You and the Night and the Music
Track 1/?
Pairing: FujiTezuka
Rating: G
Genre: Romance
Word Count: 2800
A/N: The music has began, will they dance their hearts out? Or just let it end?
an AU for my OTP and some OOCness. The intro is quite long (sorry)
I do not own Prince of Tennis nor the lyrics (Strangers in the night) used in this fic
tacuma811 , thank you for always helping me!
Next Chapters: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/4780.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/5977.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/6307.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/7665.html
~Strangers in the night
Two lonely people, we were strangers in the night
Up to the moment when we said our first hello little did we know
Love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away~
He just won his third consecutive Wimbledon trophy for the Gentlemen’s Singles Division earlier. After the awarding ceremony, he went straight back to his hotel, had his dinner and slept. He was awakened by a loud knock on his door made by his friend.
‘Tezuka, choose from these three suits and go take a shower quickly!’ commanded Atobe as he entered his room. ‘We will rule the streets of London tonight before we go home to Japan,’ Atobe continued while making his self comfortable on one of the sofas.
Tezuka felt his sleepiness flew out through the window. He knew that once the purplish-grey haired man decided on something, there’s no stopping him. If he refused, his trespassing friend would torture him with phone calls, non-stop knocks on his hotel room, or even worse; he might be dragged out of the room by Atobe’s special body guards, which he didn’t want to happen.
The suits that Atobe brought were formal, but meant to use for non-business affairs. He also has his own set, but all of them were already nicely folded and packed inside his traveling bag. They’ll be leaving London the day after tomorrow, after all.
Tezuka sighed deeply and asked, ‘What are you planning, Atobe? I am tired and I don’t have time to play games with you.’
Atobe’s eyes glimmered and smiled, ‘You’re the same as always Tezuka. You just won your third trophy so we are meant to celebrate tonight,’ Atobe said using a majestic tone. ‘Now, hurry up and don’t be a slack.’ the diva continued.
Atobe grabbed his arms and shove him inside the shower. Tezuka felt his temples throb. He massaged it with his fingertips and turned on the shower without adjusting the temperature. He faced the shower head and let the cold water wash away the remaining sleepiness he had.
Being a friend of a diva, who treats and thinks of himself a king is very tiring. They’ve known each other since they were in middle school and been friends for years. They were from the same year but from different schools. He was from Seishun Gakuen Middle School while Atobe was from Hyotei Gakuen Middle School. They were both captains of their respective school’s tennis club and became rivals. When they were in their senior year, both schools participated in the Nationals Tournament, but Seigaku grabbed the Championship. After graduating, he went to high school and started competing internationally. Atobe, being a son of a multi millionaire, was entrusted to run their companies. Instead of competing, he busied himself with manufacturing and importing tennis supplies all over the world. Two years ago they met again, when he won his first Wimbledon trophy. After that, Atobe, with so much free time in his hands acted like his manager and more often than not, the source of his headaches.
Thirty minutes have passed when he went out of the bathroom to find Atobe, now with Echizen, Inui and Oshitari. All dressed in suits and prepped up, waiting for him.
‘What took you so long, Tezuka-buchou?’ asked Echizen, who looked more mature without his signature cap on and with his two piece white suit.
‘There’s a 100% probability that Tezuka was contemplating what's on Atobe’s mind while he was inside the shower,’ Inui said with a matter-of-fact tone.
Without changing facial expressions, Tezuka started drying his dark brown hair and stared at the two. Like him, Inui and Echizen were from Seigaku and were also members of the tennis club. Inui and he were at the same year while the shorter young man was two years younger. As the captain of the team everyone called him buchou and Echizen made it a habit and still calls him that up to now. Oshitari was Atobe’s classmate and team mate. The three made it in to the international scene just a little after him. Being a prodigy, Echizen has two US Open trophies under his belt, making him the youngest tennis super star. While Inui ventured out in the Doubles division and became partners with Oshitari and they just won their second Wimbledon trophy last week.
‘Your attack is very slow, Tezuka,’ Oshitari said, bringing him back to reality. ‘We need to hurry up or the doors will be closing in on us,’ the blue haired man continued.
Tezuka became more puzzled and raised a questioningly eyebrow. Echizen and Inui only shrugged their shoulders and he got no answer from Atobe and Oshitari. Tezuka sighed deeply and paced to his room to change.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
All dressed up into his two piece tweed suit, with buttons undone, Tezuka wore his glasses and ran a hand to his never cooperative hair. He made one last look at the mirror and went out of his room. Then they made their way to one of Atobe’s luxury car and drove through the night of London.
After fifteen minutes, they stopped in to one of the main street of London. Tezuka soon realized the reason why the need for such formalities. They were in front of London’s finest club, which was strictly a member’s bar. The club entrance was by guest list and was always at the discretion of the management.
