So far we have only met once in person. We shared a lavish dinner after I had sent him 2 or 3 phone calls begging him to at least meet me to discuss the movie prospects. It was no secret I had been admiring Hyde�s presence for quite some time now and although I�d heard how often he turned down movie offers in the past, I was confident that somehow I would be able to convince him. When he decided to try solo work I knew that there was no better opportunity and I jumped at the chance.

He said he would have to consider it, but he added that he would do so �seriously�. The way he looked at me when he said that made me feel that he was being honest. I told him that this movie idea wasn�t just some idea in my head and that I had full intentions of going through with it. I had enough power behind me to make it happen and with Hyde on my team, I knew it would definitely get the green light. I didn�t make that point known to him but spoke as though I already had the connections eagerly awaiting my moves. Perhaps I shouldn�t have spoke so confidently about it but I was determined to make this movie happen one way or another. And it would not be complete unless I had Hyde.

I hadn�t heard from him since the dinner and although it had only been four days, I couldn�t wait any longer. Hyde was the only thought on my mind ever since we met. We wined and dined and I would have loved to stay and chat longer because just being in his presence I could already feel a connection. Already I was beginning to feel that thought my mind had been telling me (that destiny was bringing us together) was coming true but I didn�t want to frighten him off so soon by telling it to him. So I invited him over for a script read. I had given him the most detailed description of the movie plot I could possibly entertain him with at dinner but Hyde seemed confused and I knew that reading over it with his own eyes would clarify what the story was all about.

As my mind was losing itself to the plot of [MOON, I heard a noise from my driveway and peered up at the security screen to see a small but expensive black car pull up. I grinned in excitement but tried to remain calm and collected. But as I watched his small figure step out and adjust his jacket, I noticed he looked nervous also. I realized that I had to do my best to make him feel welcome and hopefully that would calm my nerves as well.

I opened the door just in time and he seemed stunned as if it opened on its own. When I stepped out from behind it, I noticed he was looking a little frazzled. I wondered if I had too much cologne on, as You had told me in the past that the amount of Chanel Platinum Egoist I wear often gets to his head. Not only that but apparently my entire abode smells of it as well. Though I hardly believe that the waft of it from my simple act of opening the door was what was giving Hyde that spaced out look.

�Hyde�� I began, ready to welcome him to my home and ask him if he had any trouble finding the place, but I noticed that his eyes were busy taking in my attire. His eyes widened slightly as he looked down at my pants. Clearly the term non-chalent isn�t existent in Hyde�s vocabulary. Though I couldn�t help the smirk that filled my face as he gawked. He slowly looked back up at me and then the faintest blush covered his cheeks.

I would be lying if I didn�t state that I found it to be one of the most adorable things ever.

I suppose part of my attraction to wanting to work with Hyde wasn�t just his amazing ability to make music, entrance with his deep and beautifully toned voice, or the amazing presence he commanded on stage � although all of those were big reasons. But it was also his incredibly tiny figure. There was nothing unique about being short in our country, as Asians aren�t known for being the tallest figures around, but Hyde was just all around small, skinny and short and that trait on him was found to be quite charming to his fans and surprisingly to most of his peers as well. So it�s no surprise that anytime Hyde would do something that most people find endearing on others, it�s deemed to be �cute� or �adorable� on his tiny frame.

�I� wasn�t sure this was the right place�� he started, eager to hide his blush and engage in conversation. I smiled at him, apologized, and gave a slight bow, showing the utmost manners and hoping it would ease his tension. Extending my arm to let him inside, he was already complaining about the dark.

Natural light is beautiful but to reenact it inside one�s place of residence with false electronics is quite a turn-off to me. There is something about the dark that is mysterious and beautiful and it always felt fitting to match my own personality. Candles and soft lights are the only admittance I usually allow.

�I prefer the dark,� I told him and began to walk through my house, inviting Hyde to follow me. My eyes are naturally adjusted to the space around me but I hadn�t taken into consideration that Hyde might be having difficulty. But I continued to tell him just why I find it to be so intriguing, carefully listening and checking behind me to make sure he was following when I heard a rustle behind me that didn�t sound too good. Thankfully Hyde�s hair was bleached just as mine and it reflected off the candles surrounding us that I was able to see him dropping at a fast pace. I quickly reached out to catch his fall and prevent him from hurting anything.

�Careful Hyde,� I whispered, not wanting to make him think I was scolding him or any such. I pulled him up slowly, trying to gauge when his feet were flat on the floor. He gave me another dazed look but seemed alright so I continued on my way.

�Gackt, where are you leading me? I can�t see a damned thing�� I heard him from behind me. I was about to answer when I felt his hands reach out and land right on my ass. I was shocked but noticed the moment between us froze, and I realized we were probably both feeling quite awkward right now.

Well it was awkward, but I�ll be honest - it also felt kind of good.

I had to make light of the situation before both of us ended up with embarrassing vibes between us, or we�d never get through the lengthy script anytime soon.

�Hyde I don�t mind leading you by the hand but this ass-grabbing is just not acceptable for our second date,� I added a small laugh to show him that things were still cool between us.

It was a little surprising that it wasn�t until after the awkward moment and my comment that he removed his hands and shuffled around.

�Sorry Gackt,� he apologized, in a quiet voice. Oh no - the poor guy was already feeling lost and unwelcome in my home and I didn�t want things to go this way. Did he not hear my joke? I decided to try another.

