Closed Log: Rikkai Troika (Sanada, Yanagi, Yukimura)
Who: Sanada Genichirou, Yanagi Renji, Yukimura Seiichi
When: Sunday, Dec 6
Where: Yukimura's room
Summary: Renji and Sanada try to help Yukimura sort out his life and some of the other problems going on around him.
Warning/Rating: PG-13
Player Comments: Sanada and Yukimura are a lot more touchy-feely than Sanada and Renji usually are ;___;
Comments/Crits Allowed: Why not?
Yukimura was taking his racket out of the bag when he saw on his phone that Sanada had replied to his LJ message saying he would be coming over. He wanted to play until his body was too tired to do anything but fall down and stay there, hurting. But if Sanada wanted to see him... then he wouldn't say no. Putting the racket back in the bag, he replied to the message as he walked back to his dormitory. Sighing a few times to keep himself from having any other reactions to his feelings, Yukimura grabbed a ball and turned the living room wall into a practice wall and kept hitting balls harder and harder. It was Sunday and the ground floor dorms were usually empty. There was only the club's buchou and another person at the other side of the corridor, so hitting hard on the wall wasn't exactly bothering anyone. The more he thought about everything, the louder the grunt was every time he would swing the racket.
Something about Yukimura's post had set off an alarm in his head and his response had only made it worse. He needed to see his friend and to figure out what had happened. The team was falling apart? He hadn't noticed any problems, aside from the usual, and it worried him more than anything. He knew he could be dense, but how could he have missed something that was bad enough to upset Yukimura like that?
He made his way as quickly as he could to the Rikkai dorm and to Yukimura's room. He was about to knock on the door though when he heard the sound of a---tennis ball? He frowned even more, making him look rather unnerving to people who didn't know him. Finally he raised his hand and gave a little knock on the door. Hopefully Renji would be here soon; he wasn't good at comforting people by himself...
For Yukimura, just him being there was more than enough. Sanada didn't have to say a thing or try and say something to comfort him. The ball stopped as soon as he knocked on the door and a few seconds later Yukimura opened it slowly. He knew it was Sanada and all he wanted was to lean on his shoulder and hope he could be pathetic to cry. Instead. He pulled the door open and stepped to the side for his friend to walk in. "I was ... playing..." he said in a frail voice, squeezing the ball in his hand.
Sanada stepped in and closed the door behind him before wrapping Yukimura in a warm hug, "What happened?" he murmured and rested his head against the blunette's.
The sudden hug made Yukimura drop the ball and take a deep breath. It took him some time to be able to talk without sounding as if he was about to cry. His voice was still shaky when he started though. "I don't want to work... my dad said I'm not serious, if i was I would... just... stop fooling around this stupid school club." Yukimura pressed his forehead against Sanada's chest and closed his eyes.
Sanada closed his eyes and held Yukimura close because he was unsure of what to say and because he understood how hard it was to have your parents not agree with something you love. He ran a hand slowly over his friend's back, trying to soothe him and to urge him to continue and get it all out. It wasn't healthy to keep things bottled up, though he wasn't really one to talk.
The rubbing on his back was making it really hard for Yukimura to keep his tears in. Even with his eyes closed, they began to run down his cheeks, then falling on Sanada's top. "I declined every sponsor, Sanada...." and this on its own was new, Yukimura always said he was thinking about it, never that he said no, "... they wanted me to play from next year in professional tournaments and that means I can't play for the club anymore if I'm a pro. I can't.... i couldn't. It's our last year together, after this everyone will go to different places... and it's like... I'm losing all I have already! I don't want to speed it up... so i said no and my father told me I was an idiot because these titles will mean nothing once I'm a pro." He pulled away enough to look up at his friend. "I don't care about the titles... i care... for you.. and Renji... and everyone else."
He looked back down at him, his eyes patient and understanding, despite his surprise that Yukimura had declined the sponsors. He moved his hand up and wiped at Yukimura's tears gently with his thumb, "I know...." he murmured, "the team knows...."
Those words only made it worse because Yukimura turned his face to the side and began to cry quietly. After what his father said, Yukimura put up a fight, trying to win his cause and that's what got his dad to decide he wouldn't give him any money and if he wanted to train then he should leave the club and get a sponsor. If he didn't, then he would throw his career away because of a bunch of losers who were not interested in either tennis, or in him, then he should get a job and choose something else for his life. His love for his friends made him choose the latter and he was fine with it because somehow he would make it. "I'm not sure...." he said weakly, thinking of what happened afterwards, and what Jackal said to him, "... maybe it's just you and Renji"
"Why do you say that?" he asked quietly and ran a hand through Yukimura's hair soothingly, not minding the other man crying on him at all.
Renji was breathing a bit heavily having run half way across the city and back, due to a misunderstanding. He knocked on Yukimura's door, hoping that Sanada was already there...because if he wasn't, Renji was going to kill him the next time he saw him. Even if he wasn't, there was still Yukimura's situation to take care of, and that would be more important at the moment.
"Because...." the shorter teen began to explain as he heard the knock on the door and quickly pulled his hands up to his face to dry his tears with the edge of the sleeve. He didn't know who it was, maybe someone from the above flat complaining about him hitting a tennis ball inside his dorm. Turning his face to Sanada, he stared, wondering if he looked alright to open the door. Of course, he had no idea it was Renji.
"It's alright...." He assured and took Yukimura's wrists, pulling his hands away from his face gently, "It's Renji....." He reached over and opened the door, giving Renji a very grateful look.
Renji looked relieved. "Genichirou? Next time, tell me you're going ahead." He admonished. "I went all the way to your place." He said, explaining his disheveled appearance. "Despite what some people think, I am not psychic." Finished with Sanada, he turned to Yukimura "Seiichi...would you mind telling us what's going on?"
Yukimura knew pretty well Sanada and Renji were a couple and maybe it was alright to speak like that to each other, but because everyone seemed to be fighting around him, even that little thing made him frown and walk away from the door. "Hi to you too Renji..." he said frailly ignoring Renji's questing, "... I need tea."
"Ah, sorry," Sometimes he forgot Renji wasn't psychic. His eyes followed Yukimura and Sanada let out a silent sigh, "Both of you sit, I'll make tea. Do you have the supplies here to do so?" He hadn't really looked around Yukimura's dorm room much, so he wasn't aware as to where everything was, but he knew he could handle tea duty. It was one of his specialties after all. He ushered Renji into the room and closed the door before walking over to put a large calloused hand on Yukimura's shoulder.
"I was about to offer to make the tea..." Renji said very quietly, but if Sanada wanted to do it, he would let him. "Ah, I'm sorry, Seiichi." He apologized. "Now may I find out what's going on? I'm...rather confused as to all that's gone on. You were fine yesterday..." Renji commented, referring to the shopping trip he had gone on with Yukimura the previous day. What could have made Yukimura so gloomy in such a short time?
The shorter teen looked at Sanada's hand as it touched his shoulder then pointed to the kitchen. That dorm, and all those on the ground floor of that particular building were designed for disabled students, so it was larger than normal, had a little open plan living room and a suite. Yukimura hated that dorm, he wasn't disabled, but it seemed like the school thought so. The living room, despite being small, was bigger than most so he could have his garden in it and a fish tank when he could afford one. Overall, it was a very odd looking place that Yukimura tried to make it look comfortable.
