Miniseries: Pink (1 and 2)
Title: Pink
Pairing: RyoDa
Rating: PG 13
Summary: A miniseries that spins off the To woo. Ryo is ready for his reward for the bands he gave Ueda earlier, and Ueda is ready for him. Or is he?
No beta
Pink 1, originally posted on 08/08/2009
Ryo is too fast that Wednesday; the photographer thinks he is too eager. Shige whines that he is taking over his role of trying too much. Kei worries something bad happened, and Pi just knows the man wants to leave as soon as possible. Rumors spread, and he knows this guy actually has a date with no other than Ueda Tatsuya. According to the same rumor, Ueda is actually easy because it was enough to provide some kind of stupid trinket and he even did the rest of the work for Ryo. Well obviously, Pi concludes. His friend can be pretty slow and damn clumsy when it comes to flirting and asking people out. Some idol he is.
Ryo is out of the dressing room before anyone can blink. He takes the train, swearing about not being able to drive for way too long now. He comes home, takes a shower and spends half an hour choosing one damn jeans and a T-shirt that looks casual enough. He pays extra attention to his boxers, but that is only because he wants to have the entire outfit well coordinated. Ryo leaves his apartment all perky, with a little too much cologne as he wanted to smell appealing and with a bottle of white wine because one should never come empty handed.
Forty minutes later, he is knocking on Ueda´s door and no one is answering. He pounds at it next, but the result doesn´t really changes, and he finally admits the boxer might not be home. He checks the watch, the date, his planner, but it all fits. Ueda should be opening the door in pink apron and big smile. Or maybe even better, all dirty and in panic, so Ryo can save the day because he is a good cook and sweep him of his feet, prove he deserves, well, the desert.
He contemplates on leaving, but he wants the damned DESERT, and he refuses to leave without being served. He paces the corridor, realizes he doesn´t have the other´s number and rules out asking Jin for it. Rumors spread, and if anyone finds out he got stood up by Ueda Tatsuya, he will be done for and his reputation might never recover. He takes few more steps, then sits down next to the door, then he decides it is pathetic and he will not wait for that bastard who just ignored him and obviously played around with him. He forces the small pain in his chest out of his system, stands up, takes a firm steps towards the exit and almost runs over Ueda himself.
The other has his hands full of groceries, he is breathing as if he just ran a marathon, his fringe is all in his eyes, his cheeks are slightly red, a nice touch against his fair skin, his glasses are falling off his nose and now he is bowing his head.
“I am sorry. I know I set the time, but our manager felt like giving us a heart-warming talk, and I couldn´t get out of it. I don´t have your number, and he kept on talking so I couldn´t even ask Jin.”
Ryo is too occupied by trying not to attack Ueda to speak, though he doesn´t know if he wants to make him scream in pain or in pleasure. Maybe both. The other just continues.
“I bought these during the lunch break. That was lucky, so I rushed right back home … thank you for waiting.”
Ryo just nods.
“I wasn´t waiting. I came late and was just leaving.” He WAS NOT waiting and hoping for the other to show up.
“Oh, here hold this,” Ueda tells him and hands him the bags.
Ryo scoffs but takes them, although muttering something about being the guest and no manners. Ueda just searches his pockets and opens the door for Ryo after finding the keys. They both get in. Ryo, still holding the bags, slips out of his shoes and looks up, wanting to say something, but Ueda pulls him by his shirt and kisses him right on his lips. He works fast, his lips soft against Ryo´s, his tongue teasing, running across the small cleft between Ryo´s lips, but pulling away before anything else happens.
“Consider that an appetizer,” he says lightly when pulling away. He takes the bags from Ryo´s hands and heads into the kitchen. Ryo just stares blankly, so Ueda stops, turns to face him again and asks so innocently Ryo would believe he really is pure if he still wasn´t feeling the aftertaste of his tongue and lips on his.
“Don´t they say that appetizers are like a preview of what is to come?”
“No, I think you just made that up.” Ryo finally gets a hold of himself and follows Ueda.
“Well in my household, it is a rule,” Ueda throws at him carelessly and starts unpacking.
“Are you really going to cook?” Ryo asks concerned when he notices he is actually very much hungry. Also he really just wants to get the main dish over and start on that desert.
“I doubt you could make something edible.”
“Well I was going for fast and simple, just some Italian pasta. I can do that. But you know, I find it sexy when someone cooks for me, and I read somewhere that you do cook …”
“You invite me for a dinner and expect me to cook?” Ueda reads about him?
“Well it would be faster if you helped.” Ueda smiles sweetly, washes his hands and pulls out an apron. It is not pink but deep blue, and Ryo observes that Ueda looks quite familiar with how it works in the kitchen. He also does have a point, so he washes his hands as well.
“Do you have one more of those?”
Ueda smirks and pulls out baby pink apron.
“My mom uses it when she comes by.”
“I am not wearing that.”
“Well you don´t have to; you can also take your shirt off. It would be a shame to get something that looks good on you dirty, and you can cook like that. I don´t mind, it might be pretty interesting actually.”
Ueda eyes him and licks his lips a little, Ryo blushes and Ueda catches himself thinking it is pretty cute while the other hangs the pink apron around his head and ties it on his waist.
Ryo did want to show off his skills in front of Ueda, so he starts on the vegetable and then continues to slice the meat, checking the kitchen cabinets and finding everything he needs for a good Italian mix, only confirming Ueda actually cooks. He doesn´t know how it happens, but he takes over the kitchen, and Ueda sits down on the other side of the counter and just watches him work.
