//A Sweet Depravity//

RE-UP! [Fanfic: What Lies Ahead and Before] I I

2009-10-22T20:54:57Z

Title: What Lies Ahead & Before (II)
Parts: 4
Author: Iriaca / faded_poetry
Pairing: SakuraxHyde
Summary: Tracing back Sakura & Hyde's love relationship; mainly surrounding the terms of Sakura's arrest. Written in first-person & third person; relating the events and how it cost them.
Disclaimer: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
Author's Note: NOT AU! Based on the actual events revolving around Sakura and Hyde. Smex, my dears, in the later chapters. <3 If you have read this, no harm in reading again, i am quite proud of this. If you haven't, start now. <3333

[What Lies Ahead & Before] Chapter II

The departure of The Flower (Hyde)

I personally think that I’m someone who’s very much acquainted with pain. I know physical, mental, emotional pain so much I’ve become accustomed to it. Pain is a four letter word that’s already a part of me. It’s so real; I think I would cease to exist without it.

Pain is when you fall and graze your knee, pain is when you can’t solve a problem and your head throbs from it. Pain is when you love someone so much, if you should just say their name; your breath would fall short of you. Pain is when your heart hurts so much; you need a stronger, more present pain to numb it.

Pain is reveling in the sweet scent of the cherry blossoms in spring, yet knowing full well that this frail beauty will wither in its passing time.

Sakura, pain is you.

I don’t want to recount the endless different reports, each depicting their own reasons into the entire matter. You deserve nothing like that, none of which told of how you should have felt, none of them justify. The more I see of them, the more I realize that I’ve failed to protect you; I’ve failed to shelter you from the hurt you’re already covered with. For someone as precious as you are, every bit of scrutiny and damage thrown at you is a crime. Even if you did do wrong out of a moment’s folly, I saw as you tore your eyes away from us that you’ve paid for it, dearly. I know what it cost you, even without you telling me. I know that out of everyone who lost, you lost the most, Sakura.

I don’t have to shut my eyes to picture your face, I can already see you. It isn’t just a part of my memory, it’s like I’m living, breathing the very moment our eyes met, and then you said goodbye, just like that. I see everything happening right in front of me; there you are up on the stage, behind the stand. I hate the way it looks, so confined, so small, so claustrophobic, so much like a jailhouse, like a cage. I hate the way it made you look like you did something so wrong. I hate the way I see the hurt reflected in your dark eyes. Your breath, heavy against the mic, your hands shaking, pain so evident and real, I can almost reach out to touch you. Almost; but I’m limited, I can’t.

I don’t sleep at night now; I sit up all night making robot models. If I go to sleep, I’d dream of you and wake up crying, a strong pain in my heart, sometimes so strong I need something else to numb it. But no matter how I numb myself, it’s only temporal. There is a live, gapping hole in my heart that will never be healed until I see you again. Sakura… Your name is a flower, and yet you really are the sun. And I am but a shrub, a wasting weed; withering and shrunken without you. I exist only in places where you are; I need you, I need to feel you, I need to be with you or I can’t breathe. I can’t even feel my heart’s beat without you. From then on, it seems like time has stopped moving as well.

But I know why you ran away; I know why you don’t write to me anymore. When the cut only gets deeper with time, I know you want to escape. I know you don’t want to hurt me. But how can I not bleed for you? With each day it gets harder to see, sometimes I feel we’re both threading on a road, but we cannot see where it leads to. I feel like I’m breaking apart and going crazy, I don’t even know how the tears come these days. Can’t you see? This man you love is falling apart. But I believe one day you’ll come home to me, when you’re ready, when we’re both ready. I still keep the door to the apartment unlocked every night. I’m waiting for you, just like how I’ve always waited up for you before. Please, come back to me, my love. I can’t promise I can heal you, but I would never leave you alone to face this; not leaving each other… wasn’t that the only promise we ever made? So come home… and come home soon.

RE-UP! [Fanfic: What Lies Ahead and Before] I

2009-10-20T19:46:52Z

Title: What Lies Ahead & Before
Parts: 4
Author: Iriaca / faded_poetry
Pairing: SakuraxHyde
Summary: Tracing back Sakura & Hyde's love relationship; mainly surrounding the terms of Sakura's arrest. Written in first-person & third person; relating the events and how it cost them.
Disclaimer: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
Author's Note: NOT AU! Based on the actual events revolving around Sakura and Hyde. Smex, my dears, in the later chapters. <3 If you have read this, no harm in reading again, i am quite proud of this. If you haven't, start now. <3333

[What Lies Ahead & Before] Chapter I

Inner Core (Sakura)

It began that fateful day, lost somewhere in the July of 1997. It was a night out gone wrong. I remember my drunken stupor, driven by alcohol that I did what I did.

Now years down the road, the memory lies fresh in my head. I’ve never forgot and I will never forget. I’ll never live to forgive myself for the tears and pain which I caused and the lives which I overturned. Even though now, everything’s back on track, it’s still as vivid as yesterday.

I remember getting high, very high that night. I didn’t want to at first, but the alcohol had gotten the better of me, I pushed my responsibilities as a media personality, a celebrity aside and popped a few pills. The next thing I knew the police busted the place. And I ended up in the lockup.

Now, in the lockup, I had yelled and screamed at the top of my lungs for them to get me out. Partially, of course because I was still high and partially because I couldn’t believe this was happening. I screamed at them, trying to wrestle my way out of the tiny cell. I even attempted to hit a warden. I say attempt, because before I could, I had passed out.

It took awhile for me to come to my senses and realize I was truly and utterly in deep shit. And nothing in my years of Laruku career was going to get me out of this. Let’s just say, from the moment I woke up, I had this bad feeling in my stomach, rising up, each moment and forcing its way to my throat. I sat extremely still on the edge of the makeshift chair-bed as an officer told me that they had already informed my band and management. I could barely make out what he was saying exactly. All I knew was that I was arrested for doing drugs and I was in a cell.

In a short while, my band mates would be here. But between then and when they arrived, I wanted to disappear. I didn’t want to have to face them. I jeopardized their future along with mine; I had dragged them all into my one moment of folly. I’m a pretty rational person, but right there and then, I wished I could turn back time. I would give up anything to have gone back to undo what I did.

And then they arrived, dressed casually and haphazardly. I heard the door unlock and I shut my eyes, expecting to be thoroughly told off. Instead I was roughly pressed against a familiar, slender, petit body in a tight embrace. The arms around me tightened as trembling hands stroked my hair, rubbing my back tenderly. My eyes welled up with tears and I bit my lip, crying for the first time since my arrest as I breathed in the sweet scent that was Hyde, my Hyde.

He let me cry before he let go, whispering comforting words into my ears as he held me tight against him. I couldn’t look into his eyes, his earnest brown eyes as he spoke to me. “Sakura-chan, you’ll be okay, I’m here”, he said. At that time, I wanted him to slap me, yell at me, and scold me for being stupid. I wanted him to do anything, anything except look at me with such gentleness. I deserve to be yelled at, but yet the next sentence that slipped through those pale pink lips were “I love you, we all do, we’re all gonna stay by you.”

I truly wanted to die; I didn’t understand how he could shower me with a love like that after what I did. Without letting me say anything, he cradled me again. Lying in his embrace, I felt him trembling, his hands shook as they held on to mine, sweat lacing the inside of his palms. As Tetsu and Ken spoke to the officers, I heard him choke back a faint sob; I looked up at his face. He smiled, reassuring me, but the quiver of his lips broke his façade. Hyde was just as scared as I was.

The police came to an agreement with the management and I was allowed to go home and wait. For what, I don’t know. The following days were sheer hell. I couldn’t turn on the TV or the radio without the entire Japan and perhaps the whole world reminding me about my mistake. Everyday, I was hoarded by the media, at my door and down my apartment. I had my blinds drawn the whole time, throwing my entire house into a dull shade of gray. I sat in a daze on my sofa most of the time. Although I could block out the sight of them, I could still hear the relentless clicks of the cameras around my house and the undertones of their voices. I broke down, a complete wreck. I wanted to see no one, nor talk to anyone about this. I threatened to even beat up my manager if he should speak to me. My phone rang endlessly, my mailbox was flooded with fan letters and media pleas for me to speak up, it was out in the papers, and it was everywhere.

I turned to alcohol for comfort, getting drunk by day and night. But my pain wouldn’t lessen, it only grew, overwhelming me by the minute. About a week later, my doorbell rang. In a rage, I threw the door open, wanting to yell at anyone who could be there. To my surprise, I found Ken, Tetsu and Hyde at my doorstep.

Then I knew it was time.

We sat in silence, none of them wanting to speak up, passing each other uncomfortable glances. Finally, after a deep breath, Tetsu spoke. He looked away from me as he told me that Laruku had been taken off the shelves and all activities had been stopped. Hyde bit his lip and held on to Ken. “Sakura, we need to do something about it. We’ve worked far too hard to be taken off like that. The management said we should see you, to come to a decision.”

My heart throbbed heavily inside of me, giving way to a dull pain. I felt like I could pass out. I didn’t want to believe it, but I understood, I told him I’d quit.

“Sakura you don’t have to.” Ken said, offering to think of something together. I kept my head bowed, shaking it. I had caused the trouble, and I would take full responsibility for it. It was the only way, I couldn’t let them down. The band was everyone’s effort, I love it as much they do and I couldn’t let it crumble at my hands.

I stood up to pick up my phone when Hyde stopped me. “Don’t.” he said, pleading with me. “We can think of something.” I brushed his hand off gently, struggling to smile as I kissed his forehead, telling him it was okay and to go back and sit. Turning the phone on, I dialed for the management and the date was arranged when I would publicly announce my departure.

That speech, until today remains a raw, gapping part of my memory. The hardest part wasn’t the humiliation of apologizing to the fans and to the band publicly in front of the media and the watchful eyes of the world. The hardest part was saying goodbye. I can still remember the pain in Hyde’s eyes as he looked at me, tears falling down his face, I remember Ken and Tetsu lowering their heads, pain evident in their reddened eyes. I shut my eyes, turning to look at the media. “For the best interests of the band, I’ve decided to quit.”

The room fell in a momentary silence, before being broken by the cries of fans. “I’m deeply sorry…” I trailed off, shifting my eyes to Hyde, “for what I’ve done. I apologize.” I watched as Hyde put on his shades, but they couldn’t hide the tear tracks on his cheeks, his hand firm on Tetsu’s who was holding on to Ken’s. “I wish Laruku all the best in the future.” With that, I had left the stage.

Everything’s still very vivid, constantly reminding me with a fresh pain that I cannot again succumb to a moment of folly. I’ve foolishly hurt not only myself in the process, but the people around me who love me. The humiliation and heartache comes only secondary, what remains my biggest regret is that I left without bringing myself to remind Hyde of how much I love him.

We write to each other, he tells me how much he misses me and how things would have been. I can only apologize. Laruku is back and well now. They have a new drummer, I’m not upset, but like Hyde I think about what could have been. What would have happened if only…

I’ve been writing to him less, partially because I’ve been picking up my own life and partially because it’s the only thing I can do for him. I can only pray in time his pain would ease. He shouldn’t have to go through the misery of missing me like he does.

I haven’t stopped loving him. I don’t think I could ever. But, eventually, I think I’d stop writing altogether.

FANFIC! [WINTERFALL~A PRELUDE TO SPRING] Part XXIX

2009-10-01T21:48:15Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXIX
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: FINALLY, 29 is done! WOAH. one more part to 30! I don't even know how long more this will take.... should i like... cap it at 40? something? Hahah, any ideas anyone? Will you be bored by then? i know this has taken long and i apologize. *bows* but since it's taken long, it had better be good right? i mean, i hope it is. well, here it commences, DRAMA~ DRAMA~ ANGST AND MORE DRAMA~ Again, thank you so much for sticking with me!
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B twenty four/A twenty four/B twenty five/A twenty five/B twenty six twenty seven twenty eight

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part 29

Mihiko followed him up the stairs, ushering him to Hyde’s door. Sakura could guess she was partially worried about how Hyde would react. If Hyde hadn’t said so himself, Sakura would have thought he specifically asked for his nanny to call him; looking at the lady’s slight stature and gentle features, one could not guess she had the guts to oppose her tyrannical young master.

The pair stopped outside an intricate rosewood door. Sakura looked at the lady, as if to confirm his location. She nodded, taking a deep breath; she raised her hand to knock. “Haido-sama, Sakura-san is-“

Her words were drowned out by a loud bang against the door; rattling it. “Don’t think I will open the door just because you brought Sakura here! Go the fuck away!” Hyde’s voice could be heard, hoarse and raspy from behind the door. With all that shouting, Sakura was not surprised he sounded like that.

“Haido! Don’t yell at her!” Sakura started.

“Shut up! You go away too!” Came the boy’s shrill reply.

Sakura was about to say something in return, but he felt the woman’s hand clasp his wrist, holding him back. “Mihiko-san…” He was suddenly filled with great respect for her, it was obvious her job was not an easy one; having to care for a rich young master such as Hyde.

Glass shattered in the bedroom and Mihiko drew in another shaky breath as if to calm herself down. “Sakura-san, I’ll be downstairs. Please, try to talk Haido-sama into at least eating something.” Her grip on him tightened as she spoke; and there was a slight quake to her voice; her tone though, remained sincere, worried to the point of being troubled by the issue at hand. With a low bow, she released his hand, turning curtly; she made her way down the stairs.

“Mihiko’s gone. You wanna open up?” Sakura asked, slightly irritated at the way Hyde was behaving in the face of so much concern for him.

Hyde coughed, looking for balance against the bed frame. “Don’t think I’ll open… the door… just because you’re Sakura!” He said loudly, amidst more coughing.

“You sound terrible!” Sakura yelled, rapping on the door loudly. “Hey! Haido! Don’t be such a brat! Let me come in and look at you!” He paused, waiting for a response, but all he got was silence. The frown on his face deepened and the older man ran a hand through his thick mane, his mind trying to work out what step to take next. “Hai-“ The door swung open and Hyde stood behind it. The boy looked worse than he had imagined, there were heavy dark circles under his eyes, and the unmanaged mop of deep brunette hair that fell around his face only seemed to serve as a contrast to his stark pallid skin. Hyde wore nothing but a carelessly done bathrobe, the length of the sleeves extending past his wrists, one side of it slipping down his shoulder, leaving much of his thin body exposed. Hyde swayed in his place, staggering a little until he regained his footing. Glaring at Sakura, who returned him a shocked expression, he turned and padded slowly towards the window.

Sakura shut the door behind him and approached the boy slowly; when he heard the crunch of something underneath his shoe. “Shit.” He cursed, lifting his foot only to see a single crystal shard. “Haido, what did you…” The older man lifted his eyes and let out a silent gasp. Scattered around the room were heaps of broken objects; glass, crystal, wood, amongst dislodged metal ornaments and broken lamps, torn books, pencils snapped into half, crumpled pieces of paper, bed sheets and necessities strewn angrily across the floor. “What did you do?”

“Cut the crap!” The boy snapped. “If you’re going to try to convince me to see a doctor, you can forget it!” The older man moved with care, trying not to step on anything else while edging closer to Hyde. “Don’t come near me!” Hyde yelled, coughing at the end of his sentence. With every hitch in his breath he felt more pain at his chest, like knife-cuts, growing more intense. Sakura rushed up to him, holding him by the shoulders; keeping his grip firm but gentle, fearing that any single form of pressure on the boy’s frail body would cause him to break. “Don’t… touch me…” Hyde managed, trying to push the man away.

“Haido!” Sakura scolded, “You need to see a doctor now!”

Hyde struggled, barely breaking away from the older man’s grasp. As much as his sore body would relish some form of help, he was proud enough not to want Sakura to see him like that. “I… no… no doctors…”

“Why are you so stubborn?” Sakura tried to feel for the boy’s forehead, but Hyde squirmed, shielding his face away from him.

“Stubborn?” Hyde stopped, giving Sakura a weak shove. “Stubborn… I’m not… going to… get better!” He trashed about, not allowing Sakura to touch him as he backed against the windowsill.

“It’s just a fever!” Sakura was exasperated, he sighed, his hands dropping to his sides.

“It’s just a fever!” Hyde repeated in a laughing tone, his glazed eyes wide and full of mockery. “It’s just a fever! Just a fucking fever! And I’m not getting better!” He screamed, burying his face into his palms, his wan frame trembling. The boy broke down between laughing and coughing, an arm slapped over his abdomen as the stitch in his side grew tighter. Sakura approached him quietly, squatting beside him. He was going to offer support when the boy reached out blindly, trying to find his balance; his cough worsening. Sakura held him by the shoulders, easing him to sit. Tears plodded from Hyde’s eyes; the more he tried to even out his breathing, the tighter his sides felt, he could feel the increasing constriction in his lungs and gut; the more he tried to stop, the worse his coughing fit would get. He felt Sakura move in to hold him and then there it was again, the dizzying sensation of nausea. Hyde shoved the man away, clambering to his feet he dashed to the bathroom, falling to his knees with a loud, clumsy thud. He bent over the bowl, vomiting again, this time, bringing up nothing but gastric juice. Sakura dashed in, completely uncertain of what he was to do. In a fluster he just got down beside the youth, soothing his back. He did not dare to touch him and it was painful to watch as the thin boy clutched his stomach, convulsing with great effort only to heave up more of that transparent acid; all, while he could do nothing about it but to watch on in helplessness. It took awhile before the vomiting eased, leaving Hyde slumped against the bowl, pale and exhausted; whimpering in pain.

Sakura collected the boy against his chest, holding the shuddering boy close; peeling sweat matted hair off his forehead, coaxing Hyde until he felt the boy’s tense body relax. He decided it was probably a good idea to get him cleaned up a little; at least so he would not feel so uncomfortable. He got up from the floor and wet a hand towel. “Haido,” his voice was gentle as he let Hyde lean against the wall, but the boy only fell limp to his side, his eyes unfocused, tears, vomit and drool on the side of his face and chin. Sakura steadied him, tilting Hyde’s chin to clean him up. “Sit still; I’ll just be a while.” He said, making sure the boy would not just crumple onto his side again, he hurriedly got up and left the cloth in the sink; deciding to take care of it later.

Hyde’s gaze shifted, reddened eyes focusing on the man who sat down beside him. Slowly, fresh tears welled up in his eyes and he choked up and began to cry. He hated himself for being so weak; he hated that Sakura had to see him like this, at the same time, he felt a small comfort to his present state that the older man was here to pick up the pieces. Most of all, he hated the fact that he was burdened with this condition and the ailments that came along with it. To anyone else, having a fever was common, but to him, having a fever could set the stage for something worse. Why? Why did it have to be him? Why was he so weak? The emotions proved too much for his frail body to handle and he almost blacked out, only to fall into Sakura’s waiting arms. “It hurts” he sobbed, shaking with the force of his own movements as Sakura caught him.

“What hurts,” Sakura asked, holding Hyde closer against him, resting the boy’s head against his shoulder, letting him cry freely into his shirt.

“Everything!” Hyde complained in a thin voice, tiny hands clenching tight into fists. The boy paused, drawing in a shaky breath; shuddering. “I threw up four times! Four fucking… times! Everything hurts!”

“You’re not feeling well… that’s why.” He hushed the boy, whispering sweet nothings against sweat matted hair and running his hand up and down his back, oblivious to the severity of Hyde’s actual condition. Wanting to find comfort, but knowing there was none; not now at least, Hyde only sobbed louder and harder. Sakura held Hyde closer, unaware of what the boy was referring to, only understanding it as a cry of pain from a bad bout of fever. He rocked Hyde slightly, soothing him; knowing he would only stop when he was worn out from this. And given the boy’s present state, he didn’t think it would take long.

And he was right; a short while later, Hyde’s crying gave way to labored breathing, exhaustion taking over every part of his body. Despite his fever, the boy succumbed to a wave of cold shivers, “I’m… I’m… tired… I want to sleep…” He complained in a small voice, a limp hand clutched against his chest.

Without another word, Sakura picked the boy up and carried him to the bed, trying to avoid stepping on anything else and creating a bigger mess. Carefully he fluffed the pillows under the boy’s head and helped him under the covers; tucking them under the brunette’s chin. Hyde kept his gazed fixed on him as he reached over and felt his forehead. “You’re burning up.” He said, half scolding him. Hyde blinked, but did not take his eyes off the older man; an unreadable expression on his pale face as a small sob escaped his lips. Sakura brought a finger to the corners of Hyde’s eyes, brushing against those long lashes as he made an attempt to dry the ghost tear tracks. “Are you willing to see a doctor now?” He knew the answer he would get was an obvious one; he could already well see that the boy was too worn out to keep up the fight against his own body. He got a weak nod as the boy sank further behind the covers.

“Cold…” he mumbled and Sakura stood up. Immediately Hyde reached for the older man’s hand, grabbing the corner of his sleeve, a pained look in his eyes.

Sakura smiled, taking Hyde’s hand in his. “I’m just going to get Mihiko to call a doctor and get you some more blankets.”

“No… Don’t, don’t go.” Hyde’s voice quivered as he spoke; he was feeling increasingly tired. “I’m scared, don’t go, please.”

“And how do I get Mihiko?” Sakura was exasperated at the boy’s requests. “I won’t be long.” He insisted.

The boy shook his head, heavy eyelids fluttering close. “Use… the phone.” He motioned to the side of the bed, where a phone was left unplugged, strewn on the floor. “Don’t you dare… leave this room… stay with me…” he whispered, tugging Sakura’s arm, compelling the older man to a sitting position on the bed, beside him. The boy shifted closer, not releasing his grip on Sakura, snuggling up against the pair of warm, larger hands.

“Brat,” was the last thing he heard Sakura say before his conscious mind gave out and he spiraled into a restless sleep.

It only took minutes after he had informed Mihiko that a couple of maids came up to clear the room; efficiently and without noise. While Hyde’s nanny came up with a washcloth and a basin of water to tend to the boy before the doctor would arrive. Hyde squirmed and shivered a deep frown on his face, all the while holding onto Sakura’s hand, making it even tougher for Mihiko to sponge him. The woman paused, dabbing her own forehead with the back of his hand, smiling warmly at Sakura and thanking him for his help. With an awkward smile on his face, Sakura offered to tend to Hyde until the doctor arrived.

“Is that really alright, Sakura-san? I would be able to manage…” She said politely.

Sakura scratched his head and grinned, gesturing to the single clammy hand in his own. “It’s not like I’ll be leaving anytime soon…”

“In that case…” She handed him the washcloth, “Then I’ll help clean up the room. Thank you, Sakura-san.”

Sakura nodded, chewing on his lip, feeling a little strange to be getting so much credit for not doing much. But it would seem that not acknowledging it would make the older lady thank him more, so he just quietly nodded, all while trying to keep a straight smile. Suddenly Hyde’s unconscious form jolted back; his grip on Sakura’s hand tightened. Sakura leaned close immediately to check on him. The boy’s parted lips were a harsh shade of pale and he was shivering; his breathing heavy even as he broke out in sweat. “You’re going to be fine…” he whispered, reaching over to feel for Hyde’s temperature. A frown darkened the older man’s features even before he reached the boy’s forehead; even from a small distance, he could feel the heat radiating off Hyde’s thin, shaking form. Confirming his assumptions he quickly drew his hand away; hurriedly dabbing at Hyde’s forehead and neck with the washcloth, hoping the coolness of it would help ease him a little before the doctor arrived. “The doctor’s on his way…” even though he wasn’t sure the brunette could hear him nor was he certain he was offering any form of comfort at all. But that was just the way it was, there wasn’t anything else he could do but to whisper soothing words over and over again until the frown on that pallid forehead eased, and the sweaty hand in his relaxed.

Moments later there was a commotion in the hallway. Sakura leaned over, trying to listen but not daring to move much in case he should disturb Hyde. The muffled voices reached the door and the footsteps paused; whispering could be heard and then a knock sounded. One that Sakura knew, was out of polite manners and needed none of his acknowledgement. Mihiko entered, bowing slightly at him before ushering in a man no older than himself. The man was dressed in a pale pinstripe shirt and dark pants and even though his hair was quite a bright shade of auburn, it did nothing to mar the air of professionalism about him. The man stopped in his tracks and turned to Sakura, glancing at him quite inquisitively, before bowing in a courteous manner.

“Sakura-san, this is Ogawa-sensei, he will tend to Haido-sama.” Mihiko said, gesturing to the man as she spoke. “Ogawa-sensei, Sakura-san is Haido-sama’s close friend.” At this the doctor bowed again, smiling kindly.

Sakura blinked hard, trying to register. “Uh… Hi… I’m sorry,” he fumbled, thinking it was too rude of him not to stand up and bow, but was unable to do so without a low groan of irritation from the boy on the bed. “Really,” he turned with a look of exasperation to the sleeping form, his shoulders drooping as he gave a resigned sigh. “I’m really sorry,” Sakura turned to the man, offering his other hand in a handshake, which the doctor shook, firmly. “It’s really rude of me, but it’s really nice to meet you.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine… I know how Haido-san can get.” He laughed, a mischievous glint passing his eyes. “And please, call me Tetsu. Until now, I cannot get used to the term, Ogawa-sensei.” He paused as he said it, thoughtfully pushing his work glasses up his nose. Sakura nodded, suppressing a grin. It felt awkward that the doctor should be so young, but at the same time, it felt less tense.

A third lady entered the room, a nurse. Sakura supposed she was the doctor’s immediate assistant. She carried a few bags, and set them down on the bedside table. “Tetsu-sensei, we’re ready.” She said, while making an acknowledging bow at Sakura.

Tetsu gave a small nod to Mihiko who stepped forward to take Hyde’s hand from Sakura. “Sakura-san, if you don’t mind…”

“Oh no, it’s fine. I’ll be outside.” Sakura said, peeling the boy’s hand off his own. He heard Hyde mumble a protest before Mihiko hushed him, giving Sakura a nod to signal that everything was okay. With a small bow and a word of thanks, Sakura excused himself to let the doctor do his job.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXVIII

2009-08-09T23:27:42Z

The next time he awoke, was the sound of his own coughing. He was already propped up on one elbow, unable to lay still and just give in to sleep. Hyde tried to breathe deep; slow, but with every breath he took he could feel his lungs constrict; bringing up only more violent, wrecking coughs. Hyde clutched his side; feeling a burning, uneasy sensation at the back of his throat, forcing its way up from his gut. Clamping a hand shut over his lips, the boy scrambled out of bed, barely making it to the bathroom. Once he threw the door open, he went straight for the bowl; unable to stop himself as he threw up. He didn’t know how long he was there for; but when he was done, it left him weak, shivering and breaking out in a sweat. Pressing the flush weakly, he got up to stand, using the wall as a support. He had only made a few steps back into the bedroom when a sharp stab of pain shot from his heart. Hyde gasped, crumpling to the floor, accidentally taking a table lamp with him. “Fuck.” He swore, clutching at his chest. The lampshade rolled off the stand and right to the edge of his feet. Great, just great, not only was he having a fever, now his heart had decided to join in the charade.

“Haido-sama!” Mihiko entered the room. She had rushed upstairs upon hearing the crash. Spotting Hyde on the floor, she immediately ran over to have a look at him. “Haido-sama, what happened?” She looped an arm around the boy’s waist, helping him to stand. As soon as he was on his feet, he felt it again; the same wave of nausea. Pushing Mihiko away from him he dashed into the bathroom again. Mihiko paced around outside; torn between wanting to care for the boy and his temperament. She had been looking after Hyde for so long; she knew how it was like when he got sick. After awhile, the flushed sounded; followed by a low groan of pain. Mihiko knocked and entered. Hyde was slumped against the wall, his dark brunette hair matted down with sweat.

Holding her gaze for a split second; Hyde rasped, “Get out.”

“But, Haido-sama-“

“Get out!”

“We should at least-“ She didn’t get to finish her sentence before a washing glass was flung towards the wall; missing her purposefully.

“I said get out!” Hyde screamed, his whitened fist clutching at his chest. With an idle hand he picked up the silver soap plate, flinging it across the floor. “Get out! Get out!” he screamed repeatedly, thinned fingers fumbling across various items in his reach and throwing them in her direction.

A worried frown on her face, Mihiko backed away. She knew the boy must be feeling terrible. She could tell from the tears on his cheeks and the shaking of his slight frame.

“Get the fuck out…” Was all she could hear before Hyde trailed off; his voice cracking as he broke down into sobs. Resignedly she left, closing the bedroom door quietly. Deciding she could only come back later when he had calmed down. But too worried to go far, she went downstairs to get the kitchen to prepare some light food, before waiting outside his room.

“Haido-sama” The young girl stopped short in her sentence as Hyde turned to glare at her. “I brought-“ She did not get to finish her sentence before the door swung open and a bowl of porridge was flung at her. Before she could react the door was slammed shut. The young maid dropped her wash basin, dashing down the flight of stairs in tears.

Mihiko marched up the stairs, hoping the pacify Hyde into opening the door. Before she had even gotten anywhere near the boy’s room; the loud sound of glass shattering and items being flung to the floor could be heard. Taking a deep breath the lady calmed herself, proceeding to knock on Hyde’s door. “Haido-sama,” she called.

She heard a small scattering before a loud smash against the door. “Go… the fuck away.” Hyde’s sentence was strained, as though it took him effort.

“Haido-sama, you should at least let me call Ogawa-sensei…”

“NO!” Behind closed doors; Hyde was huddled up near the window. “I don’t want doctors! I don’t want the food! I don’t want anything! I don’t want to see anybody! Leave me alone!”