�Nothing to be sorry for Hyde. I just prefer to hold that until the third date,� I grabbed his small shoulder to let him know I was standing before him and it was then that I noticed how very red his face was. I hadn�t wanted him to feel any less comfortable but I couldn�t help but laugh at his face, as though he thought I was being serious. �Oh Hyde! You should see your face right now!�

Thankfully he no longer looked embarrassed but rather glared playfully up at me. Whew � hopefully the awkward situation was over now. Although my mind was recording Hyde�s every reaction�

I took his arm and led him back towards the living space where the script was awaiting us. It was, without a doubt, my favorite room in the house (only second to my master bedroom) and I always kept it clean and decorated with fresh roses. I find the smell of roses to be intoxicating and relaxing and they set one�s mind at peace. I knew that there�s nowhere we could feel more comfortable around each other than in my favorite room which I had just adorned with fresh-cut roses and petals strewn along the floor. Not only did I want the room to look especially inviting, but I wanted Hyde to feel relaxed and realize that I was indeed welcoming him graciously into my home.

And I could tell that Hyde was feeling more at ease already as he gazed around the room and complimented me. And when followed me in taking off his shoes and then removed his jacket, I knew that finally he was feeling content. Mission accomplished.

�Might I offer you a drink, Hyde?� I looked at him with the sincerest expression I could conjure, letting him know that I was ready to provide whatever he needed to keep him feeling welcome in my place.

�Sure,� he said a little nervously as he sat down on the leather couch. I smiled and left to the wine closet, taking my cue to bring out a bottle of brandy that I had been saving for a special occasion. How long it was that I had wanted to collaborate with Hyde and his amazing abilities! And now my dream was possibly coming to life so I felt that it was appropriate to open the bottle for this occasion.

As I entered the living space again, I noticed that Hyde had felt comfortable enough to wander around the room and was staring at the glass wall that led back to my bathtub.

�You�re curious what�s back there?� I asked and it caused him to jump.

�Well I�ve never seen a house with a glass wall in it before,� Hyde was already eyeing the bottle and seemed impressed.

�I�m sure I�ll be showing it to you later,� I commented, fully intending on giving Hyde the full tour after we finished our script reading. I poured the glasses and sat down on the couch and shortly after Hyde joined me, setting himself on the far other end. I looked up to hand him a glass, wondering why he sat so far away, so I offered a small smile. Hyde looked at me strangely for a moment and I wondered if his eyes were still trying to adjust to the light in the room, although this was the brightest place in my home.

Rather than risk having him spill his drink, I decided to use offering him the brandy as an excuse to sit closer to him so we could clink our glasses and begin talking serious movie business. I took a sip and then slid over to Hyde�s side, offering him the glass. He thanked me and took a small sip but already I had finished off my first glass. It was definitely well worth the wait and I felt my tension relax so I was ready to talk business.

�Now Hyde,� I started, putting my glass on the coffee table to focus. �The script is still in working order. It has all my original ideas and dialogues but these things often change." I continued to discuss options and and even brought up how important I thought it was that the chemistry between Sho and Kei was projected onto the screen. I was hoping that would make Hyde realize that I felt comfortable around him, without outright saying it.

Hyde was clinging to the glass once he finished it off but suddenly looked at me strangely and asked, �Wait, which ones are Sho and Kei again?�

I smiled back at him. �That�s you and I, Hyde. I�m Sho and you are the vampire Kei.�

His face paled momentarily. I was all ready to apologize, hoping that I didn�t make him feel obligated to know our character names so soon. But just as I opened my mouth he exclaimed that he was ready to get started. I was so excited that he was feeling ambitious to start so I reached out for my laptop with the printed out script sitting atop of it. As I set up my laptop I asked if Hyde would like another brandy and handed him the script.

�What�s this?� he asked, staring at the papers on his lap as I filled his glass.

�That�s your script,� I said, pouring myself a glass as well as I opened my laptop and the light from the script document filled my face. I took a small sip and prepared to read the lavish opening of the movie. �Why don�t you read your lines aloud, Hyde? I�ll play the other characters so we can interact.�

I continued on and thought I heard Hyde mumbling something when I noticed he had his lighter out. At first I thought he was going to light up a smoke. I wouldn�t have minded and only didn�t light one of my own up because I honestly had been trying to quit. But instead he was glancing at his script. It was going well as we read through it and Hyde seemed to be giving me great enthusiasm as he read his parts. But then�

�Wait, wait Gackt�� He flipped his lighter shut and looked over at me. He began to go off into a long speech about what he thought his vampire abilities would entail and why he should have a stronger force in this scene. I was absolutely intrigued that he was already anxious about taking such a large part in the movie! �So you see what I�m saying?�

I was amazed that he showed so much insight and answered him back in kind, providing my reasoning for why Sho and Kei acted the way they did. He sipped his brandy as I spoke, occasionally raising an eyebrow. I figured he was deep in thought.

�You know what?� he interrupted. �You�re totally right. I get it now. I can see what you�re saying. Why don�t we continue?�

I smiled, so happy that we could understand each other. I continued to read through a good chunk of the script when suddenly I felt Hyde�s arm on me. I paused and swallowed, looking over to him smiling lazily back at me.

