You and the Night and the Music (IV)
Track 4/?
Pairing: TezukaFuji and GoldenPair
Rating: G
Genre: Romance in general
Word Count: 7079
A/N: The music has begun, will they dance their hearts out? Or just let it end?
An AU for my OTP with OCs. Sorry for some OOC.
And as always, thank you Ann_chan ( tacuma811 ) for being my beta!!
I do not own Prince of Tennis or the lyrics (At the Beginning) used in this fic.
and if it's not too much to ask, please listen to the song, it's really cute!
Previous Chapters: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/3317.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/4780.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/5977.html
Next Chapter: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/7665.html
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We were strangers starting out on our journey
Never dreaming what we'd have to go through
Now here we are and I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
Fuji kept his eyes open for a minute, and then he slowly closed them. Another minute had passed and his beautiful blue eyes flew open, for the nth time. He stared at the ceiling until his eyes got used to the dark. Since he woke up 30 minutes earlier, he had been doing the same routine, over and over, trying to get back to sleep. He was counting cacti too until he got lost and gave up. He glanced at his alarm clock and learned that it was only 5AM. He wanted to stay in the comfort of his bed for a little longer, but it seemed that sleep wasn't coming back though he slept late the night before. The honey-brown haired man stood up from his bed and padded towards the huge, sliding glass window. Outside, the sky was still dark but few streaks of orange were already visible; a new day, a new beginning. Fuji stretched out his arms upwards and let out a yawn, and then his cell phone broke the silence of his room.
'Hoi hoi! Good morning Fujiko!' Fuji heard Eiji's energetic voice when he answered the call.
'This is rare. You are up early today, Eiji,' he said, a beautiful smile warmed his face. 'Not to mention it's the start of summer vacation,' Fuji continued, his voice was teasing.
He heard a stifled chuckle from the other line and it sounded like Oishi. 'Nya, don't be mean Fujiko,' the red-head said after a moment of silence. 'By the way, don’t forget our practice later,’ continued Eiji with his usual happy tone.
I knew it, Fuji thought to himself while still smiling. His best friend was excited since they would resume their band's practice after putting it on hold for almost a month because of the school works and examinations. And now that they were free from the university until mid September, they needed to start their rehearsals as soon as possible. Their management was planning to release a new album and they were hoping that it would be a huge success, like their previous albums.
'Maa, how can I forget when you called twice last night and reminded me about it, Eiji?' The vocalist asked, not really waiting for an answer. 'I'll drop by at school first, ok? I want to develop the pictures needed for the university’s exhibition next term as soon as possible so I can focus on our rehearsals,’ Fuji continued while pacing towards his walk-in closet and busied himself wondering what to wear.
'Ooohhhh, as expected of the number one student in the Media Arts Department,’ teased Eiji. ‘Okay. Get your pictures developed and we can pick you up there,' the red-head continued. 'Yuuta borrowed your car, right?'
'Ah. He picked it up last night but I didn't get any details about his date,' said the honey-brown haired young man. His smile grew wider when he remembered what happened the night before.
'Ne Yuuta, I will be home late tomorrow, so just park the car in the garage when you return it,' Fuji said, while accompanying his younger brother towards his silver Audi R8 - the most luxurious item he bought for himself. It wasn't about the brand or the price; it was all about the engine. He really loved driving fast that's why he decided on the sports car, no matter how hard Oishi begged him to settle for a slower car.
'Thank you, aniki,' answered Yuuta, avoiding eye contact from the older Fuji while getting inside the car. But before he could close the car's door, Yuuta noticed his brother; Fuji's blue eyes were opened in a mischievous way. The younger Fuji knew his brother's train of thought and he didn’t like it. 'Don't dare follow me tomorrow, aniki,' Yuuta exclaimed, with his eyes never leaving his brother’s.
The pair of cerulean orbs shut closed automatically. 'What are you saying? How could I do that?' the honey-brown haired asked innocently though his beautiful face was saying the opposite.
'Don't dare, you can’t fool me, stupid aniki!' said Yuuta, slamming the door and started the engine.
Fuji stepped back and folded his arms across his chest while smiling widely. Oh! I made him angry again, he thought to himself.
But Yuuta stopped and rolled down the car’s window before turning into a curve. 'Thanks again, aniki! I'll return it tomorrow,' the younger Fuji said, half-smiling.
'Drive safe,' the blue-eyed answered with his eternal smile and watched his brother maneuvered the car easily. 'Yuuta is so cute,' Fuji whispered to himself.
'Is that so? Do you want us to follow him later?' Fuji heard Eiji asked excitedly, pulling him back to reality.
'I wanted to, but I'll let him off the hook this time,' the vocalist said, stifling a chuckle. 'We really need to catch up with our rehearsals, after all.'
'Oh, that's too bad, but you're right, our next album is way too long over due,' the red-head said, agreeing. 'Let's just stalk him next time.'
'Eiji!' Fuji heard Oishi exclaiming. 'Spare Yuuta-kun, for God sake,' the warm-eyed man continued in the background, with Eiji laughing over the phone’s receiver.
Fuji couldn’t help but to laugh along with their band’s pianist when he heard Oishi. ‘I guess we’ll just keep it from our mother,’ he whispered, referring to Oishi.
‘We’ll do that then,’ Eiji answered, not bothering to tone down his voice. ‘I’ll let you go now Fujiko, so you can finish developing your pictures early,’ the cat-eyed continued.
‘I’ll see you guys later. I will call you when I am done,’ Fuji said, while picking up a blue shirt and a pair of washed-out jeans from his closet.
‘See you then!’ Eiji exclaimed before a soft click from the other line came.
After an hour, the blue-eyed was already padding his way to their university. It was a fifteen-minute walk from his apartment to Tokyo University of the Arts through Ueno Park. He chose to pass a lane with abundant trees and tried to walk discreetly; to avoid being noticed by their fans, especially the press. Though it's still early, Fuji knew that they can never be too careful with the annoying paparazzi.
A good day to start summer, Fuji noted mentally when he saw the park full of blooming lavenders. He couldn’t help himself but to stop and take pictures of the beautiful scenery. When he felt satisfied with the shots, the honey-brown head's eyes roamed around the park, until someone caught his attention. He pointed his camera towards the man and adjusted its lens to take a closer look. The dark-brown haired man was sitting alone on a bench, and it seemed like he was resting. Fuji was enjoying the view, taking shots after shot, until the man he was watching did the unexpected; he leaned back on to the bench’s back rest, removed his glasses and closed his eyes. The blue-eyed smiled and started walking. His eyes were opened, exposing deep blue orbs, like an eagle targeting its prey. What a beautiful view, Tezuka Kunimitsu.
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No one told me I was going to find you
Unexpected what you did to my heart
When I lost hope you were there to remind me
This is the start
After running laps around the park for almost two hours, Tezuka seated himself at the nearest bench he could find. The soft, summer morning breeze blowing on his face felt very good and refreshing. He got up from his bed at 4AM after struggling, again, to get a good night sleep the night before. Waking up during the wee hours of the night because of a certain someone had become a routine. Whenever he couldn’t go back to sleep, which was almost everyday, he would run till the sun rises. For him, running was the best way to relieve stress and his mind was at its clearest when it's breaking dawn.
Tezuka leaned on the back rest and took off his glasses. He closed his eyes for a while until his breathing was back to normal. His eyes flew open when he heard a soft click from his right side; a fuzzy smiling Fuji Shusuke was sitting beside him. The amber-eyed man wasn't sure how long Fuji had been sitting beside him, but surely, he didn't notice. Tezuka put on his glasses and stared at the blue-eyed. The smaller man was wearing a pair of Oakley glasses, a black baseball cap that hid his honey-brown hair and a professional camera on hand. Fuji still looked good but didn't stand out as a vocalist of a popular band; a good disguise indeed.
‘Good morning, Tezuka,’ greeted the blue-eyed man.
‘Good morning to you too, Fuji,’ he answered back while looking at the camera suspiciously. ‘Were you just…’
Fuji didn’t let him finish. ‘Oh! I was on my way to the university when I saw you here. I just couldn’t resist taking pictures of you, with your eyes closed and without your glasses on,’ the smaller man answered Tezuka's unfinished inquiry, while smiling widely at him. ‘I am sure that if I sell these, I’ll get paid a lot. Your fans will spend their money till the last cent and they will worship me.’ The honey-brown haired stopped for a while to breathe and let out a soft chuckle. ‘That would be nice, ne Tezuka?’
Tezuka knew that the smaller man was only teasing and that he didn’t need to answer. The two young men just sat there in silence while the park was getting crowded with early risers like them. Luckily, the bench they were occupying was hidden by trees; they didn’t need to worry about the people and their fans seeing them. The amber-eyed glanced at Fuji, who was busy taking pictures of the orange horizon behind them and sighed.
It’s been three weeks since he last saw the honey-brown haired vocalist at Atobe’s mansion, but Fuji’s beautiful face always popped up in front of Tezuka when he wasn’t expecting it - Caerulean’s music videos from his wide-screen television, pictures from newspapers and magazines, and huge ads from billboards. And it’s been three weeks since sleep became evasive because of the blue-eyed and he didn’t know why. This was all new for Tezuka and he couldn’t explain what was happening to him.
