Tuesday, June 22, 1999 12:10:08 AM

Xz0ner
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Author's notes: Continuation of "Coupling With", and no, I'm not too malas to think of a new title, it's just that the theme of C/W is unfinished, and I'll continue it in this fic.

Warning: Yaoi, Non lemon, and it doesn't stand on its own, I'm sorry to say, but the whole damn thing is just too long! .<(oh, and I think the earlier C/W contains some disillusionment to girls about normal teenage boys… *snicker*, but boys do do those kind of things, don't debate me! ^^ -- It's true!)

Oh, and once again, this contains some use of Japanese, so if anything's wrong PLEASE (pleasepleaseplease) correct me, Okay??? (big eyes) O_O And, oh, I'll be romanizing "Pieces" in this fic. Since I really don't know Japanese, it'll help if you tell me if anything's wrong. Better still, I want the translated version! (I won't use it don’t worry)
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You can't turn away from love and more
Because this is the star of light
The future will show you the way go now
The future is smiling
There is no pain in the truth.

~"No Pain", from Shine, by Luna Sea.

***

Slowly, their lips touched, at first, it was feather-like. The rain continued pelting down onto them, the coldness of the surroundings made them shiver in cold, but none of them cared at all. Suddenly, through the haze of his mind, Hyde realized that he was feeling warmer than he should have. The feeling in his heart spread, overflowing like a cup of happiness.

:.This is true fulfillment,.: he thought, the glow in his heart so beautiful that it would almost seem painful. The fondness for Tetsu grew, too, till it seemed like it would burst. Tetsu never told him that he loved him, but… :.Our 'love' is different from their 'love'….:

"Hyde-san…" Tetsu whispered, his arms wrapped unconsciously around Hyde's body.

"Un?" Hyde looked up, folding his arms in an embrace around Tetsu's neck.

"I…" Tetsu blushed redder than before. He realized that he never should have drunk. Because all of a sudden, he wanted to pour it all out.

"What do you think Tetsu-chan?" Hyde asked, his eyes pleading, hoping that Tetsu would confirm the same with him. He wanted to believe that Tetsu was unlike the others, but… "That love…"

"I…" Tetsu shook his head, stammering nervously, "I… I… Sex is not important to me. I want to be by your side, Hyde, no matter what… Hyde… I remember you… In the faraway illusion, and I saw… Hyde… I saw you leaving me…"

"I… Left you?" Hyde asked, surprised. "I did?"

Tetsu shook his head, "It was a long time ago, Hyde-san, I can't remember when, but…"

"Tetsu-chan…" Hyde kissed Tetsu on the neck, standing on his toes, feeling his soft skin against the wet graphite. "Don't say a thing."

Tetsu closed his mouth, as he looked down into Hyde's large innocent eyes.

"Kirei na ai…" Hyde whispered softly, hugging Tetsu in the waist. "Soreha ore no yume… Promise me, Tetsu-san…"

Tetsu nodded, letting his gaze fall from Hyde's eyes to afar. Afar in the past. "Un?"

"That you'll never leave me. I love you. I want to be with you, too. You're a beautiful person, Tetsu, I treasure you very much… Even more than life itself… I was waiting, just for you… But… Now that I've found you, I don't know how I would live life without you… Please…"

Tetsu nodded, "I promise. We'll be together… Kitto…"

Hyde smiled, like a satisfied cat, and let go.

"Let's go home…"

*** (note: "soreha watashi no yume" is from "Clover 3"… I stole it ^^ It means something like 'it's my dream')

"Hyde! Are you okay? You'll catch a cold!" Keanu yelled, shaking Hyde on his shoulder.

"Un, I'm fine, Keany-chan," Hyde asked, nodding towards the rest. "Are you guys staying over?"

"Yeah! We won't go home in the rain, so count us visitors!"

"I'll go to bed first. Do you guys mind sleeping on the floor? We don't have the mattresses for you all," Hyde told them.

"No," They replied, and Hyde nodded, turned, and went upstairs, Tetsu following him.

"He seems really tired, do you think they…?"

"Impossible, where'd they do it, on the streets?"

"Aa!"

"Kana…"

***

"What is love?" Hyde asked, suddenly, gazing into those brown eyes which he would never be tired of.

"I don't know…" Tetsu smiled, closing his eyes, holding Hyde close. They lay there, eyes closed, ready for sleep. "But, I think, love is wonderful."

"Demo…" Hyde stopped, not sure if he wanted to tell Tetsu about Keanu. He had hurt him badly, but he could not give him what he wanted, he could not love him back.

Tetsu's brows furrowed, feeling the pain in his heart recede. Hyde was there. :.Yakusoku….:

:.We'll never leave each other….:

Just as he was about to drift to sleep, he felt a headache. It throbbed painfully in his skull, making him feel as if his skull was about to crack open. "Aaah!"

"Tetsu-chan?" Hyde's eyes jerked open, and he looked searchingly into Tetsu's face, which was twisted in agony. "Are you okay?"

"I… Something… Aah!"

"I… I'll call the others…" Hyde threw the sheets away, ready to get up, but Tetsu gripped his wrist tightly.

"Stay here, Hyde-san… Please…"

"Tetsu-chan…" Hyde glanced down worriedly, resting a hand on Tetsu's forehead, stroking it gently. "Kami-sama… I'd give anything for Tetsu not to suffer… Douzo… Let him stop suffering…"

Silently, he called to the name of god, whichever was not the matter.

"Doumo…" Tetsu smiled, despite himself, and slowly drifted off into a painless sleep.

*** (sakebu kami no na…--to cry the name of god -- from Forbidden Lover-- The only part of the song I truly understand)

It was dawn when Hyde opened his eyes. The sunlight poured through the window, illustrating a beautiful sky outside. Slowly, he sat up, the aftermath of the alcohol getting to him. A hand clutched his chest, as he steadied his breathing slowly, waiting for the nausea to go away. Suddenly, he remember Tetsu's headache, and turned around to look for Tetsu.

"Ohayo!" Keanu greeted, much to his surprise. "Hyde-san, you're sure up early!"

"Tetsu! Tetsu-chan! Where is he?!" Hyde grabbed Keanu's shoulders, shaking him till his teeth rattled.

"There he is…" Keanu laughed, swallowing his saliva awkwardly. "God, I shouldn't have drunk. I feel like shit."

"Tetsu-chan…" Hyde whispered sadly, reaching out to touch the sleeping face. "Shinobu… Hon yakusoku…"

"Yakusoku?" Keanu parroted, raising an eyebrow.

"Kaimu!" Hyde laughed. Tetsu's hair had dried, he noticed. Silently, he marveled at the softness of Tetsu's hair, and he ran his fingers through the fiery red strands.

"Hyde-san…" Tetsu's eyes opened slowly, and gazed slowly into his eyes. "Oh, no! I forgot… The song…"

"Song?"

"The song I wanted to give to you for your birthday… But… I forgot…" Tetsu said sadly. An image of Hyde singing flashed into his mind. He could remember everything, now, clearly… Everything that had happened… Hyde's beautiful smile, as they parted, Hyde into this world… How he had looked after Hyde all the sixteen years, and now they were together, if only for a short moment… He could remember it all. "Can you listen, Hyde-san?"

