RP Log: Yukimura/Fuji @ Fuji's favorite Starbucks
When: Just after Occurs right after Fuji and Yukimura meet on the Rikkai campus in this log.
Characters: Yukimura, Fuji
Rating: G
Summary: Coffee and a cute barista. Much craziness ensues.
[ooc: Tried not to fragment this, but let me know if you hate it, Yuki-chan!]
Wrapping his long black winter cloak closer around his slender body, Yukimura cast a contemplative sideways glance at his companion, who appeared to be unaffected by the cold wind that was blowing into their faces. Impressive... and ah, the Starbucks was just up ahead. It looked quite new - that would explain why he hadn't heard about it.
It also looked warm, and Yukimura would be more than happy to get out of the cold. Looking at Fuji for affirmation that this was the joint they were headed for, the wavy-haired man pushed the doors open, stepping gratefully inside into the warmth.
Fuji followed Yukimura into his newest favorite hangout spot. Fuji hadn't been blind to the kind of glances he'd noticed from his favorite barista, and had, of course, capitalized on it as soon as possible. Spotting Aki-chan, Fuji smiled and nudged Yukimura. "Look, there he is. Watch this."
"Aki-chan~!" Fuji said in a gentle sing-song voice as he walked up to the (thankfully not too busy) counter and gave the bartender his megawatt smile. He'd dragged along Yukimura, linking hands with the Rikkaidai student like Fuji saw teenaged girls do on the street. Fuji was immensely pleased when Aki-chan recognised him and returned the megawatt smile.
"Ne, Aki-chan," Fuji continued, head tilting towards Yukimura, "this is my friend Yuki-chan. He's looking for the best triple espresso this side of Tokyo, and I told him you were the best barista I knew."
Aki-chan laughed. "Well, then, it looks like I'll have to live up to my top billing. One triple espresso coming up. And yourself, esteemed customer, what would you like? Same as usual?" Aki had used the words "o-kyaku-san", but the way he said it one would have to be deaf not to notice the flirting undercurrent.
Fuji grinned. "You know what I like, Aki-chan~," he replied, winking. Aki nodded, still grinning. "One triple espresso and one triple-shot caramel frappucino coming right up!"
Yukimura turned his head to glance at Fuji as he laughed in amusement at the nickname the shorter man gave him. Yuki-chan? Oh, but it did seem as though the photographer frequented this place often, judging by the flirting that was going on between Fuji this Aki-chan. Why not join in on the fun?
"Why, Fuji-kun..." he purred as he leaned one of his free elbows on the counter to grin slyly at the barista. "Is this the /real/ reason why you came all the way here to deliver those photos to me?" He teased, winking at the ex-Sekgaku tensai.
"Saa ..." Fuji winked at Aki, who looked far too happy with the attentions of the two good-looking young men. The barista seemed to be taking far too long making the drinks, though whether it was because he was trying to do his best with the twin distractions at the counter, or whether it was because he wanted to prolong it, Fuji couldn't tell. Meh, only one way to find out.
Fuji nudged Yukimura with a sly grin. "Ne, _Yuki-chan_," and gave Aki the once-over, long and slow, making sure the barista saw it, before grinning at his partner-in-crime. "I saw him first."
A muttered expletive drew Fuji's attention to Aki, who had apparently scalded his hand on some espresso. When the barista's attention was occupied by the cleanup, Fuji winked at Yukimura.
Yukimura let his jaw drop open in an amused "O" at the barista's obvious distraction. Nudging Fuji playfully in the ribs in slight reproach, he replied the other man, making sure Aki heard them. "Then you can have him first, Fuji-kun. I don't mind waiting in line." Turning towards the barista who was behind the counter, Yukimura called out, this time in a genuinely concerned voice, "oh dear, Aki-san, is your hand OK? I can take a look at it..."
Fuji rubbed his ribs and gave an apologetic smile to Aki. Aki shook his head and smiled back at his two customers. "Don't worry, I'm fine, it was just a small splash that startled me." He finished the drinks and set them in front of the two feminine-looking men with a smile. "Thank you for your business!"
Fuji paid for the drinks and smiled at Yukimura. "So, where do you want to sit? Couches?" He indicated the two sofas in the farthest corner.
"Oh, no I couldn't let you pay for that, you've come all the way to deliver those pictures to me after all..." Yukimura insisted as he was directed towards one of the empty couches by the window, sending a frown in Fuji's direction.
Fuji shrugged. "Then you pay for the next round. I always have a triple-shot caramel frappucino, and it gets expensive after a while." The tensai grinned at Yukimura, setting their drinks down, and taking off his coat and scarf gracefully. Noticing Aki still watching, he waved and impishly blew a kiss.