With the look on Inui and Echizen’s faces, Tezuka knew that they also did not know what they were into until now. The three of them were not members of the club and there’s only one person who could manage to put them on the guests list. Atobe. There’s no doubt about it, Tezuka thought to himself.
‘Na, Tezuka, keep your questions to yourself and let’s go inside,’ Atobe said loudly, without batting an eyelash. ‘This will be our pre-celebration!’ continued the diva and walked inside after exchanging few words with the receptionist.
The doubles partner adjusted their glasses and trailed behind Atobe.
‘Well I guess we have no choice, might as well enjoy the night, right buchou?’ Echizen blurted out and sashayed his way towards the entrance leaving Tezuka dumbfounded.
Keeping his self calm, Tezuka adjusted his suit and started pacing but his attention was caught by a poster hanging on the entrance door.
“CAERULEAN LIVE!
A one night intimate performance”
July 4, 20xx @ 08:00 PM
He had seen the band’s name in newspapers, magazines and television, but didn’t pay attention to any details. Tezuka was a little impressed; performing in an exclusive and famous bar in London isn’t easy to pull off. They may be really popular, Tezuka thought. He looked at his watch and checked the date and time. The show was that night and would start in fifteen minutes. When the receptionist saw him looking at the poster, she smiled and told him that the performance will be held at the main bar, downstairs. He thanked the lady and passed through the entrance.
As he continued walking, Tezuka found himself admitting that the place oozes opulence and devotes a superior level of exclusivity. Gilt-edged antique mirrors adorn the walls and lavish chandeliers set the tone. After descending the chandelier lit, mirrored stairwell, a long black marble corridor unfolded to him. It was lit softly by thousands of LED’s, offering a breathtaking optical.
After passing through the “seems to be endless” corridor, Tezuka was surprised. The room was crowded, but they were not just your ordinary crowd; most of them were from the sports and music industry, having drinks and socializing with each other.
A tap on his shoulder almost made Tezuka flinched. He saw a smiling Inui when he turned around.
‘Don’t just stand there Tezuka, come here and let’s take a seat,’ the taller man said and beckoned him to follow.
He saw Echizen, Atobe and Oshitari comfortably seated in the leather seating, which was sporadically spaced throughout the room.
‘You didn’t tell me that we will be clubbing tonight, Atobe,’ Tezuka accused his arrogant and narcissistic friend while sitting himself beside Oshitari.
The smile on Atobe’s face showed his satisfaction. ‘Well, if I told you, I bet you won’t come along, would you, Tezuka?’ asked the self proclaimed king. ‘And besides, be thankful because you were saved from my guards dragging you here,’ Atobe continued in a matter of fact tone.
Tezuka having nothing to do to get himself out of the situation only nodded and managed to say ‘Ah, thank you ATOBE, for not dragging me here,’ sourly.
‘Mada mada dane, buchou,’ added Echizen, as if adding salt to his wound.
Oshitari who was just listening smiled and said. ‘Really, Atobe and I have been friends for a decade now, but still I am having a hard time understanding him.’
Atobe, who was still smiling just looked at them and turned to face the stage. Their seat was 10 meters away from the circular stage. The platform was a ruler high off the floor. There was a grand piano and a drum set arranged at it. Then suddenly, the chandeliers went off, making the LED’s the only source of light for the room. The crowd became quiet, loud conversations turned into whispers and Tezuka felt the excitement rose. They heard the tuning of the bass and lead guitars, the playful tone of the piano and beats of the drums.
Atobe stood and greeted a man approaching them. He shook hands with the newcomer and guided the latter to a free seat beside them. Atobe faced them and introduced them one by one.
‘Guys, this is the man behind the band, their manager and a friend, Oishi Shuichirou.’
Inui opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Atobe, who said ‘Yes Inui, the band members are Japanese too.’
Oishi nodded in agreement and warmly smiled.
The purplish-grey haired man continued. ‘I am sure that you’ve read about these young men. First off are the Geniuses of the court, Oshitari Yuushi and Inui Sadaharu.’ The partners adjusted their glasses in unison and bowed their heads.
‘And this is Echizen Ryoma, the youngest and the cheekiest superstar in the tennis world,’ Atobe said while Echizen glared at him and nodded his head to Oishi.
Before Atobe could continue, Tezuka stood to offer his hand to Oishi and made the introduction himself. ‘Tezuka Kunimitsu, nice to meet you Oishi-san.’
Oishi smiled and shook Tezuka’s hand. ‘It's a pleasure to meet you too and please drop the formalities, you can call me Oishi,’ said the smiling man with dark, clean cut hair.
‘Then, you can just call me Tezuka, Oishi.’ Tezuka said and returned to his seat.