“But Haido-sama, your fever!”

“Go away! I don’t want to talk to you!” He shouted; backing further against the wall. Hyde shut his ears; angry tears flooding his eyes. Confining himself to the prison of his condition; “Go away…” he mumbled; softer. He pulled the telephone over, once it had gotten close enough to him, he flung it forward; letting the object hit the floor with a dull thud. Hyde shut his eyes; his head growing heavier; the ache at his heart seemingly spreading; he felt sore, painful, tired.

“Haido-sama…”

He wearily flung a photo-frame at the wall; “Leave me,” he panted. “Or, you’re all fired!”

Over the next few hours, the mansion went through two extremities – extreme silence and extreme chaos. No one dared to even do anything that might cause them to be caught in the way of Hyde’s tantrum. Mihiko refused to let anyone else upstairs besides herself; Hyde had locked his door from the inside, preventing anyone from checking in on him. All she could do was to knock and ask. But she did not get any sort of proper response. There were times when not a sound came from behind the door; not even the shuffling of feet or the shifting of the quilted blankets; and then there were times when the painfully sharp crack of something being thrown across the floor would fill the house. Even though Mihiko knew she would have a hard time packing up after this; but it eased her mind. To her, Hyde’s tantrum was a sign that he was pissed off; upset and fighting… basically alive. Just awhile ago, Hyde had threw open his windows and emptied out his silver pillbox out onto the porch. And he had not touched any of the food and drinks that were sent to his room. The boy simply tossed them out or threw them down from his window again. Mihiko weighed her options… Calling Hyde’s father was out of the question. Suddenly, a heavy thud sounded against the wall. Worried; Mihiko pressed her ear against it. And then it sounded again, followed by the angry shuffling of paper, the lightweight slips dropping to the floor with certain force. She smiled; Hyde was still in there getting angry. Still contemplating, she walked on to the stairs, deciding she should at least make him a cup of tea. He might not drink it; but in case he should want to, she wanted to have it ready for him. Walking past the sofa, her foot got lodged in Hyde’s briefcase and knocked it over. Calmly, she knelt to pick it up; thinking that Hyde must have just left it here when he came home last evening. Among the items was a company name card, looking at it, an idea came to her. Hurriedly packing all the items into the bag, she left for her study, the card in her hand.

Absent-mindedly, Sakura reached over for his cell-phone. Still facing the computer, he flipped it open, pushing reading glasses further up his nose. There was no new text or any missed calls. The older man frowned, checking his history while shifting between computer and phone. Hyde was not around and he was taking the boy’s workload for today as well as his own. Scheduling the things that Hyde was in charge of into his own planner, it suddenly dawned on him that he was very lucky to have Hyde. It would not be easy to find someone half as capable or hardworking. Thinking of that, he went back to his phone again, flipping it open and close; just to see if it would ring. And then it did, but not his cell phone. The office line rang and thinking it might be Hyde, Sakura picked it up instantly.

“Moshi-moshi?”

“I would like to speak with Sakurazawa-san please.” It was a woman.

Sakura raised an eyebrow, straightening in his seat. “Yes, this is him. How can I help you?”

“My name is Mihiko, I’m Haido-sama’s nanny…”

“WHAT?” He removed his reading glasses, sure that he heard wrong. Why would Hyde’s nanny call him; and how did she get his number or know who he was? “How the…”

“Sakurazawa-san, I would love to explain it to you, but it’s a bit of an emergency…” She gave him an address, asking him to make a trip down immediately. He recognized it as Hyde’s home address and he would have asked some more questions but the woman had ended the call right after stating her causes, not giving him time to even react. Still in partial shock, Sakura packed up stiffly, clutching the address in his hand. He wasn’t sure why he was going. Maybe it was something out of Hyde’s bag of tricks again, maybe he was just plain curious. Or maybe it was the compelling tone in her voice. Whatever the reason was, he was now already halfway in his car, about to drive over to the Takarai residence.

The sound of a car’s engine filled the driveway and Hyde sat bolt up, clambering to the window. Recognizing the make and model of the car, he swore aloud. Watching as Sakura exited, it came to him all the more clear that Mihiko had taken it on herself to contact the older man. The anger further rose within him and Hyde spun around, staggering to his table. Finding a thick book on it he made his way back to the window. Throwing it open threw the book down with effort. The book landed with a thud, right at the moment when Mihiko had gone out to invite Sakura indoors, landing just inches between the two of them. “Fuck you!” Hyde spat. “Don’t think I’ll open the door, just because… just because you’ve got Sakura to come!”

Sakura turned to look up, shocked. He caught Hyde’s eye and the youth stared at him momentarily before leaning back in and slamming the windows shut. “Right… I was worried that I would have trouble locating Hyde’s room.” He gave the sprawling building a long scan, and then shrugged, loosening up his shoulders. “But I guess not.”

“Fuck!” Hyde slammed his drawers shut. Of all people Mihiko called Sakura. And the man was the last person Hyde wanted to see him like this. Picking up a graphic photo frame Hyde threw it across the floor; watching with angry tears in his eyes as it smashed, not caring for the tiny bits of glass that got caught in his hands and feet; embedding into his skin like minute red blots. Still, they were nothing compared to the pain and discomfort he was in now.

Downstairs, Sakura could hear him. He winced at the noise, “Is he always like this? What’s wrong with him?”

Any other day Mihiko would have laughed at this, but in the severity of the situation, she could not. Instead she gave the man an awkward smile and handed him a cup of tea, explaining herself. “Sakurazawa-san, I need your help. I’m at a loss. Haido-sama’s locked himself in, he isn’t feeling well and he hasn’t had anything to eat or drink the whole day. He wouldn’t see anyone and he refuses to let me call the doctor... I was hoping…” She trailed off, unsure on how to breech the question.

“Well, he sure sounds energetic,” he said, referring to the amount of noise from upstairs. “And please, call me Sakura.” He took a sip of his tea and stood up, taking a deep breath. “I will try.”

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXVII

2009-08-04T21:24:57Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXVII
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: an onset of drama unfolding!~ this chapter might seem a little short, because instead of writing a very long chapter and breaking it up into A & B parts, i decided to make this string of events take place in 2 chapters instead. Now that i'm in the mood, the next chapter, 28 will be up in a couple of days. So do read on and find out.
Also, i apologize for the indents of the paragraphing. LJ-cut wasn't being nice to me at all so i had to manually do them; sorry if the suck.
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B twenty four/A twenty four/B twenty five/A twenty five/B twenty six

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXVII

                Sakura winced, sticking close to the side of his car as the roar of engine filled the covered car-park. Hyde’s silver Porsche whizzed past him, easing into the lot beside his. The car parked so atrociously close to his, barely giving him space to maneuver his way out between the two vehicles. Adjusting his briefcase so as not to scratch anything, he cautiously made his way; making a mental note to again remind Hyde of his reckless lack of driving skills. He lit a cigarette and waited, as a silver door opened. From where he was, he could see Hyde packing his items into his bags, picking them up, slowly. And then, in the same weary manner, the youth exited, bags in hand, all wrapped up in a coat with a matching scarf looped around his neck. “Good morning… but, where are you going?” Sakura asked, raising an eyebrow, sure it was getting cold, but the heaviness of Hyde’s outfit looked like it could almost drown him under the layers.

                 Shutting the car door, Hyde sent a menacing glare his way; before turning away quickly. “I…” he couldn’t finish his sentence before he cut himself off with violent coughing. Sakura dashed over, but Hyde dismissed him, waving an idle hand to signal he was alright. Still coughing, he pinned he weight against his car, his palm not leaving its sleek frame.

                  “Are you alright?” Sakura tried to support him, but the boy waved him off again.

                  “I’m… fine… just a cold…” he managed, between coughs. He moved away from his car slowly, allowing Sakura to walk beside him; his footsteps uneven as he cupped a hand over his mouth, trying to suppress the cough.

                   “If you’re not well, you should have stayed at home.”

                    Hyde sniffed loudly, blowing his nose into a scented tissue. He pretended he couldn’t hear the man, giving a loud sigh of exasperation as the lift door opened with a chime. He picked up speed, walking just a little ahead of Sakura as they entered the office. Hyde greeted them by nodding slightly, masking another cough with his hand. He could still hear Sakura behind him as he entered his room; the older man had been breathing down his neck ever since they left the car-park. Without thinking, Hyde gave the door a push as he entered, shutting it before Sakura could catch up. He slouched into his seat as soon as he reached it, dropping his bags unceremoniously on the floor beside him.

                    A knock on the door sounded and Hyde didn’t have to think to guess who it was. “Come in Sakura,” he said, ending with a soft cough. He dropped his tissue into the bin and pulled out another, holding it in his hand. Sakura came in with a cup of warm water and he placed it on the boy’s desk.“Thanks,” Hyde took the cup gratefully, taking a huge sip of water. He knew it wouldn’t do much to help instantly, but all the coughing had made his throat feel sore.

                    “Haido, you really should-“

                    “I told you, I’m fine.” Suddenly, feeling a little short of breath, he paused before starting again. “I must have caught a cold last night…”

                    “That’s because you spent the previous few nights up late and waking up early planning the whole Gackt thing! It’s no wonder you’ve fallen sick!”

                     Hyde gave a loud groan of irritation, “You’re still at it!”

                     “What do you mean by still at it? I’m saying this for your own good! You should have known better than to have fallen sick! And if you’re sick you should go to a doctor!”

                    “There’s no need for a doctor!” Hyde coughed, gulping down some more water, “It’s just a cold!”

                    “If you put in the effort you had when planning Gackt’s surprise farewell into taking care of yourself maybe you wouldn’t have fallen sick!”

                   “You’re jealous again!” Hyde almost screamed. “You’re giving me a headache!”

                    Sakura rolled his eyes, rubbing his temples in defeat. “You… you’re so difficult!” He opened his mouth to say something else, but shut it again, deciding not to bother himself with it. “Fine! Do as you please then!” He turned to leave, “Oh yes, and you’re a terrible driver!”

                   Hyde picked up a post-it pad by his side and threw it against the closing door, missing Sakura’s head by a few seconds. “Moron!” he scolded. He coughed again; hard enough for his sides to hurt, causing him to tear. Hyde bent over, ignoring his throbbing head as he waited for the strain to pass.

                  Two hours passed before another knock sounded at his door. Hyde was reading a file and felt too weary to raise his head up to look, “Rika-chan, get me some water… please…” he said slowly, ducking further into his scarf. He shivered a little, sniffing.

                 “It’s not Rika, but I can get you a refill…”

                  At the sound of the voice Hyde looked up, “Sakura…” he sniffed again, resting his head against his fingers.

                “I’m going for a meeting… if you want to I can drop you off at the hospital…”

                 A small smile crept up on Hyde’s lips; he could see Sakura avoiding his eyes. “I see you’re done being jealous, and I accept your way of apologizing…” he gave way to a small cough again, pulling out yet another tissue. “And I’m fine, I still… have work.”

                “Last offer?”

                 Hyde shook his head, smiling. “Oh, I have something for you…” his voice trailed off as he reached down into one of the bags, pulling out a palm sized box. “Here,” he said, tossing it over to the older man, who caught it with ease. “See if you like it.”

                Curious, Sakura undid the bow and opened it. “It’s…” Sitting inside, curtained between luscious velvet was a silver wristwatch. He studied the face, studded with diamonds on its four quarters, and on the sleek minute and second hands sat even smaller diamonds. He looked back up at Hyde who was eagerly awaiting his response.

                “I saw it yesterday while shopping… Swiss-made in case you’re thinking… and, yes, real diamonds.” The boy rested his chin on his palm. “I figured you needed one.”

               Warmth settled into him, filling him up from his chest. “Thank you… I didn’t think…”

               “Just so you know, I didn’t just shop for my own stuff.” Judging from Hyde’s expression, he knew the boy already knew… the way this gift moved him; the way he couldn’t express himself. “I knew you would like it; I trust my taste… And, you’re welcome.”

              “Haido…” Was all he could muster up.

             “Go on, put it on!”

              Nodding, Sakura pressed the watch against his wrist, fumbling, he found the ends and clasped it; tight and shut. The size of the face was ideal for his hand; the diamonds made its minimalistic design look elegant even. He brought a finger to its face; he would guess its price, but it wouldn’t take him aback more than it did to know that there was still someone who would make an effort to buy him a gift just because. Sure, he knew Hyde was rich enough to do so, but the thought behind the gift stroke an even deeper chord inside him.

              “You’re going to be late,” Hyde came to stand beside him, arms crossed in an action to make himself feel warmer.

               He nodded again, smiling, “I’ll be back just after lunch. Haido, please, if you don’t feel well enough to work, go home and have a rest.”

               Hyde rolled his eyes, pretending to scowl at him. “Yes nanny, I know what to do. You’re like an old maid! Now, go!” he shooed him, “Bye!”

-------------------------------

              “Thank you very much.” Sakura said, bowing formally before giving the client a firm handshake. “We will do our best.” He bowed again, closing the door as he exited. Heaving a sigh of relief, the man pulled his cell phone out from the briefcase and turned it back on. He had turned it off during the course of the meeting. He checked the time; it was already 4pm; making his way to the car, he checked the phone again, going through the list of calls he had missed. One from the office; followed by a simple text message from Rika, to let him know about a new document she had left on his table; but none from Hyde. It surprised him a little; but it also made him feel a little less worried, perhaps the boy felt well enough to stay after all. Starting the engine, he thought it would be nice to grab something on the way back; he made a mental note to round by St. Leaven’s for donuts remembering how Hyde loved them. With a smile that wasn’t going to leave his face; he turned out of the car-park.

              “Sachou-san,” His employees greeted him as he passed them. Sakura smiled and nodded, “I bought some snacks, I’ll leave them in the infantry; help yourselves!” Shouts of thanks and happy faces filled the place instantly.

               A young man passed him as he entered the infantry; leaving two bags of donuts and puffs on the table, still carrying another one in his arms. He pulled out a clean glass from the cupboard and placed a teabag in it. “Sachou-san, you’re back.” The young man now greeted him as he waited for Sakura to finish using the hot water kettle.

              “Yosuke-kun,” Sakura recognized him from the Administrations side.

              “Anou… is that for Haido-san?”

               Sakura raised his eyebrows, turning around. “Yes… why do you ask?”

               “Ah, no, that’s very nice of you, Sachou-san. Haido-san did not go for lunch at all, and just now he…” He saw Sakura’s eyes go wide and he stopped short, cutting himself off immediately.

               “He what? Did something happen?”

               The man looked slightly taken aback as Sakura had raised his voice a little. He backed against the water kettle, tipping it carefully and filling his cup.

              “Yosuke.” Sakura held him in a firm gaze. “Tell me.”

              “He asked me not to tell anyone!” He started, stammering. Barely daring to look his boss in the eye, Yosuke knew he wasn’t going to back down unless he had finished what he started. Silently, he cursed at himself for being such a big-mouth; but he had did it out of concern after all. How was he to know that Sakura had no idea? Yosuke took a deep breath, playing with the cup in his hands. His words came out like a broken record; now, he was sure Hyde would have him slaughtered.

            “Haido!” Sakura marched into the room. He placed the donuts and tea on the coffee table and went straight for Hyde.

             The small figure behind the desk moved slowly, pulling himself back up together from the position laying his head on the marble. Staring at Sakura, he blinked slowly, before pulling his coat tighter around his body. “Sakura,” he mumbled, sniffing. “How was… the deal?”

              Sakura couldn’t believe it; he was only gone for a few hours. “You look terrible, how are you feeling?” he reached out to the boy, but Hyde slapped his hand off. The boy winced at his own use of force, though slight; it felt taxing, he slumped back against his hand, coughing; going back to resuming the position of laying his head on the table.

              “Tell me… the clients…” Hyde mumbled, burying another span of coughs into his coat.

              “You skipped lunch, why? And you really look sicker than you did this morning!”

              “I wasn’t… hungry. And… I’m fine. You’re too noisy.”

              “Haido! You’re not fine! Yosuke told me you fainted in the infantry!”

               Hyde sat bolt up, slamming his fists dully on the table. “I’m going to kill him! I told him not to tell!” He shrieked, only to send a dull ache through his chest. Hyde gave a groan of discomfort and curled up on the chair, coughing softly.

               Sakura knelt beside the youth’s chair, spinning it to face him. “Haido,” he took the boy’s hand, alarmed when the heat passed through his fingertips. “You’re running a temperature!”

                Hyde opened his eyes and looked at him, this time not brushing his hand off. He didn’t look like he had the strength to do anymore than just sit. “I know…” Sakura was exasperated, he opened his mouth to tell him off but Hyde stopped him. “But really… it’s nothing… I… I didn’t faint,” he paused, drawing a breath wearily. “Yosuke… that moron… I just blacked out, for a minute or so… I’m really fine… Besides… it’s another hour and a half… till six… I have… files…” he coughed again, a loud, violent stretch. Sakura immediately pulled him close, soothing his back until he stopped; tears flooding his eyes and streaming down his cheek. Gently, the older man eased him to lay back on the chair, bringing a glass of water to his lips. Hyde took it with both hands and it was evident by the way they quivered and his ragged breathing that he was in pain.

                “You don’t have any more files and I’ll help you call your chauffeur.” He offered. And this time the boy did not refuse. Hyde gave him a defeated smile and a word of thanks as he handed the glass back to him. “Rest for a bit, I’ll wake you when he’s here.” Sakura said as he stood up, picking up Hyde’s files.

                 “Ask him to hurry…” Hyde’s voice was soft, weak even. He did not want to exert himself, lest he should erupt into coughs again. “Or I’ll fire him…”

                 He waited for Hyde to shut his eyes before bending over to button the topmost buttons of the boy’s coat. Making sure he was warm, Sakura ran a hand through those brunette locks, gently. “I’ll come back to check on you.” He whispered. Files in hand, he turned to leave.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXVI

2009-07-14T23:50:11Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXVI
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm back guys, sorry for the wait! But...T___________________T Goodbye Gackt!
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B twenty four/A twenty four/B twenty five/A twenty five/B

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXVI

    Sakura didn’t have to think hard to know when Gackt arrived. He saw Hyde smile; a ray across his face as he stood up, arms outstretched to welcome the other man.

    “Ga-kun!” Hyde gushed, as the blonde took him in for a hug.

    Standing up as well, Sakura glanced away at the precise moment, suppressing the nagging urge to clear his throat aloud while they hugged.

    “Haido-chan, Sakura-san,” Gackt bowed, greeting him politely as they took a seat. “I’m sorry I’m late; I was caught up with the packing.”

    “Oh no, Ga-kun, you’re not late at all! Sakura and I just had one drink while waiting, that’s all. But then, you know, I could always wait for you!” Hyde smiled, signaling the waitress to inform the kitchen. The food would be served soon.

---------------------

    The dinner had gone on without a hitch amidst small talk and table banter and minimal waiting time; it seemed that Hyde had planned everything perfectly, without so much as a flaw in between. “So, Ga-kun, how did you like the food? And the place? Was it difficult to get here?”

    Gackt laughed, putting down his desert fork. “How am I supposed to answer so many questions at once?”

    “Ah, sorry!” Hyde laughed as well, his cheeks reddening. He reached for his glass of water and took a sip. “I’m just anxious! You know, I planned so hard for this!”

    “You planned everything Haido?”

    Hyde nodded enthusiastically; leaning closer to Gackt; waiting to be complimented. And as Sakura calculated, he did. The blonde reached over and took Hyde’s hand; but Sakura did not expect this… Gackt leaning to kiss Hyde, on the cheek no less.

    “Ga-kun!” Hyde gasped, covering his cheeks with his hands.

    “I love the food, the place is amazing and it wasn’t difficult at all to get here, thank you Haido.”

    Hyde blushed deeper and looking at the two compliment and flatter each other, it was Sakura’s turn to gulp down his water; he wondered how long they would last at it. And if they would finally notice he was here at dinner as well. He contemplated just finding an excuse and leaving, but a part of him wouldn’t quite sit back and just let the both of them go weak in the knees for each other. Sakura cleared his throat, signaling the waitress to clear their plates, “Haido,” he smiled, nudging the boy.

    “Hmm?” Hyde barely looked at him, distracted with talking to Gackt.

    “Haido; present!” he hissed, though in a low tone.

    The boy bolted back, his eyes wide. “Oh!” he turned and laughed, “Yes, I almost forgot!” he looked at Sakura gratefully and reached down for a paper bag. With both hands he held it out, “Ga-kun, this is for you, a small gift if you will…”

    Gackt took his napkin and wiped his lips with it, placing it down gracefully. “For me?” he smiled and took the bag from Hyde. “A farewell gift?”

    Hyde giggled, “No, a ‘good luck and I’ll see you again’ gift. Ah, open it only when you get to the hotel!” Gackt nodded smiling; he passed the bag to his guard.

    “I have something for you too, Gackt-san…” Sakura handed him another paper bag, with a small bow attached.

    “Oh! Sakura, since when did you buy something for Ga-kun! I didn’t see it at all!” Hyde reached over and examined the bag, curious.

    “Since you were too pre-occupied with buying your own stuff, brat!” Sakura made a face at him, rolling his eyes.

    Hyde stuck out his tongue, “I wasn’t buying my own stuff! I was buying a gift for Ga-kun… well, while buying my own things as well!” He gave a small laughter. “You’re so sneaky even if I was sure I kept you in my sight at all times!”

    Sakura gave a casual shrug, a small smile on his face he turned to Gackt. “It’s some premium wine; I didn’t know what else to get.”

    “Thank you, Sakura-san!” Gackt extended his hand and Sakura shook it firmly. “In this case, it would be a waste not to drink it before I leave! Come, now, let’s all go to my hotel for a bit and have a drink!”

--------------------------

    “Gackt-san, your hotel room sure is huge!” He could hear the vibrations of his own voice into the expanse of the room. Sakura knew he was stating the obvious, but he didn’t think he could quite register being in such a lavish hotel room; neither did he think his bank account could allow it.

    Hyde gave a hearty laughter striding up to the sofa, he sat himself down on it with a low plop; without so much as giving the room a second look. “Sakura, you’re such a country bumpkin!” He patted the empty seat beside him, asking Sakura to sit beside him. The taller man gave the living room a slow walkthrough, in partial envy and partial awe; before taking a sit beside Hyde. “Rooms like this, are nothing to Ga-kun, obviously, neither are they anything to me. They’re all for comfort really…” he trailed off, biting his lip as a glint of mischief flashed behind his eyes. “If I knew you liked spacious, grand rooms, I would have taken you to a better hotel the previous time…”

    Sakura stared at him in shock, his jaw dropping. The vastness of the room only seemed to aid in the way which a sudden awkward silence echoed. He could hear Gackt stop his business behind the fully equipped bar… he swallowed, turning to offer a weak smile at Gackt. The blonde man stared at him, a look of cluelessness and curiosity on his face. Sakura looked away in haste, glaring at Hyde who tilted his chin up, smug and smiling.

    “Of course,” Hyde continued, and Sakura could feel himself darken. “There’s always next time, Sakura bab-“ In a swift movement, Sakura cupped a hand over the boy’s lips, shushing him.

    In that exact moment, Gackt returned from the bar, eyeing the both of them, his lips playing up in a smile as well. “What are the two of you up to?”

    Hyde shoved his hand off, “Sakura doesn’t want to share the intimate details!” He yelled, darting away from Sakura and to Gackt’s side.

    “There are no intimate details Haido!” he turned to Gackt, embarrassed and apologizing profusely, “Gackt-san, this is embarrassing…”

    “Sakura!” Hyde protested, pouting.

    Gackt gave a laugh, tipping the wine bottle almost elegantly to the glasses, filling them. “Sakura-san, I’m sure you and Haido-chan have spent so much more special times together… he’s just so fond of you…”

    “He… I…” Sakura stammered, shifting his eyes. He reached for his glass and began toying with it.

    “You what?” Hyde elbowed him, “Ga-kun always tells me he enjoys my company… you don’t enjoy spending time with me more than he does? Ah… I think I should go to the states with Ga-kun then…”

    “Haido!” He blushed, stiffening. A small pause settled, before Hyde put a hand to his lips; barely, bursting into laughter. He was joined by Gackt; the hilarity disheveling his usually neat hair. Sakura finally caught on, his features deepening into a scowl, “You two…”

    “Aw, Sakura, don’t be a wet blanket! You were so cute!” Hyde giggled, teasing him, pretending to tickle his cheek. The older man tried to hold back at first, but in time he couldn’t help but join them, lightening up enough load to laugh alongside friends.

    Placing his glass on the table, Hyde motioned for them to continue as he stood up, taking his makeup purse with him. Sakura turned to face him, and Hyde grinned, swinging the pouch looped on his finger, "Freshening up!" With a toss of his short bob, the youth made for the washroom.

    The washroom door clicked shut, and Gackt spoke. "Sakura-san, i envy you..."

    "Envy... me?" the almost solemn look on Gackt's face startled him. "Why?"

    "Haido-chan... he really likes you..."

    It made him draw in a breath; he wasn't sure how to react. But Gackt had said it like it was plain fact. And it was the truth; deep inside he knew that.

    "You should treasure him you know? See his good points... he can be very sweet..." He continued, not giving Sakura space to even think rationally. Gackt could see it had some effect on the other man. Good, that was what he wanted.

    Finishing the final touches, Hyde gave himself a once-over in the mirror, making sure his shirt was tucked properly, and every strand of hair was in place. His face; needless to say, was flawless; except his his eyebrows, they had grown out at the ends again. Snapping his compact mirror shut, Hyde made a mental note to go and have them trimmed tomorrow. Just as he turned for the door; he felt a shudder run through him, like that of a palpitation. Hyde took in a sharp breath immediately, but the discomfort was gone, just like it was never there at all. Exhaling, the boy turned the knob, dismissing it; perhaps it was just his imagination after all. He heard Gackt's voice as soon as he stepped into the main hall. "If you ever find him too much for you, you could call me, and i'll come get him!" Hyde tucked his hair behind his ear, walking up behind the two men, immersed in conversation. "You guys seem to be having fun without me..." he pouted, sitting in between the both of them. "What are you talking about?" he turned to Sakura, who just shook his head and shrugged, sipping his wine. "Who's too much for who? And who's getting what, ne, Sakura? Are you both gossiping behind my back? Out with it! Ga-kun! You're the nicest to me, tell me, did Sakura say mean things about me? Sakura! Did you say something about me! Hey, are the both of you purposefully hiding something from me?"

    In actual fact, Hyde had said everything and asked his questions without pausing, not giving neither of them a chance to jump in on it. But at the boy's relentless pressing, Gackt finally gave in, brushing a strand of blonde hair away from his eyes. "I was just telling Sakura-kun how your relationship's been improving, that's all, we're not saying anything behind your back. Really."

    "Really?" Hyde turned to glare at Sakura, a firm pout on his lips.

    Sakura nodded, smiling. He raised his glass to tap it against Hyde's. "Really."

    "Okay, i believe you." He took his own glass and raised it to his lips. "Only because Ga-kun says so!"

    They were about to set their glasses down when Gackt raised his, "I have to be going soon."

    "So early? We haven't finished it!" Hyde grabbed the bottle bringing it to his face; and when he found it empty, he put it down again, upset. "Sakura, what time is it? It isn't time yet right?"

    Sakura shifted closer to the boy, placing a hand over his to calm him down. "It's almost time Haido, Gackt-san has a plane to catch."

    "But..." The boy started; his eyes reddening. He seemed to be contemplating, weighing his thoughts as Sakura held on tight to his hand. After a short but sombre span of silence, he stood up abruptly, his wine glass in his hand. "I'll make a toast then... to Ga-kun!"

    Gackt smiled, raising his glass as well. Even though he didn't say it, he could see that Hyde was trying his best to keep his composure. It pained him to see him like that. Sakura joined them and they tapped their glasses together. "One more, i'll toast to good memories and good friends." And for the final time that night; glasses tipped.

-------------------------------

    "Why can't we go to the airport with him!" Hyde demanded, almost shrieking.

    "Haido," Sakura held on to him, half supporting him, half preventing him from making a run for Gackt's car. "Come on, don't make this any harder for Gackt-san... you know it's not easy..."

    "I want to see him off!"

    "It's not like he's gonna be gone forever!" Sakura was exasperated. He was about to continue when Hyde broke free from his grasp as Gackt appeared at the driveway.

    Without saying a word, Hyde threw himself into the blonde's arms, hugging him tightly. "I really shouldn't go right?"

    "Haido-chan... i wouldn't want you to, not because i don't want to see you, but because i'm afraid if you cry, i might not want to leave. But i have to, it's for work." He sighed, placing a hand atop Hyde's head. He was shaking. "And Sakura-kun's right, its not like i won't come back."

    "I'll miss you..." Hyde whispered. He drew in a deep breath as though to compose himself and broke the hug, looking straight into the other man's eyes. "Make many more millions Ga-kun, and promise you'll call me... email me. Call me the moment you touch down. Don't you ever forget that you'll come back to visit me; and i expect that to be very often too, considering that you have the abilities to."

    A small laugh escaped Gackt and he pulled the boy back into an embrace again. "Yes, yes... And i'll miss you too." He looked at the boy seriously, his tone dropping, "Don't overwork Haido-chan, think about your health first." Hyde gave a small nod, biting his lip; it was getting harder not to cry. "Take care of yourself and good luck with your relationship with Sakura-kun. I know in time, he will definately come to love you for who you are."