Ryo tells him about the newest song he is working on, and Ueda tells him about how annoying his manager is. He apologizes again and again about being late, and Ryo forgets about his suspicion that Ueda was late on purpose so he could make Ryo cook. It feels kind of relaxing to just discuss stupid things. Ryo doesn´t realize right away that they are silent. He turns around and finds Ueda just staring at him. He surveys the man properly and sees that his skin is more pale than fair now the heat of rushing home has subsided. The man in front of him has bags under his eyes and his limbs are kind of hanging low. He is dead tired. Ryo suddenly realizes what Ueda is not telling him: he had a long, hard day and really should be sleeping or relaxing in a bath rather than having guests over and cooking. He comes close and swipes the hair out of his eyes, caresses the skin under them with his thumbs and only when Ueda blinks, he registers that he got a bit daring.
“You look like shit,” he utters and turns back to cooking.
“I know you like it,” Ueda comes back, but it´ s not as sharp as it should be.
Ryo starts talking about the secrets of making the pasta just to cover up the embarrassment and to prevent sinking into the silence again. Ueda just murmurs something back time to time and lets him talk.
When the food is ready, the younger man turns around and wants to ask about the table setting. He finds Ueda soundly asleep, his head on his arms on the counter. Just like in that drama, not that Ryo has ever watched. He comes close and runs his hand through Ueda´s hair. The man just stirs but doesn´t wake up. His face is so peaceful, yet his posture still so tired.
Ueda wakes up to the sunlight peering through his curtains that were not closed completely. He blinks once, twice …
“Food!” He shouts out a little hoarsely. He looks around in confusion. He is still in his yesterday´s clothes, covered by a blanket he usually keeps by the window to stay warm when he sits there. He gets up and walks out into his living room and then into the kitchen, searching for … for Ryo, but he is not there, obviously.
He finds a note on the counter.
Your portion is in the fridge. I ate mine since I was hungry. You might be the best company when asleep, I tell you.
Since I WAS a guest yesterday, I am leaving the dishes up to you.
Ryo
P.S.: I WANT MY DESERT!!!
Ueda checks the sink, but there is not much there to clean. Ryo left him only his plate and silverware to wash. The food in the fridge looks delicious, and Ueda is late for work.
Ryo sits in the corner of his living room, strumming his guitar. Pi, who invited himself over on their day off, looks at him suspiciously. He has been watching him for good 20 minutes now. He can´t figure out if he got some last night or not, but it seems like not. Yet Ryo is not angry.
“This is boring,” he voices in the end. “You not telling me is boring, you always tell me,” he stomps his feet a little.
“There is nothing to tell.”
Yamapi tilts his head. “There is always something to tell; this is Ueda we are talking about.”
Ryo´s phone vibrates that moment, and Ryo looks at the message lazily. But then he is grinning and opening his schedule again, and Yamapi just knows there is something to tell and gets pissed at Ryo for not cooperating this time. But he will find out, one way or another.
Consider this as a gift certificate worth of Ueda Tatsuya´s personal all inclusive desert package.
The terms and conditions are as followed:
You pick a date and announce it to the obliged.
Obliged Ueda Tatsuya will personally deliver the package at your place on the given date and time.
The identification mark will be a pink ribbon.
The package includes bottle of champagne, good cheese and Ueda Tatsuya himself.
Until 10 am next day, you are in charge of things to happen. Ueda Tatsuya must oblige.
For further inquires about this all inclusive package, please call the number from which you have received this message.
Pi goes back to his new script but makes a mental note to steal Ryo´s phone later that day.
~
Pink 2, originally posted on 10/08/2009,
To sum the previous happenings up, meet Ryo-chan! He is perfect!
by naoryuu
“Will you tell me already? Please Tat-chan. Please help me out here!” Jin has been pacing in front of Ueda, repeating the same thing since this morning.
“Why should I talk to you about this?” Ueda doesn´t even lift his eyes from what he is doing.
“Because Pi is mad, because Ryo-chan is not telling, and Ryo-chan always tells, and Pi is breathing down my neck now, telling me to spy on you, and he says I have no results and it´s been over a week now …”
“Jin, I am not talking about this with you. Besides, if Ryo doesn´t want to talk about it, why should I?” Ueda runs his hand over his ankle, and his shiny new bands change the order again. He keeps watching them when Kame looks his way. Jin´s been annoying, and he personally just wishes for him to stop. He doesn´t really get why Ueda wouldn´t give him at least one juicy detail. He sees the other looking at his foot.
“So, Ueda, how is the accent working for you?”
“It has some interesting effects, I must say,” Ueda answers almost absentmindedly, but Kame can´t be fooled.
“So that means you think it´s boring,” he notes dryly but keeps watching his bandmate.
“What is boring?” Jin doesn´t like to be ignored; he is on the mission.
“That´s what you said.” Ueda lets his leg fall down off the couch and looks at Kame after all. “I would say it is more appeasing, and who would have guessed that?”
“It still sounds as boring to my ears,” Kame concludes and goes back to reading some magazine.
“Ryo´s boring? His accent is?” Jin doesn´t get it, but it is something. He finally has some information to report. Ueda just shakes his head and goes to check his phone.
This is an announcement of the time and date I wish for my all inclusive desert package to arrive.
I finally choked my schedule out of my manager.
Time: 6 pm
Date: next Friday
My place
Specific instructions will be given on the spot.
Pi is grinning evilly, mounting over Ryo who has his earphones on and is trying to catch up on some sleep before the next shoot. After some contemplation, he makes his move, taking his friends earphones away and shaking him.
“I know why you don´t want to tell me anything. You embarrassed yourself, didn´t you?”
“What?” Ryo is too sleepy, and frankly who could know what his friend is talking about?
“With Ueda, you must have blabbed and blabbed until you bored the soul out of him. Now he thinks your accent is boring.”
“How long did you have to brainstorm to come up with such a stupid idea?”
“It is not stupid,” and it is true; Ryo is blushing slightly, so Pi must be right,”… Jin told me that Ueda said your accent is boring.”
“He did?” Ryo snatches his earphones back and puts them in.