�Do you mind if we take a break? I need to get up and stretch and� make use of your toilet.�

Oh how rude of me! I never thought to show him where my restrooms were and by now we had gone through several glasses of brandy. I stood to stretch, the action feeling good as it allowed my muscles to breathe. I looked over to Hyde who appeared to be staring, but then copied my actions and twisted his body, letting his back crack once or twice. I then motioned him to follow me out and led him to the restroom, hoping he�d find the way back on his own.

I returned to the room, filling both our glasses once more and taking mine to the back glass, where I tried to peer through the steam and see my tub. All I could see however was my reflection looking back at me. My face was looking weary and I supposed it was all this reading in the dark, sitting on a comfortable couch and the glasses of brandy working through me. Clearly we were in need of a bit of a break. But as I stared at myself I became aware that I was beginning to have some strange feelings. It�s already evident just how comfortable I was feeling being around Hyde and my thoughts of our destiny again entered my mind. The script reading seemed to be flowing along nicely and how wonderful it would be if this is the moment that solidifies Hyde agreeing to work in my film. I don�t know if I could go on with MOON without him by my side.

At my side� how nice it would be to have Hyde near my side more often. I truly enjoyed his presence and yet something in my mind and body was saying that it wasn�t only his friendship I wanted. I used to believe that Hyde, much like most of us in our early visual days, wasn�t only taking part of the fanservice for the fans but that more of it was continuing behind the scenes backstage. He was awful friendly with Tetsu, Ken and most certainly with Sakura. When Sakura left the band, Hyde made a drastic change and lost a lot of his femininity on the stage, though those who knew him said it was still there. But his rock star image hardened. And only recently he married. Although a lot of us felt it to be fake, there was no real way of knowing. I had been in talks with Sakura once or twice due to a mutual friend of ours, but never made any sort of connection to Hyde through it, because I hadn�t known where they stood. But at our last meeting, Sakura had nothing but fond things to say of Hyde and I started to realize that the rumors of their previous coupledom were probably truths.

So I wondered why Hyde married then. When word got out of his Christmas marriage, his old Utaban episode from 1998 when he was introduced to his future wife began to circle the groups and the internet. No one could believe that they ended up together and while it may have been a ploy on his agent�s advice in order to ward off either fangirls or gay rumors, the buzz of Hyde�s real life story became an even larger topic of speculation.

Hyde never spoke of his wife, not even while they were dating so it was hard to believe any of this was true. But when I called his house the first time to pitch the offer, she was the one who answered the phone and later Hyde spoke, albeit very briefly, about her at our dinner. So she did exist, it was just finding out what she was really there for.

Hyde�s reactions to our little moments during the night seemed to be glaring lights at me. Granted, he seemed embarrassed every time something happened but I always took Hyde to be shy, despite the way he acted on stage. Many people don�t know this but the real Hyde isn�t the one they watch in concert or while performing. Hyde�s true artist comes out when he is in his game but really he is just another person like you or me, who is genuinely shy and doesn�t make friends easily. It�s then that you realize what passion he has for what he does and that is one of his most attractive qualities.

Attractive. Indeed he was that, too. When Sakura began to spill about Hyde randomly in our last meeting, I had wanted to ask so many questions. Although I had only fooled around once or twice with the band of Malice Mizer, it�s never anything I was proud of and anything else people might have thought of me was conjured from all the times I involved myself in fanservice. Catering to my fans is what keeps me at the top of my business and I�m not afraid to use those tactics to get where I want to be. It led me back to wondering if Hyde and Sakura ever had anything real.

If so, it wasn�t anything they ever wanted out in the open, just as I was the same way. So I started to think that even if these were the very buds of something deeper beginning between Hyde and I, or that even if either one of us wanted to pursue the mere thought of it, it would probably never happen, given our quietness about our pasts.

His vision came into my view as he entered the room and I saw his reflection in the glass wall. The brandy was affecting my brain because I was suddenly wanting to ditch the rest of our script reading and spend quality time with Hyde, getting to know him better and wondering if even if we stayed friends, he�d be someone close to me who I could count on and trust with some deeply hidden secrets. Perhaps we had more in common than I thought�.

�Hyde, do you want me to show you what�s behind the glass wall?� I asked as Hyde stood next to me now with his brandy in his hand.

�I think I deserve a complete tour of your house, Gackt.� He responded confidently. I looked over at him, surprised to hear such a bold response. He looked up at me and smirked.

�Oh, forgive me, Hyde! How rude of me to not suggest it earlier! Of course you do. I�ve been a terrible host!� I apologized, realizing how bent I was on this movie business when we first met. No wonder Hyde appeared uncomfortable now and then.

�No, no you haven�t!� Hyde began to apologize back to me �You welcomed me in, saved me from falling flat on my face, offered me brandy, showed me to the restroom� I�m sorry I didn�t mean to impose I just wanted to� you know, see the place.�

I think I may have blushed a little at his response but I didn�t want him to know. �Of course, you�re more than welcome. I can give you a grand tour, come�I�ll try not to rush too far ahead of you this time, but if you get lost just reach out for my ass again,� I joked.