    Hyde sniffed, his smile uneasy. "Even if luck isn't on my side; that is something i'll have to make happen... he's not escaping me, that Sakura."

    "Good! That's the spirit! If you guys ever fight again, you know you can call me."

    "Now, that's a promise! Even if you're busy you'll have to answer!"

    "I promise." At that, one of his assistants came over, informing them that it was time for Gackt to leave for the airport. The blonde nodded, dismissing her, he turned back to Hyde. "I have to be off now, or i'll run late!"

    Sighing the boy stepped back, "Bon Voyage Ga-kun,"

    Sakura took this as his cue and made his way behind Hyde, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. He extended a hand to Gackt and the other man shook it, firmly. "All the best for your expanding business."

    "Thank you," Gackt gave a slight bow, "Please take care of Haido-chan. Good bye."

--------------------------------

    Sakura didn't dare to even turn the engine on. Hyde was really upset; the boy had kept his face turned away. At the trembling of those lithe shoulders and the sniffing; it seemed that he was finally crying.

    After awhile, the boy stopped, tired out. He reached across to the box of tissues and extracted out, drying his eyes and blowing his nose. When he was done he slumped back into his seat, still silent, staring into space.

    He could only guess the value the other man had in Hyde's heart; and somehow, he felt bad to feel short of that. "Haido... you... you're really fond of Gackt-san aren't you..." as he said it his shoulders fell slack; thinking of the response he would get, it hit him that he had already found it important for himself to amount up to something to Hyde. And the thought of Gackt...

    "Yes," came the soft reply. "I like him alot," Hyde's words were paced, as though it was hard for them to come through his lips. "I don't have many friends you know... Ga-kun... is a very dear friend... I really," he paused, a shuddering breath passed between them. "I really like him alot." Still staring ahead of him, his eyes began to well up again, though he had obviously calmed down. Sakura handed him another tissue and Hyde took him, thanking him softly, but still not looking at him.

    "If... If i were to leave, would you plan everything so meticulously like you did for Gackt-san? Would you miss me?" The moment he said it, he regretted it. What if the reply was adverse? What if Hyde had already placed Gackt of more importance than himself? Now it was Sakura's turn to look away, the man kept his head bowed; a little unsettled, a little scared.

    "No, i wouldn't."

    Sakura nodded, casting only a slight glance at Hyde. The boy looked faraway, his thoughts removed from him, possibly with Gackt now. Now he knew the truth; it hurt him, but he had to hear it afterall...

    "I would go with you."

    Sakura blinked, had he heard something? "Wh... What?" He turned to face Hyde; unsure.

    "I said i would go with you. I wouldn't plan and i wouldn't miss you because i'll go with you." This time Hyde had turned to him; the smile on the face was gentle; assuring. Although his cheeks were stained with tear tracks; to Sakura, his eyes looked unreasonably bright; like burning with Hyde's own spark. In Hyde's firm gaze, Sakura saw his own reflection... and for the first time time in two years, he was comfortable in his own skin.

    "Thank you," he whispered. Now he knew the real truth.

Fanfic! [The Prince's Syndrome]

2009-07-06T22:39:59Z

Title: The Prince's Syndrome
Author: Iriaca / faded_poetry
Pairing: SakuraxHyde
Summary: Set in the earlier days of L'Arc~en~Ciel. Sakura's first step towards Hyde.
Disclaimer: Boy-love ahead. If you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel. I wish i did, but I'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
Author's Note: I've written this as a one-shot, but i think i might have just another part to it; a closure of sorts. It is quite tantalizing on it's own already, and really, so, i have no idea if i should write the other part or not. =p votes maybe? And per usual; be nice to me, comments are much loved.

[The Prince's Syndrome]

“Haido, when you’re back we’ll…”

He didn’t hear the rest of it; dashing out to the washroom first; the small vocalist made a sprint for the sink, running his hands under the faucet. For the third time in a day, he washed his face; splashing the cool water all over delicate; all too feminine features until the water ran down his neck, moistening the collar of his simple white shirt, making it turn an almost translucent shade.

“Fuck!” he cursed, throwing the door of the washroom open, exiting as hastily as he had entered. Without casting a glance to anyone or anything else he stormed his way up the stairs, not stopping for even a slight breather until he reached the end of it; turning a knob that lead to the open rooftop. He reached the end of the open space, slamming his palms on the low wall barricade; still fuming, he looked down, watching people exit the building. Not just any common people; his staff and fellow band members; a small smirk lifted the edge of his lip; great, he was finally alone now.

He watched as everyone streamed out, counted even, their numbers as they left. When he was sure he relented, languidly making his way to the large sun-umbrella, taking his seat at a chair underneath it. Once comfortable, he extracted a cigarette from his worn out pack, sliding it between his lips, crossing legs bound in tight leather, lighting the tan stick graciously.

A couple of years ago, he went by the name of Hide, a short version of his real name, Hideto. By his art, Hide was a guitarist, but he was famed by his good looks. He was of a slight built with a refined face of wide, almost perfectly shaped eyes framed by long lashes, a pert nose, pout lips and a head full of lush, dark hair. One could call him beautiful. That, he knew, it had been with him since he could remember; it didn’t matter if he was a man, everyone called him a beauty.

Now, he had adopted another persona; contradicting Hideto’s innocent, pleasing aura. It didn’t allow anyone to take him too seriously; but it didn’t allow anyone to think less of the petit man’s presence; a persona that would place him in a position worthy of everyone’s desires and adoration. To the layman, it was a diva attitude, but to Hideto, it was something he deserved.

He leaned back into his seat inhaling deeply, easing into the cold comfort of being alone. From behind those dark shades, he allowed himself to stare, focusing on the distant Tokyo horizon, forgetting momentarily, the forcing, charging circumstances around him.

The door to the rooftop slid open, soft enough not to be heard and Sakura stopped, his cigarette held loose between his lips as he stared at the figure ahead of him; so lost in time that in that moment, he managed to catch only a fleeting frailty.

When he knew him, he went by the name Hideto; charming, unsuspecting; even willing to be cute. And now there he was, slouched against his arm, he seemed to be pulled down by an unseen weight. He was still the same man, alluring and beautiful. He could easily pass off as a manga character or an ethereal being that just walked out of a painting. Yes, he was still charming, but there was something in the crossing of his legs and the way he cocked up his chin gave off an air of pride; an unwillingness to be taken down, at least not without a fight.

Now, he was called Hyde.

With a muted fluttering, Sakura’s sight shifted, coming to rest at a stray Myna landing on the sill of the wall. Not wanting to be seen by Hyde, he edged back sticking closer to the door. He saw the small vocalist fidget, but he did not notice him. Instead he turned to the bird, keeping his gazed fixed on it; his chin still upturned, his figure still stoic. It was not until he started to tremble, a smile gathering at his lips before he broke into laughter. Sakura watched as Hyde covered his lips; amused at the bird that was now, trying to clean out its wings. His smile was stunning; instantly taking Sakura’s focus away from his surroundings; be it the sunset; or the awkward half of their studio session. He had come to have a small chat with the vocalist; to make peace or break the ice. But Sakura now, saw nothing of the presumptuous, foul-mouthed singer in the studio; instead, he felt his heart pick up, fluttering with something he had never felt before. Sakura was sure he had chanced upon something precious.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXV/B

2009-06-01T20:52:41Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXV/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde.
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B twenty four/A twenty four/B twenty five/A

*edit: sorry guys! a small part of the last paragraph was missing due to lj being mean to me. but that is fixed now.

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXV/B

It was true that Hyde was pretty, even though pretty was not a word you would normally associate with boys. Sakura knew, but yet, gazing at the boy’s reflection in the mirror; he felt as though he was looking at another side to Hiromi; so similar and yet so different. Hyde possessed a vitality and spark that Hiromi didn’t have, while she, had the gentle quietness he never saw in Hyde. Those pout pink lips in a confident smirk and that flawless face… Perhaps, he thought, it was because Hyde was male; the idea of it all hadn’t quite settled in his mind. Sakura was still awed by him… such beauty, calling him pretty would not even come close. Caught up his thoughts the older man did not notice as Hyde moved away from his mirror and out of his sight.

“SAKURA!”

Sakura snapped up, Hyde was no longer at the mirror. He probed his temples, wondering for how long he had been imagining the ghost imprint of the boy’s figure in it.

“SAKURA!” Hyde almost yelled. Sakura turned towards the voice, finding Hyde in the expanse of the store. The brunette’s lips were in a firm pout, an frown evident against his soft features. “Over here!” Hyde waved, motioning him to go over. Sakura sighed and stood up immediately, knowing the boy would probably flip if he had taken a moment longer. Hyde stood beside a display drawer, fingers tapping impatiently against the metal framings. The tapping stopped as soon as Sakura got to him. “What the hell were you doing?! I called you a hundred times!”

Sakura lifted a finger to shield his eardrums, “Okay, okay, I’m here now…” he coaxed. “So, what do you want me to look at?”

Hyde gave a small snort and shifted his weight. From his expression, Sakura could see that he clearly did not want to give in. “I’ll let it pass this time, since I’m very forgiving. But you better answer me whenever I call you from now on! You should not be distracted when you’re out with me!” Not giving Sakura a chance to respond, he pointed a manicured finger to the display. “This,” he motioned to the manager to open the showcase and lay out the items – Luxury tie clips. “Help me pick,” he said.

“All these tie clips are exclusively hand made so there is only one of them in the entire world. Our craftsmen are extremely skilled, so I can ensure you of the quality of craft that is put into each clip.”

“Uhm…” Hyde nodded softly; he picked up one of the clips, and holding it delicately against the light, he watched it glisten. “18k gold?” he asked.

“Yes, Takarai-san,” The lady replied. “All our tie clips are 14k gold and above.”

“Sakura,” Hyde leaned closer to him, “What do you think?”

Sakura took the pin from Hyde and examined it closely, “this isn’t too bad… there’s space for engraving… might seem a little too plain for Gackt though…” He chose another three of different designs and placed them beside each other for comparisons. “This looks…” he pointed to one.

“I like this one!” Hyde declared, pointing to the exact same tie clip Sakura had singled out. He looked up at the older man and winked. “This,” he said, “its gorgeous.”

The manager came forward again, “Takarai-san, you have exquisite taste. This is our newest design, 24k pure gold plated on platinum; encrusted with 24 high quality diamonds all around it.”

“Looks like it will suit Ga-kun’s charming character and status well enough!” Hyde beamed, looking at Sakura with pride.

Sakura grabbed him by the arm and pulled him close. “I was gonna say it looks expensive.” He whispered hoarsely.

“Che~” Hyde snorted, “Money. Is never an issue when it comes to buying gifts for friends!” He turned to the manager. “Am I right? Now, Sato-san, get it cleaned and wrapped up for me. And make sure, no scratches!” The lady nodded, awkward to be caught in the situation. Taking the clip, she hurried to the back with it.

Hyde strode over to the sofa and took a seat, crossing his legs in the manner a lady would. He cocked his head to the side and asked for his tea to be brought to him. Sakura shook his head and took a seat beside him. “You mean, money is never an issue to you!”

Hyde brought the tea cup to his lips and sipped; savoring the taste. “Mhmm… And it never should be! If I don’t spend it, I might as well burn it. Now, don’t be such an ass over it, this is only our first store! We have lots of shopping to do!” Hyde smirked, mock patting Sakura’s shoulder as the man brought a palm to his face; defeated.

By the time they were done, Sakura had both his hands filled paper bags. He struggled to fish for the car keys, stringing the bags onto his arm. Hyde complained, whined and stomped his foot, asking for the impossible; “Sakura! Hurry with the keys! The weight on my arm is gonna kill me!” Sakura rolled his eyes and continued fishing for the keys. Hyde was being overly dramatic, of course, the boy was only holding two, small paper bags. Compared to the truckloads he was carrying; they were nothing. What made it worse was that all the items in the bag did not even belong to him; they were all Hyde’s.

“Sakura~~~~” Hyde whined some more.

Finally, he found the keys. Grappling along the cool plastic, he pressed the button, unlocking the car’s doors. Hyde opened the door and plunked, flat out onto the seat, fanning himself, not even offering to help as Sakura struggled to get the rest of the bags into the boot. Shutting the boot Sakura mumbled a curse. Shopping had just been a cover up; being an accompanying slave to the rich brat was more like it. Sakura wondered how he got himself into this situation in the first place.

From where he was, he caught a glimpse of Hyde, busying himself by dabbing the perspiration off his forehead with a piece of tissue. The boy wore an irritated look, “SAKURA! Why the hell are you taking so long! Are you masturbating to my shopping bags?! Get your ass in here now!” he screamed. As he entered the car he was offered a menacing glare by Hyde, “What the hell were you doing?!” Hyde pinched the tissue with two fingers, “Oh, eew, I’m so sticky!” making a face at the damp tissue, as though he was allergic to his own sweat.

Sakura broke into laughter, starting the engine. “Is drama your favorite subject? Sweat is not poisonous you know?”

Hyde glared at him some more, “Don’t you dare laugh! I don’t usually have to sweat! That’s because I helped you with the bags! If my maids were here, I wouldn’t even have to lift a finger!” he said, pointing to the two tiny bags on his lap, looking for a compliment.

“You call that helping?” Tucking his long hair behind his ears, the older man covered his mouth to stifle a laugh. “With all the stuff I was carrying, those two wouldn’t have made a difference!” Hyde opened his mouth in an attempt to retort, but as soon as he saw the amused look on Sakura’s face, he turned away, pouting angrily. Sakura cleared his throat, trying to clear the laughter.

“Laugh all you want! But you better put your hands and feet to some use and drive! I have reservations!”

Sakura nodded, grinning. “Where to?”

“Hah!” Hyde folded his arms in a huff, slightly happier to be back in charge. “Now you finally decide to come back to reality? Hurry up now, I’ll give you directions, if we’re late I’ll kick your ass!”

Sakura watched, sipping on his glass of red wine, keeping himself occupied by taking another look at his surroundings. They were in the private room Hyde had requested; obscured from the sight of the other patrons. Hyde was discussing their dinner menu with the head chef, his hair tucked neatly behind his ear, brows drawn tight intently, speaking in soft tones as he gave suggestions as to what he wanted. Sakura exhaled deeply; wishing their conversation would end soon; with only the three of them in the room, together with the lingering air of formality; it all seemed too awkward for him. He reached for his glass again, the ring on his finger causing a tinkle as he took his glass in hand again, taking yet another sip. They were sure given the VIP treatment; but he wished they were in the regular sitting area; at least there, he could people watch.

A soft cough from the brunette boy broke the silence. Sakura cast a concerned glance over as Hyde cleared his throat, taking a sip of water. There was no hint of discomfort in Hyde’s expression; perhaps his throat was only slightly irritated. “Yes, that will be all then.” Hyde started, flipping the menu closed and letting the chef take it from him. The boy took a sip of wine as he gestured, “I am expecting another guest, and as soon as he arrives you may serve the entrée.”

“Of course Takarai-san, I’ll leave you for now.” The man bowed and exited.

“Do you think Ga-kun will like what I have ordered?” Hyde shoved him the list he came up with.

Sakura raised an eyebrow as he read it, feeling his throat go dry as he skimmed through the list. Foie Gras, Steak Tartare and Caviar were amongst the cuisine fare. Hyde was really going all out to impress; and judging from the embroidered tablecloth, carpeted floors and intricate furniture sprawled out in an lavish European expanse, he really should have known. There would be no qualms about who would pick up the bill, because Hyde had made it clear that he would be the only one to pay for this meal. And to prevent Gackt from even trying to wrestle the bill from him, the boy had already passed the management his credit card.

“Everything seems…” Sakura trailed off, not able to find an adequate word in his dictionary to describe the thoughts in his head.

“Perfect right?” Hyde lifted his glass to him, beaming. Sakura could only nod uncertainly as he met Hyde’s glass, gulping down his wine. Hyde finished the shallow contents of his glass as well, dabbing his lips with a napkin as he set his glass down. “I know it is… Now, Ga-kun will arrive any minute,” he checked his watch, smiling as he called for the waiter to remove their glasses and napkins and replace them with clean ones. Sakura didn’t quite know what to do except to smile at Hyde from time to time, ‘Sakura, welcome to the high life~’, he thought.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXV/A

2009-06-01T20:47:33Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXV/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde.
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B twenty four/A twenty four/B

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXV/A

Sakura pushed the office door open, yawning as he shuffled his bag, coffee and files between his hands. That was the problem with being early for work; no one was there to help with his excess baggage. He picked up his pace and walked towards his room, not wanting to spill any of his coffee even before he took a sip of it. Hurrying past Hyde’s room, he noticed a light turned on in it, in haste he placed his items on his desk before exiting, pausing before the brunette’s window. The blinds were drawn but he was almost sure of the light that streamed through the slits.

Knocking, he turned the knob, “Haido?”

A muffled response came from behind a stack of magazines; the petite boy’s face half hidden behind the laptop screen. Sakura walked in, casually, but Hyde didn’t seem to bother with him. The man’s brows furrowed, not at all used to the boy not bouncing up and down around him in the mornings nor this act of nonchalance. Standing in front of his desk, Sakura noted the time, 8:30am, half an hour before work would start and the people would start filling in. He tried another method, “I’ve got food!”

“Hmmm…” was the only sound that came from the boy; Sakura watched as he flipped a magazine page, noting down something before typing hastily on his laptop.

Giving up, Sakura went to stand behind him, trying to get a glimpse of what Hyde was so busy doing. Sprawled out on his desk was a load of gourmet magazines, and on his laptop, more than a handful of windows popped up with the respective websites as stated in the magazines. “Now what, you’re into Food and Beverage as well?”

“Hmmm….”

Sakura rolled his eyes, was that all Hyde was going to say to him?

“Mhmm, Sakura…” Sakura smirked, leaning over; not before the boy resumed his sentence, “you’re blocking the sunlight… I can’t see.”

His face fell, irritated, he extracted a cigarette and lit it, “Just when I thought you finally noticed me Haido! Just what the hell are you doing?! Are you now Haido the food critic?!” Hyde pouted, pushing his laptop away from him as he stretched, breaking into a small cough before clearing his throat. Sakura frowned, pushing the boy’s glass of water to him. “Are you okay?”

Hyde nodded, hmm-ing again through the cup. “I’ve been at this all morning.”

“Oh! And I thought ‘hmmm’ was the only language you know of!”

The boy flicked his hair back, a small smile on his face, tucking his bangs behind his ear in a feminine manner, turning to face Sakura as he lit his own cigarette.

“So what’s that all about?”

“Hmmmm….”

“HAIDO!”

Hyde laughed, lightly smacking Sakura on the arm. “Okay~ I’m kidding!”

“You’re childish!”

“You’re an old man!”

Sakura growled at him, there was nothing to say at the evident age difference between Hyde and himself.

“Aww, but you’re still hot, I like you very much!”

Sakura rolled his eyes, inhaling from his stick, he pointed back to the load on Hyde’s desk. “What gives?”

“Okay, seriously, I’m looking for a restaurant. A nice, chic restaurant…”

“So you can buy it and ruin it?!”

“Fuck you.” Hyde feigned anger and stuck his tongue out. “So that we can bring Ga-kun out tonight.”

“And why do we have to bring Gackt out tonight?”

Hyde stared at him as if he was missing out on the biggest point, “because he’s leaving tomorrow morning! That’s why! I want to take him out somewhere nice for dinner…” he had put out his cigarette, trailing off as he slithered off the table into his sit; somewhat lazy, somewhat careless; a frown deepening his features again as he pulled his laptop near.

“I can see that you’re putting in a lot of effort…”

“Hmm… mhmm,” Hyde gave a small nod, “I want to make sure its perfect… and then there’s reservations to make… presents to buy… but the most important thing is the ambience… the ambience has to be perfect; Ga-kun has to love it…”

Sakura played with the cord of the phone, twirling it around his fingers. “You’re really going all out for him…”

Hyde nodded again, “Yep!” then he paused, ceasing the incessant typing and looking up at Sakura. “You’re not jealous again are you?” a grin played up on his face.

Immediately the older man undid the cord from his fingers, putting it back into place nervously. “I’m not… I’m… no, why should I be?”

Hyde stood up, leaning close to Sakura, rounding him up with both hands on the marbled desk. “Liar,” he kept his eyes fixed on Sakura’s. Sakura turned away quickly, pushing Hyde off him; he reached into his pockets for a rubber band and pulled his hair up. “You’re jealous again! You like me don’t you?” Hyde went to his side again, sticking awfully close. Sakura could feel his heart race, the heat of a flush coming to the back of his ears; as if Hyde could easily fish out the truth with just the look in his eyes.

He paced away from Hyde, “I’m not… jealous. But why do you have to be so meticulous when it comes to Gackt? It’s like he means so much to you! If people didn’t know better, they would have thought Gackt was your boyfriend!” he spat, irritated.

Hyde gave a laugh of victory, plopping himself down on his seat again, “you’re jealous! I know it!”

“Whatever!” Sakura shrugged, trying to calm his nerves. “It’s almost 9 now! Pack those things up! You need to start work!”

“Yes Sakura baby!” Hyde giggled, pulling the magazines together into a haphazard stack.

Sakura watched as Hyde packed, occasionally going back to his laptop; “are you closing the windows? Work time!”

Hyde nodded, eyes squinting as he picked up a piece of paper and scribbled something down. “I’m almost done, baby!”

Sakura gave a small sigh, shaking his head; his movements so slight he was sure his body didn’t feel it. He just knew it; the notion of it; accompanied by the strange feeling in his gut. Numb, his palm came into contact with the knob, his eyes unable to leave the boy, phone caught between ear and small shoulder, making reservations for dinner. Hyde’s voice was only a melodious tone, and Sakura’s palm began to sweat. He wanted to say something to Hyde; he wanted to say something smart, instead he twisted the knob caught in his hand. Hyde looked up, eyes wide as he smiled, still on the phone; a pen in his hand as he waved. Sakura couldn’t do anything but to wave back. And then he spoke, a tremor in usually firm voice, “I’ll see you later.” Somewhere at the back of his mind, he knew Hyde was right; he was jealous, after all.

---------------------------------------

“Sakura!”

Sakura jumped, dropping his file and backing against the wall, coffee cup still in his hand. Hyde took the cup away before turning to face him; arms crossed; his short bob managing to stay surprisingly neat after how he had marched in looking like he was about to pounce on the older man. “What the hell are you doing?!” the boy demanded, an irritable look on his face.

Sakura swallowed, clearing his throat. The youth had his bag in his hand, his purse clutched under another arm, he looked like he was about to go home. “Erm… what are you doing?” he asked, his voice small.

Hyde’s frowned deepened instantly; he picked up a document sheet on the desk and dropped it, letting it fall against the marble again. He looked at Sakura’s confused face and rolled his eyes, throwing his hands up dramatically. “Are you an idiot or what?!” Before Sakura could say huh, Hyde shoved his briefcase to him. “Oh dear god! Fine; I’ll help you pack!”

Sakura’s brows furrowed, he was loosing track the topic fast and to begin with, he didn’t even know what it was. “And for what?”

“It’s 4 o’clock!” Hyde shrieked.

“Precisely!”

“Precisely pack up!”

“For what?!”

“For what?” Hyde paused, taking a deep breath, he lifted a hand to his head; giving Sakura a loud sigh. “For what! We’re going shopping! That’s what!”

Half an hour later, Hyde pulled up at a mall in Roppongi, tires screeching as he parked, carelessly reversing into the lot. The boy flipped his compact mirror open, checking his face and hair before gesturing to Sakura, “Let’s go.”

“Why the hell do you drive so fast?”

“Cause we’re gonna be late if I don’t, and besides, I’ve already mellowed because you’re in my car…”

Sakura rolled his eyes and got out of the car; following Hyde to the elevator. “Maybe you should have reserved a table at a later time? And,” he turned, spinning Hyde around to face the car again, “You are horrible at parking.”

Hyde frowned, “We’ll go to the top floor, and shop all the way down…” He paused, “I can’t reserve later because it’ll clash with Ga-kun’s timing and as for the parking, I on the other hand, have lots of money to pay for the fines.”

Sakura brought a hand to his face, “I can’t believe you…”

“Believe me.” The boy gave a laugh, shrugging, “I won’t get fined anyway… Ah, we’re here!”

Every where they went they were greeted by the staff of the various boutiques, enthusiastically extending their hands out to welcome them. Hyde was ushered around like a VIP; Sakura figured, given his spending power and love for shopping, he must be one of the most loved patrons. Hyde took his time to stroll, not at all bothered by the staffs’ constant coaxing. Sakura silently followed behind, temporarily suffering from the culture shock of the present situation.

The brunette stopped in front of a famous fashion boutique, causing the line of retailers behind him to stop short as he stepped in. Sakura stepped in with him; the complaining whispers and disappointed sighs in the background filtered out as the small crowd dispersed, going back to their various stores. Upon news of a valued guest, the store manager herself stepped out to greet them.

“Takarai-san,” she said, bowing.

“Um, Sato-san,” Hyde greeted her as though she was an old friend, albeit with some formality.

“Please take your time to choose.” She replied, “I’ll serve you some tea.”

Hyde nodded, leisurely going through the bags on display. “Sakura,” he called.

Sakura jumped a little, surprised that someone should call his name. “Ah?”

Hyde looked at him and giggled, “You’re not used to this are you?”

The taller man cleared his throat and walked over to Hyde, “My shopping trips are never like this, and I don’t really shop anyway…”

Hyde gave a small laugh, requesting for the staff to bring down a sling bag for him. Hyde held it in his hands and played with the strap, slinging it on his shoulder. “You should get used to it then, I like shopping…” he trailed off, stepping in front of a full-length mirror. “Isn’t this lovely?”

Sakura examined the bag, it was a small clutch of high grade leather, with buckles and little ornamented studs. “For Gackt?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow. “It’s a little too…”

“No, you idiot!” Hyde scolded, snatching it from Sakura; he stepped in front of the mirror again, turning to his side. “For me”.

Sakura laughed, “I was gonna say it’s a little too girly for Gackt.”

Hyde scowled at him, “Are you calling me girly?” Sakura looked away in haste, pretending to busy himself with another bag. Hyde gave him a deliberate nudge, checking his reflection in the mirror again. “I’m just well groomed that’s all… And a pretty boy too!”

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIV/B

2009-03-01T21:39:17Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXIV/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde. Latest Chapter. c'mon find out what happens guys! ^_^
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B twenty four/A

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIV/B

The rain pelted down heavily against the glass panels of the front lobby doors, making them quiver and shake. Sakura cursed softly, keeping his footsteps brisk and fast. Really, if it wasn’t for the files and documents he was carrying he wouldn’t have bothered so much; he was already drenched by the sudden downpour. Picking up speed he rushed towards the automated door, sliding through them as they opened. He took a quick glance and bowed at the guard by the door that noticed him as he came in. The guard bowed and lifted his hat in return.

He hadn’t seen Hyde for weeks now. Hyde had altogether stopped showing up for work since the fight they had. The boy had even gone to the extent of not picking up his calls, leaving him with an entire workload to bring home. Sakura frowned as the lift stopped on the 15^th storey, he bent to pick up his briefcase, and exiting quick before the doors could close in on him. Stopping outside his door, the tall man clumsily dug for his keys, shifting the weight of his files over to one hand. He cursed again, his arms aching for a rest, partially blaming Hyde for just leaving like that. But frankly, Sakura paused, as his fingers felt the cool sting of metal in his pockets. He slowly drew it out, the sound of the keys jingling lightly through the empty hallway… Frankly, he had missed Hyde. The brunette had been on his mind almost every single minute for the past weeks. Sakura was mad at himself for blowing the matter out of proportion. And with no news of the boy, he was worried. He felt the cool metal slip out of his wet palms, falling with a cling onto the floor. “Shit!” Sakura groaned, dropping his files in an attempt to pick up the keys.

“Damn.” He mumbled, getting in his knees to pick up his stuff. His long fingers reached for a file and opened it, neatly tucking its contents back into the folder. His stomach growled, reminding him that he was hungry. The dark haired man cursed again, making a mental note to remember to buy dinner on the way home tomorrow. Tonight, he would have to settle for instant ramen again. He sighed as he collected the files to his chest, grabbing his keys from across the floor, where it lay beside of a pair of small black boots.

Sakura took his keys into his hands, grunting in annoyance and brushing his hair off his face to see who was in front of him. He found himself staring at the familiar face of delicate, doll-like features drawn into a frown. Sakura got up, shocked. “Haido!” he exclaimed.

The brunette continued to glare at him; he held to his chest two huge paper bags, almost completely ruined by the rain. His hair dripping wet and his clothes soaked with water.

Sakura stifled a chuckle, the paper bags almost completely covered Hyde’s face from view. The boy looked like an angry wet kitten, ready to scratch.

“What the hell are you staring at?!” Hyde demanded, “aren’t you gonna open the door and let us in?” He shuffled a little, adjusting the weight of the paper bags in his hands. “You’re a moron, working till it’s so late and the weather’s being stupid too, fancy raining when it was bright and sunny the whole morning. I think it must be you, Sakura, you’re jinxed.” Hyde mumbled sending death glares to the taller man.

Sakura nodded quickly; his brain unable to react in another way. In haste he shoved the key into its slot, pushing the door open. He was going to properly invite Hyde in, but the boy had already slipped past him into the apartment, his wet shoes leaving puddles of water along the floor. Taking his files with him, he stepped in, letting out a small sigh before shutting the door. He set his things down and went to the kitchen where Hyde was.