Hyde nodded, happily.

Slowly, softly, Tetsu began to hum. The beautiful notes came out of Tetsu's throat, caressing every ear in a blessed melody. It was beautiful; nothing like Hyde had ever heard. And he loved it. Softly, barely heard, he whispered, "Is this about us, Tetsu-chan…?"

Tetsu nodded. "Your smile, your eyes… Everything about you… After everything, we're finally together… Haido-san…"

Hyde kissed Tetsu gently on the forehead, "Arigato, Tetsu-san… Arigato…"

"Will this belong to us, and only us?" Tetsu asked, reaching up to touch him softly on his cheek. "Like the song which you and Ken made?"

Hyde nodded vigorously, his heart overflowing, "Hai."

"Wah, what a loving couple!" Ken exclaimed, and Hyde turned, in shock, to realize that not only Keanu was sleeping in the same room with them. Sendagi, Koji, Hiro, Levin, and Taka were there too, crowding behind them. They clapped, Tetsu blushed, and Hyde slid under the covers to hide his embarrassment.

***

By noon, everyone had left the house. It was a beautiful day, so Hyde and Tetsu went out without a care in the world.

"Hyde-san!"

"Un?"

"Kawaii desu--" Tetsu exclaimed, pointing to the Maru-Maru-chan stuffed toy.

"Do you like it?"

"No," Tetsu smiled, "But it is kawaii!!"

"Yes, yes, everything is kawaii…" Hyde rolled his eyes, and stuck his tongue out playfully.

"Kawaii desu!" Tetsu pointed to Hyde this time, making the latter blush.

"Tetsu-chan!!"

"Hey, what's that?" Tetsu asked, looking at a huge Barbie-pink booth.

"It's a print club machine," Hyde told him, with a disgusted look on his face.

"I know. I've seen it before… Can we go and take a picture, please?" Tetsu asked, "It's for couples, isn't it?"

"Couples?" Hyde parroted, his eyes wide, as Tetsu dragged him over. "Tetsu-chan--"

"Have you four hundred yen?" Tetsu asked, pointing to the slot in the machine.

Hyde sighed, seeing Tetsu so happy, and managed to dig out those four coins. :.If only he knows how much I hate these… These stupid things….:

"How does this work?" Tetsu asked yet another question. With another sigh, Hyde stepped forward to control it.

'Which frame would you like?' A 'cute' voice came from the machine, and Tetsu grinned in anticipation. Hyde rolled his eyes, and glanced over at Tetsu, hoping his impatience would not show too much to Tetsu, who was over-enthusiastic. Tetsu shrugged.

"……" Hyde decided to choose a 'no frame', thinking that they were all ugly, but his right hand jerked, and the he chose a 'just married' frame. Blushing, he turned to Tetsu, who simply shrugged again, for the umpteenth time.

"I want to be the bridegroom!" Tetsu grinned, "You look cuter as a bride!"

Hyde pouted, "But, I’m a guy!"

"So am I," Tetsu laughed, poking Hyde's nose. "You're shorter, too!"

'Ready, three, two, one!'

"I am NOT short!" Hyde protested, but the machine had taken their picture, with Hyde looking absolutely spastic yelling at the awkward Tetsu. "Oi!"

'Is this okay?'

Glaring at Tetsu, Hyde pushed the red button, wondering why did he even allow himself to be talked into it. It was true, though, that Tetsu would look stupid if he posed as the bride. Tetsu had that trademark 'pleading' look on his face, like when he had wanted Hyde to let Levin stay. "Okay, okay! I'll be the bride! Quit looking at me like that!"

Tetsu grinned, and they posed again. A fly landed on Tetsu's nose, making him sneeze.

'Ready? Three- Two- One!'

'Is this okay?'

"Uh…" Tetsu shook his head, and Hyde nodded in agreement with him. "I think this looks stupid."

'This is your last chance. Please pose again. Ready, three, two, one!'

Hyde stole a glance at Tetsu, who happily looked into the screen. Suddenly, a minor earthquake started, and, unprepared for the sudden ordeal, Tetsu fell towards Hyde, and Hyde fell towards Tetsu.

'Your picture is being sent to print.'

"Oof!"

Both of them fell down, onto the floor. The tiny earthquake stopped, and Hyde finally opened his eyes, to see Tetsu's concerned face.

"Are you okay?" Tetsu asked, brushing a stray strand of hair from Hyde's lips. Hyde nodded, breathless. Slowly, Tetsu helped Hyde up, and noticed a piece of paper in the opening of the booth. "Look, it's printed!"

With excitedly trembling hands, Tetsu reached for it, and gasped. Hyde tiptoed, trying to get a glimpse of it. "What is it, Tetsu-chan?"

"Oh, my god…" Tetsu lowered his hand, and Hyde almost fainted when he saw it. "We look like we were going to kiss!"

*** (this is my personal hobby… to make fun of them :p)

"I can't believe we took a print club!"

"It's cute!"

"No it isn't! It's stupid!" Hyde protested, despite himself. It *was* cute. "Don't you let anyone else see it… Or they'll tease again!"

"But…" Tetsu stared at the small stickers, his gaze unmoving. "What are we supposed to do with these?"

"Cut one out for me, and I'll see what I'll do with it. You keep the rest," Hyde told him, sticking his hands in his pockets. They looked as much as a couple would in the stickers. He wondered if it had anything to do with Tetsu's assumption of the machine being used for couples, but dismissed the silly idea. Of course it wouldn't.

"Okay," Tetsu took a small pair of scissors from the table, and carefully snipped the larger sticker out. "Here you go."

Hyde smiled a small impatient smile, slightly annoyed at himself for doing stupid things. He had vowed never to take print club stickers. Those things were stupid, for hentai Otaku girls and girly boys. And a 'just married' frame, at that. With Tetsu! He blushed, at the thought of himself going on honeymoon with Tetsu. That would be frankly stupid. STUPID. They couldn't marry. And he would never allow himself to be a bride. That would be dumb.

But… He paused for a moment. Marrying… Marrying is a promise between two lovers to stay together forever… He stole a glance at Tetsu, who plopped down onto the futon, smiling as he gazed into the stickers. He wanted to make a promise with Tetsu to stay together forever, but not in a form of marrying…

:.What is a promise without meaning?.: He asked himself, remembering his own parents. They married, couldn't stand each other, lived apart, and left him alone with a house and miserly monthly allowance. He never wanted to have anything to do with them again, ever again… And his parents were married. Worriedly, he glanced over at Tetsu, and at the sticker in his hands, remembering their promise to each other.

Uncertain, he smiled to himself. Tetsu was his angel, he would not lie to him… Would he?

They had made a promise between the two of them, to stay together forever… Would Tetsu fulfil the promise?

"Hyde-san!" Tetsu called, awkwardly looking down into his face. "Can you write the lyrics of our song…?"

"Eh…?" Hyde glanced up at him, wondering what lyrics, and suddenly remembered that song… The song which belonged to them and only them. He motioned towards the table, stuffed the sticker into his wallet, and sat on the table itself. Tetsu plopped down on the chair, and he grabbed his notebook and a pencil.

Without a word, Tetsu began to hum, one line at a time, and Hyde nodded, an unspeakable feeling surging up himself.