Again, Hyde blushed and scowled at me. �I wasn�t trying to reach for your--�

�Come, this way. I can show you the latest installment to my home,� I interrupted, not wanting to drag out the moment again and have things get back to that awkward spot. I led him down some stairs and flicked on dim overhead lights �I thought this would be an interesting addition to my abode, what do you think Hyde? Would you like to try it out? I haven�t had the opportunity yet. Well honestly I�d rather play along with someone. Anyway it would be fantastic practice for our yakuza-styled scenes in the movie, don�t you think?�

I pride myself in being one of the innovators of having an interesting home. I have more money than I know what to do with and I figured that it makes more sense to spend it on something I enjoy than to let it sit somewhere in a bank. So I made several lavish additions to my home, but most are things that I need more friends to enjoy with�

I noticed that Hyde wasn�t even really looking at the shooting gallery, but rather all the posters surrounding my room. For all the photoshoots I�ve done, the photographers always seem to feel inclined to give me a copy of their favorite shot. For a while I didn�t know what to do with these and one day, while teasingly saying to GacktJOB that I could wallpaper a room with them, I decided that it might be worth trying out. I hid these in the basement area of my home where it was unlikely people other than me would see them� imagine the vanity people would think I have! I was already called narcissistic at times and admit to my own conceit, but this would definitely throw that over the edge if word got out. But I rather thought it was an interesting way to coat my unused (except for myself once in a while) pool room.

Hyde seemed to be particularly entranced with one specific photo. He reached out to touch it and his mouth gaped. I got caught up watching the way Hyde was eyeing my photo; it was arousing to watch and I felt almost like someone spying on something they weren�t supposed to see. I couldn�t control the urge I suddenly had to be near him and moved to stand behind him.

�Do you like it, Hyde?� I quietly asked as he continued to stare. �That�s from my most recent photoshoot.� Hyde�s body seemed to shake suddenly and he slid to my right, continuing to eye more of the posters. I worried that I may have made him feel uncomfortable just now and silently cursed myself, closing my eyes. As I opened them back up I noticed that Hyde was now casually leaning on my pool table. He smirked at me and I started to think that maybe what just happened didn�t turn him off, but rather turned him on.

�At least put this pool table to some use, ne? Come on, challenge me,� Hyde cooed. As he leaned into the pool table, I suddenly felt like I was looking at an old L�ArcenCiel magazine shoot, when Hyde had long hair and was wearing something flowy and posing the way a female would. I was drawn to the way he was looking at me and leaned in close, the moment feeling surreal. His eyelids lowered and for a moment I thought he was expecting me to kiss him. Right then I wanted to but it was much too early in our relationship to risk anything so drastic.

�There�s still so much of the house to see yet, Hyde,� I whispered and pulled away, quickly heading for the stairs. I heard him cough and follow behind me and I wiped my forehead as we climbed the stairs � that moment just now was real, was it not? There is chemistry between us and it�s starting to brew�

I led him through the rest of the house, briefly explaining what the rooms were and allowing him to look, but not lingering in any one of them for too long, the fear of what just enticed me moments ago popping up again. I was leading him to the part of the house where my bedroom is when it glaringly occurred to me just how important it was not to show him the bedroom right now. Already I had a twitching cock and if we were to survive the rest of this script reading night, it was pertinent that I steered away from the ultimate temptation.

Instead I began to lead him back to the living space, where the script and the brandy remained and figured I should show him the tub hidden behind the glass. Surely he would get a kick out of this surprise. A few times during our walk he looked as though he wanted to say something to me but I continuously interrupted with random facts about my home.

�There is one place I haven�t showed you yet, Hyde,� I said, grabbing his hand and leading him back through the darkness of the room where he first tripped.

�Gackt! Maybe we should get back to the script, I mean, there�s still a lot to go and it�s already starting to get dark outside,�

I turned to face him. �You�re right, Hyde. But we�re practically there already. Are you sure you don�t want to see�� I extended an arm and pointed right at the glass wall. Hyde�s eyes lit up. Clearly he was curious. I opened the door and a waft of steam exited, enveloping Hyde. I lost him briefly as I made my way to the tub, reaching in to test how warm the water had stayed. I had recently installed a system to keep the water hot all the time so I could change it less often and therefore conserve the water. When I was finally able to see him again, he was clearing his throat and said the steam was getting to him and left. I wasn�t sure if that was just his excuse to leave the room, or that something else was starting to get to him.

As I followed him out and shut the door I noticed that Hyde had just downed another full glass of brandy. I had lost count on how many we�ve been through by now�

�Hyde, are you hungry? I was thinking of ordering something to eat for us as we prepare to continue.�

�Ordering?� he asked.

�Yes, my chefs are on stand-by to cook us up something fabulous. How does unagi onigiri with miso sound?� I had planned this perfect meal for quite some time so I hoped he would agree to it.

�Well sure that sounds delicious!� he said, taking a sip of another newly poured brandy. I went to the buzzer to order it in and as I turned around to glance back at Hyde, I noticed him nervously playing with his cell phone. I didn�t want him to be leaving, not now when I felt that things between us were just really getting started. So I snuck up behind him and swiped it out of his hands, much to his surprise. Facing me was his lengthy address book and it wasn�t far from the letter �G� so I spun around and began to wade my way through to find my name, to Hyde�s chagrin. I was wondering if I�d be treated with a school-like action from Hyde, jumping up at me to get the phone out of my hands, which were far above his reach. Instead, Hyde kept his cool and gingerly peeked at what I was doing before smirking and stealing his cellphone from me. I told him to join me in the dining room, wondering if he�d leave on the little adornments and hearts I somewhat teasingly added to my contact info.