It wasn't a few months ago when he was probably the only person in Japan who didn't know that Caerulean existed or there was a man named Fuji Shusuke existed. His friends expected it from him but laughed at the same time. Atobe knew the band members personally, while Oshitari, Inui and even the spoiled brat Echizen have heard and knew them through the media. Tezuka was even more surprised when he went home from London to his parents' house and learned that his conservative mother was a big fan of the band.
‘Kunimitsu, do you want some tea?’ Tezuka Ayana asked her son, who was comfortably seated in one of their sofas in the living room, watching the evening news.
Tezuka looked at his mother and stood. 'Thank you mother, but I can get it myself,' the dark-brown haired man answered.
'Just stay still and I'll go get it,' the warm woman said and beckoned her son to sit again.
Tezuka couldn't do anything but nod. 'Thank you, mother,' he said as he sank back to his seat.
Ayana smiled at her only son and padded towards the kitchen. After a few minutes, she returned in the living room carrying a tray with two tea cups filled with jasmine tea, immediately filling the room with the sweet and gentle aroma. The amber eyed stood up and took the tray from Ayana and placed it on the center table.
Tezuka held both cups and handed one to his mother, who occupied the seat beside him. ’Mother, your tea is always the best,’ he complimented, after taking a sip of the warm liquid. ‘Just how I like my tea.’
Ayana couldn’t help but smile. ’Not too sweet and not too bitter?’ she asked, though she knows the answer.
‘Hn,’ the young man answered with a little smile on his usual stoic mask.
The two of them continued watching the news quietly until there was a familiar scene to Tezuka that popped up in their television screen; a picture of him, with someone who was so close beside him and was whispering in his ear. Fuji Shusuke. The young tennis superstar saw his mother’s eyes grew wide. He grunted his throat and returned his cup on the table top. Tezuka was planning to stay quiet until he heard his mother.
‘Kunimitsu, was that Fuji Shusuke from Caerulean?’
‘Yes mother,’ he answered while adjusting his glasses, discreetly avoiding his mother's eyes. He was actually surprised that his mother knew Caerulean.
'You met him in London?’ Ayana asked. Her attention was focused on her son, ignoring the news completely.
‘Atobe invited us to one of their performances and introduced us after,’ Tezuka stated, in a matter-of-fact tone. He didn't want to elaborate with the details and wished that his mother would stop asking, but to his dismay, Ayana asked what he didn’t want to answer.
'That picture...’ His mother stopped for a while, clearly referring to the picture that was in front of them just a moment earlier. 'Was he telling you something?’
‘Ne Tezuka-san, did you fall in love with me already?’ Was what he wanted to say, but he couldn’t bring himself telling his mother what Fuji asked him that night. He felt his cheeks warmed up just merely thinking about it, though Fuji said it was only a joke. Tezuka grunted his throat once again before answering. ‘He was asking for my autograph,’ he answered in the most convincing tone he could manage.
He didn’t mean to lie; he hated lying, more so to his mother. But he’d rather keep the fact to himself than not knowing how to answer Ayana’s possible questions if he told her the truth.
Fortunately, his mother didn’t press on the matter. ‘Oh! Is that so?’ his mother asked after a moment of silence. ‘Were they good performing live?’ Ayana continued, while setting her elbows at her lap and laced her fingers together.
‘Yes mother,’ he answered honestly. ‘With rock and classical music combined, it's like you're somewhere else when you listen to them. They're still young, but they make nice sounds. It's not noise, like most others.'
Ayana smiled at her son to hide her surprise. She knew her son very well and Kunimitsu was not a man of many words. Their family was very conservative and traditional. Her parents-in-law, especially her father-in-law, Tezuka Kunikazu helped them raise their only son. Tezuka grew up into a very responsible, mature, hardworking and serious man. He learned that words, though few but carefully thought of could convey a person's mind. Thus, hearing her son complimenting a rock band was new to her.
'That's what I thought so too when I accidentally heard them on the radio,' she said, fiddling the empty cup with her hands.
'We're home!' They heard Tezuka's father, Tezuka Kuniharu bellowed from the door.
Tezuka glanced at his mother and stood up. He padded towards the door and greeted his father and his grandfather, who was trailing behind the latter. Kuniharu paced towards his wife and gave her a peck on her cheek, while Kunikazu nodded at her.
'Go get changed while I prepare dinner,' Ayana offered and smiled at the three men.
'I'll help, mother,' Tezuka said and started walking towards the kitchen.
'I am fine doing it by myself. Go along with your father and grandfather, I am sure they would love to here from you,' his mother said.
Ayana placed a hand at the small of her son's back and guided him back towards the two elder men. The three men nodded at her and found their way upstairs. Unknown to Tezuka, the warm-eyed woman stared at her son's back with a gentle smile on her face. Ayana's mother instinct was telling her that Kunimitsu was opening up into something new, little by little.
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We were strangers on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
Tezuka was pulled back to reality when he heard a soft gasp from Fuji. He looked at the smaller man. Fuji was still looking through his camera with his eyes wide open with surprise.
'Ne Tezuka,' Fuji whispered, just enough for him to hear. 'Are you up to some running again?' the vocalist asked without taking his eyes off the camera.
The dark-brown head didn't answer, instead, he followed Fuji's gaze. It led him to a bench not too far from them, which was occupied by two middle-aged men. At first glance, they looked like normal park goers with cameras hanging on their necks, but with his trained eyes, he instantly knew that the two men were from the press. He glanced once again at Fuji, who was now looking at him and nodded. Tezuka grabbed his bag and adjusted his glasses. The two young celebrities stood up from the bench and started walking away from the two men. He noticed the smaller man adjusted his cap close to his face. The bespectacled man looked over his shoulder and learned that the two paparazzi were already at their feet and tailing them.
'Fuji, can you run with your camera?' he asked the blue-eyed while looking ahead, searching for an escape route.
'You bet,' Fuji answered with a wide smile on his beautiful face while returning the camera to its case. '1, 2,' the smaller man counted while looking at Tezuka and ended it with a nod.
The two young men started running slowly. When they were almost at a corner, they both realized that the two men were also running behind them. One of them was calling Tezuka's name, causing other people to turn around and looked at them. Tezuka wanted to run faster but was a bit hesitant, wondering if Fuji could match his pace. He side glanced at the honey-brown haired man and sighed.
'I think we should run faster,' the blue-eyed offered, winking at him.
Tezuka was surprised when in an instant Fuji was already running few feet ahead of him. The young tennis star picked up his pace.
'You didn't think I could run fast, did you Tezuka?' Fuji asked him when he was beside the smaller man again.
The amber-eyed didn't answer. He knew that the honey-brown head could read his mind without him uttering a word. Up until that day, the only person who could see through him was his mother and grand father. And that scared him, knowing that he only met Fuji not too long ago. His thoughts were disturbed when he heard Fuji.
'Eiji, I told you I'd call you when I'm done,' the honey-brown haired man said through his cell phone, which was on speaker mode. Fuji fell silent for a while, still running while waiting for his best friend's answer.
'Nya Fujiko, I couldn't wait any longer!' exclaimed the red-head. We've already picked up Momo and Kaidoh and we are on our way to school, actually, we’re almost there.'
'Ah impeccable timing Eiji,' Fuji said, smiling. 'Could you stop at the main gate?' he asked before glancing over his shoulder. The two older men were meters away from them, but the paparazzi were still running and there was no sign of them giving up. 'Don't ask anything, I'll explain later,' the blue-eyed continued.
'Fujiko, we're already here.' Tezuka heard the bouncy pianist before Fuji pressed the end button of his mobile phone.
The taller man glanced at the vocalist and was surprised when Fuji grabbed his arm and started running faster. Tezuka wasn't sure where they were heading; he just let the smaller man lead the way. He sure runs fast without breaking a sweat, Tezuka noted mentally. Compared to his built, Fuji was really lean and fragile-looking.
After running for almost 3 minutes, Tezuka noticed a shiny black Mercedes-Benz GL550 parked in front of Tokyo University of the Arts' gate. The spiky-haired young man, Momoshiro, rolled down the passenger's window and bellowed.
'Here, Fuji senpai!' exclaimed Momo while opening the door for them.
'Tezuka, hop in,' said Fuji when they reached the SUV.
Without questions, he got on to the vehicle, quickly followed by the smaller man. Momoshiro and Kaidoh offered them their seats and helped themselves at the back. He noticed Oishi looking at him with worried eyes while Eiji was grinning at them from the rear-view mirror. The red-head started the engine and drove away from the park. Fuji removed his cap and leaned back, his cheeks were flushed from running. The blue-eyed used his cap to fan himself and Tezuka could smell the smaller man's shampoo,and that made him a bit uncomfortable.
'Fuji, Tezuka..' said Oishi. 'What happened?' the warm-eyed asked.
'I saw Tezuka while I was on my way to the university and before we knew it, two photographers were after us,' said the smaller man in a matter-of-fact tone.
'Stupid paparazzi, really stupid,' exclaimed Momo while Kaidoh hissed silently at the back.
'Is that so?' Oishi asked. 'Please be careful next time,' the emerald-eyed continued with a warm smile on his face.
‘It’s a good thing you brought your big car, Eiji,’ said Fuji while resting his head on the back rest.
The red-head chuckled before answering. ‘Yumiko-neechan called me earlier,’ Eiji started. ‘She said that we might need a big car and that it would be better to fetch you earlier at the university rather than waiting for your call,’ he continued while glancing at Fuji. ‘You know that I believe in your sister’s clairvoyance, so I brought this,’ Eiji said, referring to the SUV.