Hyde was already busy, unpacking and stacking food items into the fridge, setting them out on the table, comfortable; as if this was his own home. Sakura didn’t know what to say as he watched him from behind, soundlessly slipping off his coat and placing it on a clothes hook. Hyde had not even bothered to change out of his drenched clothes; his hair was still dripping wet, droplets of rain water sliding off the dark strands, plopping on to the marbled table top with soft pops. Should he start from apologizing first? Should he ask him why he was here? Should he just behave as he normally would?

His train of thought was suddenly cut when Hyde turned around briefly, allowing their eyes to barely meet before he turned back. “If you’re not going to shower or do anything, I suggest you get your ass over here and help me.”

Sakura blinked once. And then twice, before the words unconsciously rolled from his tongue, “Why are you here?”

“Why? You don’t want to see me? As far as I can remember someone was very apologetic for treating me shabbily.” Hyde snapped back and glared at him once more.

“I am.” He lowered his head. “I really am Haido. I’m sorry.”

“Oh shut up, Sakura.”

The taller man opened his mouth to say something, but decided not to. He noticed the wet shoe tracks on the floor and remember that Hyde had not dried himself. He hurried over to the bedroom and got out a pair of towels. A tiny part of him felt pretty irritated, he was someone that liked everything to be in order, and Hyde clearly was someone who didn’t have the habit of taking off his shoes. He sighed again, realizing that with plenty of maids to clear up after him, the brunette probably didn’t need to. Silently coming up behind him, he tapped Hyde on the shoulder.

“Hmm?” Hyde turned around, offering a good spray of water from his hair to Sakura’s face, holding a can of beans in his hands.

“Um, here, dry yourself.” Sakura mumbled wincing, handing Hyde the towel while drying his own face and hair.

Hyde put the beans down and brought the towel to his hair, ruffling it dry. He frowned, uncomfortable from having his movements restricted by his wet clothing. “Do you have clothes?”

“Eh?”

“Moron. I’m speaking Japanese.” His lips pursed, “Clothes, dry clothes that I can change into.”

“I don’t think I have anything that fits you… But I’m sure I can come up with something.” He took a short jog into his room, opening and closing closets. After going through almost every single corner of his room, he finally thought he had something that could perhaps fit the petit boy. He ran out again, “Here, try these.” He said, handing Hyde a fresh pair of old jeans and a t-shirt.

“Eew” Hyde grumbled, holding the clothes a safe distance from his face as he walked to the bathroom. “Beggar clothes.”

Sakura chuckled, “Don’t complain.”

“You have no fashion sense!” Hyde yelled from the bathroom.

Minutes later, the door unlocked and Hyde stepped out. Sakura raised an eyebrow, breaking into a laughter which promptly stopped because Hyde had walked over and glared at him. He choked back his laughter, sniffing between breaths. The sight was truly comical; Hyde was always immaculately dressed, if not, overdressed. But in Sakura’s old clothes, the boy looked nothing short of awkward. The t-shirt looked oversized on him and the pair of jeans had to be folded up a few inches so that it would comfortably come up to his ankles. Hyde stared harder at him, hoping his glare would wipe the amused look of Sakura’s face, but Sakura found it hard to feel any possible threat from him now. A blush crept down from his ears and settled comfortably at his cheeks, burning them to a shade of red. Embarrassed, Hyde turned around sharply, his lips pursed together. “Don’t even start to comment. I’m so thankful we’re in your house. If the paparazzi sees me wearing this, I’ll be a laughing stock and daddy’s name will be shamed.” Hyde snapped, busying himself again with the can of beans. “Damn you and your tasteless beggar clothes!”

Sakura let out a soft laugh, attempting to regain his posture. “So… you haven’t told me why you’re here.”

Hyde seemed put some thought to answering that question. He hemmed and hawed, rearranging the food, walking to and fro. “Well… I figured you haven’t had home cooked food in awhile.”

There was a noticeable pause in the room before Sakura spoke. “You mean you’re not mad at me anymore?”

“I still am! But not mad enough to ignore you.” Hyde retorted, soaking the vegetables he had bought, “but that doesn’t mean you’re not a horrible person,” he added quickly. “Thankfully, the rain hasn’t ruined the food.”

Sakura suddenly grabbed him by the arm, a smile on his face. “You mean you forgive me?”

“Hey!” Hyde yelped. “Don’t grab me so tightly, I’m very delicate!” Sakura let go immediately. “In case you didn’t realize, I’m a very forgiving and nice boy.” Sakura watched as Hyde walked past him to the different cupboards, opening them and looking for things, pausing to think before retrieving an item. “Oh, before I forget; apron.” Hyde demanded; his hand poised upon his hip.

“What?”

“Apron, I can’t cook without an apron.”

Sakura blinked, “Right, apron.” He walked towards the storeroom, remembering Hiromi used to have one of these. He knew he kept it somewhere here, he didn’t throw any of her things after she died, he kept them, just right the way they were. Slipping his hand into a drawer, he pulled out a flowery pink and white apron, pulling it out he brought it to Hyde who examined it closely.

“Ahh, kawaii!” he exclaimed. “I didn’t know Sakura keeps one of these!” Hyde grinned, teasing him.

“It isn’t mine.” Sakura blurted out.

Hyde grimaced. “Don’t even start to tell me who it belonged to.” He pouted, looping it over his neck. Hyde walked backwards to Sakura, “Here, give me a hand.”

“Eh?”

“Help me tie it up.” He said, holding the two strings at the back of the apron to Sakura.

“Oh… right,” Sakura muttered, hurriedly taking the two ends of the string and putting them together, tying them into a neat bow. “There.”

“Thanks!” Hyde said smiling. He then turned around and looked at Sakura.

Sakura stared, the pink apron made Hyde look very cute. He smiled how it brought back fond memories to him.

“What are you waiting for? Now go out.” Hyde pouted, shooing him.

“What?”

“Go out, shower or something. I can’t cook with you around.” He pushed Sakura towards to kitchen door. “Shoo.”

Sakura turned to speak, but Hyde just waved him off. “Alright, I’ll shower then. You sure you know how to cook?”

“Ah, that’s my expertise. Go shower, when you’re done you’ll have a nice warm dinner!” Hyde smiled, turning around curtly, pulling out the chopping board.

When he was done and changed, Sakura crept silently back into the kitchen, not really sure what to expect. The dining table outside was already set, neatly, the chopsticks and spoons all in place beside each other. He could hear the slight clanging of pots against porcelain as he approached Hyde’s lithe form, busy spooning up the last bit of sauce.

Hyde frowned, turning slightly to glance at Sakura. “Go wait outside.” He said. “Its rude to stare while I cook.”

“But, do you need help?”

Hyde gave a small laugh, “I’m almost done, now go.”

Minutes later, the boy emerged from the kitchen, with the apron still on, two dishes in his hand. He set them on the table. “It’s nothing fancy, in case you’re expecting a lot…” he trailed off, walking back into the kitchen and coming back out with another set of dishes in his hands. “Just a simple meal,” He went back in and came out again, this time with two rice bowls, he placed one in front of Sakura and finally took a seat, removing his apron and letting it hang off the backrest of the chair. Sakura gapped, in awe of the dishes in front of him, for one, he really had not eaten home-cooked food in a long time. He looked at the spread of cucumber salad, agedashi tofu, teriyaki mackerel, miso soup and rice in front of him, he still couldn’t quite believe that Hyde could cook, and so well. The young boy smiled, tucking his hair behind his ears, “What are you waiting for, it’s not poisoned, dig in!”

Sakura nodded, reaching over with his chopsticks to pick up a portion of the tofu. “It’s delicious!” he said, his words muffled by the warm food in his mouth. Then he paused, he hadn't had the luxury of eating a home-cooked meal since Hiromi left him. A smile played on his lips and a slight warmness welled up behind his eyes; touched by the simple gesture of Hyde offering to cook for him. A gesture of forgiveness and he didn't doubt it, a gesture of a certain fondness and love. "Thank you Haido."

Hyde smiled, nodding knowingly while helping Sakura get a portion of the fish, “Ah, I know i'm a good cook. Have more!”

They spent the rest of the dinner with casual talk, enjoying the food slowly, and one savoring the company of the other. Watching the boy laugh as he talked about his hobbies, Sakura couldn’t tell, Hyde had quite a passion for art. He spoke of lofty, renowned artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo and mentioned a few contemporary ones that he admired.

“Between black and white and color, I prefer black and white drawings…”

Sakura took a sip of his water and swallowed, giving the sentence some thought before replying, “Why so? Don’t things with color naturally look better?”

“Ah, spoken like a true novice.” He laughed again, reaching over for the salad, he spooned a portion onto his plate, picking at it delicately. “Everyone has different tastes in art. I prefer black and white not because I think its better, but because it has more depth; to me anyway. I like the light and shadows, the way they are portrayed in just two colors which are, in fact not colors at all.”

“Colors are not colors?” Sakura’s eyes grew wide. “What the hell do you mean?”

“Stupid; just black and white… they’re not considered colors.”

“Wait… did you go to school for this? I didn’t know that!”

Hyde shook his head, resting the tip of the chopsticks on his lips. “I didn’t attend any school since I was seven…”

“Why?”

Hyde bit his lip, he couldn’t possibly tell Sakura the truth. “Well… you know daddy’s really famous… he’s worried people might want to kidnap me or something… so, I home school!”

Sakura smiled, “I thought so too… hmm, are you full?”

Hyde nodded, “I’m so full!” he stretched his hands over his head.

The taller man stood up, taking the plates to the kitchen, Hyde followed him closely, walking in a playful swagger, not bothering to bring any plates along with him. “How about some wine?”

“Sure!” he said, smiling, he followed Sakura out again, still tagging along behind him as he cleared the table. “Will you do the dishes?” he asked, eyeing the man as he pulled on a pair of rubber gloves. Sakura gave a small chuckle, nodding. “Ah, good, cus I don’t do dishes!”

“You have maids to do them for you!”

“They will hurt my delicate hands!” Hyde exclaimed, dramatically bringing his hands up to the light and in front of Sakura. “Anyway, I cooked. So you do the dishes. It’s a fair deal.”

Sakura laughed and nodded again. Usually he’d be itching to just squabble with the boy, but today, everything seemed to move in a lighthearted, easy manner. And he didn’t feel the urge to even irritate Hyde just for the fun of it. Sure, some harmless teasing was fine. But he didn’t quite want the boy to get mad at him. And it was starting to feel like it wasn’t just the guilt. Sakura mentally waved the thought away, concentrating on the dishes. “Haido, do you want to get the wine first? It’s in the chiller; the glasses are in the first cupboard.”

Hyde spun around, walking right up to the chiller. He went through a few brands, complimenting the older man’s taste in wine and decided on a Merlot. “I know where the glasses are, I explored.” He giggled, “I will help myself to the wine while I wait for you… in the living room! Hurry with the dishes!”

After a few minutes, Sakura padded out from the kitchen, drying his hands on a towel. Hyde had truly made himself at home. The brunette was sprawled on his couch, wine glass in hand, watching a movie on cable. Sakura took a seat beside him and that distracted the boy momentarily from his movie. “That’s fast…”

“What are you watching?”

“Mm, I don’t know… looks scary.”

Sakura filled his own glass and leaned back, swirling the crimson liquid in his holder before bringing it to his nose, taking a whiff before sipping it. The music from the movie built up, rising in volume and intensity. Hyde set his glass on the table, cowering further into the couch. A sudden bang came from the speakers and Hyde shrieked, diving behind Sakura. Sakura laughed, trying to pry the boy off him. “Don’t hide behind me!”

“Fuck! Its scary!” Hyde screamed again, still not daring to look up from behind Sakura’s shoulders.

“Then don’t watch it!” He reached for the remote but Hyde snatched it from him.

“But it’s good! I wanna watch it… watch it with me, please…” He jumped again, as a bump sounded from the TV. Hyde tugged harder at Sakura’s sleeve, his hands clenched tight over the material of the man’s shirt. “Oh… Damnit, I’m scared…”

Sakura didn’t know how else to react but to watch the boy in amusement, curled up behind him, only daring to peak at the screen. The entirety of the night went on like this; he found Hyde lovable and he found himself willing and daring to laugh along and at the boy’s mannerisms, comfortably… easily.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIV/A

2009-03-01T21:35:13Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXIV/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde. Latest Chapter. c'mon find out what happens guys! ^_^
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A twenty three/B

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIV/A

“Haido! Don’t run. Hey!” Gackt called as he ran after the crying boy.

“Shut up Gackt, go away!” Hyde yelled and continued running, occasionally lifting a hand to wipe his tears from his cheek.

Gackt swallowed as he picked up speed, determined to catch up with Hyde. “Haido!” He finally managed to grab hold of Hyde’s arm.

Hyde fought, struggling as he tried to release Gackt’s grip on his arm. “Let go of me! Let me go!!” Hyde screamed, kicking.

“Not until you calm down Haido-chan!”

“Let go! I said let go” Hyde began to hit Gackt with punches on the taller blonde’s chest and arm. “Go away!” He yelled, tears falling from his chin onto the material of his coat. “Let go! I hate him! I hate him!”

Gackt stood there, not letting go of Hyde but allowing the petit boy to vent his anger and frustration on him. Hyde’s screams filled the air, kicking and punching Gackt like a mad man. People who walked passed stopped to see the commotion, shaking their head and tsking as the walked by. It went on for a while; Gackt could sense Hyde was tired; the force he used on him grew lesser with time. Then all of a sudden, the kicking and punching stopped.

Gackt looked down. Hyde was hunched forwards, clutching his chest. “Haido-chan? Daijyoubu?”

Hyde groaned as Gackt touched him, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip on his chest. He staggered backwards, blindly reaching for something to hold on to.

Gackt grabbed his arm, steadying him. “Haido… are you okay? You’re scaring me.”

Hyde shook his head, painfully struggling to breathe. His chest heaved with his labored gasps for air. “Ga… Ga-kun…” Hyde managed, shutting his eyes as he felt a familiar sharp pain cut through his body, making him falter. He tightened his grip, clutching Gackt’s shirt. “Ga… Ga-kun, my chest… hurts…”

“Haido… what?” Gackt could barely hear Hyde’s incoherent words through his gasps for breath. He held the boy, coaxing him to repeat it. “What is it Hyde?”

“Ga-kun…” Hyde’s voice was small; his body shook with his effort to speak. “I…” The lights from the street lamps ahead faded in and out, almost blinding him in one second and then, fading into darkness the next. “I…” Hyde trailed off, gasping as his body jerked forwards; overcome by the pain. He faintly registered the final glare of the street lamps as everything faded into black.

“Haido!” Gackt gasped as Hyde fell forwards towards him. “Haido! Don’t scare me!” He shook the boy slightly, tapping his cheek. “Wake up!” Hyde’s face was drained of any possible color, his unconscious form almost weightless in Gackt’s arms. Gackt fumbled within his coat pocket for his mobile phone as he called for his chauffeur. “Hurry!” He yelled into the phone, slapping the cover over…

-----------------------------------------------------

Gackt sat in silence, listening to the rhythmic beeping of the machines in the room. Some stood in the corner of the whitewashed room, unused, untouched. Gackt silently prayed that it would remain that way. Some other machines bore long wires; they stood near the white bed, their long wires leading up to the wan boy on the bed. Gackt looked down to his hands, his pale blue eyes staring blankly at it, not knowing what to do. He had barely registered the fact that Hyde had passed out only just two days ago. He should be happy really; Hyde had woken up an hour ago. Yet the blonde found himself with yet another thing to face.

He felt weary too; he wondered that if he should open his mouth to speak, what would come out first? Words or a mere gasp of air? And if he were to speak, what should he say? Slowly, Gackt brought his eyes up to Hyde. The boy sat, gently rested against the backrest made by two large standing pillows. Although it had just been two days, he seemed to have grown thinner, frail and less vibrant. Usually, bursting with energy and life, Hyde now seemed to have that very life sucked out of him. Those large brown eyes that looked back at Gackt were strained and tired, dark purplish rings clouding the pale skin around them. The slow but steady rise and fall of his chest brought a certain comfort to Gackt. At least he knew he was fine, for now.

He should speak really, or Hyde would start to worry. “Does Sakura-san know?”

Hyde lowered his eyes and shook his head. And then all of a sudden he shot up, grabbing Gackt’s hands. “Don’t tell him!” He shrieked, his voice cracking.

“Haido, lie down!” Gackt stood up, trying to get Hyde to lie back.

“I won’t until you promise me! Don’t tell him!” He stared into Gackt’s eyes, his own eyes wide and frightened. “Don’t tell him…” He softened as he lay back, too strained and too tired. He relaxed, allowing Gackt to shift the pillows under him. “Please, don’t tell him.”

Gackt promised him with a small nod. “I promise, now be good and lie back.”

“I really don’t want him to look at me differently, like a sick person. And you… Ga-kun, you won’t look at me different would you? Just because I’m sick…” He said in a small voice, his eyes red. Gackt could see he was suppressing the urge to cry.

He leaned over Hyde, brushing his hair back to soothe him. “Of course not,” He said, a gentle smile on his face.

Hyde sniffed, smiling too. “Good. Cause… I don’t wanna have special treatment or anything. Just, treat me normal, like you would now. I don’t want that from anybody.”

“Brat,” Gackt scolded mildly. He bent to pull the blanket further up Hyde’s form, tucking it under his chin. “We can talk later ne, get some rest now.”

“Hai, thank you Ga-kun.” Hyde whispered, closing his eyes. He expelled a small sigh and allowed Gackt to put his hands under the covers.

Gackt sat back, picking up the remote attached to the corner of the bed, pressing a button to lower the bed slowly. He watched the brunette, seeing the brilliance lost from his face. But somehow, Gackt thought, he looked just as lovely sleeping like that.

A small knock sounded on the door as Gackt turned to see a redheaded doctor come through it. He got up from his seat, bowing slightly as the man approached him. The man extended his hand, introducing himself.

“Ogawa Tetsuya, I’m Haido-san’s doctor. You are?”

“Camui Gackt. Ogawa-san, I’ve heard so much about you!” Gackt exclaimed, blushing slightly, he didn’t think the renowned doctor would be this young. “You’re really young for your profession.”

The doctor smiled, lowering his head and pushing his dark rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Just call me Tetsu,” he dismissed, waving his hand. “Actually… there are lots of things you can’t tell ne… by just looking at age.”

Gackt nodded grimly. A short wave of silence passed through the already still room.

“Like Haido-san, you think he’s too young for this?” Tetsu questioned.

“No.” Gackt said softly, “of course, I know this could affect anyone, regardless of age… I just… I just didn’t think that Haido…”

The doctor’s lips lifted into a wan smile as he offered the blonde a pat on the shoulder. “As you know, Haido-san has a heart condition. To put it simply, his heart is weaker than normal people. This condition doesn’t usually affect everyday life, but there are exceptions. This is the reason why I worry especially for Haido-san.”

The blonde’s brows furrowed, “I don’t understand…”

Tetsu gave a laugh. “I’ve been Haido-san’s doctor only for four years, but if there’s one thing I notice, Haido-san is a workaholic. He tends to push himself, overworking his body. What makes it worse is his stubborn character, he will not listen no matter how many times I tell him.” Tetsu added shaking his head. “What happened was just very mild, you can just imagine if it was a major attack.” He paused, “Haido-san needs ample rest. I hope that you may help me out here…”

Gackt nodded, “Wakatta. I will look out for him and make sure he gets rest.”

The doctor smiled, running a hand through his bright red hair. “I thank you in advance. I shall not disturb you. Do get some rest too, Camui-san. It was really nice meeting you.” He said smiling as Gackt walked him to the door. “Just to let you know, Haido-san rarely tells anyone about his condition; he trusts you.” He added, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Gackt said smiling. He closed the door behind him and took a sit on the couch. Lazily, he grabbed his jacket from the chair and draped it over his shoulders. Making himself comfortable on the couch, he allowed sleep to set in.

---------------------------------------

“Now Haido-chan, you’re not allowed to have any alcohol, at least not until you get better.” Gackt warned, a stern look on his face.

“Ga-kun, you’re mean! I won’t get well, it’s a lifelong thing, I’ll be so sad if I were to stay away from alcohol forever!”

“Not for now, you just got discharged!”

“Please?” Hyde begged, tapping his fingers against the bar top. Kyo watched amused, laughing as he busied himself by cleaning out a blender.

“Haido… no, until you get better.” Gackt repeated, taking Hyde’s hands. “It’s for your good.”

Hyde pouted. “Fine, give me a… a… a cup of tea!” he snapped, gesturing for Kyo.

“Yes, yes… and you Camui-san?” Kyo asked.

“I’ll have…” he noticed Hyde glaring at him from the corner of his eyes. Gackt winced momentarily. “I’ll have tea, just like him.” Kyo smirked, and went to get them their drinks.

“Now, that’s better Ga-kun.” Hyde commented, drumming his small, slim fingers along the tabletop, in accordance to the beat of the music.

“Say… Haido-chan… do you think…” he was cut off by another firm, low voice from behind him.

“Haido?”

Hyde frowned, recognizing it immediately. He turned around, “Sakura.” He spat, scowling he turned away. “Ga-kun, let’s change seats.”

Gackt turned, the two men bowed to greet each other briefly. “Haido-chan…”

“I said I want to change seats!” Hyde said, raising his voice a little.

“Haido, I…” Sakura stepped in front of him, blocking his path as he tried to walk away. Finally Hyde stopped, glaring at him.

“What do you want? Get out of my path you barbarian! I want to change my seat!” Hyde shrieked, trying to chase Sakura away.

“Will you listen to me for awhile?!” Sakura yelled, grabbing the small youth by the arms.

“Let go!” Hyde yelled.

“Then listen to me!”

“Why should I? Huh!? Ga-kun? Tell me why I should listen?” Hyde turned, questioning the blonde man.

“Haido-chan… at least listen to Sakura-san for a moment ne?” Gackt met Sakura’s worried eyes.

“I don’t want to!”

“I’ve waited for you every night since that day…” Sakura explained.

“So what?!”

“I want to apologize.”

“Bullshit! You say this now; tomorrow you’d compare me with the dead woman all the same!”

“Stop calling her that!”

“SEE! You’re being defensive when it’s your fault!” Hyde yelled, fuming. He stopped, short of breath, reaching for a nearby table.

Gackt hurried to steady him, patting his back. “Haido, please.”

“You’re unreasonable.” Sakura muttered, lowering his gaze to the floor, refusing to say anything else.

“I hate you! You piss me off!” Hyde screamed. “Ga-kun, lets go.” He said, turning to walk away.

“But…” Gackt started, supporting Hyde by the arm. “Sakura-san-“

“Let’s just go!” Hyde yelled, pushing his way through the crowd.

Hyde slammed the car door shut, his quivering lips pursed tightly together as he suppressed the urge to cry. Gackt got into the driver’s seat in silence, closing the door gently. “Haido?” he asked, “are you alright?”

Hyde shook his head, his hair falling over and shielding his face. Just as well, he was going to cry any minute now. “Sakura is a big jerk.”

Gackt leaned over and took him into his arms. “Hush, don’t cry.”

“I hate him so much!” he wailed, sobbing uncontrollably now. “It’s not my fault that I look like his dead wife… I didn’t ask to look like her… I really didn’t…”

“Shhh…” Gackt whispered, “Its okay…”

“I hate looking like her… I don’t want to…”

“Give him some time… he’ll accept you as you are one day. You’ll see…”

Hyde didn’t say anything; he just shook his head and sobbed harder. He let his tears mercilessly lash out on his face, grabbing the material of Gackt’s suit as he wailed.

Hyde’s crying continued for a couple more minutes until Hyde finally relented, his eyes puffy and swollen; agreeing to go home. Gackt smiled a little, teasing him and handing him tissues.

“Gomen ne, Ga-kun.” Hyde said pouting.

“Its okay, its good that you let your feelings out.” Gackt said, reaching out to start the engine. “I’ll take you home now ne?”

“Un,” Hyde nodded, blowing his nose into a tissue. “Thank you.”

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIII/B

2009-02-28T22:40:50Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXIII/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde.
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B twenty three/A

[Winterfall~ A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIII/B

They soon came to a small stretch of shop-houses, walking until the end of the stretch where Hyde pushed the door open. Gackt stopped the read the neon signboard above it. “Gauze… what’s this?”

“A small pub… a bar, if you will,” Hyde led him in, strolling through the place with much ease. “Do you go to pubs often?”

Gackt shook his head as Hyde led him to a sit, making himself comfortable on the chair. “Not really…”

Hyde smiled, “Don’t worry, you’ll like it here. My friend owns this place… Ah! Kyo!” Hyde stood up and waved.

A blonde man of small stature and a lip piercing came, grinning at Hyde. “Ah… Haido-kun… new ‘partners’ everyday?”

“Shuttup Kyo!” Hyde restrained himself from throttling him. “Kyo-kun, this is Gackt. Camui Gackt. Ga-kun, this is Kyo, he owns the place.”

“Oh! Camui-san of M.S. cosmetics!” Kyo bowed as he shook Gackt’s hand. “Yoroshiku.”

“Ahh… you heard of Ga-kun already!” Hyde said.

“It’s hard not to even hear when Camui-san is so young and so successful!”

Gackt lowered his head a little, “I’m not that successful actually… Kyo-san, you’re not too bad yourself too, this looks like a nice place!”

“Nahh… it’s just a small pub…” Kyo shrugged, a little embarrassed at the flattery.

“Kyo-kun! How humble!” Hyde exclaimed, laughing, dodging Kyo’s attempt to swat at him head.

“So what can I get you both?”

“Recommend Ga-kun something; I’ll get a glass of red wine.” Hyde sat back against the chair and crossed his legs, taking a long drag off his cigarette. After listening to Kyo’s recommendations, Gackt settled on one of Kyo’s special cocktail mix. Kyo went back to the counter with their orders, leaving the both of them to chat.

Gackt flipped through the drinks menu, “The drinks here are quite something… very special.”

Hyde nodded leaning forward. “Yep! Kyo-kun really does take time to come up with new stuff and they are quite good!”

“Really?”

“Yeah… I’ve tried everything on the list.” Hyde laughed, “The one you picked is very popular, teenagers like to come back for it.”

Gackt raised his eyebrows, “Really?”

Hyde nodded, making way for Kyo who came back with their drinks. He set them on the table, “Enjoy! I’ll be at the counter if you need anything.” He gave them a wink and walked back.

Gackt took a sip of his drink and frowned, letting the alcoholic liquid go down his throat slowly, savoring its dry, sweet taste.

“Well, how is it?” Hyde asked, sipping his red wine.

“Hmm… It’s… different…” He said.

“Different?” Hyde offered him a weird frown.

Gackt laughed, politely hiding his chuckling behind his hand. “I don’t know, just different… but it’s nice, very light and sweet, I like it.”

Hyde laughed as well, “You’re weird Ga-kun…” he commented, frowning as he saw two men approach their table from a distance.

Gackt felt a small vibration in his coat pocket before the ring of his mobile phone filled the space between Hyde and him. Gackt pulled it out and took a quick look at the screen. “Sumimasen, it’s my office, I’ll take it outside.”

Hyde nodded, waving for Gackt to go ahead. He watched, smiling to himself as the blonde disappeared put the door.

“Haido-san?”

Hyde squinted to look in the dim lighting. A man with orange hair… “Ah! You’re Sakura’s friends! Takeshi and Nori right?” Hyde stood up smiling as he shook their hands. “Come, sit down!” he gestured.

Takeshi smiled; he held a small bag in his hands. They had been waiting for Hyde to show up like this, alone, ever since that night. They had seen his striking resemblance to Hideto and now, it was time for some fun. “Ne, Haido-san… you know… that night we saw Sakura, he was a little upset…”

“Yeah, that jerk hasn’t been to work for days already!” Hyde said, pursing his lips together.

“Well… we were concerned… so we thought of a plan to cheer him up a little.” Sugi said.

“A plan…” Hyde looked thoughtful for a while, “That’s nice…” he mumbled, how he wished he could cheer Sakura up too.

“But thing is… we need a little of your help on this to make it work.”

“Me?” Hyde looked up, surprised.

“Yes.” Takeshi nudged Nori.

The other man smiled, handing Hyde the bag. Hyde frowned slightly, pulling the sticker tag off the mouth of the bag and pulling out a flat rectangle box. Hyde looked up at the two men, who nodded at him to go on. Hyde pursed his lips tight, undoing the string round the box, he lifted the cover and gasped. Inside the box was a lightweight long cream blouse, with frills and pearl trimmings. It’s sheer material glinted under the light as Hyde held it up carefully. “It’s so pretty!” He exclaimed, his fingers tracing the embroidery and pearls that adorned the sleeves of the dress. “Wow…”

Nori smiled, the plan was sure to work. “And look at the lace trimmings down the middle.” He pointed slightly, seeing the glint of awe in Hyde’s large brown eyes. “Don’t you think it’ll look fabulous on you?”

“On me?” Hyde looked up, confused. “I don’t get it…”

“It’s a little gift, you can take it as a meeting present.” He gave a smile. “Well, we know Sakura will be here often, actually, we’ve seen him here every night since. But he’s always alone, and well, you know, sulking. We can see he likes you, so, we thought we’d surprise him with you in this blouse.” Takeshi bent down, picking up another box, “Ah, we bought you a pair of pants to go with it too.”