While exchanging words and drinking some champagnes, the LED’s and chandeliers suddenly turned blue. A spotlight illuminated the stage and the piano started playing. Tezuka ran his eyes around the stage. The young man behind the drums was wearing a black shirt and a blue bandana. A spiky haired one with a leather sports jacket was strumming the bass skillfully. The pianist has red hair, which was highlighted by his electric blue button down shirt. And finally, his eyes were settled at the young man in the middle. The lead guitarist has honey-brown, almost shoulder length hair. Sporting a shorts sleeves, knee length, and sapphire changsan, that suited him well even though it is normally worn by women. A dark washed fitted jeans and black high cut sneakers complimented his lean and small stature.
‘You’re staring too much, buchou,’ whispered Echizen while drinking his favorite soda, Ponta.
Tezuka felt his blood rushed to his face. He cleared his throat and rested his back on the soft and leather seat, feeling embarrassed. Tezuka took a sip on his champagne and wondered if he was really looking.
His thoughts and attention were robbed by a soft and sweet voice. When he looked at the stage, he saw the lead guitarist holding on to the microphone’s stand and singing with his eyes closed. The song that they were playing was neither fast nor slow. The sounds and words were beautifully arranged. Their style’s a collaboration of rock and classical music, harmoniously blending the two genres together.
‘This band is good. No wonder they were invited to perform here,’ Oshitari commented that made Inui and Echizen nod in agreement.
Oishi heard Oshitari and said. ‘I am glad that you are enjoying their performance. The boys really worked hard to get this far, composing their own songs and arranging the music.’ like a proud mother.
True to his words, the band brought the audience into a new world with every song, including him. Unconsciously, Tezuka’s eyes stopped at the lead vocals, again. His fair skin seemed translucent under the lights of the chandeliers and spotlight. Honey-brown hair was accentuating his feminine-like features. His lips and voice were seductively singing each note. He was wearing horned rimmed glasses, shadowing his smiling eyes. He’s too pretty for a boy, Tezuka thought, but was surprised by his realization. What was I was thinking? He asked himself and felt his cheeks getting warmer. When he couldn’t get any answer from himself, he blamed the alcohol and decided to close his eyes and just listen. But before he could do so, the smiling eyes flew open and met his.
The applause from the crowd and from his friends broke their gaze. Tezuka snapped back to reality and realized that he was holding his breath and felt more blood rushing to his cheeks. It was a good thing that the room was dark or else his friends noticed him.
‘Thank you for coming here tonight! It is a great pleasure performing for you all and we hope that you are enjoying the show,’ the bass guitarist said loudly to the crowd.
The crowd couldn’t help but cheer to answer the band’s acknowledgement.
The spiky-haired man continued. ‘That was just a taste of tonight’s menu. We will just take a quick break. So everyone, enjoy your food and drinks first then later Caerulean will serve your desserts.
Then the four of them stepped off the stage and went backstage. The lighting went back to normal and the crowd continued where they left off.
‘Now, it’s time to meet the stars,’ Atobe announced who stood up, followed by Oishi.
‘I am sure that Momo and Kaidoh will be thrilled when they see the four of you. They are one of your biggest fans,’ said Oishi now leading the way.
After passing through a huge antique door, a new room welcomed them. It has a vividly different aura to the rest of the club. Walls and leather seating were all white and softly lit by gentle blue lighting, inspiring a cool and calm feeling. The room was only occupied by four young men, who were seating at the furthest table near the cocktail bar. When they were almost at the table, they heard loud noises. The young man with bandana was having an argument with the spiky-haired bass guitarist. Oishi went ahead of them and stopped the two.
‘Hey, stopped that and behave yourselves. Atobe is here with his friends and they are here to meet you,’ Oishi said in a mother-like tone.
The two young men became quiet and their eyes grew wide when they saw Tezuka’s group approaching them. The red-haired pianist laughed while standing and beckoned the two to do the same.
Atobe smiled at the band and took the liberty in introducing his company, Tezuka included this time. Tezuka couldn’t do anything and just grunted his throat while Atobe raised an eyebrow to him, smiling.
Oishi cleared his throat and started the introduction of the band with Kikumaru Eiji, the bouncy pianist who teased Echizen immediately and called him “ochibi.” The loud bass guitarist was Momoshiro Takeshi and Kaidoh Kaoru was the bandana boy. Then they shook hands. Oishi let the remaining unknown person to introduce his self.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you all, I am Fuji Shusuke. Like everyone else, you can drop the formalities and just call me Fuji, Caerulean’s lead vocals and guitarist,' Fuji said and smiled warmly while offering his hand.
When it was Tezuka’s turn to shake Fuji’s hand, the smaller man removed his glasses and opened his eyes. Tezuka was drawn into the most beautiful and bluest orbs his eyes ever lay on. He couldn’t take his gaze off Fuji and didn’t even realize when the smaller man gently pulled him closer.
Tezuka’s eyes grew wide when he heard Fuji whispering in his ear, ‘Ne Tezuka-san, did you fall in love with me already?’
~Something in your eyes was so inviting
Something in your smile was so exciting
Something in my heart told me I must have you~
TBC