The vocalist’s eyes grew wide and abruptly sat up straight. ‘Neesan?’
Eiji nodded while looking at Fuji through the rear-view mirror. 'I am glad she called and kinda warned me. If she didn't, you and Tezuka might still be running away from those paparazzi.' The red-head glanced at Tezuka and continued. 'Maybe Yumiko-neechan is seeing a new beginning,' said Eji, the lilt on his voice was very obvious.
Fuji raised an eyebrow and waited for the pianist to continue, but Eiji just smiled at him. The honey-brown haired young man sighed and sank back to his seat. Fuji knew that his best friend was hiding something from him. I'll deal with him later, he noted mentally while closing his eyes. He decided that he would wheedle it out from the red-head, bit by bit.
'So Tezuka, are you doing something today?' Eiji asked after a moment of silence.
All eyes flashed up to Tezuka, waiting for the bespectacled man's answer. Tezuka grunted his throat. He heard that line before from Atobe and he knew that something was about to happen and it would be better to stay away. He thought he was saved from answering when Oishi's cell phone rang.
'Hello?' said the emerald-eyed when he answered the phone.
After a few moments and Oishi's occasional yeses, the neatly-cut haired young man switched the phone to speaker mode. And they heard a very familiar voice, Atobe.
'Can you hear me, Tezuka?' asked the purplish-grey haired young tycoon.
The bespectacled man looked at Oishi and the latter nodded at him. 'Ah,' he finally managed to say.
He was not surprised that Atobe knew where he was. After all, it seemed that the word impossible was not in the millionaire's vocabulary. Tezuka sighed deeply and waited patiently for Atobe's reply.
'It's good that you didn't come home straight,' said Atobe. 'Your apartment is surrounded by reporters and photographers, waiting for you. It seemed that you attracted their attention earlier and Fuji helped you, ahn Tezuka?'
The amber-eyed didn't answer; he didn't want Atobe to feel satisfied by teasing him. He side glanced at Fuji, whose eyes were closed and the gentle rising and falling of the smaller man's chest was a sign that he fell asleep. He knew that the photographers were only after him and that they didn't notice that he was with Caerulean's vocalist, who disguised himself very well. The two men were calling his name constantly and heard nothing of Fuji's and Tezuka knew that the blue-eyed was aware of that too. But Fuji didn't leave, the blue-eyed vocalist ran with him instead, until they escaped safely.
'Don't worry Atobe,' he heard Eiji whispered. 'Tezuka can stay with us at home if he wants to,' the red-head offered, grinning to no one in particular the whole time.
'I guess you don't have so much to choose from, Tezuka. I wanted to offer you my house, but I am busy planning my summer vacation. It would be rude if the host is not there to entertain the guest, right Tezuka?' said the millionaire with his majestic tone. 'So Oishi, I'll leave the tennis superstar in your care. Expect me to call you later, after I'm done with all the preparations.' They heard Atobe's crisp laughs before the call ended with a soft click which left them flabbergasted.
‘As expected of Atobe-san - heir of Atobe's Directorate, acting like a king,’ Momo commented, breaking the silence. ‘And what’s with that preparation?’
'How should we know? Stupid peach!’ hissed Kaidoh.
The spiky-head looked at Kaidoh like he could kill him. ‘What did you say? I was asking myself, Mamushi!’
The two youngest passengers growled and grabbed each others’ shirt, ready to throw some punches.
‘Stop that you two!’ exclaimed Oishi. The young manager sighed as Momo and Kaidoh pulled away from each other and glued their stares outside.
Eiji grunted his throat softly. ‘So Tezuka, I guess you’re coming with us,’ the red-head said, quickly glancing at Fuji, who was still asleep and oblivious to what was happening to his surroundings.
The amber-eyed young man sighed in resignation. He leaned at the back rest and stared outside. What am I doing? Tezuka asked himself silently. If he remembered correctly, he was a man who plans everything; from what he would be wearing the next day, his trainings, even his visits to his parents’ house in Chiba. That’s how it was until he met the band members of Caerulean. He was no longer the Tezuka Kunimitsu he knew he was and the amber-eyed felt that he was changing. He could not understand it and wasn’t sure if he wanted to understand.
Tezuka adjusted his glasses and carefully massaged his temple. Involuntarily, his eyes lingered at the man sleeping beside him. Fuji looked so vulnerable and peaceful. Few strands of his soft honey-brown hair were on his face. The amber-eyed was surprised when he felt at ease and sleepy just by merely looking at the smaller man - when in fact, Fuji was the reason he had trouble sleeping. When Tezuka couldn't fight the urge anymore, he closed his eyes.
Unknown to Tezuka, two pairs of eyes were silently and carefully watching him at the rear-view mirror the whole time until he fell asleep. Oishi craned his head to look at the two bespectacled young men and smiled. There's no need for disguise anymore, the warm-eyed thought as he carefully reached out for Fuji and slowly removed the blue-eyed's reading glasses.
'Nya Oishi,' whispered Eiji.
'Hmmm?' asked Oishi, glancing at his red-head.
‘Fujiko is smiling a lot nowadays. Did you notice that?’ asked the indigo-eyed.
‘Was he not always like that?’ asked Oishi instead of answering though he knew what Eiji meant.
‘You know it’s not same, Oishi. That’s true, he always smiles, but after he left Akira, his smiles were empty, never reached his eyes,’ Eiji said. ‘But now, I can feel that Fujiko’s returning to his normal self and I am very happy.
The warm-eyed couldn’t agree more with what the pianist said. It wasn’t a few months ago when Fuji was like a zombie and he was like that for a year. His family and friends didn’t know what to do but to stay beside the blue-eyed and be strong for him. But now that Eiji mentioned that Fuji was returning to normal, Oishi could only think of one possible reason why.
‘Should we thank Tezuka for that, Eiji?’ Oishi asked while smiling widely, earning a quick nod from the red haired pianist.
The bouncy pianist smiled back as they entered Route 14, glancing at Fuji and Tezuka from the rear-view mirror. 'They look good together, don't they?'
The young manager placed both hands at the back of his head and nodded. 'They sure do, Eiji.'
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And Life is a road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I want to keep flowing
Life is a road now and forever
A Wonderful journey
Fuji opened his eyes slowly when he felt a soft tap on his shoulders. Eiji smiled and opened the SUV's door for him. He roamed his eyes and learned that everyone were already outside, in front of the Kikumarus' house. Fuji’s eyes grew wide when he saw Tezuka, casually standing and talking to Oishi. The blue-eyed glanced at his best friend and raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure why and how Tezuka ended up being with them but he was sure that it was Eiji's doing. The bouncy red-head just smiled widely and winked at him. The smaller man sighed and stared once again at the bespectacled man, who was now looking at him. He smiled at the young tennis super star, and then alight the vehicle.
'Eiji-senpai, can we come in now? I am freaking hungry!' exclaimed the spiky haired bassist and placed both hands at the back of his head.
'Fuushhuuu,' hissed Kaidoh. 'We just ate two hours ago. Are you a glutton, stupid Momoshiro?' the drummer continued while adjusting his bandana. We're not here for vacation.'
'Huh?' asked Momo. 'I know that very well, Mamushi!' the purple-eyed growled.
Needless to say, the two youngest men started their usual cat-fight. Oishi, being the mother figure of the band got in between them and stopped the ruckus. Eiji and Oishi ushered them inside the house and left Fuji and Tezuka.
'Ne Tezuka, are you going home?' asked Fuji as he approached the taller man.
Tezuka adjusted his glasses but didn't answer. He just looked at the smaller man and waited for Fuji to continue.
The vocalist chuckled and started pacing towards the house. 'Of course we know where you live. Momo and Kaidoh made sure that they know all about you,' Fuji answered Tezuka without being asked. 'So, are you going home?'
The bespectacled man followed Fuji. 'I was thinking about it, actually,' answered Tezuka. 'But it would be rude for Kikumaru, since he invited me to stay for the night,' he continued as they entered the two-storey house.
When Tezuka woke up earlier, he was surprised when he noticed that they were driving through Route 14 - a major highway in Japan that connects Tokyo and Chiba. Oishi informed him that the entire band members, Oishi included was from Chiba. And that they will be staying at Eiji's house for three days since it can accommodate all of them. More so, Caerulean can rehearse all day and night if they wanted to without disturbing anyone. They had Eiji's parents built a sound proof rehearsal room for them, with the band's money, of course.
When they passed through the entrance door, Tezuka felt like he was home - the house was cozy, spacious and had a warm aura. He took off his shoes and wore one of the guests' slippers provided. Fuji ushered him inside, to the living room, where the others were already seated comfortably.
'Tezuka, our house isn't as big as Atobe's, but nonetheless, please feel at home,' offered Eiji as he walked towards them carrying a tray with glasses filled with orange juice.
The taller man roamed his eyes and saw everyone smiling at him warmly. 'Ah, thank you Kikumaru,' he answered.
Kaidoh and Momoshiro grabbed their bags and went upstairs, while Oishi and Eiji excused themselves and went to the kitchen. The amber-eyed was once again left alone with Fuji in the living room. With nothing to do, Tezuka drained the last of his orange juice and busied himself looking around. He noticed a mahogany built-in wall unit in one corner of the living room. His feet led him to it and he learned that it was full of picture frames. The bespectacled young man was busy looking when he felt that Fuji was already beside him.