“Ahh… I don’t know…” Hyde mumbled, still looking at the dress as he took the other box in his hands.

“The blouse was so lovely, it would be such a pity if you wouldn’t put it on… you know, Sakura loves light blouses like this… he finds them very sweet. And besides, you’re such a beauty, It’d be a shame if you wouldn’t join in on our surprise…”

“You’re right… I am the best choice, am I not…” Hyde looked thoughtful for a moment. “Okay!” He smiled, “I’ll do it!”

The two men smiled, he just looked too much like Hiromi when he smiled. Takeshi stood up, “Shall we?” he gestured towards the bathroom. Hyde got up and followed them.

“Haido-san, are you done?” Takeshi asked, knocking lightly on the cubicle door.

Hyde’s muffled voice came from behind the door. “I don’t know…” the door opened with a creak as Hyde stepped out, holding the ends of the long blouse; careful not to dirty it. He bit his lip and tucked his hair behind his ear. The blouse exposed his shoulders to the light, its laced material came down to his knees, making it look a little more like a dress than a blouse; clinging gracefully to his tiny frame. Hyde adjusted the blouse again, pulling it lower down, making sure his legs were perfectly covered by the pair of stretch black pants. The whole look of it was too girly, and too sweet, he wasn’t at all used to it. “How is it?” Hyde mumbled, not daring to look the two men.

Takeshi smiled as Nori took in a soundless gasp. “You look perfect Haido-san…” They beckoned for him to stand against a wall.

Hyde stood, his back against the wall, patting his hair into place. “Do I really look okay?”

Takeshi smiled, watching the small, petit man fumbling with the dress, carefully arranging it around him. He looked so tiny and delicate in the gown, without thinking, it would definitely tug at Sakura’s heartstrings. “You look prefect, don’t worry.” He assured. If he hadn’t seen for himself that Hyde was a man, he would have believed him to be a girl, and a very pretty one at that, and of course a splitting image of Hiromi.

Hyde nodded, “Is he here yet?”

---------------------------------

Gackt looked around the entire pub, but to avail. When he had got back to the table after the phone call, Hyde was not there. And now after a round of searching, he still could not find Hyde. Gackt ran up to the bar counter, “Kyo-san!” he called out.

Kyo turned, strange that anyone should address him that way. “Oh! Camui-san!”

“Hai… did you see Haido?”

“Haido-kun?” Kyo pointed to a little corner near the bathroom. “Went there with two friends.”

Gackt mumbled a word of thanks and hurried over. As soon as the petit brunette spotted him, he practically jumped on him. Thankfully, Hyde was fully clothed. Gackt heaved a small sigh of relief upon seeing Hyde.

“Ga-kun!” Hyde beamed.

Gackt smiled, managing a small smile at Hyde, eyeing his two “friends” suspiciously.

“Ga-kun,” Hyde pulled him to stand closer to him. “This is Takeshi and Nori. They’re Sakura’s friends! Guys, this is Camui Gackt.” He introduced proudly.

Gackt hesitated before shaking their hands, unwillingly though. He just didn’t want to disappoint Hyde. He couldn’t figure out why, but no matter how much they smiled at him and no matter how close Hyde were to them, he just felt this sick, uneasy feeling in his stomach. Like the feeling you’d get when you know that someone was up to no good.

Hyde nudged him out of his temporal reverie, smiling happily as he led them to walk back to their seats; inviting Takeshi and Nori to sit with them while they waited for Sakura. “Ga-kun!” Hyde stood up and did a small turn in front of Gackt. “Do you like it?” he asked, parading his new outfit. “Takeshi and Nori bought it for me!”

Gackt smiled, patting the boy’s head fondly. Hyde indeed looked beautiful in his new clothes, the delicate material fitted him so perfectly; it would seem the only thing out of place now, was Hyde’s more outgoing, frank attitude. Gackt gave a small laugh, “you look beautiful.”

Hyde smiled, now with Gackt’s reassurance, he felt a small confidence rise inside him. He sat back down on the chair, letting the blouse flip over and settle down again against his slight frame, lightly; like the minute flutter of the winged butterfly as it would awaken. “Takeshi and Nori said so too! We’re gonna surprise Sakura! They say he likes girly clothes like this. Not on him though…” Hyde laughed, raising his hands, he called for a waiter. “Give us the best whiskey you have here!” he yelled, turning over to Takeshi and Nori, “Drink’s on me.” He said.

While waiting for the drinks, Hyde would every so often glance around while engaging in idle conversation with Takeshi and Nori. His eyes strayed, casting absent glances at his surroundings, surveying the different arrangements of the small sofas, chairs and tables in the pub, every now and then nodding, but really, he was barely listening. Finally, he set his sight on the small corner where he first met Sakura. And true enough, there sat a lone man, dressed entirely in black from his leather jacket to his tank top and of course, blank pants. A smile played up on Hyde’s face, “Sakura!” he exclaimed, jumping from his seat, he ran up to the man, Gackt following close behind him.

Sugi stole a glance at Mike and smiled, standing up they followed suit after Hyde. The show would very soon, begin to play without cue from them.

“Sakura!” Hyde tugged from the man’s sleeve. “Where the hell have you been?!”

Sakura blinked his sturdy form swaying slightly as he turned to face the source of noise. How it irritated him, couldn’t anyone see that he just wanted to be left alone? Slowly, his alcohol numbed mind registered the face in front of him. Hiromi was his first thought… but of course not, Hiromi was gone. Then who else could it be? “Hai-do…” Sakura spat out the words as if they would dirty his lips if he said that name. He smirked, “Leave me alone. I’ve got no time for you today,” He turned back to the mug in his hand and gulped down the remaining of its content.

“What the hell… Sakura!” Hyde pouted. “Fine, ignore me all you want after this.” He squeezed himself into Sakura’s chair, his lithe body pressing firm against the other man.

“Go away Hyde.”

“Shut tup you.” Hyde snapped. “Don’t be mean… I have a surprise for you.” He paused to think and then corrected himself. “No, WE have a surprise for you.”

“We?” Sakura raised an eyebrow. He turned, to see Gackt… Takeshi and Nori. “Bastards…” he mumbled in a low tone. “Go away Haido, go off with your Gackt boyfriend.”

“Sakura! What’s wrong with you today?” Hyde pouted some more. Sakura turned his back towards him, his shaky hand reaching to pour himself another mug of beer. “C’mon, don’t ignore me…” smiling, Hyde reached over taking the man’s face, making Sakura turn to face him. “I know you’ve been down lately, but look, I’m dressed in something you’d like! I don’t usually dress like this!”

Sakura’s glazed eyes turned to focus; the image of the boy in front of him, slowly but surely forming up in his mind’s eye. That small frame adorned in frail, delicate material; like a toy doll. Lace and sheer over fair, pale skin… The blouse looked more like a dress against his frame, an almost exact replica of Hiromi in her wedding gown; innocence and fragility, everything Hyde was not. “What the hell is this?” he breathed.

“What?” Hyde frowned confused.

Sakura stood up abruptly, shoving the boy off the seat. “I’m asking, what the hell is this Haido?!” He grabbed Hyde roughly by the shoulder, squeezing his hands tight. The wound was already split open, far too deep, far too much blood was lost from it and yet, it was being pried with force, unwilling to allow it even a slightest bit of healing.

“Sakura… I don’t understand… you’re hurting me…” Hyde winced in pain, trying to fight the force of the older man’s grasp. “Stop it! Sakura!”

Sakura let go of him, pushing Hyde away from him. “Is this some sort of joke?! You think this is funny?! You think so?!”

“What do you mean?! This is supposed to cheer you up!” Hyde argued.

“Cheer me up! Hah! Fuck you Haido…” He spat. “Even you, you’re just trying to dig at my misery… You think… just because you look like Hiromi.”

“Shut up about her already!” Hyde yelled. “She’s dead you moron! Stop talking about that dead person! She’s playing with your head! She’s dead Sakura! Dea…” Hyde didn’t get to finish his sentence as the strong contact of a palm slammed itself against his face. The boy stumbled backwards, his eyes wide in shock. His cheek stung, numbing his entire face.

“Haido!” Gackt yelled, rushing over to steady Hyde. “Sakura-san, isn’t there any thing the both of you can talk over?” He yelled over the noise.

Hyde blinked, staring at Sakura as a tear slid down from his reddened eyes. He brought a shaky hand to his cheek, holding it there as his mind struggled to register what had just happened. “No one…” Hyde’s voice shook as he spoke, his bottom lip quivering. “No one has ever… slapped me.” He glared at Sakura, his eyes burning, already brimming with tears. Hyde blinked, faintly feeling the heat of his tears on his cheek. He rubbed at them haphazardly. “Sakurazawa… I hate you!” He screamed. Pushing his way past, Hyde took off, running out of the pub.

“Haido!” Gackt looked at Sakura for a moment, expecting the dark haired man to go after Hyde. “Sakura-san!” He cried exasperated. Gackt watched as the door swung closed, he sighed, running out after Hyde.

Sakura sank back into his seat, his eyes glazing over with tears. “You can never… never compare with her…” he muttered, reaching for his mug.

“Sakura?” Takeshi called, a small smile on his lips. Seeing no response from the man, he turned, smiling as he walked to another seat with Nori.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXIII/A

2009-02-28T22:34:46Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXIII/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde.
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A twenty two/B

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XIII/A

“What the hell is this?!” Hyde’s voice filled the room, making the people sited around the meeting table squint and wince as he threw the file onto the table. “You fuckin’ expect me to believe this is a report?” He asked. “What do you think I am? A three year old kid?! Damnit, I know more about running companies and doing reports more than any of you here.” Hyde paused, waiting for a response. He leaned forward, placing his palms on the table. He tucked his hair behind his ear briefly, a frown on his face. “Then tell me, what kind of report is this?” There were still no response only constant frightened stares from the staff at the table. “What kind of a report is this?!” He repeated, his words coming out in a detailed hiss. Still not hearing anything from them, he fumed, turning around in exasperation. He gave a mock laugh and nodding, biting his lip, “Both of you. Rewrite this or I’ll see to you loosing your jobs pretty damn fast.” He picked up the file and threw it at them, leaving it for them no catch or pick it up where it had fallen. “The rest of you,” he paused, “I haven’t seen your reports yet, but don’t be smug, you jolly well rewrite them as well or you too can forget about anymore morning trips here to work. Understand?”

No one answered. The room was silent like he was speaking to himself.

Hyde cursed. “Understand?!” he yelled, “Answer me damnit!”

A hesitant pause, before voices squeaked their way out, combining into one draggy, mousy “Yes”.

Hyde nodded. “Good.” He spat, picking up his file; he turned to go back into his office.

Once inside, Hyde let out a loud groan, sinking his head into his hands. “Sakura, just where the hell are you,” he mumbled, shutting his eyes. He frowned, reaching over to pick up the phone. He dialed Sakura’s cell, “Damnit.” Hyde snapped, slamming the phone down as soon as he heard the same operator’s note yet again. “You’re not going to ignore me Sakura.” He mumbled, picking up and dialing Sakura’s home instead. A long ringing sounded before a beep- the answering machine again, but just as well. “SAKURAZAWA YASUNORI! Where the hell are you! If you think you can just dust your butt and walk out of your damn company you’re wrong! Come back here you idiot! You’re making me loose it! I hate you!” He screamed, slamming it down and sinking down against his chair. His tiny chest heaved as he took in long, labored breaths. Hyde brought a limp idle hand to it, soothing the ragged momentum. “Must be calm, be calm Haido.” He told himself, closing his eyes, allowing enough air into his tired lungs. “I will not let you piss me off so that I get a heart attack, Sakura you bastard.” He whispered, reaching for a glass of water. His hand groped the table, only coming across a couple of files, notebooks… and the phone. “Eh?” Hyde opened his eyes, sitting up. “Ah, no water, damn.” He cursed softly.

As he was about to stand, a small knock sounded at the door. “Haido-san?” It was Rika, holding a glass of water in her hand. “I brought you some water.”

Hyde smiled, taking a huge gulp. “Arigatou Rika-chan, I was just about to go get one.”

Rika smiled, she took a small step forward, opening her mouth to speak. But as soon as she saw Hyde look her direction, she closed it again. Hyde gulped down more water, before placing the glass on the table. “What is it?” Hyde gestured towards the seat. “You want to tell me anything?”

Hesitantly she took a step forward, easing herself into the seat, shifting her weight. “Haido-san… Anou ne… I hope you’re not too mad at them ne?”

“Oh no,” Hyde started. “I’m not mad, Rika-chan I’m fuming!”

“Haido-san, give them some time, they’re all just too used to Kachou’s way of doing things…”

“You mean that asshole’s way of NOT doing things.” Hyde paused. “Rika-chan… he’s not here right now, he hasn’t been here for a week! They better damn well get used to having me around. Just wait till I find him, I’ll skin him alive.”

Rika smiled a little. “Hai. Don’t stress yourself too much Haido-san, I’ll take my leave.” Hyde waved his hand, dismissing her.

As soon as she was gone, he buried his face against the desk again. He could really use Sakura around here a bit. He was so tired, Hyde faintly felt his eyes lid over, and he let out a small sigh, inviting sleep when he was disrupted by the shrill sound of the phone. Hyde groaned loudly. He hesitated, not wanting to pick it up. It continued ringing, it’s sound clear in his ears. Groaning, Hyde grabbed the receiver and yelled into it. “I’m not in! Go away!”

“Haido-chan?”

Hyde stopped, blinking. He tilted his head to the side. “Ga-kun?”

A small laugh on the other side of the line, “What happened?”

“Ga-kun,” Hyde sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m just tired.” He frowned, massaging his temples.

“Wanna tell me why?”

“I don’t know! Sakura isn’t here! He’s been missing in action since last week! How the hell does he expect me to run HIS company alone?! I just had a meeting and god, they pissed me off! They can’t even write a basic report Ga-kun! He really should bring his ass back here, because Gacchan, I am just about to walk out and throttle myself in front of everyone!”

Gackt paused slightly. “Listen Hyde…”

“I am not going to!”

“Shh… listen, you need to slow down okay? Tell you what, the rest of the day off and go home get some rest.”

“Ga-kun! Are you out of your mind?! I can’t! They have so much to do! I have to watch them! I can’t just leave like that!”

“Yes you can Haido. Look, Sakura isn’t here right?”

“Right… but all the more reason Gackt…”

“It’s just half a day, how much can you miss out in half a day? Look, you go home and take a rest, you’d be able to do so much more tomorrow. Better than over stretching your limitations and forcing yourself to go on…”

“But-“

“No buts Haido. Go home, a fresh mind is always better than a tired one.”

Hyde smiled, toying with the cord mildly. “Thanks Ga-kun.”

Gackt smiled, “Now… how about dinner later tonight?”

“Ah! Ga-kun! You have a motive! And you told me to rest!” Hyde laughed.

“Well, you can always rest of the rest of the day and still have dinner with me” He shrugged casually, grinning. “What do you say I’ll come by your place at seven?”

Hyde laughed again, “Ga-kun, you’re a sly one. I can’t say no now can I?”

“No, actually, you can’t.” Gackt said, laughing.

“Baka. I’ll pack up and go home now; I’ll see you at seven hai? Bye” Hyde placed the receiver carefully over its cradle and smiled. “At least there’s Ga-kun to brighten up my day…” He proceeded to pack his belonging, not before giving Rika a call to inform her. Picking up his briefcase and purse, Hyde gave everything a last check, his hand on the silver knob. He twisted it and exited.

----------------------------------------

Hyde yawned, turning over on his right side. He nuzzled his face against the soft silk pillow covers, half-convinced he hadn’t had enough sleep to his tired body yet, opening his eyes to slits, he stole a glance at the clock. “Six… forty… five…” Hyde mumbled, reading slowly. Then he bolted up, “Six forty-five!” Hyde ran a hand through his hair. “Damnit!” he shrieked. “I’m late!” The small man scrambled out of bed and grabbed a random pair of clothes and headed straight for the bathroom. He didn’t even bother much of a shower; he just washed his face, spraying perfume and deodorant all over himself. Hyde raised his arms, taking a little sniff, “Hmm… all good.” He said, pulling jeans over his bare legs. Hyde grabbed the top he had taken and put it to his chest, pouting as he scrutinized himself in the mirror. “Eew…” he mumbled, “Not this.” He went out of the bathroom, topless, rummaging through his wardrobe for another top. After fifteen minutes of searching for the needle in the haystack, Hyde finally decided on a crisp black shirt with frill trimmings down its middle and lace at the ends of its long sleeves. Hyde put it on, shifting to adjust it, he buttoned in a haste and gave himself a last check. Biting his lip, he grabbed his purse and bolted out the door.

“Ah! Ga-kun!” Hyde screamed, picking up pace as he noticed Gackt downstairs. He hurried down the stairs, panting slightly as he ran up to the couch. “Ga-kun! I’m sorry I’m late… I overslept… Mihiko was supposed to wake me… but…” Hyde stopped, sulking in the direction of the kitchen as he saw Mihiko come out, carrying a tray with tea for Gackt. “Mihiko! Why didn’t you tell me that Gackt-san was here?! And why didn’t you wake me up?”

Mihiko lowered her head and opened her mouth to explain, but Gackt stood up, stopping her. “Haido-chan, I came early myself, I told Mihiko-san not to wake you. I thought you should rest more.”

“Ga-kun…” Hyde started, “I feel embarrassed that you should wait.”

“It’s my honor to wait for such a lovely person like you.” Gackt said, bending to kiss Hyde’s cheek. “You look gorgeous, as usual.”

Hyde smiled, sliding his hand to loop around Gackt’s. “Let’s go.” He said.

The maid pulled open the door for them to exit. Hyde took a step forward, almost bumping into a tall tanned figure that was standing there. Hyde looked up in surprise, and then he scowled. “KEN KITAMURA! I thought you had gone for good back to your hometown.”

Ken bowed, taking off his shades. “Haido-sama.”

“Bahh.” Hyde waved him off, “Now step out of my way.”

“Haido-sama, where are you going?”

Hyde rolled his eyes. “None of your business Ken,” He spat, showing a finger into Ken’s chest. “Make way.”

“Haido-sama, I’m your bodyguard, I have responsibi-“

“Alright! Alright!” Hyde cut into his sentence, stealing a glance at Gackt with a small smile of his face, as a sign that everything was alright. “I’m going for dinner, now piss off!”

Ken nodded, and then he turned to Gackt. “And this is?”

Hyde cast him a dirty look, “don’t be rude! This is Camui Gackt, now bow.”

Ken bowed, “Sumimasen Camui-san.”

Gackt smiled, “Its okay.”

“Alright, now that you know where I’m going and who this is, you might want to step out of my path so that I can go for my food.” Hyde ended by waving Ken off with his hand. The taller man stepped back, lowering his head as Hyde left in Gackt’s car.

-------------------------------------------

“Did you like the food?” Gackt asked, bending and tilting his head slightly to look at Hyde.

Hyde looked up and grinned. “Of course! Ga-kun takes me to the nicest places to eat!” He patted his stomach, smiling content. “I have some weight to loose here!”

Gackt rolled his eyes. “Loose what Hyde?”

“Errr…” Hyde broke into a laughing fit. “Okay, okay. I know I’m slim like this.” He said.

Gackt shook his head, smiling. “So… what are we gonna do now? Go home?”

Hyde pouted, “I don’t feel like going home… shall we do something else? Say… shopping? I haven’t shopped in ages… Or we could go for a drink somewhere…”

“You’d have to pick and decide then; it’s been so long since I came back here… I barely remember anything except these few restaurants. I’m glad they’re still in business though, I’d be upset if my favorite food were gone…”

“Ahh… next time you’ll have one more thing to remember…” Hyde said, unzipping his purse, he took out a pack of cigarettes and extracted one, lighting it.

“What is it?”

Hyde bit the cigarette between his teeth and grinned mischievously. “Me.”

Gackt felt himself blush a little, “Haido-chan.” He scolded.

Hyde laughed, “Ah! Ga-kun!” He looped his hand around Gackt’s again. “I know just the place to go!”

Fanfic! [ Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXII/B

2009-02-24T18:48:47Z

that's four parts in one night guys! <3 read it all!

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXII/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them? Sakura's past comes back to haunt him with an unexpected visit from old friends, who run into him... and Hyde.
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B twenty two/A

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXII/B

Hyde yawned, spraying conditioner on his hair and drying it. He adjusted his slacks and pulled on a pale gray sweatshirt. Hyde randomly picked up a fashion magazine and flipped through it. He glanced at the clock, 9pm. He threw the magazine on his bed and grabbed a jacket and his purse and hurried down the stairs.

“Mihiko!” He yelled while he was at the door. “I’m going out! Remember to wash my jacket!”

----------------------

In his quiet corner in the bar, Sakura downed a whiskey. This feeling was good, the warmth of the liquor burning you up from the inside; filling up his void with a familiar numbness. In his drunken state, he did not see the man approaching him.

“Sakura?”

Sakura barely managed to drag himself up, facing the direction of the voice. He squinted to look at the person, his eyes blurred by the effects of alcohol.

The man spoke again, bending down to get a clear view of Sakura. “Sakura! I can’t believe it’s you!”

Sakura squinted, unable to recognize the face. “Go away… I don’t’ know you…” He mumbled, turning away to take another shot of whiskey.

“Sakura, it’s Takeshi!”

Sakura’s eyes snapped open at the mention of that name; he turned, holding his hair back with his hand. “Takeshi?”

“Yeah! It’s me man!”

That bleached orange hair and dark eyes, it was definitely Takeshi. “Takeshi…” He repeated slowly.

“Oh my god, it’s been years Sakura!” Mike said aloud, turning around to wave someone over. “I’ll call Nori! He’ll be delighted to know that you’re here!”

Sakura frowned, “No, actually I…” He mumbled but it was too late, he could already see someone else walking over. He wanted to leave. He had moved away in hopes of forgetting everything that had caused him so much pain in that town. But now, Nori and Takeshi; they were there too… on that Bachelor’s night, two years ago… Sakura’s head pounded, feeling as if his entire world was going to come crashing down on him.

“Sakurazawa!” Nori gasped, punching him lightly on the hand. “I can’t believe it’s you! We hadn’t heard anything from you since… Well, you know since when…”

Sakura downed another glass, calling for a bottle. The weight of what seemed to be a casual conversation was too much for him to carry; he didn’t say a word; tears, anger and resentment growing in on him as he left them to babble about how they hadn’t met him since Hiromi’s death.

“Since she died.” Takeshi finished the sentence.

Sakura glared at them, holding their eyes in momentary stare. And then he broke away, swallowing, “Yeah, I moved out.” He mumbled, going back to his drinks.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding eh? Oh, come on, she’s gone, there’s no point in ruining yourself like this.”

He slammed his glass atop the table. “Stop,” He growled, refusing to look at them. “Please, just stop talking about her.”

The table was filled with awkward silence for a while, before Nori laughed. “Okay, Okay, we’ll stop. Lighten up man!”

He broke; the fall of his calm façade taking them aback. “Lighten up?!” Sakura ran a hand through his hair, his dark eyes bloodshot. “How do you expect me…? She was my wife, Damnit!” He cursed.

Takeshi looked shocked… “Sakura… we’re saying… there’s no point in saying this now… if only you hadn’t said those things…”

“Shut up!” He yelled, “Shut the fuck up!” He held his head in his hands as he sank down into his seat. Those words that murdered Hiromi… if he was the murderer they’d had to be accomplices… and to think they took it so lightly.

“Sakura?”

No, no, not Hyde. Sakura turned, unwillingly. Not today Haido… Sakura turned away, not bothering to even greet him.

Hyde pouted and sat down beside him. “I didn’t know you’d be here! Where were you the whole day?”

“Ahhh… Sakura, I see you’ve moved on!” Takeshi said laughing.

Hyde looked up, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Are you his friends?” He asked, turning to Sakura, “Are they your friends?”

“Haido…” Sakura started, this wasn’t the right time, and Hyde definitely wasn’t the right person to be here.

“We’re friends! I’m Takeshi and this is Nori. You are?” Takeshi cut Sakura’s sentence, leaning to shake Hyde’s hand.

“I’m Haido,” Hyde said smiling.

“You’re very pretty Hyde, Sakura’s really lucky.”

Hyde blushed, “I’ve never heard Sakura talk about the both of you…”

Sakura grabbed Hyde by the hand and pulled him up. “Listen Haido, we’re leaving.” He didn’t want this conversation to go any further.

“We have to? Where?” Hyde asked, tucking his hair behind his ears. “But I just got here…”

“Yes we are, we’re leaving now.” Sakura repeated, picking up his coat.

“Sakura come on, your pretty girlfriend comes and you want to leave with her already? Is the sex that good or what?” Takeshi teased, scrutinizing Hyde.

“Yeah, Sakura stay awhile! I just got here; I was so bored at home!” Hyde pouted, tugging at his sleeve. “Besides your friends are here.”

“We’re not staying!” Sakura yelled. He wanted to say that he wasn’t friends with them; he could see the smirk behind their eyes, the way they had cast their eyes on Hyde. Sooner or later, they’ll see… the similarity between him and Hiromi was just impossible to ignore. “Haido and I are not together like that.”

Hyde frowned, “Ass!” He cursed, waving for Kyo. “Red wine!”

The two men caught side of his small, willowy frame, turning to each other shocked. “Haido… you’re a boy?”

Hyde laughed, covering his lips. “Yeah! I get that a lot! When I first met Sakura-chan he thought I was a girl too!” Hyde glared at Sakura. “He thought I was-“

Sakura slapped a hand over Hyde’s lips. “Shh!” He hissed. Hyde pulled his hand off, glaring at him.

Takeshi raised his eyes, “You are awfully pretty for a male.”

Hyde, complimented, smiled. “Really? Thank you!”

“You do… look very familiar, have we seen you anywhere before…”

No. This was it. Sakura closed his eyes. “Haido, let’s go.”

“No, I don’t think so!” Hyde ignored him. “I haven’t seen you guys before…” He took a sip of his red wine. “So, how long have you guys known Sakura?”

“Oh, we go a long while back… Hey, are you sure you haven’t met us before?”

“Of course not! Hey!” Hyde screamed as Sakura pulled him up by the arm. “Oe!”

“We’re leaving.” Sakura announced, placing some bills on the table. The boy, light; was easily dragged and pulled along towards the door.

“What are you doing?” Hyde screamed, trying to kick him. “Are you embarrassed about being seen with me?”

Once outside, Sakura let go. “I think you’ve had quite enough Haido!”

“Why? I just came!”

“You barely know them! Do you enjoy talking to strangers so much? Just because they say you’re pretty?”

“Just admit that you’re embarrassed about being seen with me!” Hyde screamed, storming off back in the direction of the pub. “That would save you a lot of explaining!”

Sakura pulled him by the arm. “You’re going home with me! Now!” He pulled Hyde and dragged him towards his car.

“Iiya!” Hyde screamed, “Let go of me! Don’t pull me!”

Sakura ignored him; he continued pulling the small brunette towards his car. “Get in.” He yelled, shoving Hyde into the passenger’s side.

Hyde rubbed his sore wrist, “You!” Before he could continue, the door was slammed in his face.

Sakura got in and started the car, speeding off towards Hyde’s house.

The entire journey was silent. Hyde refused to even look at him. But just as well, he didn’t want to see anymore of that brat either. When he finally dropped Hyde off, the brunette stormed off, slamming the door behind him, not turning back to look.

-----------------------------

Takeshi couldn’t believe his eyes. “He’s a splitting image of Hiromi! How can two people look so alike?” he asked blankly, finishing up his beer. “Did you see that?”

Nori shrugged, “But, that explains Sakura’s eagerness to get him out of here. He’s afraid we might find out…”

Takeshi smiled, “It’s like the past coming back to haunt you man… you can’t run from it. And while we’re here, let’s make the most out of it…”

Nori smiled, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Kampai.”

------------------------------

Without turning on the lights, he trudged back into his room, collapsing onto the cold floor. Sakura opened his eyes, not caring to wipe the warm trickle across his cheek. He blinked. “Why now?” He asked aloud.

Crawling over to his night table and carefully lifted the photo-frame that was lying there. “Why love?” He asked, tracing the photo. He placed it back, his hands tightening around it. “Why!” He yelled, picking up the night lamp and throwing it across the floor. “Those bastards!” He yelled, “Takeshi… Nori… and, even Haido! Those bastards!” didn’t they know the pain they were causing him. “Damn you!” he rammed his fist into the night table, the drawer came undone, it’s lock giving way and falling to the floor.

His shivering hands reached up, pulling the weight of his body up onto the bed. Sakura just slumped over, in too much pain to even move. His eyes shut, as if not wanting to face the world; but that didn’t stop the tears from falling. Deep inside, he knew that even if he were to shrivel up from crying, it would never make time go back and take away what he had done. He knew it would never bring Hiromi back to him. She was the only one that truly would understand after all…

fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXII/A

2009-02-24T18:44:00Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXII/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them?
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A twenty one/B

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXII/A

Sakura sat alone at the small, square rosewood table for one. Wistfully, he lit a cigarette from his half empty pack and took a long, lazy drawl from it, tapping the ash that had settled into a clear glass ashtray. He sighed and looked at his watch; it was a half hour past noon. Lifting his eyes, he looked towards the seat across his, empty, again. For the past few days it had been like that. He would either have lunch with Hyde and Gackt or have his food alone. Everyday, the moment the clock hit noon, Hyde would already be halfway in Gackt’s chauffeured car. If not, Gackt would be waiting outside Hyde’s office. And he meant, outside, directly, behind the closed door, waiting patiently while he chatted with the female staff that swarmed around him. Gackt seemed to loved entertaining them though, attending nicely to their every address. The only time, in which he would try to shake them off, was when he noticed Hyde coming through the door.