Yukimura shook his head and chuckled as he sat down, throwing Aki a playful wink just for the heck of it as he held his coffee in his hands to warm them a little bit.
"Triple-shot caramel frappucino? I hope you don't have them often, or I can't guarantee you'll keep your svelte figure for long," he laughed, taking a small, gratifying sip of the strong coffee. Fuji was right. Aki /is/ good, and he would be frequenting this place more often. That meant he had to make sure Aki remember who he was, he thought to himself with a small grin into his cup.
Fuji smiled. "I've been told I'm lucky to have the metabolism I have. I could have a frappucino every day and still look this way. Nee-san hates it," he confided with a grin.
"Well, men have higher metabolic rates than women do, but it isn't healthy," the medical student in him recited. "But this is really just a case of the pot calling the kettle black," he laughed.
Settling back into the couch with a happy sigh, Fuji smiled at Yukimura. "So, does he pass your taste test?"
"Oh, he gets an A+," Yukimura smiled. "I shall have to come here more often, especially with those exams coming up." Looking around the comfortable environment, he continued, "it's a pity they aren't open 24-7 though."
Leaning back comfortably, the ex-Rikkai captain cradled his coffee cup in his hands. "How often do you come here?"
"Far too often," Fuji said, grinning. He settled his equipment bag carefully and took a sip of the frappucino, making a soft "Mmm" of pleasure as the sweetness of the triple-shot of caramel hit his taste buds. "Aki is an expensive indulgence." Fuji winked.
"Oh, I can see he won't come cheap," Yukimura chuckled.
Fuji smothered the laugh as Yukimura responded to his joke. "Too bad I don't think I'll find out anytime soon," the photographer said with a rueful grin. It would have been nice if Fuji was in reality half what reputation sometimes made him out to be. He did like to flirt, but there were lines one didn't cross.
"Hope you didn't mind the 'Yuki-chan', Yukimura." Fuji didn't think Yukimura would mind, but it never hurt to be polite. "When are your exams?""
"Ah, my exams are coming up... in about two weeks time," he said thoughtfully. "I'm going to have to reject those assignments Yamato-san keeps pushing at me..."
Looking curiously at the obvious pleasure Fuji was taking in his drink, Yukimura leaned forward across the coffee table. "Do you mind if I try some? And no, don't worry about the nickname. I get called that often enough," he said dismissively with a slight shrug of his shoulders.
Fuji raised an eyebrow at Yukimura, offering him the drink. "Be warned, I like it sweet," he said. "Once you get addicted to the taste, though, regular frappucinos just aren't enough." He watched the ex-Rikkai captain with a light smile, wanting to see Yukimura's reaction to the sickeningly sweet concoction.
Raising a brow that accepted the challenge - he'd heard of Fuji's legendary abnormal tastebuds - he took a small, tentative sip of the coffee.
Oh, god! How was it possible Fuji could stomach this thing on a regular basis without getting diabetes?! Wincing as he swallowed the rest of what he had taken, Yukimura passed the cup back to Fuji. "You know, you should come by some day and I'll do a blood sugar test for you. This can't be healthy," he grinned.
"Told you it was sweet," Fuji grinned. "I wish I had prepared my camera beforehand," the tensai said with a smile, retrieving his drink. "If you're feeling adventurous, maybe next time I'll bring you to a kissaten I know that has the best wasabi tea in Tokyo."
"I'd love to visit the tea house, but I think I'll pass on the wasabi," Yukimura shook his head as he chuckled slightly, taking another drink of his own coffee, now surprisingly bitter after the extreme sweetness of Fuji's blend.
Fuji bent down to rummage in his equipment bag, pulling out his digital Nikon again. He wasn't missing any more shutter chances if he could help it. As he zipped up the bag, he made a face. "Blood tests involve needles, so, sorry, Yukimura, I'm not likely to take you up on that offer."
"The abomination you consume..." Yukimura tutted at him, but what's this? Fuji Shuusuke, afraid of needles? This was one piece of information he was going to have to store. He was going to need the ammunition when it came to the enigmatic tensai. "Oh, don't worry, Fuji-kun," Yukimura purred, leaning across the table to smirk at the other. "I do blood tests for the children all the time and none of them have complained about the needles or bruises."
"Maa, where's your sense of adventure?" Fuji teased. "Where do you think Inui got his start? I must say, I do somewhat prefer some of his earlier concoctions, but Penal Tea's quite good." The tensai took another sip of his overly sweet beverage and grinned back at Yukimura. "Comparing me to children doesn't do a thing, I've just had far too many shots. Did you know one has to take about 11 injections before one can study in the USA?" Fuji didn't think it was necessary to tell Yukimura he'd had them all over the space of a week, excepting two that required boosters.
