It was a two hour ride to the resort.

Once Eiri and Shuichi arrived, they met up with the rest of the immediate Shindou family with Kino in toll. Mrs. Shindou was courteous to Eiri. But Mr. Shindou seemed wary of him. Eiri guessed that was because his wife filled him in. That made him feel detached. Like he didn't belong there.

He needed a vacation from this one. A family free vacation.

Thankfully, Shuichi had a sixth sense for him. He had sensed Eiri's discomfort right off the bat. Shuichi took Eiri's hand and excused them to their cabin where they 'needed to unload luggage and hit the slopes already.' The gesture was meant to make Eiri feel better.

But it didn't.

He couldn't have Shuichi cover for him every time he felt inadequate. Eiri had to hold his own. He had to prove to them that he was right for their son. This vacation was supposed to be fun. Eiri had promised Shuichi that. And he wasn't about to break another promise.

Eiri settled for skis while Shuichi went with a snowboard. They went up the ski lift to the bunny slope. Shuichi gave him some pointers before going down. To use the sticks to move. And to slow down by making a triangle with his skis. That was easy enough. Shuichi commended his success. With a smile that melted his heart more and more each time he saw it.

They decided to ride down it again. Both going down at the same time. Guess some jerk decided it was smart to follow. From close behind. He zipped past Shuichi, who lost control because of the abrupt action, crashing into Eiri in the process. Together, they tumbled down the hill, Shuichi landing on top of Eiri. The snow cushioned the fall so Eiri was all right. Shuichi being Shuichi still worried. He released his feet from the confines of the snowboard. Eiri did the same with his skis. As Shuichi helped Eiri to his feet, the jerk approached.

"Oh, dear, my deepest apologies, Eiri." It was a woman. Most likely an old bedmate of his. Not like he cared to remember which. There were too many. And besides, he had Shuichi now. Someone who actually mattered.

"Hey, who the hell do you think you are, lady?" Shuichi asked, furiously.

The woman flipped her black hair over her shoulder in an obnoxious manner. "I wasn't talking to you, squirt. Get lost. Needy adults are talking." Her black eyes raked over Eiri's body. Other than her interest in him, there was something wrong. Imaginary hands kept his head stagnant. He had no choice but to look her in the eye. Swirls revolved in her irises.

Suddenly a flash. Like one of the many taken of him by the press. Eiri blinked, seeing a spark of light each time he opened his eyes.

Shuichi latched onto Eiri's arm. That was when he was capable of moving his head. "If you hadn't noticed, he's mine! Nobody else's!'

The woman laughed with disdain. "Not for much longer." And then walked away.

Shuichi was worried about Eiri. Ever since the encounter with that hussy, he's been tired. So much so that he took a nap. Shuichi waited by his bedside, watching Eiri sleep. What an angel. No copy editor, fan, or slut would guess it. How Eiri looked as he slept. His face was relaxed, soft and tempting to touch. It was only Shuichi's sight to behold.

Without warning, the softness disappeared. It was replaced with wincing. Sweat formed at Eiri's brow. Straightaway, Shuichi retrieved a wet hand towel. With it, he wiped away the sweat. Eiri groaned. How could he be sick now of all times? He was in perfect health when they got there. Maybe it was something he ate. Or drank. Or stress.

Oh no. Stress. Eiri was nervous about being around his family. It made the most sense. He could've even been anxious about it before the trip. And kept his mouth shut to please Shuichi. That would mean that this was his fault.

"How could I be so selfish?" Shuichi asked, tears forming in his eyes. He buried his face in the middle of his folded arms, his shoulders heaving with sobs. He didn't want this. He didn't want Eiri to cough up blood again. But what could he do now? Nothing.

Then the sheet was pulled. Shuichi sat up straight to see that Eiri had done the same. "Eiri?" Shuichi asked. He was awake. But when those golden eyes peered down at him, a delightful shiver didn't course through his body. A cold one did. Shuichi gasped. It was as if he were in the presence of an Eiri counterfeit. One that lacked any color. With a hesitant hand, Shuichi reached out to him. Lightning fast, Eiri grasped onto that hand.

"Come with me." Eiri grumbled, dragging Shuichi behind him. What was going on? Why was Eiri acting like this? Talking how he used to?