"On the counter..." he told Sanada and walked to the sofa, taking a seat and pulling his legs up to hold them. He waited for Renji to sit down before he could say anything. "I was trying yesterday... to look fine. Bunta was upset with Jackal, who was upset with me.... was... is... doesn't matter." He didn't want to talk about it because if be told them what Jackal said... they would probably want a word with him, and then Bunta would find out and be angry with Jackal as well.
Sanada glanced at Yukimura as he prepared the tea. He was surprised Renji hadn't noticed something was off with their blue haired friend, but he kept his mouth shut. There was a reason Renji was his better half. When he opened his mouth he usually made situations worse. When he finished the three cups of tea he carried them over and offered Yukimura one first before giving Renji his. Before walking back over to pick up his own he reached up and fixed a strand of Renji's slightly disheveled hair and brushed his fingers over his lovers cheek. He wasn't about to give his boyfriend their normal greeting kiss when Yukimura was sitting there upset so that would have to do for now.
He walked back over and picked up his own cup of tea before looking at the two, trying to figure out where he should sit; next to Renji? next to Yukimura? Between them? Finally, he settled for just finding a nice piece of wall next to them and leaning against it.
Renji felt the hand on his head and smiled a little. He knew Sanada was uncomfortable with displaying more affection than that in front of others, and with Yukimura as upset as he was, it probably would not be a good idea to remind him of that. Renji pointed for Sanada to sit on the other side of Yukimura. There was no sense in him standing against the wall. And he knew from experience that Sanada was pretty good at being a living teddy bear, and it was much easier to cry on Sanada's shoulder than it would be to do so on Renji's own bony body.
Renji blinked, a bit bewildered with the information from Yukimura. "Did something happen after we parted ways?" He asked. No one had seemed off when he had been with them in person. "Why is Jackal upset with you?" Renji was surprised - Jackal was one of the calmest (next to Renji) members of the team.
Yukimura watched the little signs of affection, even thought the two might not feel comfortable showing it, he didn't mind them at all. Sipping from his tea he sighed and stretched his legs before staring into his mug as if looking for answers in it. "Long story... " he said quietly before realising that maybe if those two were other people they would let it go, but he knew that at least Renji would keep asking and asking until the answers were out. "It's stupid... Jackal got upset with Niou for teasing Bunta, and you know how Niou is. They were being really rude to each other, but Niou hardly means what he says but Jackal was serious. All i did was tell them they were being silly." He took a deep breath and drank some of his tea again. "Then Jackal thought i was protecting Niou, and i don't know what happened but it ended up really bad... and ,... well, it doesn't matter." The blue head didn't want to say it, if he said the things Jackal told him in front of Sanada... this mess would get a lot worse.
Sanada did as he was told and took a seat next to Yukimura, eyes watching him as he spoke. His frown grew though, despite the calming tea. Out of everyone on the team, Jackal was the one he expected to cause the least amount of problems--well aside from his obnoxious yelling of 'fiiiiyyyyyaaaa', to hear that it was the bald man that had hurt Yukimura and put him in this state was infuriating. If it was anyone but Yukimura in the blunette's spot he would have demanded that they tell him what Jackal said, but despite everything, Yukimura was still his buchou and if he didn't want to tell them, he wouldn't try to make him. Part of him hoped Renji would though.
"Ah." Renji said, things clearing up slightly. "What specifically did he say?" Renji asked, curious as to what one of their own could have said to make Yukimura this down. Then again, Yukimura might refuse to answer. And if he didn't, it was alright. Renji knew ways of getting the information from other sources.
Yukimura was quiet for a long moment, thinking. There wasn't one specific thing Jackal had said that upset him, it was the whole tone... the whole conversation. How could he choose one thing to describe it. "Hm... i said i wouldn't tolerate them swearing at each other in the club... and he said he didn't care. But... it's complicated... " he put his mug down and ran a hand though his hair. He wasn't going to cry now; it was stupid, Jackal probably didn't mean it when he said it, or did he? And that doubt was killing him. He has to ask someone if it was true. "...He said he would pretend to be happy as usual for the the good of the team, because that's all that matters to me in the end."
He was going to kill him. If that bald bastard showed his face around him it was going to be rearranged. He put one arm around Yukimura and pulled the smaller man against his side after setting his own cup down. He looked to Renji over Yukimura's head, his eyes filled with restrained anger, but also pleading for him to say something because well, Sanada didn't know what to say.
Renji reached around Yukimura to squeeze Sanada's arm. Due to how they were sitting, it meant that his arm went around Yukimura as well, but another arm around his shoulders wouldn't hurt - in fact, it may just be helpful. Luckily, they were no where near Jackal at the moment, and Sanada will have had plenty of time to calm down at least a little before he would see him next. "I'm sure he didn't mean it. Though he probably thinks we have misconceptions about him like people have about you, Genichirou and perhaps even myself. We are all human beings in the end, and no one can truly understand any other person." Renji said calmly, his tea sitting long forgotten on the table.
Yukimura rested his head on Sanada's shoulder a little, still trying to understand why Jackal said something like that. What hurt him more was the doubt... was he an idiot who has been around a bunch of people who don't care about each other and only pretend everything is alright because ... well, because Yukimura Seiichi is the captain, so that's enough to do whatever he thinks would be best.
His eyes turned to Renji when he approached. "If it was Niou saying that... i would have shrugged it off... but Jackal?" he shook his head and closed his eyes trying not to cry. "The same day I have a fight with my father defending the team... That happens. I'll have to find a job and cut down on training because I want to be with the team and what for? If I'm just a selfish idiot... then why the hell am I delaying my career for it... if it's all pretend that we care for each other then... why the fuck do I care." Yukimura eyes grew wide and he covered his mouth. He cursed... he didn't like people cursing and he never really cursed in from of anyone, but it just came out and he blushed a little. "Sorry..." he said in a muffed and embarrassing voice.
His eyes widened, he'd never really heard the other man curse like that before and he wasn't sure why, but it made him a little happy, "It's not all pretend.....we wouldn't be here if it was......if Jackal feels that way there's nothing we can do.....but......it's not the way Renji and I feel....it's not the way Niou feels and I'm sure it's not the way Yagyuu and Akaya feel....." If it was....well there was nothing they could do about it, but in his mind he'd already discarded Jackal. There was no excuse for what he said and he would never forgive him for it.
Renji sat there calmly. "I know." He said softly. "Perhaps you should give Jackal the benefit of the doubt for now." He said. "We appreciate all you do for us. And between the three of us, it's not as if you're handling the team by yourself. You know how to not overwork or over-extend yourself. As for the others....I'm sure they like and respect you as a person, not just as our captain. There's nothing that indicates otherwise, though I may have missed something." Renji finally reached for his long forgotten tea and sipped at the now cold beverage to soothe his throat. "And it's alright. You're allowed to curse when you're confused and angry" He said softly.
Yukimura fell quiet for a while. He knew that Jackal said it all out of anger, he wanted to believe that, but he was too upset now to think properly. "But even if it's just him... it's Jackal..." it felt a lot like he had been lied to for god knows how long. Didn't matter how far back he thought about the team, he never spotted anything that wrong. He really failed as a captain if he couldn't see through that. "It doesn't matter..." he looked down, the blushing fading slowly, he lifted his head from Sanada's shoulder. It did matter though, that team meant the world to him and it was falling apart and he just couldn't fix it.