'Eiji is from a big family,' Fuji stated as he pointed one of the frames. 'He is the youngest and always treated as a child. So you can say he is a bit spoiled and that’s why he acts like a kid,' the blue-eyed continued with his eternal smile. Fuji got one of the frames and handed it to Tezuka. 'And this is how we were when we're in first year middle high.'
The Fuji, Eiji and Oishi in the picture were wearing their school's PE uniform. Oishi was at the middle, sandwiched by the blue-eyed and the red-head - a picture of a good, wonderful and happy friendship. Then there were photos of the three with Kaidoh and Momo, during rehearsals, at school, their trips locally and abroad. Each frame showed the other side of Caerulean, having fun like regular and private people.
Tezuka’s eyes flashed up when something caught his attention. He carefully studied the picture and was surprised when he realized why it looked familiar to him. Fuji noticed the bespectacled man and followed Tezuka’s gaze. The blue-eyed smiled when he saw the picture Tezuka was looking at.
‘That was taken when you were playing for your third Wimbledon trophy,’ Fuji said while looking at Tezuka. ‘Momo and Kaidoh were yelling so loud like crazy fans when you won,’ the blue-eyed continued while chuckling. Then Fuji stopped for a while as if he remembered something and faced the taller man. ‘But I think you need to smile sometimes, Tezuka. Your face needs some exercise too.’
The bespectacled man looked at Fuji, and instantly wished he didn’t - he was again drawn into the most beautiful and bluest orbs his eyes ever lain on.
‘You can try doing this,’ the blue-eyed suddenly said, while closing his eyes and smiled.
Tezuka wasn’t sure how to react, but he was sure that his face was warming up. He adjusted his glasses and sighed to hide his embarrassment. It was like a replay of their first meeting. The amber-eyed said a loud thank you mentally when he heard Oishi.
'Uhm Tezuka, I know that you're tired so I'll show you your room and you can rest while they practice,' the emerald-eyed offered, while smiling at him.
The tennis super star nodded at Fuji and immediately padded towards the neatly-cut haired man. Then he noticed Eiji and Momo sitting at the bottom step of the stairs while Kaidoh was leaning against the kitchen’s door. The red-head and spiky-head stood up when they saw Tezuka and retreated in to the kitchen with Kaidoh. Tezuka knew that the three saw what happened earlier and he felt his temples throb. He looked back at Fuji and saw the smaller man smiling innocently at him. Tezuka sighed in resignation as he followed Oishi upstairs and wished he could make Fuji run 100 laps.
******************************************************************************
'This would be your room,' Oishi said as they stopped in front of a room near the end of the hall.
Tezuka noticed that there were 4 doors on each side of the hall facing each other and another one at the center, end of the hall. He was wondering how big Kikumaru’s family was when Oishi answered his unspoken inquiry.
'Eiji has two older brothers and two older sisters and believe it or not, most of their extended families are as big as theirs' so they built three extra rooms, just in case,' the smaller man stated while smiling warmly at Tezuka.
Oishi opened the door and led him inside. The room was spacious enough to accommodate 2 people - there was a queen size bed, a closet and a built-in bookshelf with study table and chair. It also has its own bathroom. Tezuka placed his bag on the bed and noticed Oishi opened a sliding glass door. He followed the emerald-eyed and learned that his room was adjacent to a veranda, facing the backyard.
'All of the rooms in this side are interconnected by this veranda,' Oishi said and gestured at the other three doors. ‘The farthest door is Eiji’s and next to it would be shared by Momo and Kaidoh. They actually occupy different rooms whenever we’re here, but since you’re with us today, they mutually agreed to sleep together in one room without killing each other,’ the warm-eyed continued while chuckling. ‘They would do anything just to spend some time with you. They are one of your biggest fans, I told you that, right Tezuka?’
Tezuka adjusted his glasses and nodded. 'Thank you for inviting me here, Oishi.' The bespectacled man faced the backyard and placed both hands on the terrace.
'It's a pleasure to have you here,' said Oishi. 'We don't have so much to offer, but you can enjoy watching the band's rehearsal for their upcoming album,' the young manager offered while gazing down.
The amber-eyed followed Oishi's gaze and saw Fuji unlocking a door while the other three were behind him. Momoshiro saw them and waved his hands up his head while smiling widely.
'Nya, Oishi! Come down here with Tezuka,' exclaimed Eiji when he saw the two men looking down from the veranda. 'We're starting.'
The dark-haired man smiled at Tezuka shyly and sighed. 'They can't wait to show-off. But if you want to rest first, you can just watch them later, Tezuka.'
'Its okay,' answered the dark-brown head. 'I slept at the car on the way here, so I am fine. I just need to change clothes,' was Tezuka's calm constructed response.
'If that's the case, I'll wait for you downstairs,' said Oishi. The emerald-eyed padded towards the closet and took a clean towel and handed it to Tezuka. 'Call me if you need anything.' With that said, Oishi nodded at the taller man, got out of the room and closed the door.
After 10 minutes, Tezuka was already downstairs with Oishi. He just took a quick shower to freshen up himself and got ready. The bespectacled man didn't have any choice but to wear what he had prepared earlier that day - a light-blue polo shirt and a pair of cargo shorts. He was not used to dressing so casual in front of other people, not even to his family, but due to the circumstances, he didn’t have any choice.
Oishi led him to the rehearsal room and when the door was opened, Tezuka was impressed by how the room was organized. It was divided by a thick fiber glass - he could tell that the side where they entered was the control room while the other side was occupied by the band, along with their instruments. It felt like he was inside a professional recording studio.
Oishi smiled at the bespectacled man like a proud mother and offered him a seat. The emerald-eyed young man handed him a pair of headsets and beckoned him to wear it. His eyes flashed up at the other side of the room when he was welcomed by an upbeat music and by Fuji’s voice. The blue-eyed vocalist’s eyes were closed but he was still strumming his guitars skillfully. The music was different from what he heard before but it still had Caerulean’s signature - classical rock music.
Tezuka learned that it was a duet when Momoshiro joined Fuji. Their voices blended well together and it seemed that the band has improved. When the song ended, Oishi pushed a button and spoke.
‘That went well guys, but you still need more practice,’ the neatly-cut haired young men said while folding his arms across his chest. ‘Don’t forget that this album will be released internationally, we need to show the world why Caerulean is the number 1 band in Japan. The management believes in you, so let’s all believe in our abilities, ok guys?
A collective yes sir was heard around the room. The band prepared for the next rehearsal when Oishi asked Tezuka.
‘What can you say, Tezuka?’
The bespectacled man was surprised by the question, but answered nonetheless while adjusting his glasses. ‘Don’t let your guards down,’ was Tezuka’s response.
‘As expected of Tezuka-buchou,’ Kaidoh said quietly while adjusting his bandana.
The entire room was filled with laughter. Caerulean continued their practice until it was almost 12 noon with Tezuka watching and giving them some pointers whenever he was asked. After eating lunch, they were at the living room having tea when suddenly someone knocked at the front door.
Eiji’s eyes widened with surprise when he opened the door. ‘Nya Taka-san, long time no see!’ exclaimed the red-head while hugging the newcomer.
Eiji led the honey haired young man to the living room. The entire band and Oishi stood up from their seats and said their greetings.
‘It’s been a while, everyone,’ said the newcomer, while scratching his head. His eyes grew wide when he spotted Tezuka. He stared at Oishi with an inquiring look.
Tezuka stood up and padded towards the newcomer. ‘Tezuka Kunimitsu,,’ said the bespectacled young man while offering his hand.
‘Kawamura Takashi, glad to meet you,’ was Kawamura’s shy response while shaking hands with Tezuka.
‘Taka-san is the owner of the best sushi bar here in Chiba. Maybe we can eat there some other time, Tezuka-san’ said Momoshiro while grinning widely.
The tennis super star adjusted his glasses and nodded. 'That would be nice,' he said while looking at Kawamura.
Kawamura nodded back and smiled timidly at Tezuka.
Everyone returned to their seats and shared the sushi that was brought by the timid young man. Momoshiro started telling Kawamura how they met Tezuka, while stuffing his mouth with more sushi, when suddenly he stopped talking and his eyes became teary.
‘Ah Fuji-senpai, you’re eating wasabi sushi again!’ exclaimed the purple-eyed while covering his mouth with his hands.
‘That serves you, stupid Momoshiro. Eating so much,’ Kaidoh hissed under his breath.
‘What did you say? Do you want to fight?’ asked the spiky-haired, forgetting the he just ate a whole sushi stuffed with wasabi.
The two youngsters stopped when they heard a loud knock. Oishi stood up and answered the door and everyone was surprised when they saw Atobe leaning against the front door’s frame, together with a huge man beside him.
‘I can see that all main actors are present here,’ was the millionaire’s majestic greetings while sashaying his way inside the house. All eyes were glued at Atobe but no one dared to speak. The purplish-grey haired young man smirked and continued. ‘I know that you’re all awed by my presence, but now is not the right time for that. Go pack your things and we’ll be going on vacation, na Kabaji?’
‘Usu,’ replied the huge man named Kabaji.
I’ll be there when the world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with You
tbc
Pairing: TezukaFuji and GoldenPair
Rating: G
Genre: Romance in general
Word Count: 7079
A/N: The music has begun, will they dance their hearts out? Or just let it end?