"Eiri, you're really creeping me out." Shuichi responded, resisting against moving any further towards the door. "You need to rest. Go back to bed. I'll call a doctor to come check up on you." He was going to get his cell. But Eiri's grip held him in place. Shuichi tried again to be roughly tugged to Eiri's chest. He let out a hiss. His hand was held up in the air, his wrist the victim of a death grip. His waist was tightly bound against Eiri's body.

"Just shut up and follow me." Eiri growled. The hot breath of a predator touched his face. Not knowing what else to resort to, Shuichi obliged. He was sure that whatever place Eiri wanted to show him held the answer.

They reunited with their skis and snowboard and once again rode the lift. To the top of the mountain. Not many people were on the lift and those who were heading to the bunny slope. Meaning that there was little to no people on top of the mountain. Shuichi spared Eiri a glance. He had his sights set on the top. So focused yet so lifeless.

They got off. As soon as they did, Eiri tossed his skis to the side. Shuichi dropped his skateboard. What was happening? Why was Eiri looking at him like he was some kind of enemy? Was he really going to do what Shuichi thought? Kill him? But why? Shuichi slowly backed up a few steps. The snow crunched beneath his feet. Shuichi didn't dare take any more. Any further and Eiri looked ready to charge.

"You are selfish." Eiri said, his voice cutting through the silence like an icy wind. "Ever since I first met you, all you did was pester me. You forced yourself into my life. You gave me trouble. Gave me guilt that I didn't want. Or need. I didn't need or want you. You were just some piece of ass to me. You still are."

Tears flooded his eyes and ran down his cheeks. His heart was barely able to beat, having been inflicted by those words. The tirade came at him like ninja stars. Quick and out of nowhere. After all this time, Eiri couldn't think that. He confessed his love. He treated Shuichi with care in and out of bed. Their bed, which was in their home. A home that had memories of hugs, kisses, laughter, shouting matches, heartbreak…So many emotions were sealed there. So much history. And it all came crashing down on him, weighing him down to that spot.

One step. What was there to do? Two steps. Crying wouldn't solve anything. Three steps. Eiri was drawing near. Four steps. Shuichi gasped.

A tear rolled down Eiri's face. He was in pain. Shuichi could see it in his eyes and the way that he stalked forward. His Eiri was still there. This gave Shuichi the confidence to approach Eiri.

"Stay back!" Eiri shouted. Shuichi flinched. Quickly, Eiri produced a knife from his pocket. It pointed up to the sky, some sun reflecting off the blade. From head to toe, Eiri shook. He appeared to be struggling against the force that held his mind captive. Using his other hand, he leveled it down to his chin.

Shuichi closed the space between them. No way in hell. Eiri was not going to go through with suicide. Not on his watch. So he snatched the knife, stopping it from sinking into Eiri's neck.

Haze blinded Eiri's field of vision. Someone had control over his body, making him move and speak in such a horrid pretense. Someone was making him break his silent vow. A female voice was laughing in his head. It was the voice of that woman. 'The name is Hitomi.' Her voice sounded in his head, carrying on with her sinister mirth. 'Still don't remember me, Eiri? Not only did you bang and leave, but you went ahead and sent my boyfriend to jail. You ruined my life. Now I'm going to ruin your's.'

Red alerted him. Eiri's breath began to come out terrified and labored. Blood. Shuichi's blood. He had took hold of the knife, which was digging into his fingers. The haze dispersed. Shuichi was resolute, standing his ground despite the pain. His teeth were clenched. Regardless, a smile formed.

"Eiri," Shuichi murmured.

It was going to happen again. Eiri couldn't let it. He wasn't going to kill. Not again. He urged his fingers to uncurl. Shuichi's grip loosened and the bloodied knife fell to the ground. 'Pick up that knife and finish the job, you bastard!' Gravity was forcing him down. Inch by inch until his knees gave in. The knife was right in front of him. His hand extended. Slowly. There was no stopping it. Hitomi was overpowering him. 'That's right. Give in to the urge. Kill him. Kill Shuichi Shindou!'

What was that idiot doing just standing there? "Run!" Eiri ordered.

Shuichi lunged, seizing the knife. Provoked, Eiri leaped on top of Shuichi. This was done with more force than intended since Eiri willingly didn't want Shuichi to be in possession of the knife. That gave the demon in him more edge. It punched Shuichi in the face and slapped the knife out of his hand. Eiri tried his hardest to get off Shuichi. But the demon wouldn't let him. It clutched the handle of the knife and was about to stab Shuichi.