"Nakanaide…" Hyde paused for a moment, and glanced at Tetsu, who smiled gently, and continued thinking. Maybe, he would not be able to write the song's lyrics to be entirely about them. He could never be that frank… But… Tetsu hummed the line again, and Hyde penned the lyrics down. "…Nakanaide… Taisetsu na… Hitomi yo…"

"Kirei!" Tetsu exclaimed, happily, and Hyde looked, pondering, into his eyes, as if trying to find something there, something…

"Kanashi sani tsumazuitemo shin jitsu wo miteitene… Sono mamano anatadeite…" Hyde felt the words come to him like magic, as if they had existed long before he did… He paused again, and proceeded to sing it out.

Tetsu smiled gently, and reached out to touch Hyde's shoulder. Hyde found himself looking into those endless depths of Tetsu's eyes, and Tetsu stood up, locking themselves in an embrace.

:.Taisetsu… No yakusoku….:

***

Yoshiki smiled as he watched the two lover-birds, gently watching over them as an guardian angel. He wondered how he would break the news to Tetsu. It was, indeed, much better now that Tetsu could remember his past, so that he himself could treasure the time that was spent with Hyde, but Yoshiki wished that he could do something. To do a job well is to be devoid of feelings totally…

He stole a glance at Kiyoshi. "The promise which Hyde and Tetsu made…"

"Un?"

Kiyoshi glanced sadly at Yoshiki. "Tetsu wouldn't be able to fulfil his promise to Hyde…"

Yoshiki was surprised. He had never thought of it that way before. "You mean…"

"Now that Tetsu has remembered his past, don't you think it'll only add to his pain when they part?" Kiyoshi asked, his brows furrowing, remembering a certain past.

"But…" Yoshiki hesitated. "What are you saying?"

"I don't think I'll like what you're going to say," Takanori looked up from his comic, looking suspicious.

"I don't think so too… But listen, you ahou and Yoshiki…" Kiyoshi whispered, "I want to weave a spell to make Tetsu forget his past as an angel, and let them live on earth."

"But Tetsu is a First Angel, Kiyoshi!" Yoshiki exclaimed.

"I knew I won't like it," Takanori muttered, putting the comic down on the table. "God will know that we did it because we're his guardian angels!"

"So?" Kiyoshi asked, poking Takanori's chest. "We'll keep mum about it, and blame it on some night-chaser! It won't exactly be our fault, will it?"

"It's… It's… It's…" Yoshiki sputtered, without knowing the right word. "It's just wrong! We aren't exactly actors, are we? An if God knew enough that we're talking about him, he should know enough about this!"

"Shhh!" Kiyoshi placed his finger at his lips. "It'll be for the good of Tetsu, won't it?"

"Yes, but…" Yoshiki started, and stopped to think about it. "What's the penalty for kidnapping a First Angel?"

"Let's not talk about that…" Kiyoshi shrugged. "It isn't that big a crime."

"Look who's talking!" Takanori poked him back in the chest. "It's not as if you can take over Tetsu's work, can you?"

"I'm responsible!" Kiyoshi protested, but realized that Takanori was referring to his misuse of spells. With resignation, he turned away, and whistled loudly. "Lalala… Anyway, I think we'll be able to do it. If you won't help me, I'll do it by myself. You won't get blamed, too…"

"Kiyoshi!" Yoshiki called, worriedly glancing over at Takanori, who shrugged with the same emotion.

"Well, if you're not helping, don't speak to me! So long, tata, I'd hate to say goodbye!"

"Alright! What do you want us to do?"

***

"Are you sure you want to do this, Yoshiki?" Hide asked, quickly weaving a kekkai over them so that angels who were passing by would not be heard. "Listen, it'll be quite big a penalty if you get caught, and there's no way you won't be caught!"

Yoshiki nodded, though he himself was unsure about it. Once Kiyoshi's mind was made up, there was no stopping him.

"Okay, I'll help you… I'll weave the spell, and then Tetsu will forget everything about being an angel. Then, you guys return to Heaven, and report a demon hanging around Tetsu. Okay? That's all you need to do, okay? Then, when the time comes, I'll make Tetsu a normal person… You dig?"

Yoshiki shook his head, punching Hide on the thigh, making him yelp in pain. "Do you think I'm stupid? If we're going to get caught, we're going to get blamed altogether!"

"Fine!" Hide stuck his tongue out, and sighed. "Then, I'll help you to weave the spell together… It'll be stronger. There's one thing I can do, as long as I will it, Tetsu's memory will not return. Even if I'm trapped in a kekkai, or forget about it… So, God can't do anything to Tetsu's memory. When Tetsu can't remember himself being an angel, he will not be able to perform spells…"

"But… that's not what I called you out for!" Yoshiki protested, putting his hands on his hips. "I just needed some advice on how to weave the spell…"

Hide smiled, and ran his hair through Yoshiki's golden curls. "When we get caught, Yoshiki, I want to be with you."

"But…"

Hide put his finger on Yoshiki's lips, and gazed deeply into his eyes. "Trust me."

***

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Asked Kiyoshi, throwing his spell handbook down. "You're the highest authority of Hell! What if there is a war between Heaven and Hell, like it happened a long time ago? Do you want it to happen again?"

Hide smiled, and did not answer. Instead, he strutted closer to Tetsu and placed his hands on him. Tetsu gasped, as an upsurge of pain hit him. Yoshiki got worried, seeing Tetsu's pain, and Hyde's anxiety. Quickly, he glanced back at Hide, who winked and flashed an 'Okay' sign.

"Tetsu!" Hyde yelled, and Levin came rushing down the stairs.

"What's happened?" Asked the kid, kneeling down beside the redhead.

"I don't know," Keanu told him, "Should I call the ambulance?"

"Don't…" Hyde whispered, not even knowing why he said that. "I don't think so…"

"But…" Levin protested, placing his hand on Tetsu's forehead.

"Whatever," Keanu shrugged, and got up. "I'll get some warm water for him."

By the time Keanu came back with a tub of warm water, Hide was done with.

"It'll take a few days more for him to fully become a human…" Hide said, as if he was a doctor. "We'd better stall for time."

***

"Who are you?" Tetsu asked, when his eyes opened. "What am I doing here?"

"You… You don't remember us…" Hyde whispered, looking into those brown orbs, hoping to find a trace of himself in those brown orbs, yet he could see only confusion and blankness in them. "Do you?"

Tetsu shook his head, looking up at them in a childlike manner. Hyde looked away sadly, and forced a smile. He got up, and quickly went over to the kitchen. Quickly, he added, trying to hide his trembling hands, "I'm sure you want a cup of hot chocolate, don't you?"

Seeing Hyde's reaction, Tetsu sat up slowly, and looked over at Keanu and Levin in confusion.

"Don't you remember? You were Hyde's--- Mmph!"

Keanu quickly cupped a hand over Levin's mouth, making him shut up immediately. "You were Hyde's best friend… It's no wonder that Hyde's upset…"

"Oh…" Tetsu lowered his head, wishing he could somehow remember. The lady had seemed so sad. :.We must have been the best of friends,.: He thought, twiddling his fingers absentmindedly, as he looked up at Keanu and Levin. "Are you her relatives?"