"Oh, you may have had those injections, but did someone have to pin you down before you would take them obediently?" Yukimura smirked. "That's too bad, really. And I was going to use your fear of needles to blackmail you into doing my bidding should the need arise too..." he mock sighed.
Fuji smiled. "It does indeed. And I'm not saying any more about those immunizations," he grinned. No one other than Nee-san (and the doctor) knew that Fuji had been white-lipped and close to fainting by the third shot, really. It just didn't do for Fuji's image.
Inspiration struck Fuji. "If you liked Aki-chan's drinks, perhaps we could make this a regular thing?" Fuji said, cocking an eyebrow at Yukimura quizzically. "It gets boring coming here alone, but no one I know likes coffee as much as I do."
Blinking at Fuji's abrupt offer, the wavy-haired raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Sure, I was intending on coming again anyway. This is the best triple espresso I've ever had after all," he grinned. "Just give me a ring whenever you're in the vicinity."
Looking at the camera in amusement, Yukimura teased the other man. "If you want to take my pictures, you're going to have to go through my agent, Fuji-kun," he said in a brusque manner, but the twinkle in his eyes should have been able to tell the other he was simply teasing.
Fuji chuckled. "Normally people pay me hundreds of dollars an hour for it. Are you sure your agent and mine should meet?" he teased back. "All that red tape and paperwork ..." Fuji made a face. That was why one hired agents, after all.
"And likewise, I get paid hundreds of dollars an hour to be photographed," Yukimura laughed. "I suppose this cancels it out, then," he grinned.
Pulling out his phone, Fuji asked, "What's your number?"
Reaching across to take Fuji's phone from him, Yukimura quickly entered his number, saving it under "Yuki-chan" before flipping it shut and handing it back to the other man. "There." He grinned.
Checking his phone, Fuji laughed. "So I guess you don't mind after all," he said, smiling at Yukimura. He pressed "call" and waited to hear Yukimura's phone ringing, then hung up. "Now you have my number too. Hmm," Fuji grinned. "Can I call you Yuki-chan? I can think of at least one person it'll annoy to no end." Kirihara's face appeared before his mind's eye. "If you want, you can call me Shuu-chan. Fujiko-chan would work too," Fuji offered, having gotten used to Taka's nickname for him by now.
It had to be Akaya that Fuji was thinking about. Yukimura laughed softly, and later, smiled fondly at the image of his junior with little Masaharu in his arms. "Akaya's can be loud and brash, but he's basically a good kid, and he appears to be a good father too. Try not to antagonise him too much," he chuckled, then raised his brows as his eyes danced in merriment at Fuji's little nickname.
"Fujiko-chan? That's an interesting one," Yukimura murmured, saving Fuji's number under exactly that name. "I'll remember it always," he grinned, that rapidly degerated into a wicked smile. "Is there anyone I could annoy with it too?"
Fuji grinned back. "Oh, not too often, but it'll be fun once in a blue moon," he assured Yukimura. "Good fathers are hard to find." His face was colored with just a hint of sadness as he remembered how happy Taka had looked with Kenichi and Akutsu. "Ah ... that's Taka-san's nickname for me. Kawamura Takashi, of the sushi restaurant. He didn't play against Rikkai, but he was our powerhouse with Momoshiro in junior high," Fuji explained, in case Yukimura didn't recall Taka. "It might make him jealous," he added with a hint of hopefulness in his voice.
The wistful tone was not lost on Yukimura, but he decided not to call on that just yet - it was not in his place to do so. He didn't know Fuji that well after all, but he was growing fond of the man. People he cared about, he defended fiercely, and he could see Fuji's name coming on the list. "Well, we'll just have to try that one out, won't we, Fujiko-chan? I'm sorry to say I don't recall any Kawamura," Yukimura smiled slightly in apology. "Though I'd like to see what he's like."
Fuji smiled. "Perhaps I'll bring you to Kawamura Sushi sometime, Yuki-chan," he said. It would be an interesting way to see if Taka still felt the same way he did in high school, Fuji thought. "He's probably the best sushi chef in Tokyo, really. A pity he hadn't continued with tennis after junior high, but the sushi world needs him, I'm firmly sure of that." Oh yes, Fuji remembered. Taka hadn't played in the Nationals against Rikkaidai, and Yukimura wouldn't have known about the power player anyway, since only those of Tezuka's caliber had attracted his attention.
Really, when had he gotten fond of the Rikkai ex-captain, Fuji wondered absently. Perhaps this was what it was like to have a friend to laugh with and joke with, he thought. Fuji found himself missing Eiji, but he was starting to really like Yukimura.