Sanada glanced at Renji over Yukimura's head and frowned, unsure of how to help his friend. He had never been good with vocally expressing himself and he wasn't sure how to physically express himself at the moment either, which left him feeling rather useless in the whole situation and he hated it.
Renji nodded at Sanada, understanding how the other must have felt. "It does matter, Seiichi." Renji said. "If it didn't, you wouldn't feel like this." He stated, his voice as calm and soothing as always. "I think tempers are flaring from things going on that have nothing to do with anything here at school. Just give it a few days, and I’m sure everything will be closer to normal. I know words can hurt. Sometimes it's the lack of them that hurt more though. Doing what you can to make it right is all you can do right now."
Renji was right...but Yukimura wouldn't give him the pleasure of hearing him say that. He sat quietly looking at his garden at the other side of the living room, not knowing what needed to be done first: the club, his friends, his family, himself. "Na... " he started again, "... I have a month to sort my life out; it's not enough time." If allowed, Yukimura would sink to very dark places, and sulk and be negative about everything.
Sanada put one big hand on Yukimura's thigh, "We'll help you anyway we can......" he reassured and poured himself more tea from the lukewarm pot.
Renji nodded in agreement. "We'll help you where we can." He agreed. "You don't need to figure out your whole life in one month though, Seiichi." He reassured his friend. "I'm not even sure what I'm going to do with my life yet." Renji paused, about to spit a cliché he was sure Yukimura had heard quite a bit before, but it was true in so many ways. Deciding that a reminder of this fact wasn't going to hurt too much. "All you can do is live one day at a time, and life will sort itself out how it's supposed to be."
Hm..." he stared at Sanada's hand on his thigh for a moment, before turning to Renji as he spoke and shook his head. "Not my whole life... but if I have to work, then how many hours do I need extra a day? I practice all the time, I'll have to cut down on it. Or leave the committee, or drop art, or quit the club and go back to one of the many sponsors I declined and ask them to reconsider. All options sound... wrong. " The blue head looked away again and took a deep breath. "Who would employ me, let's face it." He smiled that empty fake smile.
Sanada closed his eyes for a moment and sighed, "You may be able to get by without a job if you let other people help you......." He had wanted to talk to Renji about this before hand but the way things were going he was starting to think he wasn't going to get the chance, "You're worrying too much....you have at least two people who will do anything for you......."
Renji nodded in agreement. "There are places that will let you work only three or four hours at a time. It's not much, but it's enough to give you some spending money and still be able to balance school and other activities. How do you think I do it? " Renji chuckled a little. "I know Genichirou isn't too excited about me having a job, but it makes me feel a bit more normal. Do I plan on stocking shelves at the grocery store forever? No, I don't." He said, wondering if maybe the 'it feels normal' part might sink into Yukimura's head.. "I know you want to play tennis as your career. It may be unfortunate, but you may have to sacrifice something for the greater good - whether it's for the good of the tennis club, yourself, or your family. It may hurt at first, but that's what a sacrifice is."
Yukimura totally preferred Sanada's option, of course. Four hours a day, that was a lot of practice hours, plus getting to and from work. He couldn't see himself being able to let go of those for a job. "That's a lot Renji... even if I worked on weekends, the money might not do. And during the week it's just impossible." he looked towards Sanada because he could understand. Tennis was in his blood as well. "And.... the international tournament. We might not be here for a couple of months."
Sanada rubbed the back of his neck, "Renji.........can--I talk to you in the other room for a moment......." He needed to at least warn him before he blurted out ideas or he was going to end up a very single man.
Renji frowned. Yukimura seemed to be missing the point, which was enough to make Renji just give up entirely at this point. He was lost in his own thoughts for a moment when Sanada broke into them with the request to speak to him. "Ah, of course." He said, patting Yukimura on the shoulder as he got up. Just from Sanada's tone of voice he could tell that this was something important...or something he wasn't going to like.
Looking at the other two as they left, Yukimura frowned and poured himself more tea. That was stupid, what was it that Sanada couldn't say in front of him? That pissed him off a little. As they left, he stood up and walked to the window, looking at the area that was being sealed up for the project he had designed and probably wouldn't be able to follow now. So unfair.
As soon as they were out of ear shot Sanada ran a hand over his face and let out a sigh, "He's digging himself further into this depression...." He mumbled, frustrated.
Renji nodded, a frown on his face.. "I understand his point, I really do." He said softly. "I just want him to see things the way the rest of the world does. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen." He said. "I'm out of ideas, honestly. Though I take this isn't what you actually wanted to say to me. What idea is turning in that head of yours, Genichirou?"
"I was thinking of telling Yukimura to come stay with me.....at least that way he wont have to worry about money since it's my sponsor that pays for everything.....and hell, they'd probably like the idea if it means they can possibly get their hands on Yukimura as well...." He mumbled and let out a deep sigh, "I just...didn't want to say that without talking to you first.......and honestly....I'm out of ideas too....I'm not good at this......"
Renji frowned, thinking it over. "I know you're not, Genichirou." He said, still thinking about the other. Yes, it would be beneficial to both of them to live together, and like Sanada said, it might help Yukimura get a sponsor again as well. "And I'm glad you asked me before just offering." That at least was a small something. "I have one question though....If Seiichi is living with you....what are we going to do when we want 'alone' time? Otherwise, it's your place, and you want him to, I see no reason not to offer."
He turned bright red and cleared his throat, "A-ah....I'm....sure we'll um....work something out........" He stopped to think about it for a moment. Yukimura better love him for being a damned good best friend, "Alright.....let's go back out there then..."
"Ah." Renji said quietly. "You're a good person, Genichirou." He said, kissing him lightly on the forehead, and nodded. "I'm sure Seiichi is wondering what we're up to and is probably starting to worry...or create some rather vivid images that are far from the truth."
They were certainly taking their time. It was probably more than a kiss. Yukimura leaned his forehead against the cold glass of the window, his thoughts back on Jackal and Bunta... and Niou. Monday's practice was going to be hell. Next year was going to be hell and he wondered how all this mess was going to affect his game.
After giving Renji a quick kiss he walked out and stared at his friend for a moment. With a silent sigh he walked up behind Yukimura and put his hands on his shoulders, "Yukimura....?" He murmured quietly and pulled the other back against him, "....Come live with me." He'd always been rather straightforward, why change now?
Yukimura felt that big heavy hand on his shoulder and detached his forehead from the glass, rubbing it gently. He turned his head to look at it when he was pulled a little towards his friend. "Sanada... " he just wanted to say yes and that would be one problem solved and he could keep the money for the dorm to himself instead and that would cover some of the expenses, but wouldn't that be too much? He already relied on his best friend for everything else. "... I don't want to be a burden to you... or Renji."
"That's what we were talking about.....it's not a burden.....and it's something I can do to help......my sponsors wont mind because they'll want to convince you to join with them as well," He rubbed the other mans shoulders lightly and looked down at him.
"How would it be a burden to me?" Renji asked. "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement for you and Genichirou, really. And if you're worried about things between Genichirou and myself, there are ways we can deal with it." Renji said, trying to convince Yukimura of the logic of Sanada's proposal. "And if Genichirou asked, I doubt he thinks you'll be a burden either. If you don't think you can accept the offer right now, perhaps you should take a day or two to think about it. It is a big decision."