Keanu raised an eyebrow, and let go of Levin. "Uh… Yes and no…"

Hyde came in then, carrying a tray of hot cocoa. Slowly, 'she' motioned for them to the table, and set the tray down on it. 'She' forced a smile, and tried to hide 'her' sad gaze by concentrating on the cup of cocoa. Tetsu looked sadly at 'her', trying to remember everything that happened between them, but he could not. There must be something really unique between them, he knew, but he could not remember what.

Quickly, Keanu set his mug down, and introduced themselves, "I'm Keanu, this is Levin, and HE is Hyde. You're Tetsu."

"Oh," Tetsu was too lost in his own thoughts to concentrate on the use of verbs. There was something in those large expressive eyes, those sadness… Maybe they were more than best friends, something told him so.

Seeing zero reaction from Tetsu, Keanu glanced over at Levin, trying not to find it funny. Levin picked his mug up and his smile behind it. Keanu whistled, and downed more of the hot cocoa. When he set the mug down again, he paused to study Hyde. Hyde had an unreadable expression on his face. Keanu took another sip. Yet he could see it in his eyes, anyone could. And it made him melt. It would make anyone alive melt… "Tetsu-san, are you sure you don't remember a single thing?"

Tetsu shook his head, his brows furrowed in a trouble mood. "I can't even remember my name."

"Well then…" Hyde forced a smile on 'her' face, and it struck Tetsu how pretty 'she' looked when she smiled, even though it as a sad and forced smile… "Just stay here, okay? We'll take care of you… And hopefully you can remember soon enough…"

"I'll take the mugs," Keanu offered, glancing at Hyde, and Hyde nodded.

"Come on, Tetsu-chan, I'll show you around."

***

"It's the last day…" Yoshiki looked up into Kiyoshi's eyes, hoping that there would be something in there to give him himself strength. Hide was back in Hell --he had to be, he was looking for a successor-- and Takanori was back in Heaven trying to explain to God what had happened. Hopefully, it would work, it would all work… Yet, Tetsu could not remember a single thing. It was not the point, he was not supposed to, but he even forgot about his feelings for Hyde.

And seeing Hyde so sad was not helping matters any.

Yoshiki was beginning to regret it. Kiyoshi had not shown any signs of guilt to him, which was all for the better since it would make Yoshiki feel worse. Hyde brought Tetsu everywhere they had been, but to no avail.

There was nothing in Kiyoshi's eyes which helped. Sighing, Yoshiki watched the two huddled together in the sheets. Tetsu was sleeping again, soundly, and Hyde was sobbing. It reminded him of a certain scene, when Tetsu still loved Hyde… Yet, this time, Hyde was crying because of Tetsu. He stole a look at Kiyoshi again, suddenly hoping for him to exclaim, 'Tetsu! Sir! How could you?' And poke him in the ribs. Then Tetsu would wake up, and see Hyde crying…

Wait. This time, Hyde was crying because of Tetsu.

He sighed again, when suddenly, a beam of light appeared. The beam of light which was only visible to him and Kiyoshi. It came straight down from Heaven, and it was then that Yoshiki knew their lies had failed.

***

"Hyde-san!!" Levin called again, for the fourth time, and tugged at his sleeve. Seeing that Hyde was not going to budge, he sighed and let go of his sleeve. He turned to Keanu, who pretended that nothing had happened. To his surprise, the bird pecked Hyde, and Hyde turned in shock.

"Damn bird…" It was all the response they could get from Hyde.

Keanu felt a tinge of pain in his heart, as he gazed into Hyde's dreamy face, and suggested, "Hyde, do you mind coming with me? We'll leave Levin with Koji and Hiro."

"What for?" Hyde asked, turning to look at Keanu, half curious.

Keanu smiled, and motioned towards an isolated section of the park.

"Go with him, Hyde-san," Levin said, "Please, go."

Hyde looked at them uncertainly. Koji and Hiro nodded, so he relented. "Okay…"

Keanu led Hyde aside. When they were finally alone, he asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Hyde replied with a small smile, which would never be convincing enough. It stabbed at Keanu's heart like a thorny rose.

"Tetsu-san, isn't it?" He asked, looking away, up at the trees.

Hyde hesitated, and nodded silently. Keanu tried to hide his sadness, but he supposed that he himself was just about as convincing as Hyde was to him. "He… He can't remember our love… He doesn't love me anymore… Totally… Forgotten…"

"Forgotten…" Keanu repeated absentmindedly. Ken had that experience before; and from Ken he knew the pain of being simply forgotten, even though Ken and Hyde were totally different people under totally different circumstances. "He… He can't do that!"

"Why not…" Hyde asked, tears welling up in his eyes, and he tried to blink them away. "It isn't his fault, but I… I…"

"Hyde-san…" Keanu muttered, turning to look at Hyde. Hyde had his back turned to the other way, yet it was obvious that he had given way to his tears. "He'll remember."

Hyde shook his head. "He won't. I don't know. There's not a single trace in him which I can find… No matter how hard I try…"

"…… Hyde…" Keanu felt the pain almost as if it was his own. Maybe it was indeed his own, for Hyde's pain, and for Hyde's love directed to another person. On impulse, he hugged Hyde with all his might, and refused to let go. "Hyde…"

Hyde said nothing, as he let his tears flow freely, without any attempts of hiding it, for once.

"Remember, you still have me. No matter what."

Hyde smiled apologetically, that smiling face which Keanu never saw. Yet it was there all the same, like the guilt in his heart. "Thank you…"

***

"Can you get us a drink, Hiro?" Koji asked, passing him some coins. His brother nodded, and Koji motioned for Levin to sit on a nearby bench. Hiro went off.

As soon as Hiro was out of earshot, Koji managed to bring himself to say something. Levin was just a kid, yet… "I have to talk to you, Levin."

"Un?" Levin looked up at Koji innocently.

"Do you remember what you said… The other night? On Hyde's birthday?"

"No… Maybe I was drunk… What did I say…?"

"Well…" Koji hesitated. "Are you sure you need to know?"

Levin suddenly felt endangered. Basically, he was drunk for the whole day and could not remember a single thing, but he did not know if he had done anything which he would regret. Or said, for the matter. "…I… I think so. You were the one who brought it up."

Koji sighed, wondering how he would put it. He did bring it up, but he was not even sure about anything now himself. He was sure he wanted to talk to Levin, but he was not sure if Levin would be able to take it. Worriedly, he glanced over at him, and took in a deep breath. "You told me… You still don't remember?"

Levin shook his head, wondering what Koji was aiming at. Somehow it did not help with his worries.

"Hiro heard it too. You… You were half asleep, and drunk…" Koji did not know what all these were driving at, but he supposed that he was getting close enough. "Well… You told me that you liked me…"

Levin knew what he was getting at. His lower lip quivered, but he forced a smile, "Of course I like you, you're like my brother."

"Sou…" Koji smiled awkwardly, noticing Levin's discomfort. "'Ai… Sonna suki…' You did say this."

"I… I did?" Levin nodded, silently acknowledging it in his own heart. It would not be surprising if his own mouth betrayed him, but… He knew that Koji only treated him as a brother. Even so, he found himself liking him more than just a brother. "Could you have heard wrongly?"