An AU for my OTP with OCs. Sorry for some OOC.
And as always, thank you Ann_chan ( tacuma811 ) for being my beta!!
I do not own Prince of Tennis or the lyrics (At the Beginning) used in this fic.
and if it's not too much to ask, please listen to the song, it's really cute!
Previous Chapters: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/3317.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/4780.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/5977.html
Next Chapter: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/7665.html
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We were strangers starting out on our journey
Never dreaming what we'd have to go through
Now here we are and I'm suddenly standing
At the beginning with you
Fuji kept his eyes open for a minute, and then he slowly closed them. Another minute had passed and his beautiful blue eyes flew open, for the nth time. He stared at the ceiling until his eyes got used to the dark. Since he woke up 30 minutes earlier, he had been doing the same routine, over and over, trying to get back to sleep. He was counting cacti too until he got lost and gave up. He glanced at his alarm clock and learned that it was only 5AM. He wanted to stay in the comfort of his bed for a little longer, but it seemed that sleep wasn't coming back though he slept late the night before. The honey-brown haired man stood up from his bed and padded towards the huge, sliding glass window. Outside, the sky was still dark but few streaks of orange were already visible; a new day, a new beginning. Fuji stretched out his arms upwards and let out a yawn, and then his cell phone broke the silence of his room.
'Hoi hoi! Good morning Fujiko!' Fuji heard Eiji's energetic voice when he answered the call.
'This is rare. You are up early today, Eiji,' he said, a beautiful smile warmed his face. 'Not to mention it's the start of summer vacation,' Fuji continued, his voice was teasing.
He heard a stifled chuckle from the other line and it sounded like Oishi. 'Nya, don't be mean Fujiko,' the red-head said after a moment of silence. 'By the way, don’t forget our practice later,’ continued Eiji with his usual happy tone.
I knew it, Fuji thought to himself while still smiling. His best friend was excited since they would resume their band's practice after putting it on hold for almost a month because of the school works and examinations. And now that they were free from the university until mid September, they needed to start their rehearsals as soon as possible. Their management was planning to release a new album and they were hoping that it would be a huge success, like their previous albums.
'Maa, how can I forget when you called twice last night and reminded me about it, Eiji?' The vocalist asked, not really waiting for an answer. 'I'll drop by at school first, ok? I want to develop the pictures needed for the university’s exhibition next term as soon as possible so I can focus on our rehearsals,’ Fuji continued while pacing towards his walk-in closet and busied himself wondering what to wear.
'Ooohhhh, as expected of the number one student in the Media Arts Department,’ teased Eiji. ‘Okay. Get your pictures developed and we can pick you up there,' the red-head continued. 'Yuuta borrowed your car, right?'
'Ah. He picked it up last night but I didn't get any details about his date,' said the honey-brown haired young man. His smile grew wider when he remembered what happened the night before.
'Ne Yuuta, I will be home late tomorrow, so just park the car in the garage when you return it,' Fuji said, while accompanying his younger brother towards his silver Audi R8 - the most luxurious item he bought for himself. It wasn't about the brand or the price; it was all about the engine. He really loved driving fast that's why he decided on the sports car, no matter how hard Oishi begged him to settle for a slower car.
'Thank you, aniki,' answered Yuuta, avoiding eye contact from the older Fuji while getting inside the car. But before he could close the car's door, Yuuta noticed his brother; Fuji's blue eyes were opened in a mischievous way. The younger Fuji knew his brother's train of thought and he didn’t like it. 'Don't dare follow me tomorrow, aniki,' Yuuta exclaimed, with his eyes never leaving his brother’s.
The pair of cerulean orbs shut closed automatically. 'What are you saying? How could I do that?' the honey-brown haired asked innocently though his beautiful face was saying the opposite.
'Don't dare, you can’t fool me, stupid aniki!' said Yuuta, slamming the door and started the engine.
Fuji stepped back and folded his arms across his chest while smiling widely. Oh! I made him angry again, he thought to himself.
But Yuuta stopped and rolled down the car’s window before turning into a curve. 'Thanks again, aniki! I'll return it tomorrow,' the younger Fuji said, half-smiling.
'Drive safe,' the blue-eyed answered with his eternal smile and watched his brother maneuvered the car easily. 'Yuuta is so cute,' Fuji whispered to himself.
'Is that so? Do you want us to follow him later?' Fuji heard Eiji asked excitedly, pulling him back to reality.
'I wanted to, but I'll let him off the hook this time,' the vocalist said, stifling a chuckle. 'We really need to catch up with our rehearsals, after all.'
'Oh, that's too bad, but you're right, our next album is way too long over due,' the red-head said, agreeing. 'Let's just stalk him next time.'
'Eiji!' Fuji heard Oishi exclaiming. 'Spare Yuuta-kun, for God sake,' the warm-eyed man continued in the background, with Eiji laughing over the phone’s receiver.
Fuji couldn’t help but to laugh along with their band’s pianist when he heard Oishi. ‘I guess we’ll just keep it from our mother,’ he whispered, referring to Oishi.
‘We’ll do that then,’ Eiji answered, not bothering to tone down his voice. ‘I’ll let you go now Fujiko, so you can finish developing your pictures early,’ the cat-eyed continued.
‘I’ll see you guys later. I will call you when I am done,’ Fuji said, while picking up a blue shirt and a pair of washed-out jeans from his closet.
‘See you then!’ Eiji exclaimed before a soft click from the other line came.
After an hour, the blue-eyed was already padding his way to their university. It was a fifteen-minute walk from his apartment to Tokyo University of the Arts through Ueno Park. He chose to pass a lane with abundant trees and tried to walk discreetly; to avoid being noticed by their fans, especially the press. Though it's still early, Fuji knew that they can never be too careful with the annoying paparazzi.
A good day to start summer, Fuji noted mentally when he saw the park full of blooming lavenders. He couldn’t help himself but to stop and take pictures of the beautiful scenery. When he felt satisfied with the shots, the honey-brown head's eyes roamed around the park, until someone caught his attention. He pointed his camera towards the man and adjusted its lens to take a closer look. The dark-brown haired man was sitting alone on a bench, and it seemed like he was resting. Fuji was enjoying the view, taking shots after shot, until the man he was watching did the unexpected; he leaned back on to the bench’s back rest, removed his glasses and closed his eyes. The blue-eyed smiled and started walking. His eyes were opened, exposing deep blue orbs, like an eagle targeting its prey. What a beautiful view, Tezuka Kunimitsu.
******************************************************************************
No one told me I was going to find you
Unexpected what you did to my heart
When I lost hope you were there to remind me
This is the start
After running laps around the park for almost two hours, Tezuka seated himself at the nearest bench he could find. The soft, summer morning breeze blowing on his face felt very good and refreshing. He got up from his bed at 4AM after struggling, again, to get a good night sleep the night before. Waking up during the wee hours of the night because of a certain someone had become a routine. Whenever he couldn’t go back to sleep, which was almost everyday, he would run till the sun rises. For him, running was the best way to relieve stress and his mind was at its clearest when it's breaking dawn.
Tezuka leaned on the back rest and took off his glasses. He closed his eyes for a while until his breathing was back to normal. His eyes flew open when he heard a soft click from his right side; a fuzzy smiling Fuji Shusuke was sitting beside him. The amber-eyed man wasn't sure how long Fuji had been sitting beside him, but surely, he didn't notice. Tezuka put on his glasses and stared at the blue-eyed. The smaller man was wearing a pair of Oakley glasses, a black baseball cap that hid his honey-brown hair and a professional camera on hand. Fuji still looked good but didn't stand out as a vocalist of a popular band; a good disguise indeed.
‘Good morning, Tezuka,’ greeted the blue-eyed man.
‘Good morning to you too, Fuji,’ he answered back while looking at the camera suspiciously. ‘Were you just…’
Fuji didn’t let him finish. ‘Oh! I was on my way to the university when I saw you here. I just couldn’t resist taking pictures of you, with your eyes closed and without your glasses on,’ the smaller man answered Tezuka's unfinished inquiry, while smiling widely at him. ‘I am sure that if I sell these, I’ll get paid a lot. Your fans will spend their money till the last cent and they will worship me.’ The honey-brown haired stopped for a while to breathe and let out a soft chuckle. ‘That would be nice, ne Tezuka?’
Tezuka knew that the smaller man was only teasing and that he didn’t need to answer. The two young men just sat there in silence while the park was getting crowded with early risers like them. Luckily, the bench they were occupying was hidden by trees; they didn’t need to worry about the people and their fans seeing them. The amber-eyed glanced at Fuji, who was busy taking pictures of the orange horizon behind them and sighed.
It’s been three weeks since he last saw the honey-brown haired vocalist at Atobe’s mansion, but Fuji’s beautiful face always popped up in front of Tezuka when he wasn’t expecting it - Caerulean’s music videos from his wide-screen television, pictures from newspapers and magazines, and huge ads from billboards. And it’s been three weeks since sleep became evasive because of the blue-eyed and he didn’t know why. This was all new for Tezuka and he couldn’t explain what was happening to him.
It wasn't a few months ago when he was probably the only person in Japan who didn't know that Caerulean existed or there was a man named Fuji Shusuke existed. His friends expected it from him but laughed at the same time. Atobe knew the band members personally, while Oshitari, Inui and even the spoiled brat Echizen have heard and knew them through the media. Tezuka was even more surprised when he went home from London to his parents' house and learned that his conservative mother was a big fan of the band.