Yukimura turned, leaned his back against the window and looked towards his garden, thinking. He had his garden, and he wanted a fish... and he had his paints that he would scatter around when painting, and he took almost an hour in the shower, he talked to himself, and to the plants and would curse at his food when it tasted bad. He watched bad TV shows when he wanted background noise... and he would swing his arm constantly... forehand, backhand strokes as he waited for the water to boil, and the French films he loved that Sanada would be horrified to know how much naughty things were in them, ... so many quirks. There was no way Sanada would put up with all that. Then there's Renji and he knew he would be in the way, even if Renji himself said it was fine. What if they wanted to sleep together? Yukimura thought and blushed a little. He was still staring silently at the little garden and there was no apparent reason for him to blush at that point.
"You won't be a burden," he assured and watched Yukimura. When he noticed the blush though he raised an eyebrow and put a hand on Yukimura's forehead, "Do you feel alright?" he asked curiously, oblivious to the thoughts running through Yukimura's head.
Renji cleared his throat. "Genichirou, I don't think he's coming down with a fever." He stated, gently removing Sanada's hand from Yukimura's forehead. "You really would be fine. As my mother likes to point out to me, that's what love hotels are for, if you're worried about that." And Renji was willing to bet it was a thought similar to that which had triggered Yukimura's colored face. "And people learn to deal with quirks and will accept or ignore them."
Well, only Sanada's comment was enough to make Yukimura's cheeks go even warmer, and needless to say that after Renji's mind-reading comment, his eyes went bigger and he looked at him, dark red and leaned away from the window and walked past them with his arms crossed and dropped himself on the sofa. "I already told you not to put those images in my head, Renji" he said in a buchou tone, which was actually funny since he was still darkly blushing.
Sanada walked over and sat next to him, his own cheeks nice and pink, "We're trying to help you, Yukimura.......let us.........I promise you won't be a burden on anyone."
Renji frowned. "Sorry, Seiichi. Genichirou is right though. You won't be a burden" He said quietly, staying on his feet, and picking up the dishes from their tea which was long gone and went to wash them. Perhaps those two could use a moment alone to convince Yukimura to not be so silly.
He turned to Sanada and noticed his light pink cheeks, and even though he knew his were worse, he had to point out. "You're blushing." he said before looking away again with a little smile, so annoyed that Renji makes it all awkward then runs to the kitchen to blush on his own! He sighed and leaned towards Sanada a little. "You know me... I'll annoy you. I can't help it."
"Hn..You don't annoy me.....catch me off guard and embarrass me frequently maybe, but you don't annoy me....." He explained and looked over at Yukimura with a patient but gentle expression that only his best friends ever saw.
Yukimura turned his head to him and stared for a moment. "Hm... Sanada..." he started then took a deep breath and closed his eyes, wondering if he should just ignore his pride and go for what seems like the best option. "... just... just until I can sort things out."
"Stay as long as you want....." He put a hand on the top of Yukimura's head and ruffled that pretty blue hair, "You'll always be welcome."
Renji chose that moment to return. "I assume you've made a decision." He said, joining them on the couch again. The way Sanada ruffled Yukimura's hair reminded him a bit of how Sanada sometimes petted his dog, which amused him a little. "It really is for the best, and you really won't be a bother."
It was somewhat embarrassing, but in the end, he didn't really like being in the dorm. It was very lonely and quiet at times, especially not having anyone in the dorms around him. Overall, it felt very isolated. "Hm... if you say so." he said in a quiet tone, "I'll have to let them know I'm leaving and my parents, but I don't want to talk to them just now or for a while." he blushed a little again and smiled "And... you can always tell me to go ... walk the dog. I'll get the message."
Sanada blinked then flushed again, "A-ah....I'll keep that in mind....." Well that would solve their problem of Babolat interrupting......
Renji just chuckled. "Well, that's one thing resolved. As to the other problems, just let them simmer for a day. You may be surprised what some time will do." He said, then turned to Sanada. "Has Seiichi met Genki-chan yet?"
Genki-chan?" he eyed Renji then back to Sanada. "You got another pet?" Yukimura gave a them a frown, a little surprised he was never told. "I'll have to walk two dogs?"
"No, Genki is a house spirit....she took a liking to Babolat and I and hangs around the apartment.....she's rather shy....." He shrugged it off, not really thinking it was anything out of the ordinary. He'd gotten used to it long ago.
"She's rather interesting once you get used to her." Renji said. "Don't worry, she doesn't eat anything. I'm sure you'll get along fine with her." For being something that Renji hadn't believed in, he had accepted her as a normal part of Sanada's apartment.
Yukimura looked like a confused cat. How come Sanada never said anything, or Renji? He had been to that apartment many times and never seen anything. "You two are joking..." he said hitting the back of his hand againt Renji's chest gently, "Right?" but somethis was telling him it was true. "Hm... what do you mean, get along? Is there a possibility I wont?"
"No, there's a possibility you won't see her for quite a while though....she gets nervous around strangers and hides......" He shrugged and sat back on the couch, "She will sometimes play pranks too, since she's a zashiki warashi....."
Renji nodded. "You'll be fine, Seiichi." He reassured Yukimura. "It's just the unpredictable nature of her pranks. It's...kind of like living with a younger, female version of Niou."
Yukimura was a little shocked now. He definitely didn't want a female Niou playing pranks and the whole thing was bizarre. "But... will she watch me taking a shower and everything?" he already started to think about getting a bath for the club showers because that's where he would shower before going home. "And what kind of pranks....?"
"Don't call her a female Niou--that's just cruel......she's been good lately......ever since she saw----" he cleared his throat, "Anyway, you don't' have to worry about her, really."
"She's more curious than destructive. And she knows better than to watch anyone showering." Renji wasn't going to mention that she had been known to. There were a couple of times he had caught her looking at him curiously as well, but it didn't disturb Renji as much as it did Sanada - after all, when they were younger, him and his sister took baths together, so he understood the curiosity. "And it wasn't cruel, she just reminds me of him."
Yukimura wasn't convinced. With his arms crossed he leaned his back on the sofa. "Since she saw....?" and then it hit him that there was a lot of other things that were less innocent than showers that the spirit could see. That was it, he wouldn't be able to do anything intimate ever again. "Na... if i can't see her, then how will I know she is not spying on me? And can she communicate to you two?" that would definitely keep him from talking to himself around the house as well.
"No, she doesn't talk......and you'll see her once she trusts you......You're really being too paranoid about it, Yukimura. And besides, when he's in the apartment she stays by Babolat's side.....or disappears....she doesn't spy on anyone." Sanada added with a little chuckle.
Renji smiled. "It's not as bad as I make it sound, I promise." He said. "I didn't mean to make you worried. Considering I didn't even believe in spirits until I met her, and she trusts me, I think there's nothing for you to worry about.." He reassured Yukimura.
"Hm..." he sounded. At least if she wouldn't communicate with them then it wasn't that bad. Besides, Yukimura couldn't see her, so he knew that if they stopped mentioning her he would probably forget. There were other things more important about moving in with Sanada that he would have to sort out, but there was still a couple of weeks to go before that. "... thank you," he added after a moment with a smile. It seemed that things would never change, whenever Yukimura needed them, they were there with an answer. Somehow, it was very comforting and he dreaded the thought of not having those two around.
"There's nothing to thank us for......" Sanada assured him and finally let himself relax some, the crisis of Yukimura's depression seemed to be avoided for now. He leaned back and closed his eyes for a bit, feeling quite content there with his two best friends.