"I couldn't have heard wrongly. Hiro heard it too. Levin… I hope we're still friends." Koji was aware of his own breathing. His mind was on everything else but himself, and it magnified his awareness of his own doings. He hoped he would not hurt Levin too much.

Levin nodded, tears getting into his eyes, true tears, unlike when he was afraid, or anything. He liked Koji. Maybe it was all wrong, yet the feeling was there. He knew he should not, yet he did. If Koji was a girl, he would have found it easier, but Koji was a man. Sure, he himself found nothing wrong with gays and all, yet he had never contemplated he himself liking another male. "Hiro?"

"Nani?"

"Is it him?" He asked, not daring to look away. He was not the type to escape once the truth was found. "Do you like him?"

Koji smiled. "You're silly. No. He's my brother. I like… No, love him, but only as my brother. Nothing's wrong, I have seen the beauty of love in that way from Tetsu-san and Hyde-san, but I can't like a man. I am a man… If, you're a girl, I would maybe have accepted, but I'm still a guy, you know?"

Levin shook his head, half understanding.

"Well… This kind of thing is kind of trivial to me… It's the love, not the gender that counts… But, I've only treated you as a brother, do you get it? If you were a girl, maybe I would consider, but you aren't. I am a guy, even though I can accept homosexual stuff." Koji sucked in yet another breath, wondering if it was the right way to express himself. Levin nodded, seeming to understand, and Koji let go of the breath.

"But, if I was a girl?" Levin whispered, probing deeper into his eyes.

"Maybe I would consider."

"Why is it so? You said that gender doesn't count." Levin pointed out.

"How do I explain this?" Koji felt himself having trouble breathing.

"… I know… I understand… I'm sorry." Levin finally looked away, at the trees. "Is there any girl whom you like?"

"No, maybe, just small crushes. But Hiro's just a brother, like Sendagi…"

"What are you talking about?" Hiro asked, as he suddenly appeared somewhere nearby. He was struggling to balance the cans in his arms properly. "Where's Hyde-san and Keanu-san?"

Koji shrugged, and took three cans from Hiro, and tossed one to Levin. "And you."

"Eh?" Hiro looked at Koji, and Koji smiled and did not say a word. Knowing that it was confidential, Hiro decided to change the subject. "Want to go and find Hyde-san and Keanu-san?"

It took Levin a moment to connect the words together, but he could see it now. Slowly, he took a long sip from the can, not even noticing what he was drinking. At least, even if he could not find his parents, he had a 'family', and a belonging. Maybe he was just longing to have a love like Tetsu and Hyde because he felt all alone before, or because he had seen the beauty. Whatever the reason, it did not hide the feeling of friendship and kinship. :.Okay, I'm only thirteen….: He laughed at himself, even though the pain in his heart was as real as anything. He watched the two figures as they walked away, from him, laughing and joking. Both of them turned, and looked back at him, making him realize that he should be going off with them. "Go… Gomen!!"

***

:::First Angel Tetsu has not yet returned,::: The shining figure turned towards Takanori, who swallowed nervously, and glanced at Yoshiki and Kiyoshi. :::Something has happened.:::

"A… A demon appeared and made Tetsu forget his status as an angel…" Takanori stammered, "He can't weave spells any more…"

:::You are lying. I know what you did. Confess, and I will forgive you. But you must return with Tetsu.:::

"But… But…"

"He won't remember anything, Kami-sama," Hide suddenly appeared.

:::You helped them.:::

"Yes, and I will not let Tetsu remember, no matter what you do." Hide smirked a devilish smirk, and turned towards Yoshiki, with a wink.

"Hide…"

:::I have the power to return him. You do not know how important Tetsu is.:::

"You mean… You lied to me!" Hide seethed, clenching his fists.

:::Only when you don't defy me. I did not lie to you.:::

"Well, you fucker didn't tell me about it! So, what do you need him for?"

:::Do you want to know?:::

Hide nodded. "Then I will decide by myself."

:::The tree, I'm sure Yoshiki, Kiyoshi and Takanori know about it? It has been behaving strangely lately.:::

Yoshiki nodded, and glanced at Takanori and Kiyoshi. Takanori looked uncomfortable, and Kiyoshi simply looked curious. "For the sixteen years I've been an angel, I was never told what it was for."

:::The tree is to sustain the sins of people living on Earth. It only turned like that during World War Two, when the killings and evil wishes rose. Now, it is turning this way, too. If it cannot sustain the sins of people any longer, I shall have to create a new millenium, and destroy the present one. This is what has happened after all these years… People evolved into a more and more evil race.:::

:::Even though now the killings do not range as much as during the World War Two, the amount of sinful desires have risen. The thoughts of humans have already created enough for the tree, even though their doings aren't much.:::

"No wonder…" Hide fingered his chin thoughtfully. "So, what has it got to do with Tetsu?"

:::Tetsu is in an important part of the world, where the evil thoughts are high. He was sent there to observed how humans are really like, and if he doesn't return, there will be a hole in the balance of observatory.:::

"Why didn't you tell us that?" Yoshiki demanded, stepping forward in his fury.

:::If, I were to tell you that, would you still believe in humans, and be fond of the tree? If you know about the amount of sin the tree takes each day, will you even admit you were a human once? Even angels sin. A part of angels' jobs is to take care of humans, if you find out about their ugliness, will you want to take care of them? Angels can feel too. You should know that.:::

"……" Yoshiki said nothing, but his steps stopped, and he turned to look at Takanori, who nodded.

"The tree does bear a lot of sin, but I want to help them…"

Yoshiki looked away. Not everyone would think the same as Takanori, he realized. Takanori did have a good reason for keeping it from him. Yet… Seeing how Tetsu and Hyde lived… And Koji's family… "Even though humans do sin a lot, they are actually quite loveable. I… I like humans… Even though they aren't perfect…"

Hide grinned, and squeezed Yoshiki. "I'll go back to Ningenkai for a moment, okay?"

"Un!"

"You'd better!" Kiyoshi laughed, remembering the indescribable bondage he had seen on earth. It was not just sin which existed on Earth, after all.

***

For the whole day, Hyde had been miserable. He had been so ever since Tetsu had lost his memory. Tetsu had realized so, and he gathered that it was because of himself, and the fact that he could not remember anything. He found himself waking up at night to hear sounds of sobbing behind him, but he did not turn. He knew that if he did, Hyde would feel worse. They had to be more than best friends, Tetsu knew, but right then he could not feel anything for him at all.

And he supposed that it was the reason which made Hyde cry. That he felt nothing for Hyde…

Tetsu wanted to remember. From the way Hyde had been looking at him, probing deep into him with his beautiful gaze, Tetsu knew that he and Hyde had went through a lot, perhaps more than he himself could ever imagine.

And because of that-- he did not know what to think.

And strangely enough, the blackbirds followed Levin, who acted like they had been doing so all along. Somehow, when Levin's eraser was stolen, Levin and Keanu seemed to expect Hyde to do something. Hyde did not do anything, after the chaos. That got those two worried, and Tetsu found himself feeling guilty.

