Chapter 3
Title: Requiem of the Rising Tide (3/?)
Author: akiryu
Pairing[s]: Implied Aki/Mizuki(I'll be making a side-story with that), other pairings later.
Band[s]: Sadie, Mucc, mentions of alice nine, maybe some others later on.
Rating: PG-13
Warning[s]: Some language
Synopsis: Aki feels like he's running around in circles.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I own nobody.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
The next day, Aki felt better. He had something to eat; his fever had disappeared. The bassist was still worried about dealing with Mizuki, but more and more he got the feeling that things would be alright. Although he hadn’t know the guitarist as long as Mao; he thought that as long as they talked it out there would be an understanding.
After he finished getting ready, he left; driving to the area around Mizuki’s place. Luckily, he found a parking spot. He hesitated before knocking on the door, feeling slightly uneasy before brushing it off.
“Mizuki-kun?” He knocked a bit, but there was no answer.
The longer he waited outside the guitarist’s door, the more he worried. He couldn’t hear any sounds coming from the place. After becoming somewhat impatient, he called Mizuki’s home phone, hoping the other would answer. Instead of hearing the younger male’s trademark talkative voice, all he heard was the answering machine. He left a message before calling the guitarist’s cell phone. Once again, Aki had to leave a message. He sighed to himself before calling one of the only people he thought could help. Kei. Mizuki and the drummer often hung out together, so the bassist figured Kei’d at least have some answers. The drummer always appeared to cling near Mizuki, and only seemed to shine brightly when they were together.
“Oh hey! Wine boy! Since I can’t really call you ‘chained’ any more..” Kai laughed, teasing a little.
Aki couldn’t help but be comforted somewhat by the normalcy. “Mizuki-kun. Where is he? He’s avoiding me.”
“Umm..I’m not supposed to tell you. But, maybe someone else’d know too? I know you’re our bandleader and all, but Mizu-kun’s my friend. I want you to both work it out, but I don’t want to betray his friendship so much. I’ll give you a clue; it’s who you’ve known longest.”
The answer was easy to the bassist. “I understand. Thank you, Kei-kun.”
He could almost sense Kei’s smile through the phone. “No problem! Good luck.”
Aki quickly hung up before dialing another number. Out of Sadie, the person he had known longest was Mao. As a result, the vocalist was someone he felt he could trust, one of the few people he knew he could always depend on.
“Wondering about Mizu-kun?” Mao’s voice calmed him.
The bassist smiled slightly, hiding it behind his bangs even though nobody else was around. “Am I becoming that predictable to you? You know me too well.”
“He’s over at Hiroto-san’s. I don’t know where that is, though. Sorry that I’m that much help.”
“It’s better than nothing. I can ask Tatsurou-san if he knows. Even if he might not know where it is, he should have Hiroto-san’s number.”
“Figures you’d find a way. It always feels like you can just get through anything. Please make sure not to treat Mizu-kun too harshly. I know how cold you can seem at times.” The vocalist quietly laughed.
“Thanks. Later.”
As he headed back to his car, he started dialing Tatsurou’s number. It felt as though the vocalist would never answer.
“Fucking scared me, Ki-kun. I ended up spooking my cats by stepping on Tet-chan’s tail. What’s up? How did things go with Mizucchi?”
He imagined the scene with Tatsruou’s cat, and chuckled a little before answering. “He’s at Hiroto-san’s. Do you know where he lives, or at least a number?”
“Pon? I don’t know where he lives, but I have his number. Lemme see…” Aki could hear the shuffling of papers as he got into his car and waited.
The bassist figured Tatsurou was messy, so it didn’t surprise him at all when it took a while for the vocalist to give him Hiroto’s number.
Aki wrote the number on a piece of paper. “Thanks. I’ll call you back when this is over.”
“Wait. Umm what if Pon doesn’t answer? I only have that cell number, so if he doesn’t; you’ll have to wait until Mizucchi comes back or something.”
“I’ll either wait for him or figure out where Hiroto-san lives.”