When: Sunday, Dec 6
Where: Yukimura's room
Summary: Renji and Sanada try to help Yukimura sort out his life and some of the other problems going on around him.
Warning/Rating: PG-13
Player Comments: Sanada and Yukimura are a lot more touchy-feely than Sanada and Renji usually are ;___;
Comments/Crits Allowed: Why not?
Yukimura was taking his racket out of the bag when he saw on his phone that Sanada had replied to his LJ message saying he would be coming over. He wanted to play until his body was too tired to do anything but fall down and stay there, hurting. But if Sanada wanted to see him... then he wouldn't say no. Putting the racket back in the bag, he replied to the message as he walked back to his dormitory. Sighing a few times to keep himself from having any other reactions to his feelings, Yukimura grabbed a ball and turned the living room wall into a practice wall and kept hitting balls harder and harder. It was Sunday and the ground floor dorms were usually empty. There was only the club's buchou and another person at the other side of the corridor, so hitting hard on the wall wasn't exactly bothering anyone. The more he thought about everything, the louder the grunt was every time he would swing the racket.
Something about Yukimura's post had set off an alarm in his head and his response had only made it worse. He needed to see his friend and to figure out what had happened. The team was falling apart? He hadn't noticed any problems, aside from the usual, and it worried him more than anything. He knew he could be dense, but how could he have missed something that was bad enough to upset Yukimura like that?
He made his way as quickly as he could to the Rikkai dorm and to Yukimura's room. He was about to knock on the door though when he heard the sound of a---tennis ball? He frowned even more, making him look rather unnerving to people who didn't know him. Finally he raised his hand and gave a little knock on the door. Hopefully Renji would be here soon; he wasn't good at comforting people by himself...
For Yukimura, just him being there was more than enough. Sanada didn't have to say a thing or try and say something to comfort him. The ball stopped as soon as he knocked on the door and a few seconds later Yukimura opened it slowly. He knew it was Sanada and all he wanted was to lean on his shoulder and hope he could be pathetic to cry. Instead. He pulled the door open and stepped to the side for his friend to walk in. "I was ... playing..." he said in a frail voice, squeezing the ball in his hand.
Sanada stepped in and closed the door behind him before wrapping Yukimura in a warm hug, "What happened?" he murmured and rested his head against the blunette's.
The sudden hug made Yukimura drop the ball and take a deep breath. It took him some time to be able to talk without sounding as if he was about to cry. His voice was still shaky when he started though. "I don't want to work... my dad said I'm not serious, if i was I would... just... stop fooling around this stupid school club." Yukimura pressed his forehead against Sanada's chest and closed his eyes.
Sanada closed his eyes and held Yukimura close because he was unsure of what to say and because he understood how hard it was to have your parents not agree with something you love. He ran a hand slowly over his friend's back, trying to soothe him and to urge him to continue and get it all out. It wasn't healthy to keep things bottled up, though he wasn't really one to talk.
The rubbing on his back was making it really hard for Yukimura to keep his tears in. Even with his eyes closed, they began to run down his cheeks, then falling on Sanada's top. "I declined every sponsor, Sanada...." and this on its own was new, Yukimura always said he was thinking about it, never that he said no, "... they wanted me to play from next year in professional tournaments and that means I can't play for the club anymore if I'm a pro. I can't.... i couldn't. It's our last year together, after this everyone will go to different places... and it's like... I'm losing all I have already! I don't want to speed it up... so i said no and my father told me I was an idiot because these titles will mean nothing once I'm a pro." He pulled away enough to look up at his friend. "I don't care about the titles... i care... for you.. and Renji... and everyone else."
He looked back down at him, his eyes patient and understanding, despite his surprise that Yukimura had declined the sponsors. He moved his hand up and wiped at Yukimura's tears gently with his thumb, "I know...." he murmured, "the team knows...."
Those words only made it worse because Yukimura turned his face to the side and began to cry quietly. After what his father said, Yukimura put up a fight, trying to win his cause and that's what got his dad to decide he wouldn't give him any money and if he wanted to train then he should leave the club and get a sponsor. If he didn't, then he would throw his career away because of a bunch of losers who were not interested in either tennis, or in him, then he should get a job and choose something else for his life. His love for his friends made him choose the latter and he was fine with it because somehow he would make it. "I'm not sure...." he said weakly, thinking of what happened afterwards, and what Jackal said to him, "... maybe it's just you and Renji"
"Why do you say that?" he asked quietly and ran a hand through Yukimura's hair soothingly, not minding the other man crying on him at all.
Renji was breathing a bit heavily having run half way across the city and back, due to a misunderstanding. He knocked on Yukimura's door, hoping that Sanada was already there...because if he wasn't, Renji was going to kill him the next time he saw him. Even if he wasn't, there was still Yukimura's situation to take care of, and that would be more important at the moment.
"Because...." the shorter teen began to explain as he heard the knock on the door and quickly pulled his hands up to his face to dry his tears with the edge of the sleeve. He didn't know who it was, maybe someone from the above flat complaining about him hitting a tennis ball inside his dorm. Turning his face to Sanada, he stared, wondering if he looked alright to open the door. Of course, he had no idea it was Renji.
"It's alright...." He assured and took Yukimura's wrists, pulling his hands away from his face gently, "It's Renji....." He reached over and opened the door, giving Renji a very grateful look.
Renji looked relieved. "Genichirou? Next time, tell me you're going ahead." He admonished. "I went all the way to your place." He said, explaining his disheveled appearance. "Despite what some people think, I am not psychic." Finished with Sanada, he turned to Yukimura "Seiichi...would you mind telling us what's going on?"
Yukimura knew pretty well Sanada and Renji were a couple and maybe it was alright to speak like that to each other, but because everyone seemed to be fighting around him, even that little thing made him frown and walk away from the door. "Hi to you too Renji..." he said frailly ignoring Renji's questing, "... I need tea."
"Ah, sorry," Sometimes he forgot Renji wasn't psychic. His eyes followed Yukimura and Sanada let out a silent sigh, "Both of you sit, I'll make tea. Do you have the supplies here to do so?" He hadn't really looked around Yukimura's dorm room much, so he wasn't aware as to where everything was, but he knew he could handle tea duty. It was one of his specialties after all. He ushered Renji into the room and closed the door before walking over to put a large calloused hand on Yukimura's shoulder.
"I was about to offer to make the tea..." Renji said very quietly, but if Sanada wanted to do it, he would let him. "Ah, I'm sorry, Seiichi." He apologized. "Now may I find out what's going on? I'm...rather confused as to all that's gone on. You were fine yesterday..." Renji commented, referring to the shopping trip he had gone on with Yukimura the previous day. What could have made Yukimura so gloomy in such a short time?
The shorter teen looked at Sanada's hand as it touched his shoulder then pointed to the kitchen. That dorm, and all those on the ground floor of that particular building were designed for disabled students, so it was larger than normal, had a little open plan living room and a suite. Yukimura hated that dorm, he wasn't disabled, but it seemed like the school thought so. The living room, despite being small, was bigger than most so he could have his garden in it and a fish tank when he could afford one. Overall, it was a very odd looking place that Yukimura tried to make it look comfortable.