He followed closely behind me until we reached the dining room and took our seats across from each other. Dinner was delicious and Hyde seemed to be enjoying it as well. He let out a few satisfied noises, and I�m not sure if he noticed it until after he omitted the sound. It was quite pleasing to hear and it was always immediately after he made the enjoyable noise that he would look up at me and catch me smiling or smirking back at him. We laughed over it a couple times, and at the end of his meal he let out a long moan of satisfaction, one that sounded so pleasant to my ears I was suddenly feeling warm all over. It was unlike the noises he purposefully made in songs or at a live� this was a truly grateful sound that he was honestly pleased and enjoying himself. It saddened me that it came at the end of the meal and yet the reaction I was getting from below made me realize that it was probably a good thing our meal was over.

And yet the very thought of heading back into my favorite living space, satiated after a meal, back to the brandy and into the dark to read over the script� I was feeling that the temptation presented before me, especially as Hyde wiggled his eyebrows from across the table and stood up, presenting me with the pleasant sight of watching him leave, was only going to get stronger.

I eventually followed him back to the living space where we poured some more brandy, worked through the script and I ended up breaking out another bottle as we neared the end.

Hyde begun to squirm on the couch as we droned through the script � I lost track of time and the brandy was so warm through my system at this point. I could also tell that Hyde wanted to stretch out on the couch. So I picked up the laptop and moved to the fold-out futon, pushing the button to cause it to extend into its full bed form. Our speeches were getting slurred and we were moving through the script more slowly, but I continued to give it the full girth I had intended from the start � describing each scene in detail so Hyde could understand. We were coming to a crucial point, where Sho is about to die and Kei saves him with a scene that I hadn�t yet decided on leaving in the film or not� Because we were dealing with vampires, the way a vampire can save life is to turn someone into a vampire as well. This process involves the vampire biting down on the other�s neck, then making him drink vampiric blood, after which a dramatic transformation takes place. However since I had already decided on the tear-jerking ending I was thinking about omitting the scene and leaving it to the audience to discover what took place.

Yet glancing over at Hyde now, just the thought of us rehearsing such a scene, with him biting down on my neck sent shudders into my body at the thought. Clearly the brandy was fully in my system now for me to be thinking such things about my fellow artist friend across the room. I continued to read along as we encountered one of the final scenes and noticed that there was too much silence.

�Hyde, that�s your line,� I prompted. It caught him off guard and I heard him flicking at his lighter and cursing under his breath.

�I can�t see my script,� he remarked and glanced up at me. He looked tired and gave me a look like a little boy who wanted to crawl into bed with his parents. At least, I was taking his look as a silent way of inviting himself to join me on the bed. I was too tired to bother neglecting it in favor of my body�s reactions so I turned the laptop to the side, letting the light shine off my face.

�We�re nearly finished now. You could read the rest of it from my screen,� I offered. Hyde quickly tossed the remaining script off his lap and in moments had joined me on the bed, scooting as close to me as he could without us touching. He smelled like our dinner and faded cigarette smoke, and yet there was a fresh clean peachy smell about him.

I tried to neglect the inviting scent and continued on with the story, describing the upcoming scene.

�Nandaka tsukareta na, sukoshi meru yo,� Hyde quietly uttered, and for a moment I thought he was talking to me until I looked back at my laptop and realized he was reading his last line from the script. Suddenly it felt like something was pushing into me and as I glanced down I noticed that Hyde�s eyes were shut and his head had fallen onto my shoulder. I swallowed.

Not wanting to point it out, I continued talking about the movie, speaking about how this part would contain a song � something special with meaning that would be a constant throughout the film and especially important at this point as the two vampire friends sang it together in their final moments. I looked down at Hyde again, whose breathing was getting heavier and I realized that he honestly was tired and falling asleep. I smiled softly and looked back at the laptop to see what time it was � amazed that it was reading near 4 in the morning. I hadn�t realized we stayed up nearly the entire night working on this.

I didn�t want to disturb Hyde�s gentle slumber so I cautiously closed the laptop and moved slowly to leave it on the nightstand next to the fold-out bed. I slid my body down a little, Hyde�s head gently following my move to remain on my shoulder. He sighed loudly, but it was a content noise, as though he were falling into a deeper sleep. I sighed in return and leaned my head against the back of the futon. Suddenly I was feeling a great peace. No, it wasn�t anything even sexual; this could be considered a friendly act, a trusting moment between two people� And yet the simple fact that I had this beautiful man next to me, sleeping peacefully on my side as we lay content after spending a full 12 or more hours together brought me a joy unlike I had known yet. I closed my eyes and tried to rest a bit, realizing that falling into a deep sleep would be pointless this early anyway, seeing as I barely slept to begun with and the sun was coming up in a few moments.

But I couldn�t get comfortable, despite how wonderful I felt with Hyde relaxing on me. A few minutes passed and soon Hyde made another little noise, turning his head and shifting slightly that caused the touching of our bodies to cease. I used this opportunity to pull out a sheet for the bed and undress myself for sleep. I didn�t want to leave Hyde�s side but I continued to fall into my natural habitat, just this time with him beside me. Surely I�d be awake before him anyway since I don�t sleep and would have a chance to rise, dress, and go about my ways before he woke.

Hyde rolled over again and made a small noise. I looked over at him and noticed he was looking back at me through hooded eyelids. �Hyde?� I said, not quite sure if he was actually awake or not.

�I think� I had� too much brandy, Gacchan,� he slowly slurred, a goofy grin filling his face.

Wait. Did he just say Gacchan? I blinked and turned my body so we were facing each other. �What did you call me?� I asked, my brain telling me there�s no way my own mind would make up something so ridiculously cute and yet wanting to hear him utter it again.