“Jeez, you really don’t give up…whichever you decide, I’m going with you.”
“You don’t have to. You’ve already helped.” Aki played around with his lip piercing.
“Call me after you’ve called Pon.”
He started to feel a bit irritated by the vocalist. “I don’t have to.”
“But you will.” He could feel Tatsurou’s grin through the phone, and shuddered a little. “I’ll treat you to some booze and cigarettes~”
Mizuki must’ve told him some of my weaknesses. “Deal. You better not fake out.” Part of him felt as though he was being a sucker, but at least he would be getting something out of it.
Aki didn’t mind the other’s company; it felt as though they kept testing each other out, especially Tatsurou. “Later, Ki-kun~”
“You better quit calling me that.” He grumbled.
Tatsurou laughed. “Think of a nickname for me, then.”
He thought a bit and then answered. “Later, Tatsu-kun.”
After he dialed Hiroto’s number, he tapped on his leg quietly. It felt as though he was in a wild goose chase, or as if he was a chicken running around with its head cut off. His mind ran wild with multitudes of curse words as nobody answered. Aki felt a bit lost before dialing Tatsurou’s number again.
“…” He didn’t feel like talking.
“Pon didn’t answer, right? Hey, it’s okay. I’ll give you the address to my place. It’ll be alright.”
The bassist sighed, still not saying anything. He vaguely recalled writing down Tatsurou’s address, then hardly recollected the drive to the vocalist’s place. He only snapped out of his stupor after he’d knocked on the taller man’s door.
“Come on, don’t just stand there.” Aki looked up at him.
Apparently, he had stood there for a few seconds dumbly and hadn’t even remembered Tatsurou opening the door. He followed the taller man in quietly, slipping off his shoes. Aki noticed the pets that lingered around the apartment, one of which rubbed against his legs. The bassist felt that the animal suited Tatsurou; for he seemed rather cat-like himself, albeit more like a stray. Or a stray dog…Aki thought to himself. A stray..because he seems to just do his own thing, without much to regard to others. A cat because they’re selfish. A dog because he seems loyal. Or maybe I just think too much.
He forced his thoughts on the vocalist aside as Tatsurou had told him to ‘make himself at home.’ Aki sat on the couch; although it seemed a bit worn it was comfy, which the bassist was thankful for. He glanced around the apartment. It was slightly messy just as he thought, but a sort of ordered messy.
He felt his space being invaded as the vocalist sat close to him, staring intently. “Feel better than yesterday?”
“In some ways, yes. In other ways; no. My hangover’s gone.” He shrugged.
“I’m sure things’ll work out soon. Loosen up, man.”
“I know. You’re right.” He closed his eyes and by the time he had realized Tatsurou was gone, the other had returned.
“Here.” Aki opened his eyes, taking a beer from Tatsurou.
The vocalist sat near him again, only this time he could feel a light weight on his shoulders; the taller man had his arms around them a bit. In some ways, it comforted Aki even though he knew that it shouldn’t, so he gently moved out from under it. Tatsurou blinked at him before opening his can; the bassist could faintly hear a ‘my bad’ coming out of the vocalist’s mouth.
“You’re always off getting something done. Do you take time for yourself? It feels like you don’t enough.”
“Life is too short to waste. I’d rather get this over with quickly, than have it loom over Mizuki-kun, myself and the band. That way we’ll be able to enjoy things without something like that to bother us.”
“…Are you ticklish?”
“No.” Aki sipped his beer slowly, taking his time.
“Oh.” The vocalist sounded a bit disappointed.
“Why?”
“Nothing…ah, Mizucchi told me a lot about you.”
“So…?” He looked over at Tatsurou.
“I’m just curious. He seems to like you a lot. It made me wonder about you, you know? About what you’re like…so I told him I wanted to meet you, is all. And then this stuff happens.”
“People are generally more curious about my bandmates.” In a way, Aki sort of resented the fact but it meant he wasn't bothered as often.