They were having curry rice for dinner. Keanu had told Tetsu that it was one of Hyde's favorite food, and dug a cookbook out from somewhere in the house. It contained all sorts of recipes, and Hyde could see some scribbling on the pages of the pasta section. It did not look like any of the others' handwriting, so it must have been his. In a desperate attempt to make Hyde happy, he started to cook curry rice. Levin went off looking for his parents with Keanu, Hyde and Koji, a kind neighbor as far as Tetsu was concerned, and Tetsu was going to do it alone.

Logic told him to prepare the rice last, so he cooked the curry. By the time he was done with the curry, Keanu had returned, alone.

"So, how are you doing?"

Tetsu smiled warmly, and handed him the wooden spoon. "Can you please look after the curry for me? I have to go to the bathroom."

"But, Tetsu…" Keanu started, and stopped as Tetsu quickly rushed upstairs. :.It must have been taking him a long time,.: He thought, wondering if Tetsu could remember anything. He himself could not stand to see Hyde so sad. :.Hopefully the walk in the gardens will help him somewhat….:

The curry sizzled. "PHWEEEEEEE!"

"Oh, my god!" Keanu exclaimed, grabbing a towel and proceeded to take the pot off the stove. "Ow! Atsui!"

"What happened?" Tetsu asked, rushing downstairs into the kitchen. "Didn't I tell you to look after the curry? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just some major burns, nothing much…" Keanu muttered, still holding on to the pot. "At least the smoke alarm's turned off."

"But , it's such a simple thing!" Tetsu almost went goggle-eyed, shocked that someone could not even look after curry without setting off the smoke alarm. Quickly, he turned off the electric stove.

"Well, I'm sorry, okay?" Keanu retorted, setting the pot back onto the stove. "I can't cook! Hyde once banned me from the kitchen. I don't even dare to make toast now!"

Laughter was heard coming from the entrance of the door. "Keanu-san! You messed up the dinner again?"

"I hope the kitchen didn't burn down…" Koji laughed, poking his head into the kitchen. "Yo, Tetsu-san, Keanu-san!"

"Hajimemashite," Hiro came into the kitchen moments later, and the sound of the door being locked was heard.

Tetsu nodded, a gentle smile on his face, and decided to cook the rice before attempting anything else. "Are you staying for dinner?"

"Sure!" Koji looked into the curry pot, and laughed. "Hey, Keanu, however did you manage to burn it?"

"I didn't burn it! It just sizzled and set off the smoke alarm when Tetsu went away!" Keanu protested, looking at the curry. "I think the kitchen hates me or something. Hey, at least it's edible."

"Uh, Keanu-san, can you please introduce me to your friends?" Tetsu asked, the innocent smile on his face still there, unlike the others, who all lost their smiles suddenly due to shock.

"What… What happened?" Koji exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"How did you lose your memory again?" Asked Hiro, who comprehended it easily.

"Uh… I don't know…" Keanu replied, looking at Tetsu's innocent face. "But he can't remember anyone this time… Not even…"

Hyde… Tetsu knew the word which Keanu was going to say. Hyde should have been back by then, otherwise there would have been no one to let the two in. Tetsu turned to look out of the kitchen, and saw Hyde sitting alone at the coffee table.

"Hyde-san?"

"Un?" Hyde force his smile, turning to look at him.

"……" Tetsu did not know what he was going to say. If there was a way to regain his memory, he would try it, no matter what he was. It was making everyone so confused. And Hyde was so sad… "Dinner will be ready soon. I'm making curry rice."

"Really?" Hyde grinned, a thin thread of hope shining in his eyes, "I love curry rice."

"Keanu-san told me you liked it…" Tetsu said, knowing that he should not have said it while he was at it.

"Oh."

"I'll go back to the kitchen," Tetsu told him, not knowing what else to say, and turned away.

Pretty soon, the rice came out nice and warm. They sat down to eat in silence. After a while, they introduced each other to Tetsu, who acknowledged them. The atmosphere was totally unnatural; everyone was not used to this Tetsu, who seemed to be holding back, as if he was a total stranger. They had felt that way before, yet they did manage to get closer to Tetsu, because Tetsu acted not like a stranger, even though he was ultra-polite.

Now, it seemed as if they would never be able to break through the ice.

They sat in silence throughout, and Koji decided that he would go home early. Hiro followed suit. Keanu dragged Levin to see them off.

Hyde and Tetsu were alone in the house now.

"Now is the time, Hide!" Kiyoshi told him, nudging him. Hide hesitated, as the two of them pretended to watch television. The tension was abnormal. Tetsu glanced at Hyde occasionally, and Hyde glanced at Tetsu occasionally, yet their gazes never met. "Hurry, stupid!"

"Touchdown!" Echoed cheering from the television, yet none of them was in the mood.

"Hide, I think you should do it now…" Yoshiki spoke up. If Tetsu regained his memory, he would be able to remember his feelings towards Hyde, and at least Hyde would know of his true feelings towards him before he went back to heaven.

Hide nodded, and began to chant. The pentagon which was only visible to the angels and himself surrounded Tetsu, and Tetsu collapsed to the ground. His vision blurred as pain shot from his back, as if something was tugging at his bones.

"Tetsu-chan!!" Hyde gasped, falling backwards towards the ground in shock, yet he was worried all the same. "What's happening…?!"

His shirt tore, and before he realized it, wings were on his back. White wings.

He suddenly remembered the urge to soar in the sky. That silly urge. And he remembered that he could actually soar whenever he wanted to. He remembered Hyde's pain when he had forgotten everything. Surprised, he saw Hide, Yoshiki, Kiyoshi and Takanori standing beside him. "Yoshiki! Kiyoshi! Takanori! What are you doing here?"

"We're your temporary guardian angels, sir ahou." Kiyoshi grinned. "I think it's time to pay attention to Hyde rather than us now."

Tetsu turned, and saw the shaking Hyde on the floor. Pain and apology filled his heart as he remembered the pain which he had caused him… By forgetting. He wanted to tell him that he was sorry, and wanted remove all the pain which Hyde had ever felt…

"Tetsu-chan…?" Hyde whispered, getting onto his feet, and walked slowly towards him. Wings were on his back, white wings, like an angel's… There was no angels. He never believed in angels. Who knows, maybe Tetsu was a demon… Couldn't be. There was something in Tetsu's eyes, something… Something which came back. Quickly, he took a step forward, and touched Tetsu, as if to test if he was real.

His hand did not pass through Tetsu's chest. There Tetsu stood, upright and solid.

"Hyde-san…" Tetsu whispered, pain showing in his eyes. There was nothing he could do to wipe away what had happened, even though he was an angel. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay, no, really…" Hyde did not know what else to say. Tetsu was really an angel. His hand dropped to his side, and he looked down awkwardly. Tears, different tears from what was before, were tormenting him. Quickly, he wiped them away, and looked back up, a smile locked on his face. "See?"

Tetsu smiled back, gently, and hugged Hyde. "Arigato gozaimashita, Haido-san… Arigatou--"

Hyde had never felt so blessed in his whole life. Such a warm fuzzy feeling of fondness, and the happiness which came with it was simply beautiful. He hugged back, and refused to let go. He wished that they could stay together forever, in that position, where they would never be apart… "Kochirakoso… Tetsu-chan…"

"……" There they stood, feeling each other's warmth, as if their heartbeats were merged, simply because of one love. Not one word was needed, once again, it was almost as if they could feel each others' thoughts…

:.Ai shiteru..:

The passing by of time took no meaning to them, yet time did pass.