�Do you� know�remember� drummer Sakura-chan?� Hyde spoke again, long pauses between his words that I�m not sure if they were from the alcohol or effect of sleep.

�I know Sakurazawa, yes. I�ve met him a few times. We have a mutual friend.� I responded, smiling as we engaged in friendly conversation. My vision was getting blurry as the brandy worked in me. I wasn�t even sure if what I was hearing was real or if what I was planning to say in my head was coming out the way I wanted to when I spoke. It was so dark now with the candles out that I could barely see Hyde lying mere inches away from me, as much as I would have loved to.

Hyde let out a sigh. �I haven�t spoke to him since�� His voice trailed off and we lie in silence for a while. I wasn�t sure if he was just reminiscing or had fallen asleep. I desperately wanted to hear more and I wanted to move closer because he suddenly felt far away. �Do you know� people talked about us. All the time,� Hyde droned on. I wasn�t sure what he was going on about now. �Me and Sakura,� Hyde continued, answering my question. �Sakura and Hyde�.. Sakuhai,� he laughed again. �Gomen. The brandy�. it� my head��

My eyes, which had been falling shut, opened up again. Did he just make Sakura and his name into one?

�I miss Sakura,� he said quietly and I heard him shuffle again to lie on his back, his eyes closed.

�Tell me more, Hyde,� I responded quietly. But all I heard now was his heavy breathing aside of me. He was speaking so freely just now and although he mentioned Sakura�s name several times, it didn�t actually clear up any of the confusion of their supposed romance from the indie days of their band. Yet I suppose I had something over anyone else in this world � the one and only Hyde was lying in my bed talking about Sakura. He doesn�t talk about Sakura at all, let alone lie in someone�s bed and do so. I suppose that thought could be disheartening to some, given the situations that usually conjure in the brain when thinking of lying in bed with Hyde� Still, it didn�t stop my longing to hear the true stories behind all the rumors. I rolled onto my back as well and stared at the ceiling until peace came over me again and I fell into a light sleep.

--

Iheard a slight ruffling noise beside me and realized that Hyde was probably waking up now. I left my eyes closed, not wanting to scare him as he first woke and took a moment to familiarize with his surroundings once more. We went through a lot of brandy the night prior and even my head was still spinning a little. I saw Hyde sit up and swing his legs over the side. I didn�t want him to feel awkward being awake in the bed while I still �slept�, so I reached out and gave his side a tender pinch.

�Itai!� he cried out and I smirked at the cute high-pitched noise he made. His head turned and he looked at me, wide-eyed, over his shoulder.

�Ohayo, Hyde. Genki?� I asked. He smiled back at me. I was hoping he slept well, hoping I didn�t accidentally kick him during the night, hoping that he wasn�t feeling strange this morning or sick from the brandy last night� �Are you hungry? My cooks are probably already putting together our breakfast.� I explained. I had called them last night in my pacing of non-sleep and told them to have a breakfast ready for us and kept warm for 9 AM.

I sat up in the bed and his wide eyes left my face to trail my body. I was hoping he wouldn�t be offended that I was sitting beside him half-naked. It was actually making me feel a little conscious. �I usually workout first thing in the morning but since you�re here, I�ll skip that for the time being and go take my shower.�

But Hyde continued to stare and even had the audacity to do that sinful tongue jutting act that drives his fans wild. And right now it was driving me, and my manhood, absolutely crazy. I moved my legs beneath the sheets to hide my growing morning erection from his piercing stares. Somehow the whole act was feeling very naughty, as though we were entering into a seedy dorama right now. I couldn�t help but smile at the thought of what could happen next in that dorama and just then Hyde looked up at me and I think my grin made him realize what I was noticing.

Then, Hyde quickly excused himself to the restroom, shuffling awkwardly out of the living space and leaving me, and my uncomfortable erection, alone. I used this time to quickly race to the tub and wash off. Yet in my haste, I forgot to bring a change of clothing with me, so I wrapped the towel around my waist and peered through the glass, but it was too steamed to see if Hyde was out there or not. I couldn�t tell but it seemed like I would still have enough time to race to my closet and grab a change of clothes. But just as I exited I encountered Hyde on the other end, holding his hands in front of himself like a child who saw something he wasn�t supposed to.

�Oh Hyde, I am sorry,� I started, running my hand through my damp hair.

�Sorry?� Hyde looked confused.

�Yes I had meant to invite you to shower-�

�Aaa!� Hyde interrupted me, sitting down quickly on the couch and pulling the large script onto his lap. My eyebrows furrowed together at his strange actions.

��You�re welcome to take one if you like; I have fresh towels and everything.� I concluded. Hyde bowed to me from his seat and I walked past him, heading for my closet to grab some new clothes.

Hyde was acting strange this morning. I realized that maybe he was feeling uncomfortable, having stayed over the night and me not saying anything to really ease the situation. So I reached back through my closet and pulled out an old shirt I had been holding onto. I would offer it to Hyde for him to change into � no, not only that I wanted to see him wearing it right away. I dressed and went back out to meet Hyde, shirt in hand. I noticed he was still sitting on the couch, the script on his lap, and chewing nervously on his lip.