It was hard even talking to Hyde nowadays. He was either very much buried in work, out meeting clients or out with Gackt. Sakura found it funny how he had so much time on his hands even though he had work and clients to meet as well. Hyde didn’t seem to have time for him anymore. Sakura reached over and took a sip from the white and blue china coffee cup. Hyde must be flirting happily with Gackt now, probably feeding each other food. Through the meals that he had with them, he could see the open affection the tall blonde had for Hyde, and how Hyde would respond to him with a growing fondness. Sakura frowned, he suddenly thought of Hiromi and their vast differences. She was never the kind to be comfortable with public affection, even with him. He guessed that was just how she was like; quiet, gentle and shy…

“Sakura don’t!” Hiromi smiled, a small blush forming on her cheeks. “We’re in public!”

Sakura laughed at her. “Come on, it’s just a kiss!”

“No!” She said, laughing, breaking into a small run.

“Hi-chan!” Sakura ran after her, stopping her by taking hold of her hands, her tiny, delicate hands. “What are you shy about? We’re going to get married soon!” He scolded softly.

She blushed, lowering her head. “It’s… It… It’s just that…”

“You don’t want to marry me?” Sakura asked, cutting her short. Hiromi’s eyes widened in shock, Sakura wanted to laugh, he loved teasing her like that, she always took whatever he said so seriously.

“No!” She shot back, bringing her eyes to meet his firm stare before quickly lowering it. “Of… of course not.” She muttered, her hands tightening in his. “I want to be with you… always…” she added softly. Sakura couldn’t hold it back any further; he burst out into laughter.

Hiromi looked irritated, pouting at him. “You tricked me!” She gasped, frowning.

Sakura laughed, “You fell for it so easily! Aww, don’t be mad!” He coaxed her, rubbing her shoulders. Finally, she gave in, smiling. Sakura caught her hands with an idle hand, the other cupping her cheek.

“Sakura… we’re in public…” She said, shying away.

“I don’t’ care and you know that.” He said, leaning close.

She kept silent, shutting her eyes, waiting for him. Sakura toyed with her long soft curls momentarily, before stroking her face. He bent down and claimed her lips, moving his hands around her small waist. He didn’t shut his eyes and he didn’t take his sight off her. Her heavy lashes tickled his face, her pale pink lips curled into a small, content smile. Every now and then she would expel a sigh, and how her flushed cheeks glowed in the afternoon sun. He was blissful just being with her like that, kissing her beauty.

Sakura felt his lip twitch and gave up fighting the urge to smile at the fond memory. The smile was one of both fondness and regret. Sakura felt the sting of salt behind his eyes and shut them tight. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and called for the bill. Paying the lady, he left the café, walking along the bustling streets.

He took his shades out from his pocket and shoved them up his face. The world would laugh at him, if they’d seen him cry. What gave him the right to cry? After all… he drove her to her death. His beloved… his slip of tongue took her life.

In a daze he stumbled into one of the shops, almost tripping over the doorframe. The shop assistant rushed over and steadied him. “Daijyoubu?”

Sakura steadied himself against a wall, in partial shock. He looked around him and saw a young girl’s worried face. “Uh… Hai, daijyoubu.” He mumbled, urging her to go back to her work.

The girl looked at him inquisitively for a moment, “Feel free to look around.” She said, before excusing herself.

He was in a flower shop filled with many bright and colorful blooms. In the corner near the cashier was a large fridge, where some flowers were kept fresh. Sakura walked through slowly, browsing through the different types of flowers. He frowned slightly, taking off his shades and wiping his eyes with the corner of his sleeves. He hadn’t gone to visit Hiromi for quite some time already. He had been too busy with Hyde. Sakura felt guilt creeping into him, giving him little shivers. He should have gone to see her no matter what. No matter what, she was still the most important. Sakura bent, looking at the large vessel that held some fresh lilies.

He handpicked a couple and brought it to the girl at the counter. “Could you… wrap them up for me?” He looked around, spotting a few smaller, decorative flowers. “Plus a little of those…” He pointed, “Flowers for decoration.”

“Baby breaths,” The girl giggled, and got to her work. Sakura nodded, his cheeks heating up a slight, he could tell she was laughing at his lack of knowledge. Well, you couldn’t blame him; he was a man after all. Hiromi on the other hand, had no problem with the names of the flowers. She also had great taste when it came to flower arrangement. She had bought and arranged all the vases of flowers Sakura had in the apartment before. He hung around the counter a little, taking small walks and admiring the different floral arrangement in the store.

“Sir?”

The girl’s voice snapped him out of his reverie. Quickly, he turned back to face her. “Thank you” he mumbled, pulling out his wallet to pay for the flowers.

-----------------------

“Haido?” Gackt asked concerned. Hyde had barely touched his food since in had been served. The brunette’s eyes were distant, adrift somewhere. The cigarette that hung loosely from his fingers had almost burnt out, but he had barely even touched it. “Haido?” He touched Hyde’s hand.

Hyde jumped, dropping his cigarette. He blinked and picked it up quickly, taking a quick puff. “Yes, Ga-kun?”

“Are you okay?” Gackt asked, dusting the table lightly, where ash had fallen over it.

“Yeah…” Hyde replied, taking another drawl from his cigarette. “It’s just…” He shook his head, taking a sip of water.

Gackt smiled gently, “what’s on your mind?”

Hyde smiled, looking into Gackt’s clear blue eyes. “You always seem to know my thoughts eh?” He commented, grinning. “I can’t hide anything from you.” He paused, glancing across the street again. Gackt sipped his white wine, waiting patiently for Hyde’s answer. “I wonder what Sakura’s doing…” He said; his eyes fixed on a random building across the road.

Gackt’s heart fell a little. It was just as he had guessed, but he feared to hear it from Hyde. He shook his head mildly and smiled, “So that’s what’s been keeping you from your food.”

Hyde looked surprised at the mention of food. “Food… Oh!” He laughed, covering his mouth delicately. “I forgot about my lunch!” He exclaimed. He took his fork and poked at the meat. “Looks cold…” He muttered, cutting a slice.

Gackt stopped him, “Don’t eat that.” He said, “It’s already cold.” He raised his hand to call for a waitress. “I’ll get the waitress to bring you something else.”

Hyde smiled, “Yeah… That would be nice.”

“You miss him?” Gackt asked suddenly, disrupting the uncomfortable silence with his smooth voice.

“Huh?” Hyde appeared surprised

“Sakura-san,” Gackt mumbled, his voice coming out a lot softer than he expected.

Hyde blinked. Once, twice, and then shook his head hesitantly. “No,” He tried to laugh. “He’s a jerk, why would I miss him?” He paused, sipping his water. “Gacchan can I try your cake?” He asked, picking up a clean fork.

Gackt smiled, “sure.” He pushed the plate forwards a little.

“Mmm… the chocolate cake here’s nice…” Hyde said, his voice muffled by food, his hand covering his lips as he chewed. “Yummy…” He laughed a bit, “Gacchan must think I look like a glutton.”

Gackt laughed, taking out a small, thin cigar from its pack. “Yes, a very adorable glutton.” He joked.

“Aye, don’t push your limits!” Hyde said, mocking an irritated face.

He was cute like that, Gackt wanted to touch his face.

--------------------------

Sakura bent slightly, removing his sunglasses. Gently, he removed the wilting roses from its place it the vase and replaced it with the bright, fresh lilies. He gazed fondly at photograph embedded in the marble and smiled fondly. “I hope you like lillies.” He said, arranging the large white flowers carefully.

Hiromi loved white flowers. And to Sakura, White represented her - pure, tranquil, gentle. Her favorite were white roses. When he was done arranging the flowers he took a seat, leaning against the side of the gravestone, facing the vast greenery before him.

Gingerly he stroked the cold stone, as if he was caressing her face. “I’m sorry… I haven’t been to see you for along time…” He paused, “that Haido he’s been wrecking hell for me.” He mumbled, “he does look an awful lot like you, you know?” Sakura pressed his hand hard against the marble, wanting to bring back something that could never be. “He makes me miss you more, Hi-chan. At times I… I’d give anything to have you back with me…” He lowered his face, sobbing into his sleeve. “I’m so sorry…”

In his mind’s eye, replayed the scene when he found her at their home. How he grasped those cold hands; and how, no matter how he tried to beg the warmth back into her body… how everything was all to late. She was gone forever.

---------------

“Thanks for lunch Ga-kun, the cake was great!” Hyde said, tucking his hair behind his ear as he opened the door of his office.

“Ahh… all you think about is the cake…” Gackt laughed.

“The cake was delicious!”

“Hai. Gambarimasu!” Gackt said as he watched Hyde take a seat at his desk.

“Hai!” Hyde smiled taking out a file; he began to read it.

“Will we have dinner tonight?”

“Dinner?” Hyde looked the calendar on the side of his desk and traced a small finger along the dates. “My schedule’s clear…” He trailed off, rummaging through some files. He frowned in concentration. “Ah! I can’t!”, he said shaking his head, soft brown bangs falling across that well shaped face. “I have lots of stuff to go through.” Hyde said, biting his lip.

“Oh, that’s alright!” Gackt said, “Don’t work too hard though, and remember to have your dinner.”

Hyde laughed. “I will! I’m sorry about tonight.”

“Its okay.” Gackt waved a hand. “Work comes first.” He smiled. “I’ll be at my office if you should call me.”

“I can always call your cell…” Hyde said, distractedly going through the file in his hands.

Gackt smiled, “Jya.” He closed the door, hearing Hyde mutter a small “bye!”

Hyde lifted his eyes to the door as soon as he was sure it was shut. He looked at the clock, time for his medication. Sighing, Hyde took out his pillbox and consumed the right amount. Fighting the urge to run to the bathroom and gag the disgusting bitter taste out of his mouth, together with his lunch. Hyde mumbled a string of curses as he exited his room, walking to the pantry for more water.

On his way back, he noticed Sakura’s office was empty. He opened the door and peeked. Sakura must still be at lunch. He shook his head, closed the door and slowly prodded back into his office, his coffee glass full with water.

-----------------------------

Sakura’s head dropped heavily to the side, waking him. He rubbed his eyes and opened them slowly. He had fallen asleep, and now, the sky was already beginning to darken. Being already too familiar with the surroundings here, getting around in the dark wasn’t at all a problem to him. He vaguely remembered the last time he came here with Hyde. The brunette had been so scared of the dark and had stood rooted to the ground, helplessness written all over his face. That, was also the first time he had held Hyde’s hand. Sakura shook the thought off, lighting a cigarette. She would have scolded him for smoking too much; but he would have his ways to humor her and she would smile again, and everything would be alright. But now there was no one to offer him that gentle nagging, nor would he ever have the chance to see her smile again.

Whispering something to her, he stood up, a wistful smile on his face as he made his way to back to his car, not before taking one last look at her. Sakura cursed at the chilly weather outside, stuffing his cold hands into his pockets. He got into his car; he needed to get somewhere to breathe, to forget. Yes, he needed to get somewhere fast.

----------------------------------

Hyde looked up, expelling a long sigh. He stretched; raising his hands high above his head and took a look at the clock. 8 P.M. Damnit, he had been working over time again. “Arrrgh…” He groaned loudly, rubbing his eyes. “Coffee break!” Hyde got up from his seat and opened the door. Most of his colleagues had gone home; the few who were left were rushing last minute proposals and assignments. Hyde sighed, greeting them casually as he passed them. Opening a fresh sachet of 3 in 1 coffee, Hyde emptied its contents into his cup and added the hot water. He wouldn’t have touched 3 in 1s given normal circumstances; all the coffee beans at home came fresh, ground. But he wasn’t at home, he sighed again. He would need to get used to not living in the lap of luxury while he worked. After all, he knew, luxury couldn’t buy you everything… “Ouch!!” Hyde screamed, dropping the cup on the table, spilling coffee all over him as well. “Iteee….” He sulked, sucking on his reddened finger.

“Haido-san! Daijyoubu?” A skinny red head rushed into the pantry.

Hyde looked up, “Ah… Daijyoubu.” He winced, placing his sore finger under a running tap. “I scalded myself with hot water that’s all.” He smiled, half shooing the red head out. “Its okay, go back to your work.”

Hyde sulked, carefully applying some cream on his finger and bandaging it. “Oww…” He suddenly felt like running home and screaming at his nurse. Hyde grinned, Mihiko will so freak when she sees this. He removed his now soaked jacket and went into his office to collect his bag. He would have to go home earlier than he expected to. Hyde sighed, “More work tomorrow!”

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXI/B

2009-02-24T18:34:38Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXI/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura... How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them?
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B twenty one/A

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXI/B

They arrived at their destination, a revolving restaurant that Gackt had picked out, insisting the ambience was lovely and the staff was polite. “The last time I came back here, I thought this place was lovely.” Gackt said, moving beside Hyde to pull the chair out for him. Sakura rolled his eyes; again. He wondered how many times did he have to resort to doing that tonight, or if he would pass out from an overdose of saccharine sweetness oozing from either Hyde or Gackt.

Hyde smiled, sitting down with rare gentleness. “Thank you.” He said softly, watching as the handsome blonde gestured for Sakura to sit, before sitting himself.

A young waitress in a neat black blazer and matching black skirt came up to them to set their napkins. “What drinks can I get for you?” She asked politely.

Gackt looked to Hyde, “What would you like?”

Sakura had half expected Hyde to belt out a whole list of demands like he usually did, but the brunette just smiled passively, “I don’t know, Gackt, you decide.”

Gackt smiled a little, and then he leaned forward, “Sakura-san?”

Sakura frowned a little, fiddling with his napkin. He picked up the menu on the table, flipping through it slowly. “Iced water?” He mumbled, “Ice water’s good… and red wine for later.” He said, without looking at Gackt.

“Ah, my sentiments exactly! Sakura-san, we share the same taste!” He said, laughing.

Sakura laughed along, it was just manners even though he didn’t find it funny. Gackt ordered iced water for the three of them and 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, for later. Hyde picked up the menu across the table. Doing so, his eyes met Sakura’s. Hyde scowled ruefully, cocking his head to the side a little before looking away, at the menu in his hands. Hyde eyed Sakura momentarily; making sure that the raven-haired man was watching him. Sakura adverted his eyes every time they met with his, but Hyde took advantage of even the minutest seconds that he caught Sakura staring at him. “Ga-kun…” Sakura coughed, putting down his glass in haste, choking on the cold ice water. Hyde smiled slightly as he watched Gackt ensure Sakura was okay. “Ga-kun,” He repeated.

Gackt looked at him with wide eyes, accentuating the clear, crystal blue contact lenses that he wore. “Ga-kun?” He repeated.

“Mou, unless you don’t like me calling you that…” Hyde said, pretending to pout.

“Of course not!” Gackt said, laughing, “Ga-kun sounds fine! No one ever addresses me without the formality, but I could get used to it!”

Hyde laughed, “Then I’m honored to be the first!” He said. Taking a sip of water, he eyed Sakura’s scowling face and gave him a small smile of victory.

Sakura wanted to grab Hyde’s hair and drag him out and probably knock him back into his senses. If he had any left, that is. He was thankful that at this time, the waitress came back to take their orders. Sakura had ordered steak, Gackt ordered a house set dinner, and Hyde… he followed suit with Gackt.

Although they had started out talking about business mainly, somehow, swiftly the topic switched to something more personal. Sakura sat bored, playing with the moisture that gathered on his glass and watching Hyde and Gackt indulge in laughing at each other’s jokes and Hyde’s over-saccharine smiles for the blonde.

Poking at the peas and carrots on his dish, Sakura belted out. “Shall we, bring the red wine?”

Hyde laughed, Sakura glared at him, he didn’t think bringing in the red wine was funny. “Sakura!” Hyde said, trying to stifle a giggle. “Gacchan was just telling me about his trip to Switzerland! He fell over while snowboarding!” He laughed again, “Can you believe it?!”

Sakura rolled his eyes, dully repeating his sentence under his breath.

“Oh! Sakura you should really listen to Gacchan! He’s been to so many places!”

Gackt smiled, “No, no, just a couple…”

“If you call half the world a couple!” Hyde said, sipping his water.

Sakura cleared his throat. “Shall we bring in the wine?” He said, forcing a smile on his face, and trying very hard not to smack Hyde or throttle Gackt.

“Oh! The red wine!” Gackt said, gesturing for the waitress.

The waitress came out, bringing chilled wine glasses along with their bottle of choice. Skillfully, she unscrewed the cork and poured the clear red liquid into their glasses, before bowing and taking her leave.

Sakura took his glass, holding it by the stem between his index finger and his thumb, swirling it gently, leaning his chin atop his idle hand, watching as the red swirls spun gracefully round the cup.

“You know, Gacchan…” Hyde started, “I was telling you about how we’d like to work with you?” Sakura felt a hard kick against his shin; he slammed the glass against the table to stifle his yelp. Rubbing his sore shin, he glared at Hyde. “We’d like to work with Gacchan right?” Hyde said, deliberately staring at Sakura with those clear brown orbs.

Sakura blinked, ‘Oh… work… yeah, yeah…” He mumbled, trying to smile at Gackt.

Gackt smiled, “Sakura-san, what does your company do?”

Sakura barely opened his mouth, when Hyde cut him, glaring. “We deal in advertising and we’re currently thinking over expanding our services out of Japan.” Hyde said, nudging Sakura and mouthing something.

“Yeah…” Sakura said, frowning and trying to read Hyde’s lips.

“Name card!” Hyde hissed, only loud enough for Sakura to hear. Sakura fumbled as he fished out his name card and handed it to Gackt. Gackt read it carefully and Hyde watched him, anticipating his reaction. “Well?” Hyde asked, softly.

Gackt looked serious as he slipped the card into his jacket’s breast pocket. “Well, Haido…” He said, taking Hyde’s hands into his. “I already said, I’d work with you… And of course, Sakura-san, gladly.” Hyde smiled, turning to flash Sakura a V-sign. “In fact, I think, right now, I have just the job for you.” He let go of Hyde’s hands and sipped from his glass with much elegance. “Recently, my cosmetic company, we’ve just launched a new range of products… and I need a good advertising plan for it. It must of course, appeal to me and my board. And if it hits required target sales, which means the market is responsive, the advertisers,” he gestured to Hyde and Sakura, “which is your company, will get an added bonus.”

“’Sounds good to me,” Hyde said, enthusiastically smiling at Sakura. “What do you think?”

Sakura wanted to yell at Hyde and then roll his eyes and walk away. Since when do you ask me, if you make decisions? He thought silently. “It sounds good to me too!” He said, smiling a little.

“Great!” Hyde exclaimed, clasping his hands together. “I will go home and prepare the proposal!” and then he stopped, turning to Sakura. “No, you prepare one too. You prepare one and I prepare one, we’ll both go through it!” He said decisively.

Sakura shrugged a little and nodded. “Okay!”

Gackt held up his glass and offered a toast to Hyde and Sakura, “I’m looking forward to working with your company Sakura-san. And of course, Haido, it thrills me just to see you…”

Hyde blushed, lowering his head and giggling. “Gacchan, you flatter me too much!”

Sakura rolled his eyes; here come the lovey dovey again… I don’t understand what it is about that brat that attracts him so much! He coughed, “You know, Gackt-san, you shouldn’t spoil him.”

Hyde glared, pursing his lips together. “Am not spoilt!” He shrieked.

“I didn’t say you were; I just said that Gackt-san shouldn’t spoil you.” Sakura said calmly. Ah good, show Gackt just how bratty you are.

“Ga-kun isn’t spoiling me!” Hyde said defensively.

Gackt smiled, “Actually, I find it okay. Haido is such a lovely boy, he deserves to be spoilt even just a little.”

“See! I’m a lovely boy!” Hyde said smugly.

“You should really see how bratty he is.”

“Am not! Jerk! Stop saying bad things about me!” Hyde said, about to cry. “Meanie!”

“Brat.” Sakura said, sipping his wine.

Hyde opened his mouth to say something, but stopped, turning away with an angry pout. He could feel the tears forming behind his eyes. Sakura always had to be this mean to him, always. Big fat jerk.

Gackt smiled, “The both of you must be really close!” Even though he hadn’t known Hyde for very long, he couldn’t help but feel this fond attraction towards the petit brunette and of course a slight pang of jealousy of the relationship between the two men.

Hyde glared at Sakura, “Who’s close to him?!” he belted out, in synch with the very same words that came out of Sakura’s mouth. The two of them held each other’s defiant glare in a brief staring competition. “I’m going to the bathroom!” Hyde snapped, standing up and flinging his napkin on the velvet armchair. Glaring at Sakura, he stomped off.

Once in the bathroom, he walked straight into an empty cubicle and slammed the door behind him. “JERK!” he exclaimed, kicking the wall. “Jerk! Jerk! Jerk!” Hyde began blindly throwing punches against the wall. “Stupid Sakura!” he scolded. When he was done venting his anger on the wall, he sank down, squatting on the floor. He shoved his hand into his purse and pulled out his pillbox, swallowing a couple of pills to calm his pounding heart.

“Sakura-san… Haido works in your company yeah?”

“Gackt-san… no, actually, he barged into my life and then into my company. I don’t even know how that happened.” Sakura said bluntly.

“Haido… is…”

“A brat?” Sakura suggested, saying the word that first surfaced in his mind when he thought of describing Hyde. Gackt shook his head, a small smile on his flawless face. “Spoilt?” Gackt shook his head again. “I’m sorry, I can’t think of anything else to describe him… Ah! A pain!” Sakura exclaimed, confident that he had finally found the correct term.

“No… He’s…” Gackt’s mind seemed to be far off. “Special…”

“What?!” Sakura gasped. “That imp?!”

Gackt nodded, “I guess you just haven’t realized his good points yet…”

“Good points?!”

“Um… Yeah, he’s very real, he doesn’t hide who he really is… also, and he’s very adorable and lovely… a very beautiful person.”

Sakura wanted to throw up. “And you call knowing him for less than 3 days knowing him very well?”

Gackt shrugged, “His endearing character has captivated me…”

At that moment, they were disrupted by the loud shuffling of feet as a clearly unhappy Hyde came back to his seat. “Having fun?” He asked, sarcasm lingering in his tone.

“Very much!” Sakura said, “Gackt-san was just telling me about your good points, how endearing your character is.”

“Ga-kun isn’t as shallow as you!” Hyde snapped, gulping down the contents of his wine glass. “Ga-kun, I’m full, let’s go home.” Gackt raised an eyebrow briefly, sensing the tension at the table; he quickly called for the bill.

The chauffeur dropped Sakura off at his apartment before heading towards the Takarai residence.

“Unhappy, Haido?” Gackt asked, concerned.

Hyde turned to face him, the petite man had been facing the window the whole journey to Sakura’s home and neither of them had spoken to each other. Hyde sighed, slumping against the window. “Sakura is so mean to me… he’s always this mean to me… that bastard.” He said, softly.

Gackt smiled, at least Hyde was talking. “Don’t worry, I can see you two are close, it should blow over in no time.”

“Hmmm…” Hyde mumbled and then he turned to Gackt, taking the blond’s hands into his.

Gackt pulled his hands out of the grasp, shocked at how cold Hyde’s hands were. “Haido, are you okay? Why are your hands so cold?”

“Eh?” Hyde looked surprised, “Oh no, I’m fine…erm… my hands are always cold, but I’m fine.” He lied, assuring Gackt with his smile.

Gackt looked relieved, “I thought you were feeling ill or something…” He laughed.

“Ga-kun…” Hyde looked into his eyes. “I just wanted to apologize…” He said, twitching his lip. “If the dinner was ruined…”

Gackt smiled, he could see that Hyde wasn’t at all used to apologizing. “It’s okay… I had fun too, It was nice to have dinner with the both of you… you both are so… interesting…”

Hyde smiled, “You’re so nice!” He said, beaming.

Gackt smiled, looking out the window, “You’re almost home!” he exclaimed, as they drew nearer the approaching mansion. Hyde nodded, picking up his purse. The car came to a halt and the chauffeur came to open the back door for Hyde. Hyde stepped out carefully, Gackt followed suit. “I’ll walk you up.” He said, placing a hand on Hyde’s waist.

Slotting his key into the keyhole, Hyde turned. “Ga-kun, thanks for dinner.” He said.

“No problem, it’s my honor.”

“If you keep flattering me I’m really going to get spoilt!” Hyde laughed.

Gackt laughed too, bending to kiss the fair curve of Hyde’s cheek. “Oyasumi.” He said, bowing.

Hyde reached to feel his cheek, blushing and grinning. “Oyasumi!” He said, pushing his front door open.

Gackt watched as the front door swung shut in a slow, lazy motion. He took a brief stroll back to his car, where his chauffeur was waiting to take him back to his hotel, his mind’s eye, filled with incoherent thoughts of the boy’s beautiful smiling face.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXI/A

2009-02-24T18:30:09Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XXI/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android), Gackt (everyone knows GACKT.)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), i definately do not own Gackt, or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: the arrival of the charming, young and successful Gackt spells jealousy for Sakura. How will he react to this 'rivalry', and what is in store now that there's a third person involved between the two of them?
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A twenty/B

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XXI/A

Sakura yawned. He and Hyde had left the vet’s just this morning. The brunette, worn out from a night of staying up, had fallen asleep not long after at the rooftop, leaning his head on Sakura as if a pillow. It took almost a hull half-hour of coaxing to get the spoilt brat agree to go home for some proper sleep. And by the time Sakura had done that and successfully drove him home, it was already dawn. Alone, he went for some coffee and breakfast at a fairly decent French breakfast café. Finishing up his breakfast, he took a stroll back to the office. The morning was cool and he needed to buy smokes. Sakura yawned again; drawing the blinds at his desk pushed the pile of files aside and laid his head atop the table. He could do with a nap. The light cast weird shapes of gray over his lidded eyes, forming slowly into a wispy shroud of black. The dark shroud moved slowly across his eyes, calling with it everything to be in darkness. Everything…

At first it might have seemed as thought this was just a plain sleep, but slowly, yet definitely, the black seemed to form a figure. The forming shaped moved fast, graceful and light against the black. Soon the black faded, fading and fading until it turned into a gray and then the gray faded into a white, the white light of day. The figure remained, fleeting, delicate against the white. Sakura tensed as the figure turned to move. The familiar silhouette, Sakura shivered, reaching for it, warily. But somehow deep inside him, he was sure they were acquainted. The stillness of the dark had broken off and a slight breeze had formed, whispering at the corners of the gown that the person wore, making it dance in the wind. Could it be? Sakura closed in on the figure. The figure moved slightly, as if it had heard Sakura’s footsteps. “Hiromi?” Sakura choked, reaching to touch the figure as he caught side of its profile. The longhaired girl turned, staring at Sakura with longing in her wide, beautiful eyes. “Hiromi!” Sakura cried, throwing his arms around that familiar figure. “Oh god, Hi-chan… I missed you! God, I missed you.” He cried, burying his face into Hiromi’s shoulder. “I missed you…” he broke down, sobbing against her.

“Sakura-chan…”

Sakura froze, his eyes growing wide. “Hiro-chan?” No, that voice… it wasn’t hers… His arms dropped to his sides as he broke the hug, looking at the face of his wife, those beautiful eyes and delicate brow line. But the gentleness that face held was gone, now replaced by a teasing grin and eyes that now held a glint of mischief.

“Sa-ku-ra!”

Sakura couldn’t be wrong, the way in which his name was being pronounced; the tease of a young boy.

Sakura gasped, “Haido…” He pronounced the name carefully, as if afraid that he would call out again, the wrong name.

In a swift motion, Hyde reached up on tiptoes and smacked him lightly on the head. “Idiot!” He said laughing; his teasing eyes smiling. Sakura stepped back, shocked. Hyde looked at him, clueless. “Sakura?”

“No…” Sakura mumbled, shaking his head. Hiromi was here, Hiromi… She… no, it wasn’t Hyde. “Haido… Hiromi…” His head spun madly. “No…” The whole world seemed to spin with him as well, swirling back into thin wisps of gray smoke. And then suddenly, black.

Sakura bolted up. Panting, he ran a hand through his hair. He looked around; he was back in his office, at his desk, right where he should be. The files were all where he had pushed them too. It was just a bad dream. “Just a bad dream…” He repeated slowly.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Sakura cursed, jumping. “Rika! I told you not to let anyone come in without my permission!” He yelled, tidying his hair.

“Who pissed you off?” A voice asked.

“Ha… Haido?” Sakura jumped, looking up and haphazardly arranging his desk back in place.

The click of Hyde’s boot grew louder as he sashayed up to Sakura’s desk. He leaned closer and eyed Sakura mischievously. Sakura shot up, catching sight of Hyde; he dove behind his desk again, trying to appear busy by arranging the vast items on his desk.

“Sakurazawa!” Hyde yelled.

Sakura jumped again, before asking shakily. “W…What?”

“What did you do wrong?” Hyde asked, sitting on his desk.

“Don’t sit on my desk.” He said.

“I’m not asking that.” Hyde retorted, smiling.

“I didn’t do anything wrong!!!” Sakura snapped.