Pi gets overlooked again, but he is getting there. He will find out the whole story soon. But suddenly something strikes him, the explanation why Ryo keeps silent. The only plausible one. He needs to know now! He grabs the other´s player and turns it off; Ryo opens his eyes and Pi looks him down.
“Ryo, are you and Ueda dating?” Pi´s eyes widen, but Ryo just closes his and turns around.
Pi hangs his shoulders and decides he needs his coffee. He resigns on getting an answer, but in the doorway he catches Ryo stirring and he turns back. He can see only his back tough.
“We are not …”
This is a confirmation of the time and date set for the package delivery.
Ueda Tatsuya will be pleased to meet you in a week´s time.
Next time, let me know. Choking your manager as a duo might be more effective, and you know, they did teach me some tricks in the gym.
Ryo comes home, throws his bag into a corner and heads straight into the kitchen. He washes the dishes from that morning and outs all his shopping on the counter. He cooks, works fast and concentrated. He doesn´t turn any music on, and he doesn´t leave the kitchen until he is done. Nothing too fancy but not too simple either. Some vegetables because he knows the other eats healthy, some meat because, well, they are men and men need meat, some rice because they are Japanese. He finishes, sets the table and leaves to take a shower. He still has about two hours till 6 pm, but he wanted to make sure he was ready.
Leaving the shower, he puts some clothes on, but his mind is somewhere else. It´s a first shirt and first jeans he finds, and soon he is in his living room, sitting down, taking his guitar and some music sheets. Before he realizes it, there are used and rejected papers all around him, and he is annoyed by having to let go of his guitar every time he needs to write something down. Then it hits him. He looks around. The apartment is a mess, his suitcase still in the hall where he left it when he came back from Osaka late at night yesterday, papers everywhere, dust piled up in an apartment that wasn´t used for a week. He grabs his cell phone and rubs his forehand then his shoulder nervously, and then he types.
Ueda checks himself in the mirror. Low cut T-shirt, black jeans, one of those long sweaters without buttons he likes, perfect hair. He checks his arm and smiles; the old lady next door did a nice job despite not really understanding the requests. He picks up the basket he has gotten ready and leaves. Before he starts up his car, he hears his phone and checks his messages.
This is an official enquiry about the terms and conditions.
What is the penalty for the last minute cancellation?
I do not think I can receive my Ueda Tatsuya desert in a presentable state today.
But no one rejects Ueda Tatsuya. Especially when he made an effort and waited for two weeks. Okay, it was his fault he had to wait in the first place, but still no one makes him wait. He turns off his phone and throws it to the back seat. He has 40 minutes until 6 pm.
When Ryo´s doorbell rings, he is quite surprised. He has long forgotten Ueda didn´t answer the phone, and he is not expecting anyone. He doesn´t even put his guitar away and just walks to the door. They spring open when he pushes down the handle. There in front of him stands Ueda Tatsuya, with a basket in one hand and a big pink ribbon tied around his other arm. He is smiling brightly and emitting an awesome scent, fresh, a little spicy and very alluring.
“Ueda Tatsuya at your service,” he bows and is let in without a word from the other. He takes his shoes off and pushes around Ryo and inside. Seeing the state of the room he whistles.
“I wrote you a message …” Ryo gets ignored.
“What is the suitcase for? Are you leaving me here to clean while you are bailing?” Ueda is fighting all kinds of thoughts. He was sure him and Ryo were on the same page here, but Ryo looks like Ueda is the last person he wants to see. He did text him …
“No, I was in Osaka. Though now you mention it, the apartment needs a little cleaning. At my service, you say?” Ryo pulls himself together. What is done is done.
“I cooked; come on, let´s eat. I think that champagne you promised will go well with the food.”
“So you were waiting for me after all,” Ueda smiles little deviously and runs his hand down Ryo´s chest.
“I am pleased and cooking is a nice bonus. I promise I will be a good boy.”
Ryo needs to breathe in and out before moving into the kitchen, wondering when the atmosphere got so laden.
“Nice decoration you have there,” he points to Ueda´s arm.
“For you to unwrap,” Ueda shoots him a look from where he is sitting down. “But if you want to, I can wash the dishes before we get there.“
Ryo doesn´t say anything, just puts the food on the table and brings two glasses. The champagne is nice and bubbly and covers the slightly weird atmosphere while they start eating.
“You know, this is the second time you cooked for me. I must admit I do not mind at all.”
“Well I figured I do it before you arrive this time. I wouldn´t like you to fall asleep on me again.”
Ueda looks the other into the eye and stops eating.
“I am sorry about the last time. I was more tired than I would ever admit, and I owe you for taking care of me. Well," he adds raising an eyebrow, ”… I am here to make up for that. Whatever you like.”
“Ueda …”
“Call me by my name. I think me falling asleep while you cooked in my own kitchen and the fact that I am eating your home cooked meal for the second time gives you the right.”
Ryo´s eyes glitter, and Ueda finds it a little disturbing.
“I am calling you Ryo from now on too.”
“Okay,” is the only answer he gets, and when he looks at the man again, he is stuffing his face eating quickly and eagerly. He laughs a little, and it finally lights up the atmosphere as he too digs in. He really does wash dishes afterwards while Ryo disappears. He finds him sitting in the living room, fumbling with the second bottle Ueda brought.
“You wanted to cancel on me today,” Ueda states matter of fact-ly, shoving Ryo to the side a little so he can sit next to him.
“Why is that? When you obviously cooked first.”
Ryo looks around.
“Well, look at this place, it´s a mess. I forgot myself, trying to finish this song and didn´t clean. I keep going back to that tune, and I don´t think I am the best company today.”
“You are the company I choose to be in,” Ueda states blankly, missing Ryo´s embarrassment this time. “And why are you in such a rush with the song?” He picks up the music sheets and looks through it.
“I like it, it is bubbling in me … I want to finish it while it is still there. If I do not do it now, if I set it aside, I will never finish it. It will end up in my drawer along with the rest of never to be finished songs. I do not want that faith for it.”