Draining the last of his coffee, Yukimura wiped his lips with the serviette on the table. "I'll trust your judgement on that, and I'll be looking forward to that sushi trip then," he smiled. Oh, but that distant look on Fuji's face right now was priceless. He was sure not many people got to see this side of Fuji Shuusuke. Quickly reaching across the table, he snatched the Nikon from Fuji's hands, thanking his amateur training in SLRs and quickly took a picture of the tawny-haired man.
"You looked so much like a pining princess that this picture was begging to be taken," Yukimura grinned, then added slightly sheepishly. "I'm sorry if that offended you..."
Fuji blinked as he heard the 'click' of his own camera, and looked blankly at Yukimura for a moment, before breaking out into a slow, genuine smile. "You know, Yukimura, that's the first time someone's taken a picture of me with my own camera without asking first ... and succeeding." He took the camera back, and scrutinized himself on the screen. Fuji hadn't seen his own wistful face before, and he stared a moment.
Catching himself, he covered it with a joke. "Boy, I'm pretty photogenic too. I should charge hundreds an hour to have my picture taken, it must be a little less tiring than being the photographer." He had been tempted for a moment to delete the picture, but Fuji had learned from years and years of experience that one should never delete pictures if they weren't _absolutely bad_.
Fuji looked with new respect at Yukimura. "You're pretty good, you know. Not bad for someone who doesn't take pictures at all hours of the day."
/That/ blank look on Fuji's face made Yukimura laugh out loud, shoulders shaking in merriment, thankful the other wasn't offended by his lack of manners. Then again, he'd always been able to get away with most things, Yukimura thought to himself with no small amount of wicked glee. "Oh, I really should bring a camera of my own the next time I go out with you. These expressions of yours are priceless."
Stretching out a hand to brush Fuji's fringe from his eyes, Yukimura chuckled, now that the merriment has died down. "Yes, you're very pretty too. If we ever do a photo shoot together, I'm sure the pictures are going to rake in millions," Yukimura declared as he grinned shamelessly. If you've got it, flaunt it, he thought.
"Thank you for the compliment, I do a touch of photography on the side too, though I hardly have time these days," he sighed.
Fuji laughed, mock-pouting. "I wasn't like this before America. The touching, too, though I'm glad you don't seem to have any hang-ups about touching like some other people." He smiled fondly at the other.
Yukimura grinned. "No, no hangups whatsoever."
Fuji laughed. "Oh dear. One could take that in so many ways that would be so ... wrong."
Blinking at Fuji, the wavy-haired man's lips quirked in amusement. "I have no idea what you're talking about... care to elaborate?"
"Mmm, demonstrate might be easier," Fuji said with a glint in his eyes as he scooted over to sit on the arm of Yukimura's couch. Noticing Aki's glance, Fuji waved, and then grinned down at Yukimura as he sat there, leaning easily on the other man and maintaining some body contact. "No hangups about this?"
With a playful twinkle in his eyes, Yukimura winked at Aki before wrapping an arm around Fuji's waist. "I've told you I have no hangups about these things," he purred.
"Oh, really," Fuji chuckled, patting Yukimura's arm. He thought a moment, then gained a rather naughty glint. Fuji Shuusuke, you are going playing with fire, he warned himself, but this was so much fun. Let it never be said Fuji Shuusuke didn't know how to have fun, he thought, and without warning, got up ... only to settle himself gracefully in Yukimura's lap.
"No hangups at all?" Fuji grinned. No one in Japan that Fuji had met ever could get past this stage.
Yukimura raised an eyebrow. Fuji wanted to play? Sure, he'd play along. He recognised a challenge when he saw one. Tucking Fuji's hair behind his ears, the wavy-haired man purred into Fuji's ear. "I really don't like repeating myself, Fujiko-chan."
Fuji grinned. Well then, he'd get comfortable on his newfound chair for a bit. Grabbing his camera, Fuji did some quick adjustments. "Say cheese," he instructed, pressing his cheeks to Yukimura's and smiling his niko smile.
As the camera clicked, Fuji heard the sound of a cup breaking from the counter, and looked over to see Aki, frozen, an expression of ... what was that, desire? shock? Ah, it was so much fun to tease, Fuji thought with a satisfied grin.
Having been trained by his part-time job to be always ready for a camera, Yukimura smiled effortlessly into the lens of the Nikon, before breaking out into laughter at the sound of breaking china.
He whispered to Fuji. "I think Aki-san likes what he sees... think we should get a picture of that?"
Fuji grinned. "Nah ... we'll probably be back next week. We'll let him have some privacy for now." He winked at Yukimura. Perhaps this year would be a lot of fun.