Hyde raised his eyes. “You act like you’ve just seen a ghost or something.” He leaned closer. “Aww, come on, tell me!”

“Nothing!” Sakura yelled. “It’s really nothing. I was just daydreaming.” He said, looking away.

“If you say so…” Hyde said, ruefully chewing on his lower lip.

“What brings you back any way, you’re supposed to be sleeping at home.” Sakura said, reaching for his packet of cigarettes.

Hyde snatched the cigarette from Sakura’s fingers, lighting it. “I came back to help you!”

Sakura frowned, fishing for another cigarette. “Brat…” He mumbled.

“See, I care so much about you! I don’t want you to do everything on your own!” Hyde said, smiling.

Sakura couldn’t stand looking at him. Hyde had a beautiful smile, bright and warm. “I’m sure.” He said flatly, sitting down on his armchair.

“Of course!” Hyde said, taking out a file from his black leather, branded briefcase. “Here, I brought you presents!” He said laughing and flicking his hair back with an idle finger.

Sakura smirked, biting his cigarette lightly; he bent to look at the file. “What’s up?”

Hyde had crawled atop his table, sitting with his legs folded under him. “This… here,” He bent, almost crouching on all fours; “They say they’ll only work with us if we let them have a portion of our shares and of course, 2 years of free advertising.”

Sakura frowned, reading the details closely.

“I don’t think we should, this is crap. We’ll be on the loosing end if we sign this deal.” Hyde said, matter-of-factly, taking a slow drag from his cigarette.

Sakura nodded slowly, “I think so too.”

Hyde collected himself and got off Sakura’s table. “We’ll bring this up tomorrow at the meeting!”

Just then a knock sounded at the door. Hyde turned, curious.

“Come in.” Sakura said.

“Kachou.” Rika greeted, bowing. “Haido-san,” In her hands was a big bouquet of flowers. “Haido-san, the flowers came for you.”

Hyde’s eyes grew wide as he hurried over. “For me?” He asked, turning to glance at Sakura. He carefully took the bouquet into his arms. He buried his nose into the flowers and took a sniff. “Smells lovely!” He exclaimed, smiling, toying with the delicate stalks of red and orange.

Curious, Sakura asked. “Who is it from?”

“Kachou, it’s not from you?” Rika asked, surprised.

“Obviously not, why would I give him flowers?” Sakura said quickly, much to the disappointment of Hyde.

Hyde pouted, spotting a small baby blue card attached at the corner. “Well, there’s a card.” He pulled it out and read it. “Dearest Haido, I hope you like the flowers. Love, Gackt” Hyde said, smiling. “It’s from Gackt!” He said, smelling the flowers again.

Rika smiled, “It’s very sweet of Camui-san to give you flowers!”

“Yeah… I like people who give me flowers!” Hyde said, deliberately.

Sakura made a face, “Well, you don’t have to smell it over and over again.”

Hyde smirked and smelt the flowers again. “It smells nice!”

Outside the phone rang; Rika excused herself to answer it. Sakura frowned and got on with his work. Hyde walked over to his desk, “Gackt gave me flowers, how sweet of him.”

Sakura frowned and worked on his file. “Yeah, how sweet of him to know how to bait you like that. He certainly knows you aren’t very bright.”

Hyde pursed his lips together. “Jealous.” He said.

“Am not!”

Rika came knocking on the door again, “Sumimasen.” She said.

“Go ahead, you aren’t disturbing anything.” Sakura said, glaring at Hyde.

“Haido-san, it’s a call for you.”

“Oh?” Hyde said, “transfer it here.”

“Hey, take the call in your office!” Sakura said.

“I’ll take it here, Rika-chan.” Hyde said, picking up Sakura’s phone.

Rika lowered her head and went out.

“Hello?” Hyde said. “Gackt-san!” He asked laughing. “I’m sorry!” He gave a small laugh, “Gackt… Yeah! I got your flowers! How pretty! Thank you!” Sakura rolled his eyes, mimicking Hyde over the phone. Hyde glared at him, quickly turning away, back to his conversation with Gackt. “Hmm? Dinner tonight? Oh…” Hyde turned to glance at Sakura, who quickly turned away. “Sure, of course, I’d love to. Huh? You want me to ask Sakura along? Huh? Oh… Sure! Okay! You’ll pick me up? Okay! See you!” Hyde placed the phone back on its cradle with a soft click. “Gackt wants to have dinner with me and you.”

“Hah! Aren’t you afraid I’d spoil your flirting session?” Sakura snapped.

“Hmmph! Go if you please, he’ll pick me up at 6 sharp!” Hyde said, reading the expression on Sakura’s face. “I’m going back to my office.” With a swift turn, he picked up his briefcase and flowers and marched out.

Sakura checked the clock on the wall. 6 P.M. Then he checked the clock on his desk, 6 P.M as well. Dinner time; picking up his coat and briefcase hesitantly, he opened the door. He opened it just a little though, enough to see Hyde’s office. The curtains were drawn and from here Sakura saw the petite boy pack up in a rush, stuffing his belongings into his bag. Then applying a quick touch up to his face, Hyde locked up his office.

Sakura turned, shutting the door. He waited a while before opening it again. Hyde was not to be seen. “Shit!” Sakura cursed, breaking into a small run. “Damn, he must have gone off with that Gackt already!” Running, Sakura didn’t see a figure ahead of him at the lift landing and ran straight into the person. “Ah!”

“Oeiiii!”

“Sumimasen!” Sakura said, straightening up. He looked up to see… Hyde.

“Where are you rushing off to?” Hyde asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sakura swallowed. “No where.” He said, stepping into the lift with Hyde.

They both kept silent throughout until the lift arrived on the first floor. Hyde stepped out, turning towards a very nonchalant looking Sakura. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“Well, Sakura, are you coming with us to dinner? That’s what.” Hyde said, rolling his eyes.

“Why should I?” Sakura retorted.

“Haido-chan!” A voice came from the door ahead.

Hyde turned, “Gackt?” He asked, a little surprised upon seeing Gackt. Before he could react, the tall blonde bent, removing his sunglasses and gave him a peck on his cheek.

“Good evening.” Gackt said, smiling. “You look gorgeous today…”

Sakura coughed. “Ahem.”

Gackt turned, “Oh! Sakura-san! Are you coming with us?”

Hyde turned on his heels, “I doubt so.”

“Who said I wouldn’t come!” Sakura said, forcing a smile on his face. “Of course, I would love to have dinner with you.” Hyde rolled his eyes, following Gackt towards his chauffeured limousine. Gackt’s chauffeur came to open the doors for them, Gackt gestured for Hyde to enter first. Hyde smiled sweetly at him and got in, followed by Gackt, then Sakura. Who, unwillingly, sat opposite Hyde.

“Gackt… doesn’t sound very friendly. Ga-kun, do you mind if I call you that?” Hyde asked.

“He wouldn’t mind even if you called him ‘Insect’.” Sakura mumbled, glancing out the window as they drove off.

“Of course not, I’m honored.” Gackt said, kissing Hyde on the hand.

Hyde gasped, blushing. “Ga-kun…”

Sakura gagged, stifling the urge to puke. Idiot Haido! Flatter you by a little and you’re in heaven!

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XX/B

2009-02-16T21:06:45Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XX/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: A new character arrives! TAH-DAH! read on to find out who! ohohoho, and the drama that will come along with him!
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B twenty/A

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XX/B

Gackt let out a sigh, a clear sign of disappointment. He finally let go of Hyde’s face. “A pity I have to go now, my chauffeur’s waiting to pick me up. I’d love to have continued talking to you, Haido-chan, and of course, Sakura-san too.”

Oh, for the second time in a day, someone notices me! Sakura thought sarcastically.

Hyde looked disappointed too, his eyes glazed, following the blonde’s gesture as he reached in his pockets and took out a name card. “An exchange,” he said, smiling, he handed the card to Hyde. “I’m keeping yours; I’ll give you a call.” He grinned, his lips curling seductively.

“Hai, it’ll be most great to hear from you.” Hyde smiled sweetly, taking to card in his hands.

Sakura stared surprised; he would have thought that Hyde had forgotten how to speak.

Gackt bowed slightly, “Jya” He said.

“Jya,” Hyde said bowing. Before he could raise his head, Gackt had leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Hyde’s eyes grew wide as plates, his lips opened in shock, “Gackt-san,” He gasped, touching his cheek lightly.

Sakura flinched. Oh my god… He thought, wanting to run away at the sight.

Gackt smiled, bowing again. “I couldn’t resist such a pretty face like that. “ He said.

Shameless! How can he just kiss him like that! Sakura thought, gapping.

“Jya, Sakura-san, it was nice meeting you.”

“Uh?” Sakura was taken aback, yeah like you noticed me… “My pleasure,” he managed.

Bowing again, Gackt left with his bodyguards.

Hyde watched as they left, the name card in his hand. “Gackt Camui…” He said, dreamily looking at the name card. “He’s such a nice person! I would have thought he was a stuck up ass!”

Sakura rolled his eyes, “You’d call anyone who flatters you nice.”

“You’re just jealous he didn’t flatter you!” Hyde retorted. “He’s so charming, so suave… so manly…”

“So shameless…” Sakura added dryly.

“He’s not!”

“Yeah he is! Which nut kisses someone he barely knows on the cheek? And just listen to the way he flatters you! Geez, that guy talks without brains!”

“What’s wrong with that?! Kissing on the cheeks is a way of greeting in the west! It’s perfectly normal! And besides, I am good looking!” Hyde said, tucking his hair behind his ear. “He’s just speaking the truth!”

“BAH!”

“You’re just jealous… Oh, wait a second… you are jealous aren’t you…” a small smile crept up Hyde’s lips.

Sakura looked away, not meeting Hyde’s eyes, “Of course not… Why would I be?”

“You’re jealous… because Gackt-san kissed me!” Hyde said, jumping and pointing a small finger in Sakura’s nose.

“Am not…”

“Sakura’s jealous~” Hyde said, singing and giggling his way into the car park.

“Am not!”

“La la la la~ jealous!”

“Am not! You’re noisy! Get in the car!” Sakura looked away, frowning annoyed.

Hyde snickered, “Fine, as long I know you’re jealous!” He said laughing.

“Imp!”

“What imp! You…” A shrill ring broke through the car, cutting Hyde’s sentence. Hyde glanced down at his bag, “Sumimasen…” he mumbled, pulling out his mobile phone. “Moshi moshi!”

Sakura took a right turn, glancing occasionally sideways at Hyde.

“WHAT?!” Hyde shrieked, “How did that happen?! You’re supposed to take care of him!” Concerned, Sakura slowed down, listening to Hyde’s screams and trying to figure out what had happened. “How could it have happened?! I don’t want any excuses! I’m coming home!” He snapped, slamming the phone shut. “Do-chan’s hurt, take me home now.” Hyde shoved his phone into his purse, a worried expression taking over his features.

“Alright.” Sakura said in haste, adjusting the gear, he sped off.

-------------------------------

Sakura yawned, shifting just a little. The skies had already grown dark; the sun had gone down and given way to the multitude of stars. He didn’t know Tokyo skies could be so clear. Well, it wasn’t extremely clear, but it sure beat the usual dust and fog. He walked up to the window and stared, trying to count them. After Hyde had gone home and kicked a fuss over his puppy, they had finally gotten to take the injured puppy to the vet. The puppy had fallen from a low shelf while a maid left to answer the phone. Hyde had called her a puppy abuser, finding it atrocious how someone could leave a small puppy on a ‘high’ shelf. Sakura smiled, it was just like Hyde to kick a fuss. Well, it proved the boy had some heart left in him. Yawning, he tucked his hair behind his ear and dragged his feet towards the nearest automated vending machine. Pushing a few coins into the slot, he punched for yet another cup of coffee, his third that night and waited for it to dispense. The clear red light went off and Sakura bent to take his coffee cup. From behind him, the sound of shuffling feet approached, blowing steam off his coffee, Sakura turned.

The tired looking brunette greeted him, half stifling a yawn, “Hey…” Hyde mumbled, sinking down on the seat.

“Hey yourself… How’s Do-chan?”

Hyde yawned again, “vet says he’s okay, but I’m worried…”

Sakura laughed, “You’ve never kept a pet before?”

Hyde looked irritated, “No, daddy never allowed me to keep pets when I was younger. Why?”

“You’re so uptight about it. The doctor said Do-chan’s fine, you’re worrying for nothing.”

Hyde shrugged, “I can’t help but worry…” He broke off, yawning and rubbing his eyes.

“Look at you, go home and have some rest.” Sakura urged.

Hyde shook his head, “Iie, I think I’ll stay here for the night. You?”

Sakura contemplated for a while, “how can I leave when you’re so determined on staying?”

Hyde smiled, “I need a smoke.” He said, standing up.

Sakura got up and followed him; Hyde led them up a flight of stairs to the rooftop.

Hyde leaned over to edge, the wind blowing his hair out in a small fray. He took out a small cigarette case and lit one. “You want one?” He asked, turning to Sakura. Sakura nodded, sipping his coffee. “Ah!” Hyde exclaimed, hitting the case lightly on his palm. “That was my last one… Saa, we’ll share it.” Hyde said, smiling he took a long drag from it and passed it to Sakura.

Sakura looked at him warily. Hyde’s lips twitched to form a small grin. “What are you up to?”

Hyde laughed, inhaling from the cigarette again. “I’m reminded of the cigarette kiss we shared…”

Sakura rolled his eyes, “I knew it.”

Hyde laughed again, tossing his hair back. “Don’t worry I won’t pull it on you again. Here.” He said, handing the cigarette to Sakura. “Take it or I’ll smoke it on my own, I don’t believe you’re not craving for a smoke yourself!” He said smugly.

Sakura flinched, Hyde was right; he desperately needed a smoke. He silently cursed himself forgetting to bring cigarettes. Eyeing Hyde, he took the cigarette from him and slowly put it to his lips.

“You look like an idiot.” Hyde commented laughing, “Just smoke.” He turned his back to Sakura and leaned over to enjoy the view.

The cigarette on his lips felt cool and moist. Just like the first time, the moisture of Hyde’s saliva, like a kiss. Pushing that thought out of his head, his quickly inhaled. He turned to Hyde who was rubbing his hands together and shoving them inside his coat. “You cold?”

Hyde nodded, jumping a little to keep himself warm. “In the night, the temperature dips like crazy. Damn those no smoking rules… we have to come up here…”

Sakura laughed, taking off his coat, he let Hyde wear it. The smaller man gladly slipped his hands into the sleeves of the oversized coat, trying to cover his entire body with it. “Your coat feels warm… and it smells of you.” Hyde said, giggling.

“Of course, would it smell of you then?”

“Ahh… perhaps… after this, it will smell of me.” Hyde said, grinning. He sat down on the floor and pulled his legs to his chest, covering himself with the coat, making him look like a small ball. Sakura sat down beside him and smoked. “Oe, coffee…” He said, extending his reach for the still steaming cup of drink. He took a sip, cupping his small hands around the Styrofoam cup and warming himself with it. Taking a couple more sips, he carefully placed it beside him.

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XX/A

2009-02-16T21:03:43Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XX/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: A new character arrives! TAH-DAH! read on to find out who! ohohoho, and the drama that will come along with him!
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A nineteen/B

[Winterfall~ A Prelude to Spring] Part XX/A

Sakura yawned and uncapped the lid of his foam coffee cup. The Piping hot steam rose in thin gray wisps, circling the air around him. Blowing for it to cool, Sakura took a small sip of his Cappucino; his eyes not leaving the morning paper he held in his hands. He had barely gotten past the first page when Hyde burst into his room, waving a copy of the newspaper in his hands.

“Did you hear? Did you hear?” the brunette asked excitedly, slamming his hands on Sakura’s desk.

Sakura eyed him, “apparently not,” he replied, carefully shifting the coffee cup away from Hyde. “What?”

Hyde took a deep breath and opened the paper his held in his hands, spreading it carefully on the lacquered table. “Gackt Camui!” pausing dramatically, he eyed the older man for a reaction.

Sakura stared long at hard at the paper and then back at Hyde. “Who?”

“You don’t know Gackt Camui?” Hyde asked cautiously. Sakura shook his head.

Hyde’s eyes went wide in disbelief. “You don’t know Gackt Camui! How can you not know Gackt Camui? Everyone knows Gackt Camui!!”

“Gah-what?” Sakura asked.

Hyde rolled his eyes, “Gackt Camui!” He said, pointing out to a large file photograph in the papers.

Sakura turned it to face him, staring at the large picture of a slightly foreign-looking young man, not more than thirty, he supposed. “Ga-ku-to… Ka-mu-i?” He read the name slowly to himself, surprised at the fact that a man of such a young age would be on the front page already.

“Well?” Hyde asked

“Well what?”

“He’s arriving in Tokyo this morning!”

“So? He can arrive whenever he… Ow!” Sakura yelled, silenced by a sharp smack to his head. “That hurts!”

“Do you know who he is?”

Sakura rubbed his head, “No… what was that for?”

“Gackt Camui is the boss of M.S. Cosmetics and Beauty products; a multi-millionaire before the age of 30!!” Hyde said; his eyes twinkling like an over-excited schoolboy.

“M.S.? What does it stand for? Music Station?”

Another slap to his head, “don’t be childish,” Hyde said rolling his eyes.

“Hey, look who’s talking…”

“Anyway, he’s arriving at 11 A.M. and if we leave now, we might be able to prep up and still catch him!” Hyde added, grabbing Sakura’s arm.

“And we need to catch him for?”

“M.S. Cosmetics and Beauty is one of the most renown in the Japanese business industry! Well, besides daddy of course… The idea is, if we work with him, it’ll raise our status!”

“But we don’t do cosmetic advertising, I don’t have anyone here that can take that… And I bet this Gackt guy just took over his father’s company or something.”

“Moron! Camui-san made a name for M.S. all on his own! I can do it! Or I’ll find someone who can do it, the thing is, this is a good opportunity we can’t and shouldn’t miss!”

“It says here that the crowd gathered since 4 A.M. Narita will be crowded! He might not notice us.”

“Who’s to know?” Hyde argued. “Don’t be a girly! Come on!” Hyde said, dragging him out of the office.

--------------------------------

“Haido, why are we here? Aren’t we going to the airport?” Sakura asked frowning.

“We’re getting you something nice to wear first…” Hyde said, humming, pushing open the tall, elegant glass door of a made-to-measure boutique.

“I don’t see what’s wrong with what I’m wearing…” Sakura said, dusting his black trench coat and dark jeans.

“They tailor the best suits in town,“ Hyde browsed through the display pieces of clothing. “Take your pick around. Don’t worry about the money.”

A sales assistant dressed in a neat suit came to greet them. “Ohayo Gozaimasu, is there anything I can help you with?”

“Ah, yes, is the sensei in? I’d like to get this mister here, a nice suit.” Hyde said.

“I don’t need a suit! What’s wrong with what I wear?”

“Shh! We can’t have you meeting Camui-san dressed like a beggar can we? I might get one for myself too…” Hyde trailed off, turning to the sales assistant, “Hai?”

“Yes, the sensei is in the back room let me show you in.”

They were ushered into a small room adored with similar glass panes drawn over with thick curtains at the back of the boutique. An elderly man with silver glasses sitting on the rim of his nose greeted them and took their measurements. When he was done, he took out a file and showed it to them. “Takarai-san, these are the latest designs we have for altered suits, all these are one piece only, so you don’t have to worry about the design. Please take a look.”

They both chose their designs and while the master got to work, they were ushered outside to wait over tea and snacks.

“Please tell sensei that we’ll be needing them fast; and we would like to change into them immediately.” Hyde said to the sales assistant.

“You sure have a lot of money to spare don’t you?”

Hyde laughed, “Yes, and you really look bad in that.”

A quick half-an-hour passed before they were both called in to try their new suits.

Sakura adjusted the sleeves of the suit stiffly, he wasn’t used to wearing suits, they always made him feel confined. The last time he wore one was to the wedding; he scowled at the reflection in the mirror, thinking he looked like an idiot. He took the thin black band from around his wrist and put his hair up into a ponytail. The door of the changing room behind him opened and Hyde emerged from behind; dressed in a white sleeved shirt, a black vest with a matching pair of pressed pants, complete with intricate pleating details. Sakura starred for a while, collecting his composure; for someone petite, Hyde cut a pretty good figure in his suit. “You look pretty good in that…” He commented smiling.

Hyde chuckled, turning to face the mirror, he adjusted his bowtie. “Not too bad yourself! So then…” He gestured for the sales assistant and passed her a credit card. “Here,” When she returned with the bill-slip for Hyde, he promptly stuffed it into his wallet, refusing Sakura second glance.

“Is it expensive?” Sakura asked as Hyde stared the engine, taking off in the direction of the airport.

“To you or to me?” Hyde asked absently, checking his reflection in the mirror. He laughed when he saw Sakura roll his eyes. “Okay, okay, its peanuts.” He said.

Sakura frowned, “You should start saving up you know…”

“For what? To bring all my money down to the grave to get buried with me?” He asked, laughing.

“Idiot…”

“Alright, you sound like my nanny… I’m just doing my part, giving the economy its needed boost!” He added in a singsong tone.

They arrived at the airport 15 minutes passed the scheduled arrival. The arrival hall was flooded with people and they could barely squeeze through. “We’re late! We’re late!” Hyde shrieked, trying to push his way past the people. “Excuse me!” He yelled.

Sakura rolled his eyes and followed quietly behind. “You know Hyde, maybe we should forget about it.”

“Forget about it?!” Hyde yelled, “When we’re already here? When this is such a good opportunity? When he is Gackt Camui? NO!”

“Okay, forget I asked.” Sakura mumbled, pushing through.

Hyde tried to skim through the crowd for a sign of Gackt Camui, standing on tip-toes. “Why are there so many people at the airport?!!”

“Tourists Haido… many thousands come to Japan everyday,” Sakura said, finally managing to make it to a small open space, he took a sit on an empty waiting chair.

“Then why are there so many today! Arrgh! I can’t see nuts! Sakura!” Hyde glanced around him, spotting Sakura sitting on a chair. “Who said you could sit?!” He yanked him up by the sleeve, “help me look!” Resignedly, the raven-haired man stood up, halfheartedly looking around.

Hyde spotted a prominent growing crowd in the middle of the hallway and tapped Sakura anxiously. “Over there!” He said, excitedly pulling Sakura along. They walked in quick steps approaching the crowd, trying to see the commotion. “Ah! I think it’s him, Sakura can you see?!” Hyde frowned, jumping a little, trying to see over the shoulders of the people. His height disabled him to see anything more than that, so he tapped a lady on her shoulder.

The lady grunted angrily and turned. “Yeah?” She snapped. With a mike in his hands and a recorder hanging in a lanyard from her neck, she appeared to be some sort of reporter.

“Sumimasen…” Hyde asked, trying to find some space to squeeze through the crowd. “Who’s here?”

“Gackt Camui.” The lady snapped, irritated, she turned and went about her business again.

Hyde gasped, pulling Sakura by the hand. “It’s really Camui-san! Now we have to find a way to get through…” He pulled Sakura round the other corner, trying to pave a way in-between the closely packed bodies of journalists, businessmen and reporters.

“Haido! We’ll never make it through this!” Sakura yelled.

Hyde ignored him, valiantly pushing through the crowd. “Excuse me! Excuse me! Coming through!” He managed to weave through a small gap between some people and found himself inching nearer to the center. “Sakura! Over here!” He yelled, reaching out for Sakura, he gave him one strong tug. “There he is!” he said, beaming excitedly, “Gackt Camui! Come on!”

“What are you doing Hyde?” Sakura asked, watching as Hyde ploughed forwards.

“We’re gonna introduce ourselves to him!”

“Haido! We can’t do that!”

“Yes, we can! Everyone here is doing it, I’m sure! Sumimasen! Sumimasen!”

“Wait!” Sakura called as they approached the tall figure ahead, surrounded by a couple of burly bodyguards. “Haido!”

“Excuse me, you cannot cross!” A bodyguard stepped forward, stopping the surge of people who wanted to get close to Gackt Camui. “You cannot cross!”

“Haido!” Sakura yelled, but Hyde had already gone unnoticed, his lithe form easily slipping past the men.

“Sumimasen…” Hyde said, coming up behind the tall figure donned in a black tailcoat and matching pants.

Gackt Camui turned, surprised to hear an unfamiliar voice behind him. Hadn’t he already given strict orders to his guards not to let any journalists near him? He looked down at the petite brunette in front of him, taking in his delicate face and wide, expectant eyes. He smiled a little, examining Hyde closely and with growing affection.

Hyde shifted a little; nervous, he could almost feel the man staring at him from behind those dark glasses he wore. “Camui-san?” Hyde asked.

If he hadn’t spoke Gackt would have passed him off as a girl. It surprised him a little, but quickly he regained his composure. “Yes?” He bent slightly, removing his sunglasses, revealing a pair of clear, crystal blue eyes; his smile widening.

A bodyguard spotted Hyde and rushed towards him, “Hey! You cannot…“ But Gackt raised his hand, gesturing him to leave.

Hyde reached into his pocket and quickly fished out his name card. With two hands, he held it to Gackt Camui. “Haido Takarai, an honor to meet you.” He bowed slightly.

Gackt took the card from Hyde’s hands, “Ah, the young master Takarai…” He gently tilted Hyde’s face to face his. “Please, don’t be so polite… I’ve heard so much about your father… and of course, his son’s good looks…” Slowly, he took Hyde’s right hand into his.

From the crowd, Sakura pushed forward, watching in absolute horror as the tall man, with a head of bleached dark blonde hair, he assumed was Gackt Camui, kissed Hyde on the hand.

Hyde gasped, at the sudden contact of Gackt Camui’s lips on his hand. “I just had no idea he was this good looking…” Gackt said, staring into Hyde’s eyes. “Call me Gackt, please…” A small blush had crept up the boy’s cheeks, painting them a faint pink, making him seem even cuter.

“Uhh… Gackt-san,” Hyde stammered, smiling, flattered by the blonde’s charm.

“Just Gackt, please, now what can I do for you, young master Takarai?”

“Uhh no,” Hyde giggled laughing, “call me Haido. Actually, I’m here with a friend…” Hyde spun around to look for Sakura, spotting him in the middle of the crowd. “Sakura!” He called waving.

Ah, he remembers me… Sakura thought dryly, he strutted over.

“Gackt, this is Sakura; Sakurazawa Yasunori.”

“Camui-san,” Sakura said, bowing slightly.

Gackt bowed as well, “please, call me Gackt.”

“Actually, Sakura and I…” Hyde started, playing with a strand of his hair. “How should I say… we would be very honored if you could consider working with us,” He brought his eyes to Gackt. The clearness of those blue eyes startled him, he looked away quickly, “erm… if you would consider…”

Gackt paused for a moment; he seemed to be deep in thought. And then he looked up again, “Of course.” He said smiling gently at Hyde. “I’d love to; I’d work in anything with you…”

Sakura almost gagged, for a moment, he thought Gackt Camui was flirting with Hyde. No, wait, that glint in the blonde’s eyes… it was evident, he was flirting with Hyde.

“Eh? Anything?” Hyde repeated Gackt’s words clearly, he looked confused.

“I mean, I’d love to… Anything…” with both hands, he cupped Hyde’s face, “my, what an exquisite face!”

Sakura raised an eyebrow; he was definitely flirting with Hyde.

Hyde blinked, looking away. “Anou…” He stammered, his cheeks growing hot.

“You’re very beautiful Haido-chan, if I may call you that.”

“I erm… of course you can call me that!” Hyde said, laughing.

“Camui-san.” They were interrupted by one of Gackt’s bodyguards. Not letting go of Hyde’s face, Gackt turned. “We have to go.”

Fanfic [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XIX/B

2009-02-05T20:55:42Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XIX/B
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: THIS PARTE! Hyde takes Sakura to a Spa; funny-ness ensues! lol, okay, i seriously suck at summaries; i try to make it sound interesting. believe my effort. a sorta 2 part update cus i just bought my VAMPS 08 LIVE; i'm so broke, and i'm feeling good about it!
comments are dearly appreciated and loved. <3 *CHU*
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen/A

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XIX/B

“Sakura…”

Hearing his name, Sakura snapped out of his reverie. “Yes?”

“Pass me the tea?” Hyde mumbled soft, Sakura had a feeling he was falling asleep.

Gently, he tapped Hyde on the back. Hyde stirred; he rubbed his eyes and took the cup from Sakura. “What…” He asked when he caught Sakura staring at him.

“Its nothing,” Sakura said, sipping from his own cup.

Hyde pursed his lips together, “You like this place?”

“So this is the important and essential thing you mentioned? You took a day off for us to come to a hot bath?” Sakura asked, incredulous.

Hyde pouted, “Don’t be a wet blanket, this IS important to life! One can’t forget to relax!”

“You and your excuses!”

He pouted some more, “Come on, besides, I’ve worked so hard my body aches!”

Sakura relented, “Fine, accepted. No more next time.” He warned.

“Yes Sakura Ojisama.”

Sakura rolled his eyes, “Kid.” Hyde just stuck his tongue out at him.

“Finish up your tea Ojisan, we have to go to the massage room.” Hyde chastened. He climbed out of the tub and wrapped a towel around his body.

“What? We’re not done yet?”

“Of course not!” Hyde looked exasperated. “Haven’t you been to a Spa before?”

“No, I haven’t! I’m a guy you know!”