Ueda giggles at that as he realizes something, asking one of those random questions Massu would be proud of.
“Why do you talk in such a proper language today?”
Ryo looks at him, and his answer comes out as more angry than he intended it to be.
“Because you think my Osaka accent is boring, and I don´t want you to go around saying I am boring!”
“What?” But Ueda doesn´t need more to be said. He knows who is responsible for this. “Jin is such an idiot. But you are too,” he teases, jabbing Ryo by his elbow. “Why do you listen to him?”
“I do not! It was Pi who said that Jin said …oh.”
Ueda laughs and ruffles the man´s hair.
“I am not proud of what I did last time that we tried to meet. I refused to tell anyone, but Kame asked something, and I said you talking to me is appeasing actually.”
“Well that means boring,” Ryo snaps.
“It does not! It means I felt good enough to relax completely, so stop it!” Ueda is pouting now.
“I don´t like this,” Ryo hisses out, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Why it is even important?
Ueda decides to drop the subject. He waves the music sheets in front of his eyes.
“I like this song. I get why you are trying to finish it, but do not rush it. It will come. In the meantime, let me do what I came for.”
Ryo wants to protest, but Ueda stands up and pushes him so he is lying flat on his stomach, one hand hanging from his couch.
“What are you …” He manages, but then Ueda is mounting him, sitting on his legs and reaching upwards, caressing his neck softly but shortly after that grabbing his shoulders, straightening them and pushing his thumbs around his shoulder blades with a force that makes Ryo groan.
Ueda chuckles, ”You just need to relax a bit.”
“You are just trying to change the subject,” Ryo tries to retort, but it falls flat as he moans the next moment, Ueda´s hands loosening his sore muscles and pressing all the right places.
“Where the hell did you learn that?”
“I have my sources. And see that was such a nice Osaka accent right there, I love it!”
Ryo thanks god for being able to hide his face into the cushions as Ueda´s hands move lower to the small of his back and up again.
“Tell me if I use too much force, ok?”
“Right … “
“Do you know why Kame asked me about your accent?” Ueda is too curious, and Ryo seems to be getting in the mood, so he risks it.
“Can´t we just forget it?”
“Do you talk dirty when having sex?”
Ryo almost chokes and tries to shake Ueda off, but the man just squeezes his thighs more and pushes down.
“Tell me!”
“I … do you want me to?” Ryo stutters, realizing in what position he is.
“Well today it´s all about what you want. But if I can voice my opinion, I think it would be hot.”
“And you discuss this with Kame?” Ryo tries to free himself again.
“Just forget it now.” Ueda leans ahead and whispers into Ryo´s ears but then goes back to massaging him.
The other decides it is best to stay still. He inhales and exhales deeply, trying to calm down. Soon Ueda hears Ryo´s breath evening, and his touches become softer. The Osakan mumbles something, but it is pretty clear he fell asleep.
The boxer climbs down and watches the other for some time. He sits down next to the couch and studies his face. He has seen so many expressions on that face lately. When Ryo gave him those bands that he keeps touching unconsciously every now and then, when he cooked for him - all serious, when he blushed at being kissed or complimented, when he went to his own world - never opening that bottle of champagne. Ueda feels how attentive the other has been, putting him to bed, cooking tonight, not kicking him out, noticing small details.
He reaches towards the other. His fingers ghost over his face, only touching it lightly, sweeping away the hair from his eyes. Before he knows it, Ueda leans down and kisses the other, just brushing his lips against Ryo´s, lightly pressing in as his hand finds its way into his hair. He wants to pull away, but then Ryo inhales sharply and responds. Ueda can´t resist. He didn´t expect the other to wake up, but when the younger man catches his lip between his, he moves closer and his hand slides down to Ryo´s nape. The other slowly opens his mouth, and as if they agreed long ago, one tongue is meeting the other, slowly, gently. They taste each other, not really taking, just giving, and the kiss is almost languid and perfect, and they are not fighting, only dancing together, getting to know how the other feels. Ueda forgets to breathe completely and has to pull out in the end. He stays close and searches the other´s eyes that opened no one knows when.
“Tatsuya … I want this to be right, can … can you keep the desert for now?”
Ueda doesn´t know what to say. Ryo´s eyes flutter and close again, but his hand doesn´t let go of his shirt.
“Don´t go yet,” he asks, his hand falling numb, and he is asleep again.
Ueda stands up, looks around himself and at his arm, the ribbon still there. He goes and searches the apartment, coming back with a blanket and a pillow, finding Ryo curled up like a baby. He lies down next to him. His body fits against Ryo´s almost perfectly; he might fall off the couch any minute now, but he decides to give it a try. He covers them both and is surprised when Ryo suddenly pushes himself closer to the backrest, making more space for him. He takes it and dares to wrap a hand around Ryo´s waist. It gives him an extra support. He is almost sleeping when he hears a faint “Thank you” and thinks something is very wrong, and this is totally not as he planned it.
Ryo wakes up to a silent thud of the front door. He sits up quickly, but the apartment is empty, and he knows Ueda has left. He doesn´t have the strength to do something about it. He rubs his eyes and looks around the room. The clock says it is 10:05 am, the place is cleaned, the papers are all sorted into two piles and it looks like the dust was swept.
He notices a big pink ribbon lying on the table along with the note.
Ueda Tatsuya has delivered his all exclusive desert package according to the terms and conditions.
He has done what was requested and left as agreed at 10 am.
This ribbon serves as a receipt.
I hope you were satisfied with our services.
Please consider the contract fulfilled.
P.S. I tweaked that song of yours. It´s awesome, and I will totally understand if you won´t accept my suggestions. But I hope you will finish it. It will be a hit, and I am looking forward to hearing you singing it. Thank you for all your care.
tbc
Hit the next button for more. And I know they keep falling asleep like in some manga, I kind of had too much fun writing it that way <3
Pairing: RyoDa
Rating: PG 13
Summary: A miniseries that spins off the To woo. Ryo is ready for his reward for the bands he gave Ueda earlier, and Ueda is ready for him. Or is he?