“Well, I’m not one of them.” The bassist could feel the honesty coming from Tatsurou’s words.
“….” Aki stared down at his beer.
“He said that you come off as cold, and even though you are at times; part of you is warm. You’re strict but it’s more like tough love.” The vocalist smiled at him softly.
“What are you trying to get at?” The bassist couldn’t help but feel curious.
“People shouldn’t overlook you, is all. They’re missing out. Their loss..so maybe my gain?” Tatsurou laughed lightly.
“Says you.” He drank some more.
“Aww I love you too.” The taller man grinned, joking.
“I’ve been wondering when you’d say that since I fell for you the moment I saw you.” He looked seriously into Tatsurou’s eyes, holding a straight face even though he was joking.
“Fuck! You’re kidding, aren’t you?! So horrible.” The vocalist grumbled before chugging more beer.
“You’re the one that almost thought that I was being serious.”
“Oi, are you saying I’m stupid? I’ll kick you out.” Tatsurou’s face changed into a small pout as he poked Aki’s shoulder.
“You wouldn’t.”
The vocalist sighed, slightly defeated. “You’re right.”
The pair sat together quietly for a while, finishing their beers.
“How do you feel about Mizucchi?”
“Never thought you were a gossipy girl.” Aki chuckled.
“It’s not like that! Mizucchi and I are friends, so I’m curious.” The vocalist huffed a little.
Mizuki…he had to think a while. The guitarist was younger, and in a way tended to follow trends as he blogged often. It was good in in that it allowed him to connect with the fans more. He seemed to enjoy Aki’s company and it was like he was a ray of sunshine bursting through the bassist’s dark clouds. Because they were in the same band if they were together; it would be rare they’d be apart but sometimes Aki liked being on his own. Even though he knew the guitarist was good at being able to tell when he wanted to be left alone, it’d still bother him a little. Mizuki was nice, friendly, perverted, outgoing; they shared some similarities yet were different. There were things about him that were definitely alluring to the bassist; but he wasn’t sure if he wanted their relationship to develop further. He kept getting the feeling that he’d have to turn the guitarist down politely. The fact that it felt as though Mizuki had run away rather than face things with Aki was something he didn’t like. Even if it was something painful to the bassist, if he felt as though it was something that needed to be done he’d do it. Sure, Mizuki could also be taking his time; but he could’ve at least called to say that. It felt a bit to Aki like a slap in the face, as if Mizuki didn’t trust him enough with things; yet he trusted Mao, Kei, and even Hiroto more yet he knew Hiroto the least. Maybe he’s afraid, but you’ve got to face that stuff someday. It’s unavoidable.
“Mizuki-kun and I’ll talk about it. I’ll tell you after.”
Tatsurou nodded, not pressing him on the subject. “I’ll be waiting.”
“You must be getting a kick out of me running around like this.” He rolled his eyes.
“Not really. You’re just worried, aren’t you? Trying so hard to work things out. Ki-kun’s a good person.” The vocalist purred.
“I’m just dong what I feel needs to be done.”
“Why you’re a band leader..” Tatsurou grinned, putting his arm over Aki’s shoulders again.
This time, Aki didn’t pull the taller man’s arm away. He watched as the vocalist pulled something out of his pocket.
“Here. Mizucchi kept saying that these were the kinds of cigarettes you like.” He handed the pack to Aki, who put it away.
“Thanks. You’re always doing stuff for me. You don’t have to, though.”
“Consider it as payback for spending time with me.” Tatsurou nodded.
Aki chuckled. “You’re weird.”
“And you’re not?” The vocalist teased.
“You’re just nice. Like I said before, it feels like that’s uncommon now. And when people are, a lot of times it’s fake. You’re genuine.”
“Ah…thank you.” Tatsurou said quietly.
The taller man reached for the remote on the coffee table and turned on the TV. The pair watched the screen silently. Aki remembered again that Tatsurou’s arm was around his shoulders, but paid it no mind. The dull sounds of the TV helped Aki relax for the first time he had in days.