“You really are an old man! Guys go to Spas nowadays too! Which era are you living in? Now come along!” Sakura frowned, reluctantly; he got up and followed Hyde.

The lady in the next room greeted them. “Would you like a oil massage or a mud wrap?”

Sakura stared back at her. “Mud Wrap? Oil?”

Hyde rolled his eyes. “I’ll have the mud wrap please, and give this man an oil massage.” He said; taking off his towel, he propped sat down on one of the beds. Sakura stood rooted, fiddling with the edges of his towel. Hyde tapped him on the shoulder, causing the older man to jump. Hyde rolled his eyes again, suppressing a laugh, “go lie down on the bed, and take everything off.”

“Everything?”

“Yes, everything. Like me, see.” Hyde said, gesturing as he turned around, his back to Sakura; giving the man full view of his naked bum. Sakura quickly turned away; glancing to make sure Hyde wasn’t stealing a peek at him, he hurriedly removed his clothing and lay down, feeling the awkwardness of a blush shooting from his cheeks to the back of his ears.

--------------------------

It had been a few minutes since the massage started. Sakura could feel his eyelids getting heavy, he had been keeping himself awake since, more afraid that Hyde might try something funny than the masseuse touching his back. A gradual scent of Lavender had filled the room; Sakura took a deep breath; his senses soothed. He didn’t know massages could be so comfortable. He yawned, turning his head to the other side; with droopy eyes he caught sight of Hyde. His delicate, small body sprawled forwards hands at the sides of his pillows; fingers curled slightly with his head resting on a frank white towel spread. He seemed like he was in sleep, his brows creased ever so slightly. Every so often, a small moan would escape his slightly parted lips. Watching, Sakura felt his own eyelids fluttered close, Hyde sure knew how to enjoy life…

-----------------------

“Do-chan!” Hyde grinned happily, collecting his puppy from the receptionist. “Were you a being a good boy?” He asked as if the puppy might answer him, “Did they bully you?” He asked again, casting a glance at the girls at the counter who shook their heads promptly. “Good, then! We can bring you here again, right Sakura?”

Sakura’s eyes widened as he took out a packet of cigarettes from his pockets. “We?”

Hyde glared at him, turning back to plant a kiss on Do-chan’s small nose. “Yes, We! Us!” He declared; still speaking to the puppy. “Now, WE are gonna send you home, cause Haido and Sakura’s gonna go drinking and you can’t go!” He mocked a small voice. Sakura shook his head, laughing as he opened the car door for Hyde to enter, following suit himself. “Aww! Do-chan, isn’t Sakura so sweet? He opened the door for us! What a gentleman! Give him a big kiss!” He brought the puppy to Sakura’s face. The puppy yelped happy and licked Sakura’s nose.

“Aye, enough… I’m gonna drive now, behave.” He warned with mock seriousness.

------------------------

“Konbanwa Kyo-kun!” Hyde said, smiling.

Kyo frowned, staring at Hyde. “Err… Konbanwa Haido-kun.”

Hyde leaned over and ruffled Kyo’s spray-teased hair. “I want a Apple Martini!” He turned to Sakura. “You?”

“Whiskey, on the rocks, thank you.”

“So… a whiskey and a Apple Martini right?” Kyo repeated. Kyo brought the whiskey bottle over and leaned closer to Sakura as he poured into a glass. “Is it me, or is he acting strange?”

Sakura shrugged, “He’s gone a little loose here today,” he gestured to his head, making a screw-like motion. “Been like that since we left the Spa.”

Kyo cocked his head to the side, grinning as he set Sakura’s whiskey down on the table. “Haido-kun! When will you give me your car?”

“Over my dead body Kyo!” Hyde yelled, middle finger in the air.

Kyo shot the finger back at Hyde laughing. “Some things never change!”

“Are you guys bad mouthing me?” Hyde narrowed his eyes, giving them a menacing look as he strutted over. “Oe, my Martini.”

Kyo nodded; giving a sour face and going to the back of the counter.

“What were you talking about? I’m interested.” Hyde said.

“Nothing much… You’re really hyped huh?”

“You kidding? I feel so alive! The wrap and shoulder massage was so good!” Hyde said, cat stretching. “Ah! My favorite song! I think I’m going to dance! Sakura, let’s dance!”

Sakura frowned, “Nah, I don’t dance.”

Hyde pouted, “C’mon!”

Sakura shook his head, dancing just wasn’t his thing. “It isn’t very safe to dance like that anyway… almost the whole crowd’s strangers.”

Hyde frowned, “You’re such an old man!” He pouted and stomped towards the dance floor. “I’ll dance without you!”

I’ll show him! Watch me, Sakura. Spotting a cute guy in the crowd, Hyde walked over; leaning he whispered into his neck, leading him into a dance. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Sakura’s frown deepen.

Hyde moved seductively to the music, his hips swaying to the beat. He guided the man’s hands down to his waist, letting him hold him for a while. Sakura watched as Hyde gyrated around the stranger, his legs stroking the other man’s. He saw Hyde cast him a glance and a small smile, before the stranger looped and arm around that slender waist and kissed his cheek. Hyde laughed, covering his lips. So delicately… so innocently… How could he throw himself at strangers; such a shame to his delicate looks.

Sakura could watch no further, he strode up to Hyde and grabbed him by the arm. “Enough dancing Haido, let’s go.”

Hyde frowned, “Ow! I just started…” He protested.

Sakura pulled the man’s arms off Hyde and dragged him to a corner. “How can you let a stranger get so intimate”

“It’s called dancing Sakura! And a bit of flirting of course, but everyone dances like that!” Hyde flicked his hair back, frowning upset.

“Dancing?! You ought to be more sensible! You’re not just anyone else! You’re -“ Sakura broke down in his sentence, “You’re… You look… You just shouldn’t do that. Forget it… Let’s just go.” He said, walking out.

“Wait!” Hyde yelled, “Let me get my bag first!” Swiftly, he picked up his purse from the chair and paid Kyo. “Bye Kyo-kun!”

“What’s the hurry?” Kyo asked.

“Ask him!” Hyde yelled, running after Sakura. “Wait up!” He called ahead but the man just kept walking, picking up pace. “Hey!” Hyde said, grabbing Sakura’s arm. Sakura flung it off and strode away, not looking back.

“What’s the temper for!” Hyde screamed. “It was just a dance!” He walked after him. “You didn’t want to dance!” He broke into a small jog. “Hey!” Sakura didn’t answer him. “Stupid bastard!” Hyde sulked. “Stop walking so fast! I can’t catch up!!!” He yelled. “Ass…”

Then he stopped, gasping, he was breathless all of a sudden; his chest heavy. Hyde clutched at it, muttering a string of curses while reaching into his pockets, searching for his pillbox. “Where is it?” He gasped, panting. “Where is… Where is it?” He reached into his pants, his hands turning up empty. He inhaled, taking in a laborious breath, trying to calm himself down. But it was no use; the beating of his heart picked up, thundering against its cage. He wiped his sweaty palms on his shirt and unzipped his purse, searching inside for the little silver box. Hyde started to tremble, “Damnit! Damnit where is it!” he exclaimed, dizzy and breathless; his sight started to dim. Hyde shook his head, trying to shake away the fainting feeling and stay conscious, “Damnit…” Hyde cursed again, fumbling with the diverse objects in his purse.

Sakura stopped; the boy ought to have a lot to say to his defence; it was unlike him to be so silent and he could no longer hear the small footsteps behind him. “Haido?” He called, turning, Hyde was a few feet off; and he seemed to be searching for something. Sakura jogged over.

“Damnit, where is it?” Hyde emptied his purse onto the floor, getting down on his knees to search. His breath came out in ragged pants, perspiration trickling down his face. He clutched his chest hard, “Oh god… where is it!” He needed his pills right now. “Where is it…” He cried desperately.

Sakura bent down, “Haido… what is it?”

Hyde didn’t answer him; he rummaged through the items on the floor over and over again, his eyes wide with fear and confusion.

“Haido!” Sakura took him by the shoulders. “Haido!”

“Sakura!” The boy cried, his sight finally focusing on the other man. “I can’t… I can’t find it… I can’t…” He heaved; stopping for breaths. “I can’t…” He began to cough, digging his hands into his pockets again. “I can’t find it!”

“Find what Hyde?”

“I can’t find it!” Hyde shrieked his face pale.

“Haido!” Sakura held him firm, taking the boy’s face into his hands. The boy starred at him, his eyes rimmed red, discomfort evident on his face. “Calm down,” He pushed back Hyde’s sweat matted hair, looking into the boy’s eyes. “Why are you shaking? What are you looking for?”

Hyde closed his eyes and took a deep breath, coughing. “My… My pillbox…” He paused, his shaking hand covering his lips as he coughed again. “Sakura… I can’t find my pillbox… I can’t… breathe…I must have dropped it…” He slumped against the wall; his frail body shivering.

“I’ll go look for it, wait here.”

“Hayaku…” Hyde gasped.

“You wait right here okay?” Sakura bent down and cradled Hyde’s face, wiping his sweaty cheeks. Hyde opened his eyes, managing a small nod. “I’ll be right back.” He said and took off in the direction of the pub.

“Sakura-san?” Kyo asked as the door swung open. He watched as the tall, dark haired man bent and groped around the floor, as if searching for something.

Sakura cursed, “Excuse me,” He mumbled as he ploughed his way through the crowd. “Pardon me… Excuse me.” He bent and searched the floor near the counter. Sakura groped the floor, picking up nothing but dust. “Damn…” He slid his hand through every nook and cranny possible but nothing. Just as he was about to give up, he spotted something glistening in the dim light. There it was, the silver pillbox, sitting by the side of the chair. He got on his knees and picked it up, avoiding bumping into the crowd around him just barely. Dusting it, he got up and raced out of the pub.

“Haido!” Sakura swallowed, panting. “Haido!” He shook the boy gently. “Are you alright?”

Hyde’s brows creased, “No… I’m dying…” He whispered.

“Don’t talk rot.” Sakura snapped back, pushing Hyde’s hair off his face. “I found it.”

Hyde groaned, curling up. “Water…” He whispered.

Immediately Sakura lifted the boy in his arms and took a run for the nearby convenience store. He found a small stone bench and laid Hyde onto it, running into the store for a bottle of water. Carefully, he helped Hyde up. “Here,” uncapping the bottle for him, he watched as Hyde opened the pillbox containing a variety of different pills, sorted carefully into small compartments. So many pills… Sakura thought, looking at the brunette’s pallid form in front of him. He frowned as Hyde popped a couple into his mouth and gulped down the water. “Slowly…” He said; stroking the boy’s back and letting Hyde lean into him.

A while passed and the pain in Hyde’s features seemed to ease as he lapsed in and out of rest. The sweat collected on his forehead had dried up and, Sakura noticed, his breathing was almost even. But still, the color had not returned to his cheeks; and under the weak orange glow of the streetlamps, he seemed to have waned, suddenly fragile in the comfort of his arm around those thin shoulders. And then again, the Hyde was never rosy to begin with. He had always been fair-skinned, pale even. Sakura took in a breath carefully, not wanting to cause the boy any disturbance. Then there was a small moan, and eyelashes fluttered against translucent cheeks.

“Sakura?”

“Hey,” Sakura shifted, silently kicking himself for waking the brunette. “Sorry… did I wake you?” The boy shook his head tiredly, moving a little to give Sakura space. He resumed his position, curling up against Sakura once again. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yeah…” this time Hyde propped himself up to sit. “I’m fine now…” But his movements were heavy and awkward, causing Sakura to hold him by the shoulders and ease him back against the back rest. “Thanks.” He muttered softly.

Sakura nodded, “Don’t be so careless next time. Why do you need so many different pills? Are you sick or something?”

Hyde bolted up, his brown eyes wide. “I erm… no, actually erm… ah, vitamins!” He opened his pillbox, showing it to Sakura “Only two are for… breathing issues. Yes! It doesn’t usually get so bad… Erm… the rest are vitamins. I have a delicate body!” He lied, putting on his most innocent smile.

“I see… ” Sakura looked at his watch; noticing the hour. “It’s late, there’s work tomorrow and you need to rest. Are you okay to go? Or do you want to sit longer?”

“Ah, I’m fine. Let’s go home.” He stammered, letting the taller man loop an arm around his waist as the walked back to the car.

------------------

“Thanks for seeing me home,” Hyde said. He had wanted to give the older man a lift home, but Sakura had insisted on driving.

“No problem.” Sakura smiled, handing Hyde the car keys. “Have a good rest.” He said, ruffling Hyde’s hair. The softness of those short brunette tresses, made him almost want to bend down and kiss them. “You don’t have to come tomorrow if you don’t feel well… Do you want me to walk you in?”

“Nah, I’m alright now!” Hyde said, tucking his hair behind his ear. “I’ll call you in the morning. You sure you’ll be fine going home? I can ask Richard…” He pointed a small thumb to the back.

“Nah, I’ll be okay. Goodnight then.” Sakura waved.

“Bye! Goodnight!”

Fanfic! [Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XIX/A

2009-02-05T20:29:29Z

TITLE: Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring
PART: XIX/A
AUTHOR: Iriaca / faded_poetry
CHARACTERS SO FAR: Sakura (ex-L'Arc~en~Ciel, SOAP, Lion Heads), Hyde (L'Arc~en~Ciel, VAMPS), Ken (L'arc~en~Ciel, SOAP), Kyo (Dir en Grey), Tetsu (L'Arc~en~Ciel), Yukihiro (L'Arc~en~Ciel, Acid Android)
PAIRINGS: SakuraxHyde, SakuraxHiromi
SUMMARY: Set in an alternate universe (AU). Sakura looses the person dearest to him in a cruel twist of fate. Years after the incident, he meets Hyde, a rich, spoilt boy with a massive liking for him. Will he accept Hyde? Will he heal before its too late for either or them?
DISCLAIMER: boy-love ahead. if you don't like it, don't read it. I do not own Hyde, Sakura, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Kyo (Diru), or any one else mentioned in this fiction. i wish i did, but i'm just a poor writer feeding off my twisted imagination.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: THIS PARTE! Hyde takes Sakura to a Spa; funny-ness ensues! lol, okay, i seriously suck at summaries; i try to make it sound interesting. believe my effort. a sorta 2 part update cus i just bought my VAMPS 08 LIVE; i'm so broke, and i'm feeling good about it!
comments are dearly appreciated and loved. <3 *CHU*
PREVIOUSLY: one two three four five six seven eight nine ten/A ten/B eleven twelve thirteen/A thirteen/B fourteen/A fourteen/B fifteen/A fifteen/B sixteen seventeen eighteen

[Winterfall~A Prelude to Spring] Part XIX/A

White flashed everywhere; the brightness of the room seemed all too blinding. Incoherence flooded his mind, blinded by the haste in the scenes flashing before him. Everything was in a mess; he thought he saw, as the scenes slowed down, himself by the side of her bed, his tiny hand in her wan but firm grasp, watching the tears of pity, love and regret flowing down her face. She was only going to sleep wasn’t she? When people sleep, they wake up the next day again; just like how the sun sets, it rises the next day. He turned around, barely a child at that time, to the only other person in the room, his father. His father stood at the corner, holding him by his arm, telling him she needed to rest. He didn’t understand why she needed to sleep or why she was so tired… “Don’t cry,” He heard Daddy whisper to her. “Don’t cry!” He echoed his Daddy’s words; the breath of her reply fading into a swirl of white lights. No, don’t go just yet…

“No!” Hyde screamed, bolting up, his eyes wide. “No…” He repeated dully, his body heaving and sweaty. “No… don’t…” He buried his face into his damp, whitened palms. “Mummy…” He sobbed, searching for her face, the smiling face in his memory, the memory that ended when he was four. Yes, that scene was from the hospital, that goodbye. Hyde didn’t know then, he was probably too young, he didn’t know that when Mihiko led him out of the room to sleep, that would be the last time she would hold his hand. He didn’t know what it meant when Daddy said she needed to rest; but now, he knew. He sobbed furiously into his hands, his legs folded up against his chest, his pajamas matted against his body like a second skin. Now he remembered how she died. She was sick, just like him, which was why she had to leave them. He blamed her when he was younger; almost hated that she didn’t wake up in the morning. To him then, she was just asleep, so why didn’t she open her eyes?

Hyde cried harder, his own nails clawing against his skin, unconcerned by the dull ache he caused himself. How could he have done that? Blamed her? That would make her so upset… It wasn’t her fault at all, she would never have wanted to leave him. She would never have wanted to leave Daddy too. Now he knew what it meant, that look in her eyes, those tears on her face… Goodbye was so difficult… “Mummy…” He repeated; how he missed her.

Stumbling out of bed, Hyde took a robe from the hanger and wrapped it around himself, making his way to his studio. The house suddenly seemed too quiet; it seemed to have lost its life since Mummy left. He remembered vaguely, but surely how she used to play with him in the garden, sipping her tea and laughing while he fell all over himself trying to pick up a toy. Hyde made his way to his painting studio, the tears still streaming down his face, he mustered up just enough strength to turn the knob; he stumbled in into the dark, locking the door behind him. Heavy, tired footsteps made their way across the floorboards, he turned on a small lamp, instantly; a small glow of orange lit the room. “Mummy…” he whispered, his eyes heavy with tears as her portrait stood displayed in front of him, her beautiful smiling face. Staring at it, he found himself curling up against it, leaning his frame against the sturdy painting that lay, framed up, against the wall. His hands groped the smooth, plastic surface of a photo album left lying on the floor. Turning over, Hyde picked it up and placed it on his lap. He recognized it; he left it here so he could paint her portrait. Since the age he knew the real reasons for her passing on, he decided that she would be the first portrait he would do. And he never stopped drawing pictures of her. But this, was his sole favorite; his favorite picture, his favorite portrait. Hyde flipped the cover open, an array of old black and white photos laid out in front of his eyes. There she was, laughing as she carried him, as a kid in her arms. Hyde stared at the picture for a while before closing his eyes, trying to recapture that warmth. He would always look through their pictures whenever he missed her, even just the slightest bit. Though few, they filled him with such love, but they always made him miss her even more. Daddy always said he had his mother’s eyes; Hyde lifted the album, trying to catch a glimpse of his reflection against its shinny, glossy surface. “I miss you…” He sobbed, holding the album close to him, against his chest. “I miss you so much…”

He sat there sobbing for a long time, he wanted to stop crying, but the tears just kept coming and coming. Choking back a sob, he stood up and carried the album back to his room, flinging his body over the soft covers of his bed. His eyes led their gaze to a frame that sat on his side table, just beside his bed – his fourth birthday. Mummy was already in hospital then, although she was so sick but on her face was the brightest smile as she held him. Daddy stood behind them, smiling. Though Hyde could see the tiredness in his eyes; there was something else there too; pride and love. This was his family, though his mother was gone, but bound by blood ties; was something no distance could change or take.

Hyde bolted over to the phone; feeling a sudden urge to call his father. He dialed the number and waited impatiently for the call to be answered.

“Hello?”

“Hello? Daddy?”

“Haido-chan?”

“Daddy… I…” He paused, his voice cracked unwillingly, and before he knew it he began sobbing.

“Haido?” His father sounded worried. “Haido-chan, are you okay? Have you been crying?”

“Daddy… I… I just…”

“Haido, don’t scare me like this!”

“No!” He said at that, he had no intention of worrying his father. “It’s… its nothing… I just… I just wanted to call you…”

There was a slight pause, “You wanted to call me?” His father asked.

“I’m sorry to bother you; I know it’s late…”

“Yes, Haido, its night time here, but 5 A.M. in Japan! You should be in bed… is anything wrong, are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine…” He wiped his eyes, relieved to hear his father’s voice. “I missed you, so I called…” He heard his father mumble a small acknowledgement, “And… also…”

“What is it son?”

Hyde took a deep breath, “I miss her, Daddy… I miss Mummy.” The words came out uncontrolled. “I’m sorry… I miss her so much…” This time, a long pause took over the line… “Daddy?”

“I know you miss her Haido… we all do…”

Hyde nodded, “I couldn’t help but cry… I had a dream about her…”

Over in L.A, his father nodded too. “Really? You’re going to have to tell me about it then…” though he was trying to sound cheerful, Hyde recognized the strain in his voice.

“Umm…” Hyde mumbled, rubbing his reddened eyes.

“Have you been good lately? Taking your medicine? Are you listening to what Tetsu tells you to do?”

“Yes, yes, I’m okay…” He lied, deciding to leave out information that he had been working. “I’m being a good boy here, so don’t you worry…”

“That’s good…”

“I sent you a small sketch I did… have you got it yet?”

“Sketch?” His father sounded truly taken aback. “Sketch… lets see…” The small sound of the flip of paper could be here before a satisfied sigh came back on the line.

Hyde screwed up his nose, “Have you been misplacing what I sent you?”

“Oh, no, not at all… it was just right here on my desk.” His father chuckled, “The lake right?”

Hyde smiled, “You like it?”

“Of course… of course I do…”

“I’ll draw you something else sometime…” Hyde said, sounding cheerful. “Are you very busy there? Have you been sleeping well?”

“I was until you called.” Mr. Takarai joked. “I’m sleeping well every night, Yuki handles things very well.”

“Ahh… say hi to him… hey, Daddy… I’m going to try to sleep again…”

“Okay, you should. Don’t tire your body, remember, lots of rest and water okay?”

“Aw, you don’t have to sound like Tetsu! I’ll remember to take my medicine too! Bye now!”

Hyde smiled a small smile as he hung up the phone. He crawled back under the covers. It was a good idea to call daddy, daddy understood. He traced the outline of the album in his hands once more, before slipping it under his bed.

He decided he couldn’t’ sleep anymore; neither could he stand being alone right now. He needed someone to talk to and so he picked up the phone and dialed; Sakura. A loud groan came through as the ringing stopped. “Hi Sakura!” Hyde chirped. Another groan, louder this time. “Oe!”

A small pause, “Hyde?”

“Yeah! Who’d you think it was? Your fairy-god-mother?”

Sakura groaned again, rubbing his eyes. “What time is it?”

“Five in the morning, why?”

“WHY?! HYDE, its five in the morning! Don’t you need to sleep?! I need to sleep!!!” Sakura screamed.

Hyde pulled the earpiece away from his year, tearing the shrill screaming away until it died down. “Ayy, don’t scream at me! You see… it’s like this, I couldn’t get to sleep, so I was looking for someone to talk to.”

Sakura straightened up and sat up groggily, yawning. “What is it?” his voice was slurry with sleep.

“Well… nothing. I…”

“It’s not like you to stammer… is everything okay?”

“Yeah… I’m fine…” He traced the photo fame, propping his body up on the bed with his elbows. “Listen, I have to see you today.”

“Well, you can see me at work right? Or are you still ill?” Sakura asked.

“No, not work. I have to see you outside. Not at work.”

“You want me to take the day off? I can’t Haido…”

“Yes you can, you slack anyway. But that’s not the point. This is something very important and essential in life.”

Sakura frowned, Hyde sounded serious. “Are you okay, seriously?”

“I’ll be fine if I meet up with you…”

“Okay, where?”

“Your place, 11 A.M., I’ll pick you up. Dress casually.” Hyde said before he hung up.

Sakura took a step forward, putting out his cigarette as Hyde’s convertible pulled up by the side of the road. Hyde stopped the engine and stepped out; and Sakura almost gagged. Hyde was dressed in a pair of oh-too-tight leather pants and an equally tight black tee, carrying a white furry puppy in his hands. Sakura, recognized, Do-chan. “Dress casual you say?” He blurted out.

Hyde’s jaw dropped as he placed Do-chan on the ground and held on to it by a leash. The puppy began circling Sakura’s feet and barking happily. “Speak for yourself!” He said, gesturing to Sakura’s black three quarter draw-string slacks, and a black polo-tee, accompanied by sandals. “I said dress casual, not dress beggar!” Hyde said, making a face.

Sakura rolled his eyes. “This is casual, that is overdone.” He stressed. He bent down and began to stroke the puppy.

“Whatever.” Hyde said, lowering his shades just a little so Sakura could see his eyes. “You won’t need your clothes later on anyway”.

“What?!” Before Sakura could start to question his hearing, Hyde tossed him the car keys.

“You drive.” He said, getting into the passenger’s seat with Do-chan in his arms.

Sakura got in and started the engine. “Where to?”

“Just drive, I’ll give you the directions. Don’t scratch my car.” He warned, pressing a button to bring down the overhead shade for a smoke.

They pulled up shortly along a road lined with little shop houses near the outskirts of Roppongi. Sakura guessed this was where the rich and famous flocked to for their leisure. “Come on Do-chan!” Hyde said, smiling as he led the furry puppy out of the car. “Mmm!” He brought it to his face and nuzzled his nose into its soft fur. He turned around to signal Sakura to follow him.

“Where are we going Hyde?” Sakura said his hands stuffed into his pockets. The surroundings were totally unfamiliar. Hyde strolled ahead, stopping at the end of the row of shops, Hyde pushed the door open and they entered.

As soon as they did, two female receptionists in pink floral uniforms greeted them cheerily. “Haido-san!”

“Yuri-chan! Maki-chan!” Hyde beamed.

“Oh! Who’s this handsome man with you? Your new bodyguard?”

“Nah… if only I get such good looking bodyguards. Let me introduce…” Hyde turned; Sakura was at a far corner near the door, glancing nervously outside. Hyde pouted, “Sakura! Come here!” Sakura frowned and stalked over unwillingly. “Girls, meet Sakura!”

“Oh! He’s so handsome!” One gushed.

Sakura wanted to gag as they fiddled with his hair and shook his hand. He felt like a display item on a shinny desk in a ladies store. He wringed their hands off and shoved his hands into his pockets, managing a small smile. “Nice to meet you; erm, so Haido, where are we going?”

“Oh, that!” Hyde turned to the ladies. “I have an appointment, at 12.” He said.

“Appointment? What appointment?” Sakura asked, more worried by the moment.

“Yes! Even if you didn’t we would be ready for your presence all the time!”

“But of course!” Hyde said. Sakura watched as together, Hyde and the girls erupted into a fit of giggles. Sakura gasped; he waned to run away, this must be some sort of unholy trap.

“Please sign here!”

“Sakura can you hold Do-chan for me?” Hyde said as he signed a small booklet on the table, handing Sakura the puppy that tried to lick his face.

“Haido, the sign on the door says no pets allowed.” Sakura said, reading the sign aloud.

“My Do-chan is no ordinary pet!” Hyde said pouting as he led the way down a long corridor. “Do-chan is of high status!” He declared aloud, much to Sakura’s embarrassment. “Right Do-chan? My pets are ALWAYS allowed.” The puppy yelped from Sakura’s arms happily, as Hyde leaned to stroke its fur. “See!”

Sakura rolled his eyes.

Another lady dressed in uniform came to greet them. “Haido-san, you may change.”

Sakura watched as Hyde took a towel and bathrobe from her and proceeded into a dressing room. Before he could ask further, Do-chan was taken from his arms and a towel and bathrobe was passed to him as well. Minutes later Hyde reappeared, tying a neat bow on his bathrobe. “What! You’re not changed?!” He gasped.

“Change?”

“Go on and change! There’s nothing to be shy about!” Hyde pushed him behind the door and closed it. “Hurry up! I’ll be next door!” He yelled.

Sakura lifted the hot towel off his face; he couldn’t believe that he was sharing a hot tub with Hyde. He stole a quick glance at the figure beside him, resting against the edge of the tub, eyes closed as his small hands played idly with the rose petals floating on the scented water. The boy looked almost serene; angelic even. But the sheer thought of this situation was disturbing, him and Hyde alone in a smoky, steamy room, sharing a hot tub bath with rose petals. Nervously, he reached for the towel around his waist and adjusted it, tying it tighter around himself, afraid of it falling off. Well, he should be right? Why would he want to be naked in a hot tub with Hyde? The worse part was that, Hyde could be, as he suspected, wearing nothing at all, not even a towel. Sakura gulped at the thought.

Hyde opened his eyes, delicately wiping at the moisture gathered on his face. “What are you staring at?” He asked.

Sakura blinked, looking away abruptly. Dear god, please don’t let him flash me.

“Why are you having that look,” Hyde’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. “You look like you’re afraid of something.”

“Am not!” Sakura blurted out. “Of course not!”

Hyde studied him for a while and then he let out a knowing sigh. “Ah… I know that look!” He said, laughing, he stood up.

“Hyde! Just what do you think...”

“Don’t be a sissy! I’m wearing boxers!” He laughed. “I didn’t know you were so shy!”

Sakura blushed, “I… I knew that.” He said.

“Liar! You don’t even dare to look at me!” Hyde giggled, rolling his eyes. He sat down again, creating a small splash in the bubbling water surface. He turned over and placed his arms against the marble rim, resting his head against them, “Mmmm…. This is heaven…”

Knowing Hyde now has his back turned towards him, he felt it was safe to finally look at him, Hyde’s delicate back was smooth and fair, the heat from the water created a soft pink flush against it. How… lovely… Sakura was briefly reminded about how Hiromi used to scrub his back in the bath. Hyde would have looked so much like her, in this moment, sitting silently with his eyes closed; Sakura was almost tempted to touch his face. The only visible difference, a difference too visible was his chest. Yes, Hyde was after all a guy and he was flat. He wasn’t his Hiromi. Their personality too, was poles apart. Hyde was spoilt and childish, while Hiromi was refined and gentle. But yet, Hyde painted a perfect picture of her innocence, sitting there like that.