"Tetsu-sama…" Takanori called out, waking Tetsu from his happy world. "It's time to go back."

"I… know…" Tetsu sighed, wishing for a moment more with Hyde, just a moment more… Perhaps, even eternity would be too short for a couple in love. Slowly, unwillingly, yet acceptably, he let go of Hyde. Hyde did likewise, and gazed up into his eyes, and Tetsu found a tear in his own eye. He would miss Hyde, even if it was only for a minute. And it would be longer than a minute. Without Hyde, a second could pass by like eternity.

"Are you really an angel?" Hyde asked, his large expressive eyes studying his beautiful face. "Are you going to leave me?"

Tetsu looked sadly away. He knew that they had made a promise. Was this how he felt when it felt like they were going to be separated for a the first time? The more time he spent with Hyde, the more he could not let go… He took in a breath, wishing that he could remember how. "Sumimasen…"

A flash of memory, too fast to be grasped, flashed across Hyde's mind. "It's okay, I think… But… I want you to remember me… Even if you're not going to be by my side, okay…? I don't want to be forgotten again…"

Tetsu nodded slightly, remembering Hyde's promise when they were going to leave each other for the first time. The scenes played in his memory vividly, like petals in a dream.

::."Don't be so sad, Tetsu!" He said, despite himself. His smile seemed… So much like an angel's, Tetsu remembered fervently. "Our hearts will be together… If you just think of me…".::

::."…Hai!".::

::."So, stop crying. I'll know you in my heart, I promise. I'll never forget you.".::

"You fulfilled your promise… I'm sorry I can't fulfill mine…" Tetsu whispered, feeling himself wither in Hyde's pleading eyes. "I'm really sorry… I’m an angel… Yet I can't even fulfill a promise…"

Hyde smiled, this time, gently. Perhaps even more gently that Tetsu ever would smile. That smiling face… It woke something in Tetsu. "See you soon."

Tetsu nodded, and waved him goodbye, remembering Hyde's words to him. The sadness in Hyde's eyes was obvious, even though he was strong enough to keep his smile. "I'll be able to fulfill my promise… I may not be by your side, but my thoughts and my heart will always be with you…"

Almost like the lyrics of a song. Hyde waved back, and Tetsu stepped back. He cupped his hands together, and a circle of red light glowed in front of him. As he stepped into it, he seemed to melt into a mass of golden light, strong yet not glaring.

The angels followed Tetsu back to heaven, and Hide stole a glance at Hyde. If it was himself, he would never be able to bear with it… Would he? Yoshiki would not, too, but Yoshiki could grow stronger with time. What about himself? He smiled to himself, and scolded himself for being so slow. The pentagon glowed in front of him. Before he stepped into it, he wished Hyde good will-- to be able to be by Tetsu's side not only in thoughts.

That would be the best present for a pair of lovers.

***

"I can't believe that it has been this long since Tetsu went back to earth…" Yoshiki said, tightening his hold on Hide's arm. Somehow, the air in Hell was always unsuitable for him, and it was always a tad cold. He shivered for a wee bit, and Hide took his jacket off to cover Yoshiki.

"Come to think of it…."

"Two and a half years to be exact."

"Look! A real live angel!" A young kid, about the age Levin once was, pointed towards Yoshiki. "Wow!"

His friends looked up, and oohs and ahhs were heard, mostly about the beauty of the angel. Surprised, Yoshiki smiled at them warmly, and turned his head to look. Maybe it was not that surprising after all; since Hide's reign, Hell had been flourishing.

A question struck Yoshiki, as he looked at the city beneath him. "Hide, why are these people sent to Hell? They don't look half bad to me."

"Huh?" Hide grinned. "The really bad have been sent back to Earth for them to learn kindness."

"So?"

"Well… These are the people who will not be able to understand the delicate nature of balance in Heaven, so they're sent here to strive for themselves as they did back at Earth," Hide paused, looking up into the darkening red skies of Hell. "And many of them are not truly happy, because they are on their own."

"What do they strive for?"

"It's really like Earth here… I don't know how the tree works for Earth, but if not for my good will, the sins of these people would pile up and form some sort of big energy. They'll be destroyed. And God does not want them to be."

"Why?" Yoshiki asked, for the sake of asking.

"Because he loves them too, stupid. But, perhaps the amount of sins on earth are more than Hell's… Because even the tree can hardly take it… It's not like some sort of apparatus…"

"What's the tree made of?"

"Love," Hide replied. "I asked Takanori. I was wondering if I could make one, and God was seeing to other things, so I figured that if anyone knew about it, it would be Takanori. That guy's been around even before this millenium."

Yoshiki gagged. "What? You mean… Takanori has been there even before the dinosaurs?"

"Oh, longer than that…" Hide grinned, "You mean you didn't know?"

Yoshiki shook his head vigorously.

"I've learnt something about the last millenium as well, from him. It seemed to be a fucking cool place, I tell you! They evolved so much, that they were even able to travel to Pluto! Pluto was called 'Zan' then, I think. Their city looked so cyber-punk! Oh. Anyway… He died, and went to Heaven, and he was working with three other angels. One of them was Lucifer."

"Wasn't he the guy from the bible?"

"Yes, but the story was kind of twisted when it was passed down. It even evolved into a major religion, but it's nothing much, really. Anyway, Lucifer had known all along how much the tree was taking. Takanori was only told about it bearing sins, but that was all. Lucifer did tell Takanori, in an attempt to persuade him to help him overthrow the human millenium. Of course, God would not let them do that."

"Did Takanori listen to him?"

"He told me he was confused. So he wove a spell and actually saw how much humans sinned. When he did, he went straight to Lucifer, as he was so saddened and all. When Tetsu found out what they were doing, he did not report to God, instead, he tried to stop them. Of course, God knew all along, and Tetsu loved Lucifer. You see, Lucifer had been around for about as long as Tetsu was, and they were just about the best of friends. God knew all along; but he waited long enough for Lucifer to have the chance to kill Tetsu."

"Did he?"

"No. Even if Lucifer was the one who was able to kill all the angels who tried to stop him. At that time, Lucifer was the strongest angel in Fire's Madrigal. Instead, he tried to make Tetsu see why he did it."

"What did Tetsu say?"

"Tetsu, of course, knew about the tree. He made Lucifer, and Takanori, and all the other angels, remember the good side of humans too. Lucifer and the others, of course, saw it, but they would not believe, after seeing the sins. Takanori managed to get out of it, though. He also said that Hell was started by Lucifer, because they wanted a place to stay and do their own things. God allowed, since it was what they wanted. He knew what would happen, but he gave them anyway."

"What happened?"

"Lucifer made a war with Heaven. It was the first war between Hell and Heaven, and it even managed to engulf Ningenkai. That was how the millenium ended."

"Oh…" Yoshiki lowered his head. "What happened to Lucifer?"

"He was killed in the war. The other angels were sent to Hell since God figured that they would not listen much anymore." Hide grinned, "Sad, nee?"