[ooc: Yukimura needs a tag!]
Characters: Yukimura, Fuji
Rating: G
Summary: Coffee and a cute barista. Much craziness ensues.
[ooc: Tried not to fragment this, but let me know if you hate it, Yuki-chan!]
Wrapping his long black winter cloak closer around his slender body, Yukimura cast a contemplative sideways glance at his companion, who appeared to be unaffected by the cold wind that was blowing into their faces. Impressive... and ah, the Starbucks was just up ahead. It looked quite new - that would explain why he hadn't heard about it.
It also looked warm, and Yukimura would be more than happy to get out of the cold. Looking at Fuji for affirmation that this was the joint they were headed for, the wavy-haired man pushed the doors open, stepping gratefully inside into the warmth.
Fuji followed Yukimura into his newest favorite hangout spot. Fuji hadn't been blind to the kind of glances he'd noticed from his favorite barista, and had, of course, capitalized on it as soon as possible. Spotting Aki-chan, Fuji smiled and nudged Yukimura. "Look, there he is. Watch this."
"Aki-chan~!" Fuji said in a gentle sing-song voice as he walked up to the (thankfully not too busy) counter and gave the bartender his megawatt smile. He'd dragged along Yukimura, linking hands with the Rikkaidai student like Fuji saw teenaged girls do on the street. Fuji was immensely pleased when Aki-chan recognised him and returned the megawatt smile.
"Ne, Aki-chan," Fuji continued, head tilting towards Yukimura, "this is my friend Yuki-chan. He's looking for the best triple espresso this side of Tokyo, and I told him you were the best barista I knew."
Aki-chan laughed. "Well, then, it looks like I'll have to live up to my top billing. One triple espresso coming up. And yourself, esteemed customer, what would you like? Same as usual?" Aki had used the words "o-kyaku-san", but the way he said it one would have to be deaf not to notice the flirting undercurrent.
Fuji grinned. "You know what I like, Aki-chan~," he replied, winking. Aki nodded, still grinning. "One triple espresso and one triple-shot caramel frappucino coming right up!"
Yukimura turned his head to glance at Fuji as he laughed in amusement at the nickname the shorter man gave him. Yuki-chan? Oh, but it did seem as though the photographer frequented this place often, judging by the flirting that was going on between Fuji this Aki-chan. Why not join in on the fun?
"Why, Fuji-kun..." he purred as he leaned one of his free elbows on the counter to grin slyly at the barista. "Is this the /real/ reason why you came all the way here to deliver those photos to me?" He teased, winking at the ex-Sekgaku tensai.
"Saa ..." Fuji winked at Aki, who looked far too happy with the attentions of the two good-looking young men. The barista seemed to be taking far too long making the drinks, though whether it was because he was trying to do his best with the twin distractions at the counter, or whether it was because he wanted to prolong it, Fuji couldn't tell. Meh, only one way to find out.
Fuji nudged Yukimura with a sly grin. "Ne, _Yuki-chan_," and gave Aki the once-over, long and slow, making sure the barista saw it, before grinning at his partner-in-crime. "I saw him first."
A muttered expletive drew Fuji's attention to Aki, who had apparently scalded his hand on some espresso. When the barista's attention was occupied by the cleanup, Fuji winked at Yukimura.
Yukimura let his jaw drop open in an amused "O" at the barista's obvious distraction. Nudging Fuji playfully in the ribs in slight reproach, he replied the other man, making sure Aki heard them. "Then you can have him first, Fuji-kun. I don't mind waiting in line." Turning towards the barista who was behind the counter, Yukimura called out, this time in a genuinely concerned voice, "oh dear, Aki-san, is your hand OK? I can take a look at it..."
Fuji rubbed his ribs and gave an apologetic smile to Aki. Aki shook his head and smiled back at his two customers. "Don't worry, I'm fine, it was just a small splash that startled me." He finished the drinks and set them in front of the two feminine-looking men with a smile. "Thank you for your business!"
Fuji paid for the drinks and smiled at Yukimura. "So, where do you want to sit? Couches?" He indicated the two sofas in the farthest corner.
"Oh, no I couldn't let you pay for that, you've come all the way to deliver those pictures to me after all..." Yukimura insisted as he was directed towards one of the empty couches by the window, sending a frown in Fuji's direction.
Fuji shrugged. "Then you pay for the next round. I always have a triple-shot caramel frappucino, and it gets expensive after a while." The tensai grinned at Yukimura, setting their drinks down, and taking off his coat and scarf gracefully. Noticing Aki still watching, he waved and impishly blew a kiss.