�Well if you won�t take a shower then at least let me get you a fresh shirt,�

�Oh no, it�s ok. You probably won�t have anything to fit me,� he protested, but I didn�t want to hear it. No more of this uncomfortableness between us. I wanted to go back to the peacefulness we had last ni�no, early this morning as we lay in the bed. I held the shirt out in front of him and Hyde gave it a look that wasn�t helping our uneasy situation.

�I never even had a chance to wear it. Bought it a while back and as soon as I took it to be washed, the dry cleaner shrunk it,� I explained, eyeing up its gorgeous patterns and fiery colors.

�Why would you have held onto it for so long?� Hyde asked, his hands patting the script that on his lap.

�I thought it would fit you perfectly,�

Hyde blinked. I couldn�t stand the unease any longer.

�Here, let me help you put it on,� I said, grabbing the script from his lap. Hyde still looked unnerved and began to fiddle his legs around so I pulled him up from the couch, his eyes looking at my collarbone when he was at full height next to me. Slowly, he looked up at me and our eyes met. It was as if, in that very moment, Hyde was giving me the permission to go forward with what I wanted to do next.

I put the shirt over my shoulder and reached for the top button of Hyde�s white button-up shirt. But Hyde swatted at me so I reached around with my other hand. This happened a second time, and beginning to feel like Hyde was playing hard-to-catch purposefully. I let out a little sigh and a smile, causing his attention to go back to my face and as he looked into my eyes, my hands deftly undid his first two buttons.

He looked down a little, a pink hue starting to fill his perfect cheeks as I unhooked another button, and then the next� The very act of it was arousing me tremendously, so much that I didn�t even worry about Hyde noticing the bulge through my leather pants.

Although there were only six buttons on Hyde�s shirt, I wanted the moment to last forever. I slowly undid the fifth button and looked into Hyde�s eyes just as he looked at mine and smiled tenderly at him. There was only one button remaining near the end of his shirt tails. I slid my hands down to feel the last button and could feel Hyde�s eyes trailing down my body, his face blushing even deeper. I was aware that he probably noticed my excitement of the act.

And I wasn�t alone in this, because as I undid the last button on Hyde�s shirt, I could see his growing excitement too. Now there was a patch of tender white skin revealed through his slightly opened shirt. My whole body grew hot. I trailed my hands up his arms and slowly turned him around so his back was facing me and heard Hyde exhale loudly.

Slowly, I moved the top of his shirt off his shoulders and it began to slide down his arms when his tattoo was revealed to me. My mouth gaped open; I had almost forgotten about this treasure he had added to his already attractive features. His wings, the left one drawn with a slightly broken feather, inked onto his back were a gorgeous tribute on his body. I couldn�t stop my fingers from reaching out to trace the lines.

�These are so beautiful,� I whispered. �When I first noticed these at your concert, I couldn�t help but think how perfect an addition they were to your body, Hyde. How long did it take you to get these done?� Hyde shuddered slightly under my touch as I continued to trace with one finger.

�I think it was about 4 hours,� he answered. As he spoke, I moved in behind him, careful not to stand too close, but enough that my warmth was enveloping him. I couldn�t prevent the quiet moan that escaped my mouth.

�You spent four hours, on your stomach, under a pulsating needle,� I whispered into his ear, fully aware how wrong the sentence could be taken as my finger continued to outline his wing. Hyde�s breathing became more labored and his head tilted back slightly, his hair in my face, his back pressing into my touch and his ass barely moving back against my arousal. I could barely utter my next sentence to him; �I admire your endurance, Hyde,�

I leaned my head forward to see his face and noticed that his eyes were closed and I saw him bite his lip. The very sight of Hyde looking like that because of my actions was enough to send me over the edge. I had to excuse myself quickly.

�I�m going to go check on our breakfast,� I said, tossing the shirt at Hyde as I quickly spun on my heel and left the room, my hand pushing over my erection in a sad attempt to tone it down. I quickly escaped to the restroom while exhaling a deep breath I didn�t know I was holding in. Things between us certainly escalated fast and it was a huge step beyond anything else we�d done in the short time we knew each other.

I had no idea if our breakfast was ready yet because I had ran to the bathroom hidden within my master bedroom. I splashed cold water on my face several times and did some slow breathing techniques. Hyde was having an extreme effect on me now and I had to keep my cool. The moment that just happened between us was turning so sexual that I had to end it before it went any further. After all, Hyde hadn�t even agreed to do the movie yet.

I started worrying that now he was sure to say no � either because of what just happened or because of what could have happened and didn�t. My mind was a fluster. Although other parts of my body would have loved to continue, the movie was the main reason that any of this was even happening and we had to get back to business.

I couldn�t waste anymore time in here so I pulled down my shirt tails, took a deep breath and went back to the living space, letting Hyde know he could join me in the kitchen whenever he was ready.

I sat in the breakfast hutch, thinking I should start eating without him when suddenly Hyde�s small frame appeared in the doorway carrying his jacket, and wearing the shirt. I immediately wanted to compliment him on how good it looked but didn�t want to bring back the moment so quickly so instead I slid over the plate of pastries and Hyde dug right in. Soon my chefs brought out plates of food and we ate in peace. When we had finished, Hyde leaned back in his chair.

�This has been� too much. I mean really, it�s been an interesting time staying here with you. And this breakfast was wonderful, Gackt,� Hyde stood up, reaching for his snakeskin jacket hanging on the chair behind him.

�All this and I�m back to being just Gackt again?� I made a faux frown. Surely Hyde would be confused but part of me wanted to bring up the adorable name he had called me the night before, thinking it would give him a good laugh and ease more of our tension.