"Un… God must have been very sad," Yoshiki whispered, looking into the city far beyond. Overhead, there were flying demons. They seemed to be talking happily, excitedly, about anything under the sun. Yet most of the demons bore no smile as they hurried about to make it to the next appointment. Where had Yoshiki seen a similar scene before? "About the sins of humans, the killings of angels… Maybe he thought 'this shouldn't have happened', and from then on decided to keep it from us…"

"Yeah. That guy is soft," Hide grinned, and out from nowhere a bottle fell and hit him from the sky. "Ow!"

Yoshiki giggled, and Hide rubbed his bruised head.

"It's not funny, you baka!" Hide stuck his tongue out at Yoshiki, making him laugh harder.

Finally, Yoshiki managed to stop laughing. Sobering, he gazed far and away. :.This is almost like Ningenkai….: "Is… This…. Really Hell?"

"Of course it is," Hide replied, looking at Yoshiki, wondering if Yoshiki had laughed his wits away. "Why?"

Yoshiki smiled, shaking his head, "But, if so, aren't they happy, just like the normal people were on Earth?"

"Eeto…" Hide thought for a little while, thinking of the correct way to phrase it. "Iie!"

"Doushite?"

"Normally, 'normal' people wouldn't come here, because they just do things without asking why. These people have been sent to Heaven. However… The people here, they choose to do things with their own way, and the thing is… They are like their own god. They won't just work for nothing like you angels do, you see. They expect rewards in some form to be given to them, and they aren't exactly happy to be striving forever."

"If so, why are you here?" Yoshiki grinned, poking him.

"Me?" Hide laughed. "I think God has a purpose for practically everything… Like you said, Takanori did comfort you while you were on Earth. He wasn't there for nothing, and stuff. He knew I was going to be the next Master of Hell. And he knew Hyde was going to meet with Tetsu. Don't forget, he exists in the past and in the future too, so he knows everything…"

Yoshiki shook his head, smiling at himself. "And I thought that there was no God, because I was suffering."

"Without suffering, Yoshiki… Would there be growth?"

Yoshiki nodded, understanding. Happiness was thick, and pain was thin. Yet happiness could blind a person, while a person in pain was alert and breathing. He remembered the times when he had felt like a poet, who lived in pain, and dwelled in pain, and felt blind and helpless… But now, it was different. As long as there was pain, there will be happiness. Suddenly, he remembered someone. Someone whom he had been watching, as he learnt from them, many things, and reminded him that humans were not all about sins. Recently, he had been no chance to visit them at all. "Kana… How is Tetsu and Hyde?"

"Happily ever after," Hide grinned. "Had to make sure Hyde was okay, or Gackt will kill me once he gets back."

"Speaking of Gackt, how is he too?"

"He's still like he used to be… Only thing is, he is only like that to Hyde. He hasn't regained himself fully as yet. And he still loves Hyde, even though Hyde has made it clear that he was not going to love anyone other than Tetsu… Gackt still has trouble accepting the fact that he's in love with a guy."

"What about the kid who's always followed by the blackbirds? And Hyde's roommate?"

"Uh… The blackbirds were chased away when Hyde brought in a stray cat for Levin. Now Levin has trouble with it, what with it following him everywhere, creating trouble with Taka, stealing Hyde's sashimi…" Hide grinned, "And he has found his parents."

"Oh, how? And is he staying with them? Who are they?"

"They found Levin's family's photo in the blackbirds' nest. It's Koji's family. He's still staying with Hyde, though. Hiro was the one who was not born in the same family."

"Really? No wonder I thought Hiro looked too pretty to be in their family."

Hide suppressed a grin. Hiro was, indeed, unlike Koji and Sendagi. Levin resembled them more than Hiro ever would. "But they still treat him like a family. Actually, if not for Hiro, Levin would not have been given away to someone else to bring up. Fortunately, Levin likes Hiro too much to blame him. Of course Hiro's sorry, he'd be inhuman not to be. And Levin has managed to fall out in love with Koji. It's with Hiro now…"

"Oh!" Yoshiki exclaimed, eyes wide. "How did Hiro act?"

"He accepted it, so now they're one couple. But I'm not sure if Hiro loves him at all, or he just doesn't want to break the kid's heart. And Keanu, he's still the same. He's in pain, though, but he manages to keep his smile."

"He's strong," Yoshiki muttered admiringly.

"Yep… So is Hyde and Tetsu…" Hide grinned. "Hyde's grown his hair longer again, and he looks more like a girl, and oh, do you remember Aki? He's still having a serious liking for Hyde… Ken has been teasing them about it. I wonder what is it about Hyde which makes people like him so much? I'd grow my hair again, but Hyde does look feminine, while I end up… Like… Well, a psychotic demon."

Yoshiki laughed softly, and leaned onto Hide, feeling his presence right there, beside him. "After so many things, too… If not for Tetsu, a new millenium would have been started…"

"Yeah, Takanori told me that too. It is kind of hard to believe that such a short person is an important First Angel, do you know that?" Hide commented, putting his arms around Yoshiki's shoulders. Yoshiki chuckled, and Hide continued, "Actually, humans are indeed fascinating… If only more people are like Hyde's group."

"Not everyone accepts so easily."

"Hn… What do you expect? Humans can be so stupid at times…" He sighed contentedly. He did not care as long as Yoshiki was by his side. "I suppose that's why Hyde wanted to be a night-chaser… Hey. You wanna see how Hyde's doing now?"

"Of course!" Yoshiki replied. Hide grinned, and wove a spell. From the glowing pentagon came an illusion of Hyde and Tetsu. Tetsu with his bass, Ken with his guitar, and Hyde singing.

"Axa oda yakana kagayaki ni irodo rare… Saigetsu ha yoru wo yume ni kaeru mitai bakara me wokorashitesaxa! Anata nosugusobani mata atarashii hanaga umarete ko more hi……"

Hide glanced at Yoshiki, who smiled, and nodded. Hide withdrew his spell, "They call it 'Pieces'."

"What a beautiful song ne…"

The lights from the city continued flickering, and after a while, Yoshiki and Hide went back into the castle. There, Arihito and Saki were waiting, eagerly, and pretty soon both Hide and Yoshiki were tied up in the huge bed, for Arihito's and Saki's pleasure.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

~Owari!~

Thursday, July 01, 1999 5:33:26 PM

Author's notes: Finally, I'm done! Not exactly the best way to end such a fic, but, okay… (sigh) Anyway… At least everyone's happy… Arrgh… So tired, too… (still have twelve geography articles to complete… Within TODAY!)

Hope you enjoyed it, I enjoyed writing this a real lot. Really.

But the thing is… I didn't manage to write about Levin long enough… *sigh* Ends too soon for me… It's like, for so long, almost all my mind depended on this thing alone… *sigh* It's almost like fully accomplishing connecting this world to another distant world… Okay, I'm done. I've things to do, whether I like it or not…

And Hell, I couldn't think of a better reason for them, but okay, they could be happy if they reveled in sins, etc, ya know? (maybe like Arihito and Saki… At least they're nice, though)… Okay, see you soon… I hope.

Yours truly, Xzoner

Mail me--
http://xz0ne.cjb.net
voidmatsumoto@yahoo.co.uk