Author: akiryu
Pairing[s]: Implied Aki/Mizuki(I'll be making a side-story with that), other pairings later.
Band[s]: Sadie, Mucc, mentions of alice nine, maybe some others later on.
Rating: PG-13
Warning[s]: Some language
Synopsis: Aki feels like he's running around in circles.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I own nobody.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
The next day, Aki felt better. He had something to eat; his fever had disappeared. The bassist was still worried about dealing with Mizuki, but more and more he got the feeling that things would be alright. Although he hadn’t know the guitarist as long as Mao; he thought that as long as they talked it out there would be an understanding.
After he finished getting ready, he left; driving to the area around Mizuki’s place. Luckily, he found a parking spot. He hesitated before knocking on the door, feeling slightly uneasy before brushing it off.
“Mizuki-kun?” He knocked a bit, but there was no answer.
The longer he waited outside the guitarist’s door, the more he worried. He couldn’t hear any sounds coming from the place. After becoming somewhat impatient, he called Mizuki’s home phone, hoping the other would answer. Instead of hearing the younger male’s trademark talkative voice, all he heard was the answering machine. He left a message before calling the guitarist’s cell phone. Once again, Aki had to leave a message. He sighed to himself before calling one of the only people he thought could help. Kei. Mizuki and the drummer often hung out together, so the bassist figured Kei’d at least have some answers. The drummer always appeared to cling near Mizuki, and only seemed to shine brightly when they were together.
“Oh hey! Wine boy! Since I can’t really call you ‘chained’ any more..” Kai laughed, teasing a little.
Aki couldn’t help but be comforted somewhat by the normalcy. “Mizuki-kun. Where is he? He’s avoiding me.”
“Umm..I’m not supposed to tell you. But, maybe someone else’d know too? I know you’re our bandleader and all, but Mizu-kun’s my friend. I want you to both work it out, but I don’t want to betray his friendship so much. I’ll give you a clue; it’s who you’ve known longest.”
The answer was easy to the bassist. “I understand. Thank you, Kei-kun.”
He could almost sense Kei’s smile through the phone. “No problem! Good luck.”
Aki quickly hung up before dialing another number. Out of Sadie, the person he had known longest was Mao. As a result, the vocalist was someone he felt he could trust, one of the few people he knew he could always depend on.
“Wondering about Mizu-kun?” Mao’s voice calmed him.
The bassist smiled slightly, hiding it behind his bangs even though nobody else was around. “Am I becoming that predictable to you? You know me too well.”
“He’s over at Hiroto-san’s. I don’t know where that is, though. Sorry that I’m that much help.”
“It’s better than nothing. I can ask Tatsurou-san if he knows. Even if he might not know where it is, he should have Hiroto-san’s number.”
“Figures you’d find a way. It always feels like you can just get through anything. Please make sure not to treat Mizu-kun too harshly. I know how cold you can seem at times.” The vocalist quietly laughed.
“Thanks. Later.”
As he headed back to his car, he started dialing Tatsurou’s number. It felt as though the vocalist would never answer.
“Fucking scared me, Ki-kun. I ended up spooking my cats by stepping on Tet-chan’s tail. What’s up? How did things go with Mizucchi?”
He imagined the scene with Tatsruou’s cat, and chuckled a little before answering. “He’s at Hiroto-san’s. Do you know where he lives, or at least a number?”
“Pon? I don’t know where he lives, but I have his number. Lemme see…” Aki could hear the shuffling of papers as he got into his car and waited.
The bassist figured Tatsurou was messy, so it didn’t surprise him at all when it took a while for the vocalist to give him Hiroto’s number.
Aki wrote the number on a piece of paper. “Thanks. I’ll call you back when this is over.”
“Wait. Umm what if Pon doesn’t answer? I only have that cell number, so if he doesn’t; you’ll have to wait until Mizucchi comes back or something.”
“I’ll either wait for him or figure out where Hiroto-san lives.”