Yukimura shook his head and chuckled as he sat down, throwing Aki a playful wink just for the heck of it as he held his coffee in his hands to warm them a little bit.
"Triple-shot caramel frappucino? I hope you don't have them often, or I can't guarantee you'll keep your svelte figure for long," he laughed, taking a small, gratifying sip of the strong coffee. Fuji was right. Aki /is/ good, and he would be frequenting this place more often. That meant he had to make sure Aki remember who he was, he thought to himself with a small grin into his cup.
Fuji smiled. "I've been told I'm lucky to have the metabolism I have. I could have a frappucino every day and still look this way. Nee-san hates it," he confided with a grin.
"Well, men have higher metabolic rates than women do, but it isn't healthy," the medical student in him recited. "But this is really just a case of the pot calling the kettle black," he laughed.
Settling back into the couch with a happy sigh, Fuji smiled at Yukimura. "So, does he pass your taste test?"
"Oh, he gets an A+," Yukimura smiled. "I shall have to come here more often, especially with those exams coming up." Looking around the comfortable environment, he continued, "it's a pity they aren't open 24-7 though."
Leaning back comfortably, the ex-Rikkai captain cradled his coffee cup in his hands. "How often do you come here?"
"Far too often," Fuji said, grinning. He settled his equipment bag carefully and took a sip of the frappucino, making a soft "Mmm" of pleasure as the sweetness of the triple-shot of caramel hit his taste buds. "Aki is an expensive indulgence." Fuji winked.
"Oh, I can see he won't come cheap," Yukimura chuckled.
Fuji smothered the laugh as Yukimura responded to his joke. "Too bad I don't think I'll find out anytime soon," the photographer said with a rueful grin. It would have been nice if Fuji was in reality half what reputation sometimes made him out to be. He did like to flirt, but there were lines one didn't cross.
"Hope you didn't mind the 'Yuki-chan', Yukimura." Fuji didn't think Yukimura would mind, but it never hurt to be polite. "When are your exams?""
"Ah, my exams are coming up... in about two weeks time," he said thoughtfully. "I'm going to have to reject those assignments Yamato-san keeps pushing at me..."
Looking curiously at the obvious pleasure Fuji was taking in his drink, Yukimura leaned forward across the coffee table. "Do you mind if I try some? And no, don't worry about the nickname. I get called that often enough," he said dismissively with a slight shrug of his shoulders.
Fuji raised an eyebrow at Yukimura, offering him the drink. "Be warned, I like it sweet," he said. "Once you get addicted to the taste, though, regular frappucinos just aren't enough." He watched the ex-Rikkai captain with a light smile, wanting to see Yukimura's reaction to the sickeningly sweet concoction.
Raising a brow that accepted the challenge - he'd heard of Fuji's legendary abnormal tastebuds - he took a small, tentative sip of the coffee.
Oh, god! How was it possible Fuji could stomach this thing on a regular basis without getting diabetes?! Wincing as he swallowed the rest of what he had taken, Yukimura passed the cup back to Fuji. "You know, you should come by some day and I'll do a blood sugar test for you. This can't be healthy," he grinned.
"Told you it was sweet," Fuji grinned. "I wish I had prepared my camera beforehand," the tensai said with a smile, retrieving his drink. "If you're feeling adventurous, maybe next time I'll bring you to a kissaten I know that has the best wasabi tea in Tokyo."
"I'd love to visit the tea house, but I think I'll pass on the wasabi," Yukimura shook his head as he chuckled slightly, taking another drink of his own coffee, now surprisingly bitter after the extreme sweetness of Fuji's blend.
Fuji bent down to rummage in his equipment bag, pulling out his digital Nikon again. He wasn't missing any more shutter chances if he could help it. As he zipped up the bag, he made a face. "Blood tests involve needles, so, sorry, Yukimura, I'm not likely to take you up on that offer."
"The abomination you consume..." Yukimura tutted at him, but what's this? Fuji Shuusuke, afraid of needles? This was one piece of information he was going to have to store. He was going to need the ammunition when it came to the enigmatic tensai. "Oh, don't worry, Fuji-kun," Yukimura purred, leaning across the table to smirk at the other. "I do blood tests for the children all the time and none of them have complained about the needles or bruises."
"Maa, where's your sense of adventure?" Fuji teased. "Where do you think Inui got his start? I must say, I do somewhat prefer some of his earlier concoctions, but Penal Tea's quite good." The tensai took another sip of his overly sweet beverage and grinned back at Yukimura. "Comparing me to children doesn't do a thing, I've just had far too many shots. Did you know one has to take about 11 injections before one can study in the USA?" Fuji didn't think it was necessary to tell Yukimura he'd had them all over the space of a week, excepting two that required boosters.