No beta
Pink 1, originally posted on 08/08/2009
Ryo is too fast that Wednesday; the photographer thinks he is too eager. Shige whines that he is taking over his role of trying too much. Kei worries something bad happened, and Pi just knows the man wants to leave as soon as possible. Rumors spread, and he knows this guy actually has a date with no other than Ueda Tatsuya. According to the same rumor, Ueda is actually easy because it was enough to provide some kind of stupid trinket and he even did the rest of the work for Ryo. Well obviously, Pi concludes. His friend can be pretty slow and damn clumsy when it comes to flirting and asking people out. Some idol he is.
Ryo is out of the dressing room before anyone can blink. He takes the train, swearing about not being able to drive for way too long now. He comes home, takes a shower and spends half an hour choosing one damn jeans and a T-shirt that looks casual enough. He pays extra attention to his boxers, but that is only because he wants to have the entire outfit well coordinated. Ryo leaves his apartment all perky, with a little too much cologne as he wanted to smell appealing and with a bottle of white wine because one should never come empty handed.
Forty minutes later, he is knocking on Ueda´s door and no one is answering. He pounds at it next, but the result doesn´t really changes, and he finally admits the boxer might not be home. He checks the watch, the date, his planner, but it all fits. Ueda should be opening the door in pink apron and big smile. Or maybe even better, all dirty and in panic, so Ryo can save the day because he is a good cook and sweep him of his feet, prove he deserves, well, the desert.
He contemplates on leaving, but he wants the damned DESERT, and he refuses to leave without being served. He paces the corridor, realizes he doesn´t have the other´s number and rules out asking Jin for it. Rumors spread, and if anyone finds out he got stood up by Ueda Tatsuya, he will be done for and his reputation might never recover. He takes few more steps, then sits down next to the door, then he decides it is pathetic and he will not wait for that bastard who just ignored him and obviously played around with him. He forces the small pain in his chest out of his system, stands up, takes a firm steps towards the exit and almost runs over Ueda himself.
The other has his hands full of groceries, he is breathing as if he just ran a marathon, his fringe is all in his eyes, his cheeks are slightly red, a nice touch against his fair skin, his glasses are falling off his nose and now he is bowing his head.
“I am sorry. I know I set the time, but our manager felt like giving us a heart-warming talk, and I couldn´t get out of it. I don´t have your number, and he kept on talking so I couldn´t even ask Jin.”
Ryo is too occupied by trying not to attack Ueda to speak, though he doesn´t know if he wants to make him scream in pain or in pleasure. Maybe both. The other just continues.
“I bought these during the lunch break. That was lucky, so I rushed right back home … thank you for waiting.”
Ryo just nods.
“I wasn´t waiting. I came late and was just leaving.” He WAS NOT waiting and hoping for the other to show up.
“Oh, here hold this,” Ueda tells him and hands him the bags.
Ryo scoffs but takes them, although muttering something about being the guest and no manners. Ueda just searches his pockets and opens the door for Ryo after finding the keys. They both get in. Ryo, still holding the bags, slips out of his shoes and looks up, wanting to say something, but Ueda pulls him by his shirt and kisses him right on his lips. He works fast, his lips soft against Ryo´s, his tongue teasing, running across the small cleft between Ryo´s lips, but pulling away before anything else happens.
“Consider that an appetizer,” he says lightly when pulling away. He takes the bags from Ryo´s hands and heads into the kitchen. Ryo just stares blankly, so Ueda stops, turns to face him again and asks so innocently Ryo would believe he really is pure if he still wasn´t feeling the aftertaste of his tongue and lips on his.
“Don´t they say that appetizers are like a preview of what is to come?”
“No, I think you just made that up.” Ryo finally gets a hold of himself and follows Ueda.
“Well in my household, it is a rule,” Ueda throws at him carelessly and starts unpacking.
“Are you really going to cook?” Ryo asks concerned when he notices he is actually very much hungry. Also he really just wants to get the main dish over and start on that desert.
“I doubt you could make something edible.”
“Well I was going for fast and simple, just some Italian pasta. I can do that. But you know, I find it sexy when someone cooks for me, and I read somewhere that you do cook …”
“You invite me for a dinner and expect me to cook?” Ueda reads about him?
“Well it would be faster if you helped.” Ueda smiles sweetly, washes his hands and pulls out an apron. It is not pink but deep blue, and Ryo observes that Ueda looks quite familiar with how it works in the kitchen. He also does have a point, so he washes his hands as well.
“Do you have one more of those?”
Ueda smirks and pulls out baby pink apron.
“My mom uses it when she comes by.”
“I am not wearing that.”
“Well you don´t have to; you can also take your shirt off. It would be a shame to get something that looks good on you dirty, and you can cook like that. I don´t mind, it might be pretty interesting actually.”
Ueda eyes him and licks his lips a little, Ryo blushes and Ueda catches himself thinking it is pretty cute while the other hangs the pink apron around his head and ties it on his waist.
Ryo did want to show off his skills in front of Ueda, so he starts on the vegetable and then continues to slice the meat, checking the kitchen cabinets and finding everything he needs for a good Italian mix, only confirming Ueda actually cooks. He doesn´t know how it happens, but he takes over the kitchen, and Ueda sits down on the other side of the counter and just watches him work.
