would say to him, Shuichi was determined not to leave without the older man and that sentiment wasn't an exaggeration.

Shuichi was going to stay as long as he needed to, even if it meant missing his concert. The pink haired youth wasn't going back to Japan if he couldn't have Yuki at his side. Canceling a sold out concert was unforgivable, but giving up on love was even more tragic. If everything went as Shuichi planned, he wouldn't have to do either. Hopefully, both he and Yuki would be on a plane shortly. So Yuki had to be here, Shuichi's planning just wouldn't work without it.

If the older man wasn't here, then Shuichi would... Shuichi would... Actually, Shuichi wasn't sure what he would do. Most likely, he'd do anything he had to, because he wasn't about to leave without the stubborn blond. Determined, he raced upwards.

As he ran, Shuichi tried to listen for movement on the floors above, but couldn't hear anything beyond the sound of his own steps. The lack of noise wasn't all that surprising; Yuki was the silent sort. Yuki Eiri was a man of few words. It was irony that he just happened to be a prized romance novelist. A novelist who had somehow endured and (Shuichi believed) enjoyed a relationship with a rambunctious rock singer.

Stranger relationships had happened, Shuichi assumed, but at the moment couldn't think of any he was too focused on the wooden steps. Through pink bangs, Shuichi's eyes were fixed determinedly at the next staircase landing. He'd check every apartment if he needed to. Every building. Anything to find Yuki.

Shuichi was paused on the landing, catching his breath, when a loud, crisp sound echoed through the building. Shuichi's head jerked upwards towards the sound. His eyes fixed on a wooden door, one flight up, the sound hand started from that apartment and rang down the stairs. Shuichi gripped railing tight.

He knew that sound. It wasn't foreign to him. Especially not when the manager of his music group had a passion for firearms. Shuichi could recognize the sound of a gunshot. He had heard it before.

So had the apartment.

No longer fearing rejection or failure, but something much more intense, Shuichi ran up the remaining steps. He flung the apartment door open and froze, seemingly paralyzed at the sight. Yuki was slumped against a wall, blood marring blond hair. Aside from a few objects on the floor, the apartment was bare, covered only by the dust of time. On one side of the floor lay an unlit cigarette. On the other side, lay a gun. Shuichi's eyes filled with tears.

Vision already blurring, he raced to Yuki. In his haste, he slipped slightly, not even realizing the floor was slick with blood. Crushed, Shuichi fell to his knees in front of his lover. Shuichi grabbed the blond's shoulders and tried to shake him lightly. "Yuki?" he questioned, trying not to focus on his lover's lifeless eyes.

There was no response.

Shuichi's world split out of reality-- just for a moment. The world seemed so far away, and everything was filled with impossibilities. The break up, New York, the gunshot, all of it part of a whirlwind of events that seemed too tragic to be real.

At any moment, Shuichi would wake up, greeting the morning from Yuki's apartment in Japan. After breakfast, Shuichi would go to the studio to sing ; Yuki would stay home to write. It would be just a normal day, far more realistic than this moment. Far more pleasant than events that should only exist in horrible dreams.

Time passed. Skin cooled. Tears joined the pool of blood on the floor. Each passing second, ground the moment into reality, until Shuichi eventually faced it.

For a long time after, Shuichi didn't move, merely clutched Yuki tightly as endless tears flowed from his own eyes. He whimpered at the sight of the blood that stained the floor and marred Yuki's soft skin. No longer sure of anything, and not knowing what to do, Shuichi simply held Yuki tight and cried into the long, cold American night, not yet prepared to ever let go.

One: The End of Stagnation

Now...

Sakuma Ryuichi sat in a plush chair swinging his feet as he waited impatiently in Tohma's office. Tohma had to finish working before they could go to lunch and Ryuichi was impatient. Kumagorou lay in his lap, and the lead singer of Nittle Grasper was much more concerned with the stuffed animal. As the other men concentrated on the news, Ryuichi concentrated on the pink bunny, making it hop about as he murmured quietly to it.

Seguchi Tohma sat behind his desk with his hands folded. He wasn't watching the program, but rather he was studying the reactions of his colleagues. He already knew what the press would be discussing and he wanted to see the other men's reaction to the news. Tohma prided himself on his judgment of character. It was a useful and necessary business skill, even if his judgment wasn't infallible in his personal affairs. Tohma gestured for silence from Ryuichi as the news started its entertainment coverage. Ryuichi complied, cocking both his own head and the bunny's to look at the television.

" 'Gravitation' the last book of famed romance novelist, Yuki Eiri, was released posthumously today. Ironically, this day also marks the author's tragic end just six months ago. Eager, dedicated fans, swamped bookstores, leading to many sellouts. 'Gravitation' has already received much critical acclaim."

Tohma steepled his fingers. He had known about the publishing for quite some time. As President of NG Production he was often privy to information from other companies, and sometimes made it a point of personal interest as well. Aside from his work at NG Production, Tohma held many titles. He was also the keyboardist, manager, and producer for the group Nittle Grasper. Under his watchful eye, a group was practically guaranteed success, circumstances withstanding that is.