"On the counter..." he told Sanada and walked to the sofa, taking a seat and pulling his legs up to hold them. He waited for Renji to sit down before he could say anything. "I was trying yesterday... to look fine. Bunta was upset with Jackal, who was upset with me.... was... is... doesn't matter." He didn't want to talk about it because if be told them what Jackal said... they would probably want a word with him, and then Bunta would find out and be angry with Jackal as well.
Sanada glanced at Yukimura as he prepared the tea. He was surprised Renji hadn't noticed something was off with their blue haired friend, but he kept his mouth shut. There was a reason Renji was his better half. When he opened his mouth he usually made situations worse. When he finished the three cups of tea he carried them over and offered Yukimura one first before giving Renji his. Before walking back over to pick up his own he reached up and fixed a strand of Renji's slightly disheveled hair and brushed his fingers over his lovers cheek. He wasn't about to give his boyfriend their normal greeting kiss when Yukimura was sitting there upset so that would have to do for now.
He walked back over and picked up his own cup of tea before looking at the two, trying to figure out where he should sit; next to Renji? next to Yukimura? Between them? Finally, he settled for just finding a nice piece of wall next to them and leaning against it.
Renji felt the hand on his head and smiled a little. He knew Sanada was uncomfortable with displaying more affection than that in front of others, and with Yukimura as upset as he was, it probably would not be a good idea to remind him of that. Renji pointed for Sanada to sit on the other side of Yukimura. There was no sense in him standing against the wall. And he knew from experience that Sanada was pretty good at being a living teddy bear, and it was much easier to cry on Sanada's shoulder than it would be to do so on Renji's own bony body.
Renji blinked, a bit bewildered with the information from Yukimura. "Did something happen after we parted ways?" He asked. No one had seemed off when he had been with them in person. "Why is Jackal upset with you?" Renji was surprised - Jackal was one of the calmest (next to Renji) members of the team.
Yukimura watched the little signs of affection, even thought the two might not feel comfortable showing it, he didn't mind them at all. Sipping from his tea he sighed and stretched his legs before staring into his mug as if looking for answers in it. "Long story... " he said quietly before realising that maybe if those two were other people they would let it go, but he knew that at least Renji would keep asking and asking until the answers were out. "It's stupid... Jackal got upset with Niou for teasing Bunta, and you know how Niou is. They were being really rude to each other, but Niou hardly means what he says but Jackal was serious. All i did was tell them they were being silly." He took a deep breath and drank some of his tea again. "Then Jackal thought i was protecting Niou, and i don't know what happened but it ended up really bad... and ,... well, it doesn't matter." The blue head didn't want to say it, if he said the things Jackal told him in front of Sanada... this mess would get a lot worse.
Sanada did as he was told and took a seat next to Yukimura, eyes watching him as he spoke. His frown grew though, despite the calming tea. Out of everyone on the team, Jackal was the one he expected to cause the least amount of problems--well aside from his obnoxious yelling of 'fiiiiyyyyyaaaa', to hear that it was the bald man that had hurt Yukimura and put him in this state was infuriating. If it was anyone but Yukimura in the blunette's spot he would have demanded that they tell him what Jackal said, but despite everything, Yukimura was still his buchou and if he didn't want to tell them, he wouldn't try to make him. Part of him hoped Renji would though.
"Ah." Renji said, things clearing up slightly. "What specifically did he say?" Renji asked, curious as to what one of their own could have said to make Yukimura this down. Then again, Yukimura might refuse to answer. And if he didn't, it was alright. Renji knew ways of getting the information from other sources.
Yukimura was quiet for a long moment, thinking. There wasn't one specific thing Jackal had said that upset him, it was the whole tone... the whole conversation. How could he choose one thing to describe it. "Hm... i said i wouldn't tolerate them swearing at each other in the club... and he said he didn't care. But... it's complicated... " he put his mug down and ran a hand though his hair. He wasn't going to cry now; it was stupid, Jackal probably didn't mean it when he said it, or did he? And that doubt was killing him. He has to ask someone if it was true. "...He said he would pretend to be happy as usual for the the good of the team, because that's all that matters to me in the end."
He was going to kill him. If that bald bastard showed his face around him it was going to be rearranged. He put one arm around Yukimura and pulled the smaller man against his side after setting his own cup down. He looked to Renji over Yukimura's head, his eyes filled with restrained anger, but also pleading for him to say something because well, Sanada didn't know what to say.
Renji reached around Yukimura to squeeze Sanada's arm. Due to how they were sitting, it meant that his arm went around Yukimura as well, but another arm around his shoulders wouldn't hurt - in fact, it may just be helpful. Luckily, they were no where near Jackal at the moment, and Sanada will have had plenty of time to calm down at least a little before he would see him next. "I'm sure he didn't mean it. Though he probably thinks we have misconceptions about him like people have about you, Genichirou and perhaps even myself. We are all human beings in the end, and no one can truly understand any other person." Renji said calmly, his tea sitting long forgotten on the table.
Yukimura rested his head on Sanada's shoulder a little, still trying to understand why Jackal said something like that. What hurt him more was the doubt... was he an idiot who has been around a bunch of people who don't care about each other and only pretend everything is alright because ... well, because Yukimura Seiichi is the captain, so that's enough to do whatever he thinks would be best.
His eyes turned to Renji when he approached. "If it was Niou saying that... i would have shrugged it off... but Jackal?" he shook his head and closed his eyes trying not to cry. "The same day I have a fight with my father defending the team... That happens. I'll have to find a job and cut down on training because I want to be with the team and what for? If I'm just a selfish idiot... then why the hell am I delaying my career for it... if it's all pretend that we care for each other then... why the fuck do I care." Yukimura eyes grew wide and he covered his mouth. He cursed... he didn't like people cursing and he never really cursed in from of anyone, but it just came out and he blushed a little. "Sorry..." he said in a muffed and embarrassing voice.
His eyes widened, he'd never really heard the other man curse like that before and he wasn't sure why, but it made him a little happy, "It's not all pretend.....we wouldn't be here if it was......if Jackal feels that way there's nothing we can do.....but......it's not the way Renji and I feel....it's not the way Niou feels and I'm sure it's not the way Yagyuu and Akaya feel....." If it was....well there was nothing they could do about it, but in his mind he'd already discarded Jackal. There was no excuse for what he said and he would never forgive him for it.
Renji sat there calmly. "I know." He said softly. "Perhaps you should give Jackal the benefit of the doubt for now." He said. "We appreciate all you do for us. And between the three of us, it's not as if you're handling the team by yourself. You know how to not overwork or over-extend yourself. As for the others....I'm sure they like and respect you as a person, not just as our captain. There's nothing that indicates otherwise, though I may have missed something." Renji finally reached for his long forgotten tea and sipped at the now cold beverage to soothe his throat. "And it's alright. You're allowed to curse when you're confused and angry" He said softly.
Yukimura fell quiet for a while. He knew that Jackal said it all out of anger, he wanted to believe that, but he was too upset now to think properly. "But even if it's just him... it's Jackal..." it felt a lot like he had been lied to for god knows how long. Didn't matter how far back he thought about the team, he never spotted anything that wrong. He really failed as a captain if he couldn't see through that. "It doesn't matter..." he looked down, the blushing fading slowly, he lifted his head from Sanada's shoulder. It did matter though, that team meant the world to him and it was falling apart and he just couldn't fix it.