Ryo tells him about the newest song he is working on, and Ueda tells him about how annoying his manager is. He apologizes again and again about being late, and Ryo forgets about his suspicion that Ueda was late on purpose so he could make Ryo cook. It feels kind of relaxing to just discuss stupid things. Ryo doesn´t realize right away that they are silent. He turns around and finds Ueda just staring at him. He surveys the man properly and sees that his skin is more pale than fair now the heat of rushing home has subsided. The man in front of him has bags under his eyes and his limbs are kind of hanging low. He is dead tired. Ryo suddenly realizes what Ueda is not telling him: he had a long, hard day and really should be sleeping or relaxing in a bath rather than having guests over and cooking. He comes close and swipes the hair out of his eyes, caresses the skin under them with his thumbs and only when Ueda blinks, he registers that he got a bit daring.
“You look like shit,” he utters and turns back to cooking.
“I know you like it,” Ueda comes back, but it´ s not as sharp as it should be.
Ryo starts talking about the secrets of making the pasta just to cover up the embarrassment and to prevent sinking into the silence again. Ueda just murmurs something back time to time and lets him talk.
When the food is ready, the younger man turns around and wants to ask about the table setting. He finds Ueda soundly asleep, his head on his arms on the counter. Just like in that drama, not that Ryo has ever watched. He comes close and runs his hand through Ueda´s hair. The man just stirs but doesn´t wake up. His face is so peaceful, yet his posture still so tired.
Ueda wakes up to the sunlight peering through his curtains that were not closed completely. He blinks once, twice …
“Food!” He shouts out a little hoarsely. He looks around in confusion. He is still in his yesterday´s clothes, covered by a blanket he usually keeps by the window to stay warm when he sits there. He gets up and walks out into his living room and then into the kitchen, searching for … for Ryo, but he is not there, obviously.
He finds a note on the counter.
Your portion is in the fridge. I ate mine since I was hungry. You might be the best company when asleep, I tell you.
Since I WAS a guest yesterday, I am leaving the dishes up to you.
Ryo
P.S.: I WANT MY DESERT!!!
Ueda checks the sink, but there is not much there to clean. Ryo left him only his plate and silverware to wash. The food in the fridge looks delicious, and Ueda is late for work.
Ryo sits in the corner of his living room, strumming his guitar. Pi, who invited himself over on their day off, looks at him suspiciously. He has been watching him for good 20 minutes now. He can´t figure out if he got some last night or not, but it seems like not. Yet Ryo is not angry.
“This is boring,” he voices in the end. “You not telling me is boring, you always tell me,” he stomps his feet a little.
“There is nothing to tell.”
Yamapi tilts his head. “There is always something to tell; this is Ueda we are talking about.”
Ryo´s phone vibrates that moment, and Ryo looks at the message lazily. But then he is grinning and opening his schedule again, and Yamapi just knows there is something to tell and gets pissed at Ryo for not cooperating this time. But he will find out, one way or another.
Consider this as a gift certificate worth of Ueda Tatsuya´s personal all inclusive desert package.
The terms and conditions are as followed:
You pick a date and announce it to the obliged.
Obliged Ueda Tatsuya will personally deliver the package at your place on the given date and time.
The identification mark will be a pink ribbon.
The package includes bottle of champagne, good cheese and Ueda Tatsuya himself.
Until 10 am next day, you are in charge of things to happen. Ueda Tatsuya must oblige.
For further inquires about this all inclusive package, please call the number from which you have received this message.
Pi goes back to his new script but makes a mental note to steal Ryo´s phone later that day.
~
Pink 2, originally posted on 10/08/2009,
To sum the previous happenings up, meet Ryo-chan! He is perfect!
by naoryuu
“Will you tell me already? Please Tat-chan. Please help me out here!” Jin has been pacing in front of Ueda, repeating the same thing since this morning.
“Why should I talk to you about this?” Ueda doesn´t even lift his eyes from what he is doing.
“Because Pi is mad, because Ryo-chan is not telling, and Ryo-chan always tells, and Pi is breathing down my neck now, telling me to spy on you, and he says I have no results and it´s been over a week now …”
“Jin, I am not talking about this with you. Besides, if Ryo doesn´t want to talk about it, why should I?” Ueda runs his hand over his ankle, and his shiny new bands change the order again. He keeps watching them when Kame looks his way. Jin´s been annoying, and he personally just wishes for him to stop. He doesn´t really get why Ueda wouldn´t give him at least one juicy detail. He sees the other looking at his foot.
“So, Ueda, how is the accent working for you?”
“It has some interesting effects, I must say,” Ueda answers almost absentmindedly, but Kame can´t be fooled.
“So that means you think it´s boring,” he notes dryly but keeps watching his bandmate.
“What is boring?” Jin doesn´t like to be ignored; he is on the mission.
“That´s what you said.” Ueda lets his leg fall down off the couch and looks at Kame after all. “I would say it is more appeasing, and who would have guessed that?”
“It still sounds as boring to my ears,” Kame concludes and goes back to reading some magazine.
“Ryo´s boring? His accent is?” Jin doesn´t get it, but it is something. He finally has some information to report. Ueda just shakes his head and goes to check his phone.
This is an announcement of the time and date I wish for my all inclusive desert package to arrive.
I finally choked my schedule out of my manager.
Time: 6 pm
Date: next Friday
My place
Specific instructions will be given on the spot.
Pi is grinning evilly, mounting over Ryo who has his earphones on and is trying to catch up on some sleep before the next shoot. After some contemplation, he makes his move, taking his friends earphones away and shaking him.
“I know why you don´t want to tell me anything. You embarrassed yourself, didn´t you?”
“What?” Ryo is too sleepy, and frankly who could know what his friend is talking about?
“With Ueda, you must have blabbed and blabbed until you bored the soul out of him. Now he thinks your accent is boring.”
“How long did you have to brainstorm to come up with such a stupid idea?”
“It is not stupid,” and it is true; Ryo is blushing slightly, so Pi must be right,”… Jin told me that Ueda said your accent is boring.”
“He did?” Ryo snatches his earphones back and puts them in.
Pi gets overlooked again, but he is getting there. He will find out the whole story soon. But suddenly something strikes him, the explanation why Ryo keeps silent. The only plausible one. He needs to know now! He grabs the other´s player and turns it off; Ryo opens his eyes and Pi looks him down.