‘Kunimitsu, do you want some tea?’ Tezuka Ayana asked her son, who was comfortably seated in one of their sofas in the living room, watching the evening news.
Tezuka looked at his mother and stood. 'Thank you mother, but I can get it myself,' the dark-brown haired man answered.
'Just stay still and I'll go get it,' the warm woman said and beckoned her son to sit again.
Tezuka couldn't do anything but nod. 'Thank you, mother,' he said as he sank back to his seat.
Ayana smiled at her only son and padded towards the kitchen. After a few minutes, she returned in the living room carrying a tray with two tea cups filled with jasmine tea, immediately filling the room with the sweet and gentle aroma. The amber eyed stood up and took the tray from Ayana and placed it on the center table.
Tezuka held both cups and handed one to his mother, who occupied the seat beside him. ’Mother, your tea is always the best,’ he complimented, after taking a sip of the warm liquid. ‘Just how I like my tea.’
Ayana couldn’t help but smile. ’Not too sweet and not too bitter?’ she asked, though she knows the answer.
‘Hn,’ the young man answered with a little smile on his usual stoic mask.
The two of them continued watching the news quietly until there was a familiar scene to Tezuka that popped up in their television screen; a picture of him, with someone who was so close beside him and was whispering in his ear. Fuji Shusuke. The young tennis superstar saw his mother’s eyes grew wide. He grunted his throat and returned his cup on the table top. Tezuka was planning to stay quiet until he heard his mother.
‘Kunimitsu, was that Fuji Shusuke from Caerulean?’
‘Yes mother,’ he answered while adjusting his glasses, discreetly avoiding his mother's eyes. He was actually surprised that his mother knew Caerulean.
'You met him in London?’ Ayana asked. Her attention was focused on her son, ignoring the news completely.
‘Atobe invited us to one of their performances and introduced us after,’ Tezuka stated, in a matter-of-fact tone. He didn't want to elaborate with the details and wished that his mother would stop asking, but to his dismay, Ayana asked what he didn’t want to answer.
'That picture...’ His mother stopped for a while, clearly referring to the picture that was in front of them just a moment earlier. 'Was he telling you something?’
‘Ne Tezuka-san, did you fall in love with me already?’ Was what he wanted to say, but he couldn’t bring himself telling his mother what Fuji asked him that night. He felt his cheeks warmed up just merely thinking about it, though Fuji said it was only a joke. Tezuka grunted his throat once again before answering. ‘He was asking for my autograph,’ he answered in the most convincing tone he could manage.
He didn’t mean to lie; he hated lying, more so to his mother. But he’d rather keep the fact to himself than not knowing how to answer Ayana’s possible questions if he told her the truth.
Fortunately, his mother didn’t press on the matter. ‘Oh! Is that so?’ his mother asked after a moment of silence. ‘Were they good performing live?’ Ayana continued, while setting her elbows at her lap and laced her fingers together.
‘Yes mother,’ he answered honestly. ‘With rock and classical music combined, it's like you're somewhere else when you listen to them. They're still young, but they make nice sounds. It's not noise, like most others.'
Ayana smiled at her son to hide her surprise. She knew her son very well and Kunimitsu was not a man of many words. Their family was very conservative and traditional. Her parents-in-law, especially her father-in-law, Tezuka Kunikazu helped them raise their only son. Tezuka grew up into a very responsible, mature, hardworking and serious man. He learned that words, though few but carefully thought of could convey a person's mind. Thus, hearing her son complimenting a rock band was new to her.
'That's what I thought so too when I accidentally heard them on the radio,' she said, fiddling the empty cup with her hands.
'We're home!' They heard Tezuka's father, Tezuka Kuniharu bellowed from the door.
Tezuka glanced at his mother and stood up. He padded towards the door and greeted his father and his grandfather, who was trailing behind the latter. Kuniharu paced towards his wife and gave her a peck on her cheek, while Kunikazu nodded at her.
'Go get changed while I prepare dinner,' Ayana offered and smiled at the three men.
'I'll help, mother,' Tezuka said and started walking towards the kitchen.
'I am fine doing it by myself. Go along with your father and grandfather, I am sure they would love to here from you,' his mother said.
Ayana placed a hand at the small of her son's back and guided him back towards the two elder men. The three men nodded at her and found their way upstairs. Unknown to Tezuka, the warm-eyed woman stared at her son's back with a gentle smile on her face. Ayana's mother instinct was telling her that Kunimitsu was opening up into something new, little by little.
******************************************************************************
We were strangers on a crazy adventure
Never dreaming how our dreams would come true
Now here we stand unafraid of the future
At the beginning with you
Tezuka was pulled back to reality when he heard a soft gasp from Fuji. He looked at the smaller man. Fuji was still looking through his camera with his eyes wide open with surprise.
'Ne Tezuka,' Fuji whispered, just enough for him to hear. 'Are you up to some running again?' the vocalist asked without taking his eyes off the camera.
The dark-brown head didn't answer, instead, he followed Fuji's gaze. It led him to a bench not too far from them, which was occupied by two middle-aged men. At first glance, they looked like normal park goers with cameras hanging on their necks, but with his trained eyes, he instantly knew that the two men were from the press. He glanced once again at Fuji, who was now looking at him and nodded. Tezuka grabbed his bag and adjusted his glasses. The two young celebrities stood up from the bench and started walking away from the two men. He noticed the smaller man adjusted his cap close to his face. The bespectacled man looked over his shoulder and learned that the two paparazzi were already at their feet and tailing them.
'Fuji, can you run with your camera?' he asked the blue-eyed while looking ahead, searching for an escape route.
'You bet,' Fuji answered with a wide smile on his beautiful face while returning the camera to its case. '1, 2,' the smaller man counted while looking at Tezuka and ended it with a nod.
The two young men started running slowly. When they were almost at a corner, they both realized that the two men were also running behind them. One of them was calling Tezuka's name, causing other people to turn around and looked at them. Tezuka wanted to run faster but was a bit hesitant, wondering if Fuji could match his pace. He side glanced at the honey-brown haired man and sighed.
'I think we should run faster,' the blue-eyed offered, winking at him.
Tezuka was surprised when in an instant Fuji was already running few feet ahead of him. The young tennis star picked up his pace.
'You didn't think I could run fast, did you Tezuka?' Fuji asked him when he was beside the smaller man again.
The amber-eyed didn't answer. He knew that the honey-brown head could read his mind without him uttering a word. Up until that day, the only person who could see through him was his mother and grand father. And that scared him, knowing that he only met Fuji not too long ago. His thoughts were disturbed when he heard Fuji.
'Eiji, I told you I'd call you when I'm done,' the honey-brown haired man said through his cell phone, which was on speaker mode. Fuji fell silent for a while, still running while waiting for his best friend's answer.
'Nya Fujiko, I couldn't wait any longer!' exclaimed the red-head. We've already picked up Momo and Kaidoh and we are on our way to school, actually, we’re almost there.'
'Ah impeccable timing Eiji,' Fuji said, smiling. 'Could you stop at the main gate?' he asked before glancing over his shoulder. The two older men were meters away from them, but the paparazzi were still running and there was no sign of them giving up. 'Don't ask anything, I'll explain later,' the blue-eyed continued.
'Fujiko, we're already here.' Tezuka heard the bouncy pianist before Fuji pressed the end button of his mobile phone.
The taller man glanced at the vocalist and was surprised when Fuji grabbed his arm and started running faster. Tezuka wasn't sure where they were heading; he just let the smaller man lead the way. He sure runs fast without breaking a sweat, Tezuka noted mentally. Compared to his built, Fuji was really lean and fragile-looking.
After running for almost 3 minutes, Tezuka noticed a shiny black Mercedes-Benz GL550 parked in front of Tokyo University of the Arts' gate. The spiky-haired young man, Momoshiro, rolled down the passenger's window and bellowed.
'Here, Fuji senpai!' exclaimed Momo while opening the door for them.
'Tezuka, hop in,' said Fuji when they reached the SUV.
Without questions, he got on to the vehicle, quickly followed by the smaller man. Momoshiro and Kaidoh offered them their seats and helped themselves at the back. He noticed Oishi looking at him with worried eyes while Eiji was grinning at them from the rear-view mirror. The red-head started the engine and drove away from the park. Fuji removed his cap and leaned back, his cheeks were flushed from running. The blue-eyed used his cap to fan himself and Tezuka could smell the smaller man's shampoo,and that made him a bit uncomfortable.
'Fuji, Tezuka..' said Oishi. 'What happened?' the warm-eyed asked.
'I saw Tezuka while I was on my way to the university and before we knew it, two photographers were after us,' said the smaller man in a matter-of-fact tone.
'Stupid paparazzi, really stupid,' exclaimed Momo while Kaidoh hissed silently at the back.
'Is that so?' Oishi asked. 'Please be careful next time,' the emerald-eyed continued with a warm smile on his face.
‘It’s a good thing you brought your big car, Eiji,’ said Fuji while resting his head on the back rest.
The red-head chuckled before answering. ‘Yumiko-neechan called me earlier,’ Eiji started. ‘She said that we might need a big car and that it would be better to fetch you earlier at the university rather than waiting for your call,’ he continued while glancing at Fuji. ‘You know that I believe in your sister’s clairvoyance, so I brought this,’ Eiji said, referring to the SUV.