A yelp escaped Shuichi's lips. More blood trailed off his hand. Resentment overwhelmed Eiri. At Shuichi for staying with a pitiful man like him. And at himself for not being strong enough to stop this. Shuichi didn't deserve anymore pain.

"I told you to run, you moron!" Eiri yelled.

"I'm…not leaving you…alone to suffer." Shuichi stifled his groans as best as he could by biting his lip. His eyes squeezed shut as the knife dug deeper into his palm. The demon pulled it back, causing the blade to cut a vertical line upwards. Shuichi shouted his pain. The knife flew out of his hand. Noticing this, Shuichi moved with initiative. He threw his arms around Eiri's neck and rolled on top of him. "Please, Eiri, return to me…" Shuichi pleaded into his ear.

Eiri was drowning in the void again. No! He had to stay in control. His arms encircled Shuichi. He buried his face in Shuichi's neck. The scent of delectable shampoo pleased Eiri's nose. Mixed with the natural scent of Shuichi. A sweet smell that was more addicting than nicotine. This was all he ever needed. To be in the arms of unconditional love. That love had saved him from the brink of insanity, of suicide, or loneliness.

Shuichi's love had saved him. And it was beginning to work its magic again, gradually releasing Eiri from Hitomi's grasp.

'Damn it!' That was the last thing Hitomi voiced before disappearing entirely.

The tightened muscles in Eiri's body loosened a great deal. He was free. That bitch was gone. "Shuichi," Eiri murmured, worried. His body was inert. Eiri gently set Shuichi aside and cradled him. Blood trickled down his unconscious face. Eiri gasped. How…?

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Eiri." Hitomi said.

Eiri's head shot up to face her. "So it was you." He spotted the voodoo doll in her possession. There was a needle in the forehead. Eiri glanced at Shuichi and made the connection. She was doing this to him. His glower deepened.

"You have two choices. You can kill him or I will."

"Like hell."

There was another option. Time to put those chants to actual use. He held Shuichi close with one hand and held up the other, chanting an incantation. Concentration was hard to maintain, especially after fighting Hitomi's hold on him. That mental battle had worn him out. And he was diving right into another one. But he had promised to protect Shuichi with all of his being. He wasn't going to give up just because he was a little tired.

Shuichi needed him.

She tossed the doll aside in frustration, knowing it was useless. It worked. Then there was the matter of the knife. Damn it. How could he have forgotten? She was huffing out white air as she approached. He had to get out of there. As quick as he was able, he hefted Shuichi into his arms. His legs wobbled, and gave out on him. He fell onto his knees and then on his rear, making ascertain to have a good grip on his lover.

This couldn't be it. They couldn't die like this. Eiri didn't even get the chance to do half of the things he wanted with Shuichi. He didn't get the chance to propose, to make his promise ostensible.

"I'm sorry…" Eiri whispered into Shuichi's red ear. "For hurting you as badly as I have…for this…" Sobs escaped him. He was scared of death. But most of all, he was terrified of being separated from Shuichi. Eiri had killed before and done plenty of things that earned him a place in hell. As for Shuichi, Eiri couldn't imagine him as anything else but an angel. "I love you so much…"

"Stop right there!" It was the cops. They detained Hitomi there and Eiri was alleviated. They were saved.

One approached him. "Please help him." Eiri pleaded before falling into the void.

Shuichi awoke with a start. Eiri. Where was Eiri? He shot up and looked to see that he was in a hospital bed. Eiri occupied the bed across from his. Shuichi hurried out of bed to his lover's bedside. He stroked Eiri gentle face with a bandaged hand. Looks like they were saved. But how? From who?

"You're up!" Maiko shouted in glee. She ran over to him and embraced him, sobbing. "We didn't know what happened. Stupid big brother, you worried us so much!"

Shuichi returned her embrace. His parents approached and he decided to ask. "Who did this?"

"A woman named Hitomi." Mrs. Shindou replied. "The police found her at the scene with a bloody knife in her hands. I was scared to death when I heard. I thought she killed you both. I'm just…so glad that you're all right, baby." She joined the embrace.

It was more complicated than physical appearance. Shuichi guessed that Hitomi was the one who bewitched Eiri. Not like he was about to tell his parents that. They would think that he was crazy. All that mattered was that Hitomi was caught and that Eiri was safe.