Sanada glanced at Renji over Yukimura's head and frowned, unsure of how to help his friend. He had never been good with vocally expressing himself and he wasn't sure how to physically express himself at the moment either, which left him feeling rather useless in the whole situation and he hated it.
Renji nodded at Sanada, understanding how the other must have felt. "It does matter, Seiichi." Renji said. "If it didn't, you wouldn't feel like this." He stated, his voice as calm and soothing as always. "I think tempers are flaring from things going on that have nothing to do with anything here at school. Just give it a few days, and I’m sure everything will be closer to normal. I know words can hurt. Sometimes it's the lack of them that hurt more though. Doing what you can to make it right is all you can do right now."
Renji was right...but Yukimura wouldn't give him the pleasure of hearing him say that. He sat quietly looking at his garden at the other side of the living room, not knowing what needed to be done first: the club, his friends, his family, himself. "Na... " he started again, "... I have a month to sort my life out; it's not enough time." If allowed, Yukimura would sink to very dark places, and sulk and be negative about everything.
Sanada put one big hand on Yukimura's thigh, "We'll help you anyway we can......" he reassured and poured himself more tea from the lukewarm pot.
Renji nodded in agreement. "We'll help you where we can." He agreed. "You don't need to figure out your whole life in one month though, Seiichi." He reassured his friend. "I'm not even sure what I'm going to do with my life yet." Renji paused, about to spit a cliché he was sure Yukimura had heard quite a bit before, but it was true in so many ways. Deciding that a reminder of this fact wasn't going to hurt too much. "All you can do is live one day at a time, and life will sort itself out how it's supposed to be."
Hm..." he stared at Sanada's hand on his thigh for a moment, before turning to Renji as he spoke and shook his head. "Not my whole life... but if I have to work, then how many hours do I need extra a day? I practice all the time, I'll have to cut down on it. Or leave the committee, or drop art, or quit the club and go back to one of the many sponsors I declined and ask them to reconsider. All options sound... wrong. " The blue head looked away again and took a deep breath. "Who would employ me, let's face it." He smiled that empty fake smile.
Sanada closed his eyes for a moment and sighed, "You may be able to get by without a job if you let other people help you......." He had wanted to talk to Renji about this before hand but the way things were going he was starting to think he wasn't going to get the chance, "You're worrying too much....you have at least two people who will do anything for you......."
Renji nodded in agreement. "There are places that will let you work only three or four hours at a time. It's not much, but it's enough to give you some spending money and still be able to balance school and other activities. How do you think I do it? " Renji chuckled a little. "I know Genichirou isn't too excited about me having a job, but it makes me feel a bit more normal. Do I plan on stocking shelves at the grocery store forever? No, I don't." He said, wondering if maybe the 'it feels normal' part might sink into Yukimura's head.. "I know you want to play tennis as your career. It may be unfortunate, but you may have to sacrifice something for the greater good - whether it's for the good of the tennis club, yourself, or your family. It may hurt at first, but that's what a sacrifice is."
Yukimura totally preferred Sanada's option, of course. Four hours a day, that was a lot of practice hours, plus getting to and from work. He couldn't see himself being able to let go of those for a job. "That's a lot Renji... even if I worked on weekends, the money might not do. And during the week it's just impossible." he looked towards Sanada because he could understand. Tennis was in his blood as well. "And.... the international tournament. We might not be here for a couple of months."
Sanada rubbed the back of his neck, "Renji.........can--I talk to you in the other room for a moment......." He needed to at least warn him before he blurted out ideas or he was going to end up a very single man.
Renji frowned. Yukimura seemed to be missing the point, which was enough to make Renji just give up entirely at this point. He was lost in his own thoughts for a moment when Sanada broke into them with the request to speak to him. "Ah, of course." He said, patting Yukimura on the shoulder as he got up. Just from Sanada's tone of voice he could tell that this was something important...or something he wasn't going to like.
Looking at the other two as they left, Yukimura frowned and poured himself more tea. That was stupid, what was it that Sanada couldn't say in front of him? That pissed him off a little. As they left, he stood up and walked to the window, looking at the area that was being sealed up for the project he had designed and probably wouldn't be able to follow now. So unfair.
As soon as they were out of ear shot Sanada ran a hand over his face and let out a sigh, "He's digging himself further into this depression...." He mumbled, frustrated.
Renji nodded, a frown on his face.. "I understand his point, I really do." He said softly. "I just want him to see things the way the rest of the world does. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen." He said. "I'm out of ideas, honestly. Though I take this isn't what you actually wanted to say to me. What idea is turning in that head of yours, Genichirou?"
"I was thinking of telling Yukimura to come stay with me.....at least that way he wont have to worry about money since it's my sponsor that pays for everything.....and hell, they'd probably like the idea if it means they can possibly get their hands on Yukimura as well...." He mumbled and let out a deep sigh, "I just...didn't want to say that without talking to you first.......and honestly....I'm out of ideas too....I'm not good at this......"
Renji frowned, thinking it over. "I know you're not, Genichirou." He said, still thinking about the other. Yes, it would be beneficial to both of them to live together, and like Sanada said, it might help Yukimura get a sponsor again as well. "And I'm glad you asked me before just offering." That at least was a small something. "I have one question though....If Seiichi is living with you....what are we going to do when we want 'alone' time? Otherwise, it's your place, and you want him to, I see no reason not to offer."
He turned bright red and cleared his throat, "A-ah....I'm....sure we'll um....work something out........" He stopped to think about it for a moment. Yukimura better love him for being a damned good best friend, "Alright.....let's go back out there then..."
"Ah." Renji said quietly. "You're a good person, Genichirou." He said, kissing him lightly on the forehead, and nodded. "I'm sure Seiichi is wondering what we're up to and is probably starting to worry...or create some rather vivid images that are far from the truth."
They were certainly taking their time. It was probably more than a kiss. Yukimura leaned his forehead against the cold glass of the window, his thoughts back on Jackal and Bunta... and Niou. Monday's practice was going to be hell. Next year was going to be hell and he wondered how all this mess was going to affect his game.
After giving Renji a quick kiss he walked out and stared at his friend for a moment. With a silent sigh he walked up behind Yukimura and put his hands on his shoulders, "Yukimura....?" He murmured quietly and pulled the other back against him, "....Come live with me." He'd always been rather straightforward, why change now?
Yukimura felt that big heavy hand on his shoulder and detached his forehead from the glass, rubbing it gently. He turned his head to look at it when he was pulled a little towards his friend. "Sanada... " he just wanted to say yes and that would be one problem solved and he could keep the money for the dorm to himself instead and that would cover some of the expenses, but wouldn't that be too much? He already relied on his best friend for everything else. "... I don't want to be a burden to you... or Renji."
"That's what we were talking about.....it's not a burden.....and it's something I can do to help......my sponsors wont mind because they'll want to convince you to join with them as well," He rubbed the other mans shoulders lightly and looked down at him.
"How would it be a burden to me?" Renji asked. "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement for you and Genichirou, really. And if you're worried about things between Genichirou and myself, there are ways we can deal with it." Renji said, trying to convince Yukimura of the logic of Sanada's proposal. "And if Genichirou asked, I doubt he thinks you'll be a burden either. If you don't think you can accept the offer right now, perhaps you should take a day or two to think about it. It is a big decision."