The vocalist’s eyes grew wide and abruptly sat up straight. ‘Neesan?’
Eiji nodded while looking at Fuji through the rear-view mirror. 'I am glad she called and kinda warned me. If she didn't, you and Tezuka might still be running away from those paparazzi.' The red-head glanced at Tezuka and continued. 'Maybe Yumiko-neechan is seeing a new beginning,' said Eji, the lilt on his voice was very obvious.
Fuji raised an eyebrow and waited for the pianist to continue, but Eiji just smiled at him. The honey-brown haired young man sighed and sank back to his seat. Fuji knew that his best friend was hiding something from him. I'll deal with him later, he noted mentally while closing his eyes. He decided that he would wheedle it out from the red-head, bit by bit.
'So Tezuka, are you doing something today?' Eiji asked after a moment of silence.
All eyes flashed up to Tezuka, waiting for the bespectacled man's answer. Tezuka grunted his throat. He heard that line before from Atobe and he knew that something was about to happen and it would be better to stay away. He thought he was saved from answering when Oishi's cell phone rang.
'Hello?' said the emerald-eyed when he answered the phone.
After a few moments and Oishi's occasional yeses, the neatly-cut haired young man switched the phone to speaker mode. And they heard a very familiar voice, Atobe.
'Can you hear me, Tezuka?' asked the purplish-grey haired young tycoon.
The bespectacled man looked at Oishi and the latter nodded at him. 'Ah,' he finally managed to say.
He was not surprised that Atobe knew where he was. After all, it seemed that the word impossible was not in the millionaire's vocabulary. Tezuka sighed deeply and waited patiently for Atobe's reply.
'It's good that you didn't come home straight,' said Atobe. 'Your apartment is surrounded by reporters and photographers, waiting for you. It seemed that you attracted their attention earlier and Fuji helped you, ahn Tezuka?'
The amber-eyed didn't answer; he didn't want Atobe to feel satisfied by teasing him. He side glanced at Fuji, whose eyes were closed and the gentle rising and falling of the smaller man's chest was a sign that he fell asleep. He knew that the photographers were only after him and that they didn't notice that he was with Caerulean's vocalist, who disguised himself very well. The two men were calling his name constantly and heard nothing of Fuji's and Tezuka knew that the blue-eyed was aware of that too. But Fuji didn't leave, the blue-eyed vocalist ran with him instead, until they escaped safely.
'Don't worry Atobe,' he heard Eiji whispered. 'Tezuka can stay with us at home if he wants to,' the red-head offered, grinning to no one in particular the whole time.
'I guess you don't have so much to choose from, Tezuka. I wanted to offer you my house, but I am busy planning my summer vacation. It would be rude if the host is not there to entertain the guest, right Tezuka?' said the millionaire with his majestic tone. 'So Oishi, I'll leave the tennis superstar in your care. Expect me to call you later, after I'm done with all the preparations.' They heard Atobe's crisp laughs before the call ended with a soft click which left them flabbergasted.
‘As expected of Atobe-san - heir of Atobe's Directorate, acting like a king,’ Momo commented, breaking the silence. ‘And what’s with that preparation?’
'How should we know? Stupid peach!’ hissed Kaidoh.
The spiky-head looked at Kaidoh like he could kill him. ‘What did you say? I was asking myself, Mamushi!’
The two youngest passengers growled and grabbed each others’ shirt, ready to throw some punches.
‘Stop that you two!’ exclaimed Oishi. The young manager sighed as Momo and Kaidoh pulled away from each other and glued their stares outside.
Eiji grunted his throat softly. ‘So Tezuka, I guess you’re coming with us,’ the red-head said, quickly glancing at Fuji, who was still asleep and oblivious to what was happening to his surroundings.
The amber-eyed young man sighed in resignation. He leaned at the back rest and stared outside. What am I doing? Tezuka asked himself silently. If he remembered correctly, he was a man who plans everything; from what he would be wearing the next day, his trainings, even his visits to his parents’ house in Chiba. That’s how it was until he met the band members of Caerulean. He was no longer the Tezuka Kunimitsu he knew he was and the amber-eyed felt that he was changing. He could not understand it and wasn’t sure if he wanted to understand.
Tezuka adjusted his glasses and carefully massaged his temple. Involuntarily, his eyes lingered at the man sleeping beside him. Fuji looked so vulnerable and peaceful. Few strands of his soft honey-brown hair were on his face. The amber-eyed was surprised when he felt at ease and sleepy just by merely looking at the smaller man - when in fact, Fuji was the reason he had trouble sleeping. When Tezuka couldn't fight the urge anymore, he closed his eyes.
Unknown to Tezuka, two pairs of eyes were silently and carefully watching him at the rear-view mirror the whole time until he fell asleep. Oishi craned his head to look at the two bespectacled young men and smiled. There's no need for disguise anymore, the warm-eyed thought as he carefully reached out for Fuji and slowly removed the blue-eyed's reading glasses.
'Nya Oishi,' whispered Eiji.
'Hmmm?' asked Oishi, glancing at his red-head.
‘Fujiko is smiling a lot nowadays. Did you notice that?’ asked the indigo-eyed.
‘Was he not always like that?’ asked Oishi instead of answering though he knew what Eiji meant.
‘You know it’s not same, Oishi. That’s true, he always smiles, but after he left Akira, his smiles were empty, never reached his eyes,’ Eiji said. ‘But now, I can feel that Fujiko’s returning to his normal self and I am very happy.
The warm-eyed couldn’t agree more with what the pianist said. It wasn’t a few months ago when Fuji was like a zombie and he was like that for a year. His family and friends didn’t know what to do but to stay beside the blue-eyed and be strong for him. But now that Eiji mentioned that Fuji was returning to normal, Oishi could only think of one possible reason why.
‘Should we thank Tezuka for that, Eiji?’ Oishi asked while smiling widely, earning a quick nod from the red haired pianist.
The bouncy pianist smiled back as they entered Route 14, glancing at Fuji and Tezuka from the rear-view mirror. 'They look good together, don't they?'
The young manager placed both hands at the back of his head and nodded. 'They sure do, Eiji.'
******************************************************************************
And Life is a road and I want to keep going
Love is a river I want to keep flowing
Life is a road now and forever
A Wonderful journey
Fuji opened his eyes slowly when he felt a soft tap on his shoulders. Eiji smiled and opened the SUV's door for him. He roamed his eyes and learned that everyone were already outside, in front of the Kikumarus' house. Fuji’s eyes grew wide when he saw Tezuka, casually standing and talking to Oishi. The blue-eyed glanced at his best friend and raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure why and how Tezuka ended up being with them but he was sure that it was Eiji's doing. The bouncy red-head just smiled widely and winked at him. The smaller man sighed and stared once again at the bespectacled man, who was now looking at him. He smiled at the young tennis super star, and then alight the vehicle.
'Eiji-senpai, can we come in now? I am freaking hungry!' exclaimed the spiky haired bassist and placed both hands at the back of his head.
'Fuushhuuu,' hissed Kaidoh. 'We just ate two hours ago. Are you a glutton, stupid Momoshiro?' the drummer continued while adjusting his bandana. We're not here for vacation.'
'Huh?' asked Momo. 'I know that very well, Mamushi!' the purple-eyed growled.
Needless to say, the two youngest men started their usual cat-fight. Oishi, being the mother figure of the band got in between them and stopped the ruckus. Eiji and Oishi ushered them inside the house and left Fuji and Tezuka.
'Ne Tezuka, are you going home?' asked Fuji as he approached the taller man.
Tezuka adjusted his glasses but didn't answer. He just looked at the smaller man and waited for Fuji to continue.
The vocalist chuckled and started pacing towards the house. 'Of course we know where you live. Momo and Kaidoh made sure that they know all about you,' Fuji answered Tezuka without being asked. 'So, are you going home?'
The bespectacled man followed Fuji. 'I was thinking about it, actually,' answered Tezuka. 'But it would be rude for Kikumaru, since he invited me to stay for the night,' he continued as they entered the two-storey house.
When Tezuka woke up earlier, he was surprised when he noticed that they were driving through Route 14 - a major highway in Japan that connects Tokyo and Chiba. Oishi informed him that the entire band members, Oishi included was from Chiba. And that they will be staying at Eiji's house for three days since it can accommodate all of them. More so, Caerulean can rehearse all day and night if they wanted to without disturbing anyone. They had Eiji's parents built a sound proof rehearsal room for them, with the band's money, of course.
When they passed through the entrance door, Tezuka felt like he was home - the house was cozy, spacious and had a warm aura. He took off his shoes and wore one of the guests' slippers provided. Fuji ushered him inside, to the living room, where the others were already seated comfortably.
'Tezuka, our house isn't as big as Atobe's, but nonetheless, please feel at home,' offered Eiji as he walked towards them carrying a tray with glasses filled with orange juice.
The taller man roamed his eyes and saw everyone smiling at him warmly. 'Ah, thank you Kikumaru,' he answered.
Kaidoh and Momoshiro grabbed their bags and went upstairs, while Oishi and Eiji excused themselves and went to the kitchen. The amber-eyed was once again left alone with Fuji in the living room. With nothing to do, Tezuka drained the last of his orange juice and busied himself looking around. He noticed a mahogany built-in wall unit in one corner of the living room. His feet led him to it and he learned that it was full of picture frames. The bespectacled young man was busy looking when he felt that Fuji was already beside him.