"Oh, you may have had those injections, but did someone have to pin you down before you would take them obediently?" Yukimura smirked. "That's too bad, really. And I was going to use your fear of needles to blackmail you into doing my bidding should the need arise too..." he mock sighed.
Fuji smiled. "It does indeed. And I'm not saying any more about those immunizations," he grinned. No one other than Nee-san (and the doctor) knew that Fuji had been white-lipped and close to fainting by the third shot, really. It just didn't do for Fuji's image.
Inspiration struck Fuji. "If you liked Aki-chan's drinks, perhaps we could make this a regular thing?" Fuji said, cocking an eyebrow at Yukimura quizzically. "It gets boring coming here alone, but no one I know likes coffee as much as I do."
Blinking at Fuji's abrupt offer, the wavy-haired raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Sure, I was intending on coming again anyway. This is the best triple espresso I've ever had after all," he grinned. "Just give me a ring whenever you're in the vicinity."
Looking at the camera in amusement, Yukimura teased the other man. "If you want to take my pictures, you're going to have to go through my agent, Fuji-kun," he said in a brusque manner, but the twinkle in his eyes should have been able to tell the other he was simply teasing.
Fuji chuckled. "Normally people pay me hundreds of dollars an hour for it. Are you sure your agent and mine should meet?" he teased back. "All that red tape and paperwork ..." Fuji made a face. That was why one hired agents, after all.
"And likewise, I get paid hundreds of dollars an hour to be photographed," Yukimura laughed. "I suppose this cancels it out, then," he grinned.
Pulling out his phone, Fuji asked, "What's your number?"
Reaching across to take Fuji's phone from him, Yukimura quickly entered his number, saving it under "Yuki-chan" before flipping it shut and handing it back to the other man. "There." He grinned.
Checking his phone, Fuji laughed. "So I guess you don't mind after all," he said, smiling at Yukimura. He pressed "call" and waited to hear Yukimura's phone ringing, then hung up. "Now you have my number too. Hmm," Fuji grinned. "Can I call you Yuki-chan? I can think of at least one person it'll annoy to no end." Kirihara's face appeared before his mind's eye. "If you want, you can call me Shuu-chan. Fujiko-chan would work too," Fuji offered, having gotten used to Taka's nickname for him by now.
It had to be Akaya that Fuji was thinking about. Yukimura laughed softly, and later, smiled fondly at the image of his junior with little Masaharu in his arms. "Akaya's can be loud and brash, but he's basically a good kid, and he appears to be a good father too. Try not to antagonise him too much," he chuckled, then raised his brows as his eyes danced in merriment at Fuji's little nickname.
"Fujiko-chan? That's an interesting one," Yukimura murmured, saving Fuji's number under exactly that name. "I'll remember it always," he grinned, that rapidly degerated into a wicked smile. "Is there anyone I could annoy with it too?"
Fuji grinned back. "Oh, not too often, but it'll be fun once in a blue moon," he assured Yukimura. "Good fathers are hard to find." His face was colored with just a hint of sadness as he remembered how happy Taka had looked with Kenichi and Akutsu. "Ah ... that's Taka-san's nickname for me. Kawamura Takashi, of the sushi restaurant. He didn't play against Rikkai, but he was our powerhouse with Momoshiro in junior high," Fuji explained, in case Yukimura didn't recall Taka. "It might make him jealous," he added with a hint of hopefulness in his voice.
The wistful tone was not lost on Yukimura, but he decided not to call on that just yet - it was not in his place to do so. He didn't know Fuji that well after all, but he was growing fond of the man. People he cared about, he defended fiercely, and he could see Fuji's name coming on the list. "Well, we'll just have to try that one out, won't we, Fujiko-chan? I'm sorry to say I don't recall any Kawamura," Yukimura smiled slightly in apology. "Though I'd like to see what he's like."
Fuji smiled. "Perhaps I'll bring you to Kawamura Sushi sometime, Yuki-chan," he said. It would be an interesting way to see if Taka still felt the same way he did in high school, Fuji thought. "He's probably the best sushi chef in Tokyo, really. A pity he hadn't continued with tennis after junior high, but the sushi world needs him, I'm firmly sure of that." Oh yes, Fuji remembered. Taka hadn't played in the Nationals against Rikkaidai, and Yukimura wouldn't have known about the power player anyway, since only those of Tezuka's caliber had attracted his attention.
Really, when had he gotten fond of the Rikkai ex-captain, Fuji wondered absently. Perhaps this was what it was like to have a friend to laugh with and joke with, he thought. Fuji found himself missing Eiji, but he was starting to really like Yukimura.