“Jeez, you really don’t give up…whichever you decide, I’m going with you.”
“You don’t have to. You’ve already helped.” Aki played around with his lip piercing.
“Call me after you’ve called Pon.”
He started to feel a bit irritated by the vocalist. “I don’t have to.”
“But you will.” He could feel Tatsurou’s grin through the phone, and shuddered a little. “I’ll treat you to some booze and cigarettes~”
Mizuki must’ve told him some of my weaknesses. “Deal. You better not fake out.” Part of him felt as though he was being a sucker, but at least he would be getting something out of it.
Aki didn’t mind the other’s company; it felt as though they kept testing each other out, especially Tatsurou. “Later, Ki-kun~”
“You better quit calling me that.” He grumbled.
Tatsurou laughed. “Think of a nickname for me, then.”
He thought a bit and then answered. “Later, Tatsu-kun.”
After he dialed Hiroto’s number, he tapped on his leg quietly. It felt as though he was in a wild goose chase, or as if he was a chicken running around with its head cut off. His mind ran wild with multitudes of curse words as nobody answered. Aki felt a bit lost before dialing Tatsurou’s number again.
“…” He didn’t feel like talking.
“Pon didn’t answer, right? Hey, it’s okay. I’ll give you the address to my place. It’ll be alright.”
The bassist sighed, still not saying anything. He vaguely recalled writing down Tatsurou’s address, then hardly recollected the drive to the vocalist’s place. He only snapped out of his stupor after he’d knocked on the taller man’s door.
“Come on, don’t just stand there.” Aki looked up at him.
Apparently, he had stood there for a few seconds dumbly and hadn’t even remembered Tatsurou opening the door. He followed the taller man in quietly, slipping off his shoes. Aki noticed the pets that lingered around the apartment, one of which rubbed against his legs. The bassist felt that the animal suited Tatsurou; for he seemed rather cat-like himself, albeit more like a stray. Or a stray dog…Aki thought to himself. A stray..because he seems to just do his own thing, without much to regard to others. A cat because they’re selfish. A dog because he seems loyal. Or maybe I just think too much.
He forced his thoughts on the vocalist aside as Tatsurou had told him to ‘make himself at home.’ Aki sat on the couch; although it seemed a bit worn it was comfy, which the bassist was thankful for. He glanced around the apartment. It was slightly messy just as he thought, but a sort of ordered messy.
He felt his space being invaded as the vocalist sat close to him, staring intently. “Feel better than yesterday?”
“In some ways, yes. In other ways; no. My hangover’s gone.” He shrugged.
“I’m sure things’ll work out soon. Loosen up, man.”
“I know. You’re right.” He closed his eyes and by the time he had realized Tatsurou was gone, the other had returned.
“Here.” Aki opened his eyes, taking a beer from Tatsurou.
The vocalist sat near him again, only this time he could feel a light weight on his shoulders; the taller man had his arms around them a bit. In some ways, it comforted Aki even though he knew that it shouldn’t, so he gently moved out from under it. Tatsurou blinked at him before opening his can; the bassist could faintly hear a ‘my bad’ coming out of the vocalist’s mouth.
“You’re always off getting something done. Do you take time for yourself? It feels like you don’t enough.”
“Life is too short to waste. I’d rather get this over with quickly, than have it loom over Mizuki-kun, myself and the band. That way we’ll be able to enjoy things without something like that to bother us.”
“…Are you ticklish?”
“No.” Aki sipped his beer slowly, taking his time.
“Oh.” The vocalist sounded a bit disappointed.
“Why?”
“Nothing…ah, Mizucchi told me a lot about you.”
“So…?” He looked over at Tatsurou.
“I’m just curious. He seems to like you a lot. It made me wonder about you, you know? About what you’re like…so I told him I wanted to meet you, is all. And then this stuff happens.”
“People are generally more curious about my bandmates.” In a way, Aki sort of resented the fact but it meant he wasn't bothered as often.