A groan escaped Eiri's lips. He was waking up. Shuichi gasped in pure joy, seizing Eiri's hand with his. Golden eyes peeled open and faced him. Eiri sighed. "You're all right…"

"Yeah and so are you." Shuichi smiled.

"I fail to see what was the meaning behind what happened." Mr. Shindou started, abruptly. "But I'm indebted to you, Eiri-kun. You saved my son's life."

"No," Eiri objected. "He was the one who saved me. He's been saving me ever since I first met him."

Epilogue

Once it came time to leave the hospital, Eiri decided it was time to go away on vacation. To a place with no distractions and no familiar faces. Hawaii was just that place. K had even given them a ride there on his jet plane. "Be sure to come back with breathtaking lyrics, Shuichi, or else!" He shouted from the jet as they debarked, cocking his gun.

"You can count on me, Mr. K!" Shuichi shouted back, waving as the jet flew away.

They headed to their luxurious hotel room. Never mind the décor. Eiri had his mind set on getting into that king-sized bed and showing Shuichi a good time. Setting the luggage aside, Eiri took Shuichi's wrist. His hands still bore gashes that Eiri was meticulous not to touch.

"That must still hurt."

"A little, but I'm ok."

Eiri unwrapped the bandages. The wound still needed time to close. But it was well on its way to being healed. Just like Shuichi had done for him, Eiri changed his bandages.

"I love you." Shuichi whispered softly into his ear, which he nibbled afterwards. The stinging heat filled his ear and traveled down to his length. In turn, Eiri hefted Shuichi up by his buttocks and placed him onto the bed.

"You asked for it." Eiri told his laughing lover. As fast as possible, Eiri took all of their clothes off and tossed them off the bed. He sucked and nibbled at all of Shuichi's sensitive spots. His member was throbbing with need. But there was no rush. The anticipation added onto the excitement, which prolonged that fulfillment Shuichi gave him whenever they made love. Once. Twice. Three times. They could go all night if they wanted. But sleep had overcome them and lured them into a peaceful sleep.

This was how Eiri wanted to live the rest of his life and he made that clear in the morning, pulling out an engagement ring. Shuichi agreed, crying as Eiri expected he would.

With tears of happiness.

A/N: And this is where we reach the end of Silent Vow. YAY, I finally finished my second ShuEiri story! I know whenever I read the ending a fic, it makes me happy to know the ending. But then, I get sad afterwards knowing the story has ended. But not to worry. There's another ShuEiri story on the way! It's called Transition and I'm going to put it up as soon as it's finished so stay tuned for that!

Now I thank each reviewer (using their last review on this story):

Gohanna: Thank you for your kind words! I've gone through the Gravitation archive plenty of times and I don't know how people could write Eiri being so utterly mean. I mean, more mean than usual. I thought it'd be nice to show this change in Eiri. Besides that, I can't write a mean Eiri. It'd piss me off too much to write about a character who can't seem to change at all or is angry all the time.

Kitty in the Box : I can't write Eiri in character because I'd get too pissed at him to concentrate on writing. I'm glad you enjoyed everything.

Animecartooncomicgirl : I'm glad you loved it!

The Truth's Lie : Thanks! Your comment is adorable too! ^^

sarah83654123 : You write the most fabulous reviews! I smile every time I read them. You're such a sweetheart.

Namikaze naruko14 : Thank you very much for reviewing! Love your icon, by the way.

Angel Eyes Kiyone : I wish I wrote this story before I uploaded it onto this site. That way, nobody would have to wait that long. I can guarantee that anymore stories will be written beforehand so that I can update more reguarly. Thank you for commenting about the identity change. I loved writing that part.

Junjou-Angel : And I friggin' love you for reviewing! LOL.

chochowilliams : I can totally see Eiri stepping on Shuichi's CDs. As for Touma getting a reality check, yeah. He really does need one. Too bad there wasn't a scene like that in the anime or manga. I would've enjoyed it. Very much.

Cch123 : And I love, love you, my dear! Thank you for waiting.

Shadowfox13 : LOL, it's kinda hard for me to imagine them skiing too. But I wanted to make them do something new. A scene change, something outside of Eiri's condo.

InfinityOnTheRun : EiriOOC is the best OOC ever. Thank you for reviewing!