Yukimura turned, leaned his back against the window and looked towards his garden, thinking. He had his garden, and he wanted a fish... and he had his paints that he would scatter around when painting, and he took almost an hour in the shower, he talked to himself, and to the plants and would curse at his food when it tasted bad. He watched bad TV shows when he wanted background noise... and he would swing his arm constantly... forehand, backhand strokes as he waited for the water to boil, and the French films he loved that Sanada would be horrified to know how much naughty things were in them, ... so many quirks. There was no way Sanada would put up with all that. Then there's Renji and he knew he would be in the way, even if Renji himself said it was fine. What if they wanted to sleep together? Yukimura thought and blushed a little. He was still staring silently at the little garden and there was no apparent reason for him to blush at that point.
"You won't be a burden," he assured and watched Yukimura. When he noticed the blush though he raised an eyebrow and put a hand on Yukimura's forehead, "Do you feel alright?" he asked curiously, oblivious to the thoughts running through Yukimura's head.
Renji cleared his throat. "Genichirou, I don't think he's coming down with a fever." He stated, gently removing Sanada's hand from Yukimura's forehead. "You really would be fine. As my mother likes to point out to me, that's what love hotels are for, if you're worried about that." And Renji was willing to bet it was a thought similar to that which had triggered Yukimura's colored face. "And people learn to deal with quirks and will accept or ignore them."
Well, only Sanada's comment was enough to make Yukimura's cheeks go even warmer, and needless to say that after Renji's mind-reading comment, his eyes went bigger and he looked at him, dark red and leaned away from the window and walked past them with his arms crossed and dropped himself on the sofa. "I already told you not to put those images in my head, Renji" he said in a buchou tone, which was actually funny since he was still darkly blushing.
Sanada walked over and sat next to him, his own cheeks nice and pink, "We're trying to help you, Yukimura.......let us.........I promise you won't be a burden on anyone."
Renji frowned. "Sorry, Seiichi. Genichirou is right though. You won't be a burden" He said quietly, staying on his feet, and picking up the dishes from their tea which was long gone and went to wash them. Perhaps those two could use a moment alone to convince Yukimura to not be so silly.
He turned to Sanada and noticed his light pink cheeks, and even though he knew his were worse, he had to point out. "You're blushing." he said before looking away again with a little smile, so annoyed that Renji makes it all awkward then runs to the kitchen to blush on his own! He sighed and leaned towards Sanada a little. "You know me... I'll annoy you. I can't help it."
"Hn..You don't annoy me.....catch me off guard and embarrass me frequently maybe, but you don't annoy me....." He explained and looked over at Yukimura with a patient but gentle expression that only his best friends ever saw.
Yukimura turned his head to him and stared for a moment. "Hm... Sanada..." he started then took a deep breath and closed his eyes, wondering if he should just ignore his pride and go for what seems like the best option. "... just... just until I can sort things out."
"Stay as long as you want....." He put a hand on the top of Yukimura's head and ruffled that pretty blue hair, "You'll always be welcome."
Renji chose that moment to return. "I assume you've made a decision." He said, joining them on the couch again. The way Sanada ruffled Yukimura's hair reminded him a bit of how Sanada sometimes petted his dog, which amused him a little. "It really is for the best, and you really won't be a bother."
It was somewhat embarrassing, but in the end, he didn't really like being in the dorm. It was very lonely and quiet at times, especially not having anyone in the dorms around him. Overall, it felt very isolated. "Hm... if you say so." he said in a quiet tone, "I'll have to let them know I'm leaving and my parents, but I don't want to talk to them just now or for a while." he blushed a little again and smiled "And... you can always tell me to go ... walk the dog. I'll get the message."
Sanada blinked then flushed again, "A-ah....I'll keep that in mind....." Well that would solve their problem of Babolat interrupting......
Renji just chuckled. "Well, that's one thing resolved. As to the other problems, just let them simmer for a day. You may be surprised what some time will do." He said, then turned to Sanada. "Has Seiichi met Genki-chan yet?"
Genki-chan?" he eyed Renji then back to Sanada. "You got another pet?" Yukimura gave a them a frown, a little surprised he was never told. "I'll have to walk two dogs?"
"No, Genki is a house spirit....she took a liking to Babolat and I and hangs around the apartment.....she's rather shy....." He shrugged it off, not really thinking it was anything out of the ordinary. He'd gotten used to it long ago.
"She's rather interesting once you get used to her." Renji said. "Don't worry, she doesn't eat anything. I'm sure you'll get along fine with her." For being something that Renji hadn't believed in, he had accepted her as a normal part of Sanada's apartment.
Yukimura looked like a confused cat. How come Sanada never said anything, or Renji? He had been to that apartment many times and never seen anything. "You two are joking..." he said hitting the back of his hand againt Renji's chest gently, "Right?" but somethis was telling him it was true. "Hm... what do you mean, get along? Is there a possibility I wont?"
"No, there's a possibility you won't see her for quite a while though....she gets nervous around strangers and hides......" He shrugged and sat back on the couch, "She will sometimes play pranks too, since she's a zashiki warashi....."
Renji nodded. "You'll be fine, Seiichi." He reassured Yukimura. "It's just the unpredictable nature of her pranks. It's...kind of like living with a younger, female version of Niou."
Yukimura was a little shocked now. He definitely didn't want a female Niou playing pranks and the whole thing was bizarre. "But... will she watch me taking a shower and everything?" he already started to think about getting a bath for the club showers because that's where he would shower before going home. "And what kind of pranks....?"
"Don't call her a female Niou--that's just cruel......she's been good lately......ever since she saw----" he cleared his throat, "Anyway, you don't' have to worry about her, really."
"She's more curious than destructive. And she knows better than to watch anyone showering." Renji wasn't going to mention that she had been known to. There were a couple of times he had caught her looking at him curiously as well, but it didn't disturb Renji as much as it did Sanada - after all, when they were younger, him and his sister took baths together, so he understood the curiosity. "And it wasn't cruel, she just reminds me of him."
Yukimura wasn't convinced. With his arms crossed he leaned his back on the sofa. "Since she saw....?" and then it hit him that there was a lot of other things that were less innocent than showers that the spirit could see. That was it, he wouldn't be able to do anything intimate ever again. "Na... if i can't see her, then how will I know she is not spying on me? And can she communicate to you two?" that would definitely keep him from talking to himself around the house as well.
"No, she doesn't talk......and you'll see her once she trusts you......You're really being too paranoid about it, Yukimura. And besides, when he's in the apartment she stays by Babolat's side.....or disappears....she doesn't spy on anyone." Sanada added with a little chuckle.
Renji smiled. "It's not as bad as I make it sound, I promise." He said. "I didn't mean to make you worried. Considering I didn't even believe in spirits until I met her, and she trusts me, I think there's nothing for you to worry about.." He reassured Yukimura.
"Hm..." he sounded. At least if she wouldn't communicate with them then it wasn't that bad. Besides, Yukimura couldn't see her, so he knew that if they stopped mentioning her he would probably forget. There were other things more important about moving in with Sanada that he would have to sort out, but there was still a couple of weeks to go before that. "... thank you," he added after a moment with a smile. It seemed that things would never change, whenever Yukimura needed them, they were there with an answer. Somehow, it was very comforting and he dreaded the thought of not having those two around.
"There's nothing to thank us for......" Sanada assured him and finally let himself relax some, the crisis of Yukimura's depression seemed to be avoided for now. He leaned back and closed his eyes for a bit, feeling quite content there with his two best friends.