“Well, I’m not one of them.” The bassist could feel the honesty coming from Tatsurou’s words.
“….” Aki stared down at his beer.
“He said that you come off as cold, and even though you are at times; part of you is warm. You’re strict but it’s more like tough love.” The vocalist smiled at him softly.
“What are you trying to get at?” The bassist couldn’t help but feel curious.
“People shouldn’t overlook you, is all. They’re missing out. Their loss..so maybe my gain?” Tatsurou laughed lightly.
“Says you.” He drank some more.
“Aww I love you too.” The taller man grinned, joking.
“I’ve been wondering when you’d say that since I fell for you the moment I saw you.” He looked seriously into Tatsurou’s eyes, holding a straight face even though he was joking.
“Fuck! You’re kidding, aren’t you?! So horrible.” The vocalist grumbled before chugging more beer.
“You’re the one that almost thought that I was being serious.”
“Oi, are you saying I’m stupid? I’ll kick you out.” Tatsurou’s face changed into a small pout as he poked Aki’s shoulder.
“You wouldn’t.”
The vocalist sighed, slightly defeated. “You’re right.”
The pair sat together quietly for a while, finishing their beers.
“How do you feel about Mizucchi?”
“Never thought you were a gossipy girl.” Aki chuckled.
“It’s not like that! Mizucchi and I are friends, so I’m curious.” The vocalist huffed a little.
Mizuki…he had to think a while. The guitarist was younger, and in a way tended to follow trends as he blogged often. It was good in in that it allowed him to connect with the fans more. He seemed to enjoy Aki’s company and it was like he was a ray of sunshine bursting through the bassist’s dark clouds. Because they were in the same band if they were together; it would be rare they’d be apart but sometimes Aki liked being on his own. Even though he knew the guitarist was good at being able to tell when he wanted to be left alone, it’d still bother him a little. Mizuki was nice, friendly, perverted, outgoing; they shared some similarities yet were different. There were things about him that were definitely alluring to the bassist; but he wasn’t sure if he wanted their relationship to develop further. He kept getting the feeling that he’d have to turn the guitarist down politely. The fact that it felt as though Mizuki had run away rather than face things with Aki was something he didn’t like. Even if it was something painful to the bassist, if he felt as though it was something that needed to be done he’d do it. Sure, Mizuki could also be taking his time; but he could’ve at least called to say that. It felt a bit to Aki like a slap in the face, as if Mizuki didn’t trust him enough with things; yet he trusted Mao, Kei, and even Hiroto more yet he knew Hiroto the least. Maybe he’s afraid, but you’ve got to face that stuff someday. It’s unavoidable.
“Mizuki-kun and I’ll talk about it. I’ll tell you after.”
Tatsurou nodded, not pressing him on the subject. “I’ll be waiting.”
“You must be getting a kick out of me running around like this.” He rolled his eyes.
“Not really. You’re just worried, aren’t you? Trying so hard to work things out. Ki-kun’s a good person.” The vocalist purred.
“I’m just dong what I feel needs to be done.”
“Why you’re a band leader..” Tatsurou grinned, putting his arm over Aki’s shoulders again.
This time, Aki didn’t pull the taller man’s arm away. He watched as the vocalist pulled something out of his pocket.
“Here. Mizucchi kept saying that these were the kinds of cigarettes you like.” He handed the pack to Aki, who put it away.
“Thanks. You’re always doing stuff for me. You don’t have to, though.”
“Consider it as payback for spending time with me.” Tatsurou nodded.
Aki chuckled. “You’re weird.”
“And you’re not?” The vocalist teased.
“You’re just nice. Like I said before, it feels like that’s uncommon now. And when people are, a lot of times it’s fake. You’re genuine.”
“Ah…thank you.” Tatsurou said quietly.
The taller man reached for the remote on the coffee table and turned on the TV. The pair watched the screen silently. Aki remembered again that Tatsurou’s arm was around his shoulders, but paid it no mind. The dull sounds of the TV helped Aki relax for the first time he had in days.