“Ryo, are you and Ueda dating?” Pi´s eyes widen, but Ryo just closes his and turns around.
Pi hangs his shoulders and decides he needs his coffee. He resigns on getting an answer, but in the doorway he catches Ryo stirring and he turns back. He can see only his back tough.
“We are not …”
This is a confirmation of the time and date set for the package delivery.
Ueda Tatsuya will be pleased to meet you in a week´s time.
Next time, let me know. Choking your manager as a duo might be more effective, and you know, they did teach me some tricks in the gym.
Ryo comes home, throws his bag into a corner and heads straight into the kitchen. He washes the dishes from that morning and outs all his shopping on the counter. He cooks, works fast and concentrated. He doesn´t turn any music on, and he doesn´t leave the kitchen until he is done. Nothing too fancy but not too simple either. Some vegetables because he knows the other eats healthy, some meat because, well, they are men and men need meat, some rice because they are Japanese. He finishes, sets the table and leaves to take a shower. He still has about two hours till 6 pm, but he wanted to make sure he was ready.
Leaving the shower, he puts some clothes on, but his mind is somewhere else. It´s a first shirt and first jeans he finds, and soon he is in his living room, sitting down, taking his guitar and some music sheets. Before he realizes it, there are used and rejected papers all around him, and he is annoyed by having to let go of his guitar every time he needs to write something down. Then it hits him. He looks around. The apartment is a mess, his suitcase still in the hall where he left it when he came back from Osaka late at night yesterday, papers everywhere, dust piled up in an apartment that wasn´t used for a week. He grabs his cell phone and rubs his forehand then his shoulder nervously, and then he types.
Ueda checks himself in the mirror. Low cut T-shirt, black jeans, one of those long sweaters without buttons he likes, perfect hair. He checks his arm and smiles; the old lady next door did a nice job despite not really understanding the requests. He picks up the basket he has gotten ready and leaves. Before he starts up his car, he hears his phone and checks his messages.
This is an official enquiry about the terms and conditions.
What is the penalty for the last minute cancellation?
I do not think I can receive my Ueda Tatsuya desert in a presentable state today.
But no one rejects Ueda Tatsuya. Especially when he made an effort and waited for two weeks. Okay, it was his fault he had to wait in the first place, but still no one makes him wait. He turns off his phone and throws it to the back seat. He has 40 minutes until 6 pm.
When Ryo´s doorbell rings, he is quite surprised. He has long forgotten Ueda didn´t answer the phone, and he is not expecting anyone. He doesn´t even put his guitar away and just walks to the door. They spring open when he pushes down the handle. There in front of him stands Ueda Tatsuya, with a basket in one hand and a big pink ribbon tied around his other arm. He is smiling brightly and emitting an awesome scent, fresh, a little spicy and very alluring.
“Ueda Tatsuya at your service,” he bows and is let in without a word from the other. He takes his shoes off and pushes around Ryo and inside. Seeing the state of the room he whistles.
“I wrote you a message …” Ryo gets ignored.
“What is the suitcase for? Are you leaving me here to clean while you are bailing?” Ueda is fighting all kinds of thoughts. He was sure him and Ryo were on the same page here, but Ryo looks like Ueda is the last person he wants to see. He did text him …
“No, I was in Osaka. Though now you mention it, the apartment needs a little cleaning. At my service, you say?” Ryo pulls himself together. What is done is done.
“I cooked; come on, let´s eat. I think that champagne you promised will go well with the food.”
“So you were waiting for me after all,” Ueda smiles little deviously and runs his hand down Ryo´s chest.
“I am pleased and cooking is a nice bonus. I promise I will be a good boy.”
Ryo needs to breathe in and out before moving into the kitchen, wondering when the atmosphere got so laden.
“Nice decoration you have there,” he points to Ueda´s arm.
“For you to unwrap,” Ueda shoots him a look from where he is sitting down. “But if you want to, I can wash the dishes before we get there.“
Ryo doesn´t say anything, just puts the food on the table and brings two glasses. The champagne is nice and bubbly and covers the slightly weird atmosphere while they start eating.
“You know, this is the second time you cooked for me. I must admit I do not mind at all.”
“Well I figured I do it before you arrive this time. I wouldn´t like you to fall asleep on me again.”
Ueda looks the other into the eye and stops eating.
“I am sorry about the last time. I was more tired than I would ever admit, and I owe you for taking care of me. Well," he adds raising an eyebrow, ”… I am here to make up for that. Whatever you like.”
“Ueda …”
“Call me by my name. I think me falling asleep while you cooked in my own kitchen and the fact that I am eating your home cooked meal for the second time gives you the right.”
Ryo´s eyes glitter, and Ueda finds it a little disturbing.
“I am calling you Ryo from now on too.”
“Okay,” is the only answer he gets, and when he looks at the man again, he is stuffing his face eating quickly and eagerly. He laughs a little, and it finally lights up the atmosphere as he too digs in. He really does wash dishes afterwards while Ryo disappears. He finds him sitting in the living room, fumbling with the second bottle Ueda brought.
“You wanted to cancel on me today,” Ueda states matter of fact-ly, shoving Ryo to the side a little so he can sit next to him.
“Why is that? When you obviously cooked first.”
Ryo looks around.
“Well, look at this place, it´s a mess. I forgot myself, trying to finish this song and didn´t clean. I keep going back to that tune, and I don´t think I am the best company today.”
“You are the company I choose to be in,” Ueda states blankly, missing Ryo´s embarrassment this time. “And why are you in such a rush with the song?” He picks up the music sheets and looks through it.
“I like it, it is bubbling in me … I want to finish it while it is still there. If I do not do it now, if I set it aside, I will never finish it. It will end up in my drawer along with the rest of never to be finished songs. I do not want that faith for it.”