JessMess : Catchy name you got there. Yeah, I remember seeing Kimba on the previews on my Sailor Moon R Movie tape. It looked like another version of The Lion King. Much appreciation for your awesome reviews!

Lady Kirei : Such kindness! I could just hug you! LOL. Thank you very much for reviewing!

Nicole13-1991 : You are coolios as well, my darling! I bestow you my sincere thanks!

David boreanaz's wife247 : Thank you reviewing so faithfully!

XxScarletPhantomxX : I like your name. It reminds me of Karin and DNAngel. Anyway, I thank you very much for reviewing!

DarkMetalAngel of Destruction : Epic name! I like! I am happy that you take pleasure in reading my story.

NekoKeiko : I like this Eiri better too! He's so much more bearable to write. Not to mention, human.

kumagoro182 : I know! There are too many stories in this Gravitation archive that harbor an overly sadistic Eiri that doesn't change. I believe the point of any story is to make the character progress through change yet still maintain some of the same attributes.

Frikey : Eiri being nice makes everyone happy, especially Shuichi, and Shu deserves all the happiness in the world.

yuki and shuichi forever : It makes me happy that you are enjoying my story. Much thanks to you, hun! ^^

CloudedMirror : Writing Eiri as a loving soul makes me sane. Writing Eiri being an asshole on the other hand, is too draining. Hmm, I should've made Eiri have a therapist too. He sure as hell needs it.

Purishirakun : IT'S ROY MUSTANG! He so sexy! Would you happen to be a RoyEd fan too, by any chance?

ren-san : I'm so happy that I could be your first. LOL, that sounds SO wrong.

Wildfire2 : Thank you for those tips. You rock!

cain aidan : Seeing exclaimation points in a review always makes me happy. Thank you for reading!

hells door woman : A thousand hearts of love! That's so much! LOL, love the statement and the review!

high off of strawberry pocky12 : A pocky lover, huh? I tried strawberry pocky and it was so good! Yes, I did use Gisela from KKM. I thought it better to do that than make an extra nurse for some reason. An iota of a x-over, if you will. I'm glad you love my story.

RitsukaLovelessBelovedSoubi : As you can see, I wasn't aiming for anything tragic. There's already too much of that here to bear. I take joy in writing drama and love stories that end happily. So don't worry! I'm not a writer of tragedies. Thank you for your review, dear!

Mysterious Melody : I was planning on making this story ten chapters, but decided against it because I'm already up to my neck in stories as it is. I hope this length pleases you just as well.

booklover47892 : I love books too. They're awesome. Thank you for your encouragement.

ahpotterlvr : Thank you for reviewing! I'd love to get another one from you, letting me know how you liked my story.

KyoHana : Thank you very much for your encouraging review!

faii-chan : I hope you liked the direction my story took. Thanks for your review!

secret hidden within me : Thank you very much for reviewing, my dear!

Zakuro Haruno : You're another name I see a lot. You review a lot on Marshmellow Bites! Thank you for your loyal reviews!

kamesita : Domo arigatou!

Yaoigirl-nanoda : Ah, another reoccuring name! YAY! I'm glad I have a wonderful person such as you as my fan. You're so nice and sweet!

Crystal Abyss : Thank you very much! I try my best! ^^

Heart of a Music Box : Yeah, Shu is melodramatic. But that's why I love him so much!

Kitsune Demon Girl : Thank you! Shu and Eiri really are a great couple. Opposites attract, after all. ^^

Suezanne : I'm glad I could accomodate to your love for this lovely couple.

PurpleCranberi : I'm glad you thought it was cute! Thanks for reviewing!

vixen-of-the-roses : I am a lover of sweet and fluffy things. No story is good without them. Thank you for reviewing!

coffee-house-girl : Thank you!

Kin Inu : I'm glad you enjoyed it. Shuichi is selfless whenever it comes to his Eiri. I mean, he got raped for Eiri for crying out loud! Who can't love a guy like that is beyond me.

Krlowa Beryl : Thanks for pointing out that that was her last name. Anime throws me off sometimes like that because they say the last name first.

The Inamorata : Thank you very much! I don't think self-advertising is bad. I think I checked out your stories and reviewed already, but I'll have to check on that.

I also thank those who have favorited and alerted this story! You all rock! Because what's a story without a reader and I got myself a whole bunch of you reading this.

Much thanks and take care of yourselves!

~Metsuki of Passhon