Draining the last of his coffee, Yukimura wiped his lips with the serviette on the table. "I'll trust your judgement on that, and I'll be looking forward to that sushi trip then," he smiled. Oh, but that distant look on Fuji's face right now was priceless. He was sure not many people got to see this side of Fuji Shuusuke. Quickly reaching across the table, he snatched the Nikon from Fuji's hands, thanking his amateur training in SLRs and quickly took a picture of the tawny-haired man.
"You looked so much like a pining princess that this picture was begging to be taken," Yukimura grinned, then added slightly sheepishly. "I'm sorry if that offended you..."
Fuji blinked as he heard the 'click' of his own camera, and looked blankly at Yukimura for a moment, before breaking out into a slow, genuine smile. "You know, Yukimura, that's the first time someone's taken a picture of me with my own camera without asking first ... and succeeding." He took the camera back, and scrutinized himself on the screen. Fuji hadn't seen his own wistful face before, and he stared a moment.
Catching himself, he covered it with a joke. "Boy, I'm pretty photogenic too. I should charge hundreds an hour to have my picture taken, it must be a little less tiring than being the photographer." He had been tempted for a moment to delete the picture, but Fuji had learned from years and years of experience that one should never delete pictures if they weren't _absolutely bad_.
Fuji looked with new respect at Yukimura. "You're pretty good, you know. Not bad for someone who doesn't take pictures at all hours of the day."
/That/ blank look on Fuji's face made Yukimura laugh out loud, shoulders shaking in merriment, thankful the other wasn't offended by his lack of manners. Then again, he'd always been able to get away with most things, Yukimura thought to himself with no small amount of wicked glee. "Oh, I really should bring a camera of my own the next time I go out with you. These expressions of yours are priceless."
Stretching out a hand to brush Fuji's fringe from his eyes, Yukimura chuckled, now that the merriment has died down. "Yes, you're very pretty too. If we ever do a photo shoot together, I'm sure the pictures are going to rake in millions," Yukimura declared as he grinned shamelessly. If you've got it, flaunt it, he thought.
"Thank you for the compliment, I do a touch of photography on the side too, though I hardly have time these days," he sighed.
Fuji laughed, mock-pouting. "I wasn't like this before America. The touching, too, though I'm glad you don't seem to have any hang-ups about touching like some other people." He smiled fondly at the other.
Yukimura grinned. "No, no hangups whatsoever."
Fuji laughed. "Oh dear. One could take that in so many ways that would be so ... wrong."
Blinking at Fuji, the wavy-haired man's lips quirked in amusement. "I have no idea what you're talking about... care to elaborate?"
"Mmm, demonstrate might be easier," Fuji said with a glint in his eyes as he scooted over to sit on the arm of Yukimura's couch. Noticing Aki's glance, Fuji waved, and then grinned down at Yukimura as he sat there, leaning easily on the other man and maintaining some body contact. "No hangups about this?"
With a playful twinkle in his eyes, Yukimura winked at Aki before wrapping an arm around Fuji's waist. "I've told you I have no hangups about these things," he purred.
"Oh, really," Fuji chuckled, patting Yukimura's arm. He thought a moment, then gained a rather naughty glint. Fuji Shuusuke, you are going playing with fire, he warned himself, but this was so much fun. Let it never be said Fuji Shuusuke didn't know how to have fun, he thought, and without warning, got up ... only to settle himself gracefully in Yukimura's lap.
"No hangups at all?" Fuji grinned. No one in Japan that Fuji had met ever could get past this stage.
Yukimura raised an eyebrow. Fuji wanted to play? Sure, he'd play along. He recognised a challenge when he saw one. Tucking Fuji's hair behind his ears, the wavy-haired man purred into Fuji's ear. "I really don't like repeating myself, Fujiko-chan."
Fuji grinned. Well then, he'd get comfortable on his newfound chair for a bit. Grabbing his camera, Fuji did some quick adjustments. "Say cheese," he instructed, pressing his cheeks to Yukimura's and smiling his niko smile.
As the camera clicked, Fuji heard the sound of a cup breaking from the counter, and looked over to see Aki, frozen, an expression of ... what was that, desire? shock? Ah, it was so much fun to tease, Fuji thought with a satisfied grin.
Having been trained by his part-time job to be always ready for a camera, Yukimura smiled effortlessly into the lens of the Nikon, before breaking out into laughter at the sound of breaking china.
He whispered to Fuji. "I think Aki-san likes what he sees... think we should get a picture of that?"
Fuji grinned. "Nah ... we'll probably be back next week. We'll let him have some privacy for now." He winked at Yukimura. Perhaps this year would be a lot of fun.
[ooc: Yukimura needs a tag!]