"Yuki Eiri's sudden death took many by surprise. Some believe that this event led to the virtual disappearance of Bad Luck's lead singer, Shindo Shuichi, who hasn't been seen since failing to show for a sold out concert. Bad Luck has all but disappeared from the public eye."

K leaned against Tohma's desk watching the reporter. The tall American stood with his arms folded across his chest. He was projecting a relaxed air, but Tohma could tell that he was actually fixated on the screen. This information was new to him, and K hated to be out of the loop. He was practical and efficient in all his dealings. He confronted difficulties head on and often times used them as advantages. All traits considered, K was tenacious and did whatever needed to be done. He was one of the best managers NG Production worked with, aside from Tohma himself, of course.

"In other music news, Nittle Grasper continues to dominate the charts. Their newest single "Out of Mind" debuted on the album charts at number one. Nittle Grasper will be headlining the upcoming NG Production's charity event. They will be one of many bands performing at Central Square later this month."

In contrast to the two managers, Sakano, the producer of Bad Luck, was a nervous wreck. He sat rigidly in the chair behind Ryuichi, his eyes unblinking behind his glasses. The Japanese man could be intensely focused, at least when he wasn't filled with anxiety. Currently, he was wringing the bottom of his shirt in his hands.

"In sports news--"

Tohma clicked off the television and stood, placing his hands upon the desk. "Bad Luck is about to be dropped from this label. They haven't released a single since before, let alone recorded a song. Shindo-san hasn't even set foot in this building for about five months."

Sakano bowed his head, sensing defeat. He'd expected as much. It was only a matter of time. K looked away, suddenly more interested in a blank point on the wall. Tohma was laying down the situation bluntly, and everyone could see where the conversation was leading.

Tohma sighed and turned to the window.

"Without a tour or a new album," he continued, "Bad Luck is at an end."

Kumagorou froze in shock. "End?" Ryuichi echoed.

"Most likely, it's for the best," Sakano spoke softly. "Shindo-kun hasn't had any interest in singi—"

"Shuichi loves singing!" Ryuichi protested, his voice rising a bit. "You can't just let him quit."

Tohma turned. "It's been six months. If Bad Luck is to make a comeback, they can't wait any longer."

K looked up sharply, scrutinizing his friend. He suspected that Tohma's intent wasn't to announce Bad Luck's end, but rather their revival. His mind started to burn with ideas. "So you think this possible?" he asked, more to himself. "It won't be easy."

Tohma shook his head. "No, it will not," he stated bluntly. "There are many obstacles to overcome." Tohma looked over at K, who met his gaze evenly. The American was up for the challenge. Tohma turned towards Sakano, who was shifting his weight from foot to foot. He obviously had reservations.

"What if Shindo-kun doesn't want to?" he ventured nervously.

Before Tohma could comment, Ryuichi was out of his chair, leaving Kumagorou to look concerned. He crossed the distance between the producer and himself. "Shuichi has already lost one thing he loves, would you stand by and let him lose the other?"

Sakano flushed, then dropped his gaze. After a moment he, nodded determinedly. "I will try."

"That is all I ask," Tohma reassured, "but I believe it can be done."

"And Kumagorou does too," Ryuichi added, with a smile, as he held up the bunny.

"You have a plan already?" K asked, sensing that Tohma had everything more or less planned.

Tohma drew out a set of folders from his desk drawer and passed them around. "I do."

Ryuichi and Kumagorou peered over Sakano's shoulder, looking at the folders with wide eyes. "This doesn't look easy," he commented to no one in particular. "Can we eat first?"

Two: Stranger in the Same World

The cup of tea was cold, sitting untouched on the cafe table. Its owner had completely forgot it was there. To be honest, Shuichi wasn't aware of much in the cafe. Its decor was plain and typical, a bit tacky to be considered upscale and a bit too nice to be classified as a dive. A television played news softly in the corner and waitress bustled about trying to act eager even though the patrons were engrossed in their own drinks or conversations.

Shuichi didn't feel like drinking tea. He didn't feel like socializing either, so he contented himself with staring at the tiny porcelain cup. Peripherally, he felt someone beside him, but didn't look up.

"Excuse me," a soft voice asked and Shuichi turned his head to look at a young girl. She wasn't a waitress as he had expected and he doubted she was a fan. Not to many people recognized him now, and Shuichi didn't mind the lack of attention.

After the initial news coverage, Shindo Shuichi and Bad Luck had disappeared from the public's eye. The once popular group had not released a single since the cancelled concert. A gross failure by music industry standards, but compared to personal tragedy it was hardly even considerable.

Shuichi had shunned the press, not wanting attention or criticism. He'd not been in the studio since before New York, and not penned a song since ("glaring one way".) Out of sight: out of mind was an all too applicable phrase for Shindo Shuichi. Not many people recognized him now, especially with bleached blond hair. Even though he didn't want attention, he greeted the girl pleasantly.

"Yes?"

"Are you..." she paused slightly, trepidation coloring her voice.

Shuichi waited patiently.

The girl looked back to her friends, who were urging her on silently. She blushed as she turned to face Shuichi again. "Are you using that chair?"

"No," Shuichi answered, slightly disheartened. He gestured to the space across the table and smiled brightly. "It's all yours."

"Thank you."