Ueda giggles at that as he realizes something, asking one of those random questions Massu would be proud of.
“Why do you talk in such a proper language today?”
Ryo looks at him, and his answer comes out as more angry than he intended it to be.
“Because you think my Osaka accent is boring, and I don´t want you to go around saying I am boring!”
“What?” But Ueda doesn´t need more to be said. He knows who is responsible for this. “Jin is such an idiot. But you are too,” he teases, jabbing Ryo by his elbow. “Why do you listen to him?”
“I do not! It was Pi who said that Jin said …oh.”
Ueda laughs and ruffles the man´s hair.
“I am not proud of what I did last time that we tried to meet. I refused to tell anyone, but Kame asked something, and I said you talking to me is appeasing actually.”
“Well that means boring,” Ryo snaps.
“It does not! It means I felt good enough to relax completely, so stop it!” Ueda is pouting now.
“I don´t like this,” Ryo hisses out, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Why it is even important?
Ueda decides to drop the subject. He waves the music sheets in front of his eyes.
“I like this song. I get why you are trying to finish it, but do not rush it. It will come. In the meantime, let me do what I came for.”
Ryo wants to protest, but Ueda stands up and pushes him so he is lying flat on his stomach, one hand hanging from his couch.
“What are you …” He manages, but then Ueda is mounting him, sitting on his legs and reaching upwards, caressing his neck softly but shortly after that grabbing his shoulders, straightening them and pushing his thumbs around his shoulder blades with a force that makes Ryo groan.
Ueda chuckles, ”You just need to relax a bit.”
“You are just trying to change the subject,” Ryo tries to retort, but it falls flat as he moans the next moment, Ueda´s hands loosening his sore muscles and pressing all the right places.
“Where the hell did you learn that?”
“I have my sources. And see that was such a nice Osaka accent right there, I love it!”
Ryo thanks god for being able to hide his face into the cushions as Ueda´s hands move lower to the small of his back and up again.
“Tell me if I use too much force, ok?”
“Right … “
“Do you know why Kame asked me about your accent?” Ueda is too curious, and Ryo seems to be getting in the mood, so he risks it.
“Can´t we just forget it?”
“Do you talk dirty when having sex?”
Ryo almost chokes and tries to shake Ueda off, but the man just squeezes his thighs more and pushes down.
“Tell me!”
“I … do you want me to?” Ryo stutters, realizing in what position he is.
“Well today it´s all about what you want. But if I can voice my opinion, I think it would be hot.”
“And you discuss this with Kame?” Ryo tries to free himself again.
“Just forget it now.” Ueda leans ahead and whispers into Ryo´s ears but then goes back to massaging him.
The other decides it is best to stay still. He inhales and exhales deeply, trying to calm down. Soon Ueda hears Ryo´s breath evening, and his touches become softer. The Osakan mumbles something, but it is pretty clear he fell asleep.
The boxer climbs down and watches the other for some time. He sits down next to the couch and studies his face. He has seen so many expressions on that face lately. When Ryo gave him those bands that he keeps touching unconsciously every now and then, when he cooked for him - all serious, when he blushed at being kissed or complimented, when he went to his own world - never opening that bottle of champagne. Ueda feels how attentive the other has been, putting him to bed, cooking tonight, not kicking him out, noticing small details.
He reaches towards the other. His fingers ghost over his face, only touching it lightly, sweeping away the hair from his eyes. Before he knows it, Ueda leans down and kisses the other, just brushing his lips against Ryo´s, lightly pressing in as his hand finds its way into his hair. He wants to pull away, but then Ryo inhales sharply and responds. Ueda can´t resist. He didn´t expect the other to wake up, but when the younger man catches his lip between his, he moves closer and his hand slides down to Ryo´s nape. The other slowly opens his mouth, and as if they agreed long ago, one tongue is meeting the other, slowly, gently. They taste each other, not really taking, just giving, and the kiss is almost languid and perfect, and they are not fighting, only dancing together, getting to know how the other feels. Ueda forgets to breathe completely and has to pull out in the end. He stays close and searches the other´s eyes that opened no one knows when.
“Tatsuya … I want this to be right, can … can you keep the desert for now?”
Ueda doesn´t know what to say. Ryo´s eyes flutter and close again, but his hand doesn´t let go of his shirt.
“Don´t go yet,” he asks, his hand falling numb, and he is asleep again.
Ueda stands up, looks around himself and at his arm, the ribbon still there. He goes and searches the apartment, coming back with a blanket and a pillow, finding Ryo curled up like a baby. He lies down next to him. His body fits against Ryo´s almost perfectly; he might fall off the couch any minute now, but he decides to give it a try. He covers them both and is surprised when Ryo suddenly pushes himself closer to the backrest, making more space for him. He takes it and dares to wrap a hand around Ryo´s waist. It gives him an extra support. He is almost sleeping when he hears a faint “Thank you” and thinks something is very wrong, and this is totally not as he planned it.
Ryo wakes up to a silent thud of the front door. He sits up quickly, but the apartment is empty, and he knows Ueda has left. He doesn´t have the strength to do something about it. He rubs his eyes and looks around the room. The clock says it is 10:05 am, the place is cleaned, the papers are all sorted into two piles and it looks like the dust was swept.
He notices a big pink ribbon lying on the table along with the note.
Ueda Tatsuya has delivered his all exclusive desert package according to the terms and conditions.
He has done what was requested and left as agreed at 10 am.
This ribbon serves as a receipt.
I hope you were satisfied with our services.
Please consider the contract fulfilled.
P.S. I tweaked that song of yours. It´s awesome, and I will totally understand if you won´t accept my suggestions. But I hope you will finish it. It will be a hit, and I am looking forward to hearing you singing it. Thank you for all your care.
tbc
Hit the next button for more. And I know they keep falling asleep like in some manga, I kind of had too much fun writing it that way <3