"Wh�what do you mean?� he asked, sliding on his jacket with a smile.

�Last night you called me� wait what was it � Oh yes; Gacchan.� I enunciated the nickname and smiled at him, resting my chin in my hands. He paused momentarily in sliding on his coat and gave me a weird face. I wanted to add that there�s no way I could ever come up with such a name but his face was showing no recollection whatsoever and he looked lost.

I made my way over to him, helping him finish putting his jacket on and straightening the collar. �You don�t remember doing that, do you Hyde?� I said with a laugh.

�I have to say I don�t. I think the brandy went straight to my head,� He gave a nervous laugh and redid his jacket�s collar the way he preferred.

�You said that last night, too. And then you waxed on about�yes, it was Sakurazawa. For a long while.� I wondered if I should have left dead things lie, but more than anything I wanted to hear more. And I wanted to let it be known that last night we had a tremendous comfort zone, so much that he was willing to speak to me about one of the darker parts of his past. I wanted him to realize that I was okay with it and that I enjoyed it. �I do hope you�ll tell me more sometime, Hyde,� I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. �I enjoyed how freely you were speaking with me and� well I must admit that the brandy was swirling in my brain too so I don�t remember all too clearly myself!�

He sighed. �Thanks again for the shirt,� he said with a small tug at it. �I�ll wash it when I get home and return it to you.�

�Nonsense, Hyde. Keep it. It looks fabulous on you,� Well he had to know what I thought. I really did enjoy the way it looked on him, tightly hugging his small frame.

�Well, thanks again.� He said and in moments, exited my home. I had realized that again I was getting caught up in our personal moments and forgot about the movie.

�Oh Hyde, wait!� I yelled after him and he stopped mid-walk to turn around and look at me. I raised a finger to tell him to wait and rushed into my office to grab the freshly printed script. Next to it lie my packs of cigarettes and a set of matches. I had been resisting the urge very well, probably due to the distraction of Hyde and yet now as I stared at them lying there, abandoned in my wantonness to quit and the thought that Hyde was leaving my house and I would be alone with naught but thoughts of what occurred between us�

I went back outside, a fresh lit cigarette dangling between my lips. The nicotine felt so good already rushing through my system. �Here is the script, with the revisions we spoke about last night. I printed off a full copy for you to take home and look over,� I handed it to him but he didn�t take it and rather stared at my cigarette as though I had just put an M-80 in my mouth. �Hyde?� I asked, moving my head to get his attention.

�Oh, god I�m sorry. It�s just, I�m dying for a smoke and all my lighters are empty. Do you think you could get me a light?� He began to reach for his pack of cigarettes. I hadn�t given it much thought but the whole time we were together neither one of us had lit up once. He fumbled around as I held the heavy script in my hand. But there was no way I could light one for him anyway as I had used a match from my office, now discarded in the trash.

�Here,� I said, taking the cigarette from my mouth and placing it between his lips when he turned to face me. Hyde�s eyes fell shut as he inhaled that first drag and then puffed out smoke circles. I grinned as I watched him get pleasure from the nicotine. Watching Hyde enjoy the cigarette had me entranced until he stopped to say thanks and offered it back to me. I put the sweet stick back into my mouth, my lips moving awkwardly in an attempt to taste Hyde on it.

I dropped the script into his hands and he bowed and made his way to his car. I waved at him as he honked and pulled off and stood in the driveway for a bit, finishing off my cigarette. As it neared the end, I stubbed it out on the cement and then looked at it closely. I hadn�t given it a second thought when he asked for a drag and yet now the very act of what we did was enough to make me shudder as I head back indoors.

I wanted to share even more with Hyde.

I have always believed in everything happening for a reason and my thoughts of destiny bringing us together couldn�t possibly be wrong now. Part of me wanted to call him right away and hear him say YES to the movie but I knew that would sound much too desperate. I would give him another day or two to consider.

As I entered the living space I noticed Hyde�s white shirt lying on my floor and stopped walking mid-step. I should pick it up, fold it nicely and put it aside so that I can return it to him. At least that�s what my brain was telling me to do.

But the rest of me was longing to be back with Hyde in this room right now and in a shameful act I got down on my knees and picked up the bundled shirt, bringing it to my face and inhaling Hyde�s very present scent. I could smell faded cigarettes, a dash of his cologne and deodorant, and yet there was still that fresh peach scent that reminded me precisely of him. A moment passed and I realized just how ridiculous and wrong this would look should anyone happen to see me. I was acting like a crazed man but I couldn�t help it. Hyde had done something to me.

I stood up, brushing off my knees and folding Hyde�s shirt, putting it on top of my closed laptop on the coffee table. My hand went to my forehead, eyes falling shut as I tried to calm my nerves. I decided I should get my daily work out and now would be the best time to sweat off these emotions.

I found myself running faster and pushing harder than ever.

Just as I was stepping off the treadmill, my cell phone began to ring. �Moshi moshi?� I answered, not even taking a moment to glance at who it was coming from.

�Gacchan, it�s me,� I heard on the other end, no mistaking who �me� was.

�Hyde! I�m so glad to hear from you so soon.� I sat down on the couch and clutched my phone closely to my ear. �Listen, you forgot your shirt here but-�

�I know. It�s not about that.� He interrupted me. �It�s about this movie. I� I�m sorry but I�m going to have to say �no�.