'Eiji is from a big family,' Fuji stated as he pointed one of the frames. 'He is the youngest and always treated as a child. So you can say he is a bit spoiled and that’s why he acts like a kid,' the blue-eyed continued with his eternal smile. Fuji got one of the frames and handed it to Tezuka. 'And this is how we were when we're in first year middle high.'
The Fuji, Eiji and Oishi in the picture were wearing their school's PE uniform. Oishi was at the middle, sandwiched by the blue-eyed and the red-head - a picture of a good, wonderful and happy friendship. Then there were photos of the three with Kaidoh and Momo, during rehearsals, at school, their trips locally and abroad. Each frame showed the other side of Caerulean, having fun like regular and private people.
Tezuka’s eyes flashed up when something caught his attention. He carefully studied the picture and was surprised when he realized why it looked familiar to him. Fuji noticed the bespectacled man and followed Tezuka’s gaze. The blue-eyed smiled when he saw the picture Tezuka was looking at.
‘That was taken when you were playing for your third Wimbledon trophy,’ Fuji said while looking at Tezuka. ‘Momo and Kaidoh were yelling so loud like crazy fans when you won,’ the blue-eyed continued while chuckling. Then Fuji stopped for a while as if he remembered something and faced the taller man. ‘But I think you need to smile sometimes, Tezuka. Your face needs some exercise too.’
The bespectacled man looked at Fuji, and instantly wished he didn’t - he was again drawn into the most beautiful and bluest orbs his eyes ever lain on.
‘You can try doing this,’ the blue-eyed suddenly said, while closing his eyes and smiled.
Tezuka wasn’t sure how to react, but he was sure that his face was warming up. He adjusted his glasses and sighed to hide his embarrassment. It was like a replay of their first meeting. The amber-eyed said a loud thank you mentally when he heard Oishi.
'Uhm Tezuka, I know that you're tired so I'll show you your room and you can rest while they practice,' the emerald-eyed offered, while smiling at him.
The tennis super star nodded at Fuji and immediately padded towards the neatly-cut haired man. Then he noticed Eiji and Momo sitting at the bottom step of the stairs while Kaidoh was leaning against the kitchen’s door. The red-head and spiky-head stood up when they saw Tezuka and retreated in to the kitchen with Kaidoh. Tezuka knew that the three saw what happened earlier and he felt his temples throb. He looked back at Fuji and saw the smaller man smiling innocently at him. Tezuka sighed in resignation as he followed Oishi upstairs and wished he could make Fuji run 100 laps.
******************************************************************************
'This would be your room,' Oishi said as they stopped in front of a room near the end of the hall.
Tezuka noticed that there were 4 doors on each side of the hall facing each other and another one at the center, end of the hall. He was wondering how big Kikumaru’s family was when Oishi answered his unspoken inquiry.
'Eiji has two older brothers and two older sisters and believe it or not, most of their extended families are as big as theirs' so they built three extra rooms, just in case,' the smaller man stated while smiling warmly at Tezuka.
Oishi opened the door and led him inside. The room was spacious enough to accommodate 2 people - there was a queen size bed, a closet and a built-in bookshelf with study table and chair. It also has its own bathroom. Tezuka placed his bag on the bed and noticed Oishi opened a sliding glass door. He followed the emerald-eyed and learned that his room was adjacent to a veranda, facing the backyard.
'All of the rooms in this side are interconnected by this veranda,' Oishi said and gestured at the other three doors. ‘The farthest door is Eiji’s and next to it would be shared by Momo and Kaidoh. They actually occupy different rooms whenever we’re here, but since you’re with us today, they mutually agreed to sleep together in one room without killing each other,’ the warm-eyed continued while chuckling. ‘They would do anything just to spend some time with you. They are one of your biggest fans, I told you that, right Tezuka?’
Tezuka adjusted his glasses and nodded. 'Thank you for inviting me here, Oishi.' The bespectacled man faced the backyard and placed both hands on the terrace.
'It's a pleasure to have you here,' said Oishi. 'We don't have so much to offer, but you can enjoy watching the band's rehearsal for their upcoming album,' the young manager offered while gazing down.
The amber-eyed followed Oishi's gaze and saw Fuji unlocking a door while the other three were behind him. Momoshiro saw them and waved his hands up his head while smiling widely.
'Nya, Oishi! Come down here with Tezuka,' exclaimed Eiji when he saw the two men looking down from the veranda. 'We're starting.'
The dark-haired man smiled at Tezuka shyly and sighed. 'They can't wait to show-off. But if you want to rest first, you can just watch them later, Tezuka.'
'Its okay,' answered the dark-brown head. 'I slept at the car on the way here, so I am fine. I just need to change clothes,' was Tezuka's calm constructed response.
'If that's the case, I'll wait for you downstairs,' said Oishi. The emerald-eyed padded towards the closet and took a clean towel and handed it to Tezuka. 'Call me if you need anything.' With that said, Oishi nodded at the taller man, got out of the room and closed the door.
After 10 minutes, Tezuka was already downstairs with Oishi. He just took a quick shower to freshen up himself and got ready. The bespectacled man didn't have any choice but to wear what he had prepared earlier that day - a light-blue polo shirt and a pair of cargo shorts. He was not used to dressing so casual in front of other people, not even to his family, but due to the circumstances, he didn’t have any choice.
Oishi led him to the rehearsal room and when the door was opened, Tezuka was impressed by how the room was organized. It was divided by a thick fiber glass - he could tell that the side where they entered was the control room while the other side was occupied by the band, along with their instruments. It felt like he was inside a professional recording studio.
Oishi smiled at the bespectacled man like a proud mother and offered him a seat. The emerald-eyed young man handed him a pair of headsets and beckoned him to wear it. His eyes flashed up at the other side of the room when he was welcomed by an upbeat music and by Fuji’s voice. The blue-eyed vocalist’s eyes were closed but he was still strumming his guitars skillfully. The music was different from what he heard before but it still had Caerulean’s signature - classical rock music.
Tezuka learned that it was a duet when Momoshiro joined Fuji. Their voices blended well together and it seemed that the band has improved. When the song ended, Oishi pushed a button and spoke.
‘That went well guys, but you still need more practice,’ the neatly-cut haired young men said while folding his arms across his chest. ‘Don’t forget that this album will be released internationally, we need to show the world why Caerulean is the number 1 band in Japan. The management believes in you, so let’s all believe in our abilities, ok guys?
A collective yes sir was heard around the room. The band prepared for the next rehearsal when Oishi asked Tezuka.
‘What can you say, Tezuka?’
The bespectacled man was surprised by the question, but answered nonetheless while adjusting his glasses. ‘Don’t let your guards down,’ was Tezuka’s response.
‘As expected of Tezuka-buchou,’ Kaidoh said quietly while adjusting his bandana.
The entire room was filled with laughter. Caerulean continued their practice until it was almost 12 noon with Tezuka watching and giving them some pointers whenever he was asked. After eating lunch, they were at the living room having tea when suddenly someone knocked at the front door.
Eiji’s eyes widened with surprise when he opened the door. ‘Nya Taka-san, long time no see!’ exclaimed the red-head while hugging the newcomer.
Eiji led the honey haired young man to the living room. The entire band and Oishi stood up from their seats and said their greetings.
‘It’s been a while, everyone,’ said the newcomer, while scratching his head. His eyes grew wide when he spotted Tezuka. He stared at Oishi with an inquiring look.
Tezuka stood up and padded towards the newcomer. ‘Tezuka Kunimitsu,,’ said the bespectacled young man while offering his hand.
‘Kawamura Takashi, glad to meet you,’ was Kawamura’s shy response while shaking hands with Tezuka.
‘Taka-san is the owner of the best sushi bar here in Chiba. Maybe we can eat there some other time, Tezuka-san’ said Momoshiro while grinning widely.
The tennis super star adjusted his glasses and nodded. 'That would be nice,' he said while looking at Kawamura.
Kawamura nodded back and smiled timidly at Tezuka.
Everyone returned to their seats and shared the sushi that was brought by the timid young man. Momoshiro started telling Kawamura how they met Tezuka, while stuffing his mouth with more sushi, when suddenly he stopped talking and his eyes became teary.
‘Ah Fuji-senpai, you’re eating wasabi sushi again!’ exclaimed the purple-eyed while covering his mouth with his hands.
‘That serves you, stupid Momoshiro. Eating so much,’ Kaidoh hissed under his breath.
‘What did you say? Do you want to fight?’ asked the spiky-haired, forgetting the he just ate a whole sushi stuffed with wasabi.
The two youngsters stopped when they heard a loud knock. Oishi stood up and answered the door and everyone was surprised when they saw Atobe leaning against the front door’s frame, together with a huge man beside him.
‘I can see that all main actors are present here,’ was the millionaire’s majestic greetings while sashaying his way inside the house. All eyes were glued at Atobe but no one dared to speak. The purplish-grey haired young man smirked and continued. ‘I know that you’re all awed by my presence, but now is not the right time for that. Go pack your things and we’ll be going on vacation, na Kabaji?’
‘Usu,’ replied the huge man named Kabaji.
I’ll be there when the world stops turning
I’ll be there when the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with You
tbc