RP Log: Oshitari Yuushi & Atobe Keigo
When: January 6th
Where: The tennis courts
Rating: PG
Summary: Hyoutei bitch fight
Feeling solid ground under his feet again Yuushi allowed the tall boy who had just carried him up the path to fuss over his clothes, hunting down every small wrinkle the gentle princess carry might have left in his already rather ratty attire. He knew Kabaji didn’t really care about clothes or fashion but he understood the gentle giant’s need to somehow apologize for bringing him to the place of his summons against his will - and of course for carrying him through the entire camp much to the amusement of any who cared to look, something he was sure the instigator of this attack was only too willing to accept.
Thankfully though the dark haired tensai’s pride was not that easily dented and had his latest verbal confrontation with Atobe not occurred he might even have enjoyed the ride. There certainly was something comforting about being sheltered in those strong, warm arms and Yuushi after all was never one to deny himself simple pleasures. As things stood however the idea of what might lie in store for him on the courts was enough to dampen the mood on the way and in a masochistic way he would never admit to anybody he even was capable off Yuushi was glad when their kouhai left so he could be alone with their displeased sovereign.
“I was told you wanted to see me, Atobe” None of this however showed as he drawled his greeting while slowly sauntering towards the deceptively slender figure standing with his back to him and staring out over the vast stretch of ocean they were perched on the very edge of. And just like the dark, unexplored depths of the ocean Yuushi carefully sealed his heart away from the man he had once considered a comrade and even friend, well aware that every weakness and flaw real or imaginary would be mercilessly dragged out and flung into his face. This was Hyotei after all and those naive enough to start a war they could not hope to win would be annihilated, razed to the ground with sharp words and icy indifference. If nothing else though he did have his pride and he would not let those cold, remorseless eyes see how much his easy dismissal had cut into him.
“Several times, I believe.” Atobe did not immediately turn, continuing to view the island spread out before him like the map of a kingdom. “Yet you chose to be forced here, at some inconvenience to every individual involved, even though you must have been aware it was inevitable.” He did turn then, lifting one elegant eyebrow at the smoothly impassive face of his erstwhile tensai. “Or have you given up all higher order functions while on the island?”
"Not at all." Yuushi drawled catching an unusually long strand of blue-ish black hair between his fingertips and studying it leisurely before glancing up again and meeting Atobe's eyes calmly. "I have simply given up following orders as there are no higher-ups." He easily twisted Atobe's accusation to suit himself before passing the ball back to his former captain. "Was there something that you needed?"
Blue-grey eyes narrowed at the clear implication of Oshitari’s words. “Six years,” Atobe’s tone was impassive. “Six years at my side, yet you still choose to leave now?”
"Really Atobe?" So they were going straight for the gold with none of the usual politely worded sniping first. Well it was fine with Yuushi either way he supposed, maybe he would get back to his manuscript and Kite's moonshine before dusk after all. "A guilt trip?" The exiled Hyoutei player flicked his hair over his shoulder and pushed his glasses up firmly, letting the familiar weight comfort and calm him before he continued. "That's rich coming from the person having made it absolutely clear that there is no need for me." He drawled almost gently, letting his voice convey none of the pent up frustration and disappointment he had been feeling even before that fateful New Years gathering as it curled around his listener like a velvet caress. "But do tell me Atobe, why should I stay where I am obviously not wanted, why should I care when you obviously don't? " Sinful lips curled into a short humourless smile as he continued confidently but with a sense of regret. "Tennis isn't holding me anymore and neither... are you."
But one thing was sure. Had he been able to forsee that this would be the result of one measly little ice pack he would have dumped the cursed thing in the ocean and left Atobe to bruise beautifully on his own.
Atobe continued to consider him, searching the gaze that was shielded by more than the clear glass lenses. Quite clearly, Oshitari was in the midst of a huge temper tantrum that caused him to make random and completely unconnected accusations. Atobe obviously had a need for him and as to the rest, well it wasn’t like he had changed in the six years they had known each other. However, even the biggest of storms has a source.
“Fuji,” he said flatly.
"What of him?" Yuushi raised an eyebrow, offering no further reaction to the rather randomly thrown out name.
Jaw muscles flexed. It appeared they were going to have to state what was obvious to both of them in order to progress the conversation. Atobe speculated whether it was necessary to point out they were standing on the Earth and marginally decided to moved past it. Just.
“That is what is behind your ridiculous behaviour.” It was not a question. “You somehow feel slighted that your interruption at New Years did not elicit a prolonged display of gratitude and invitation to join the proceedings? I would have thought such activities were outside even your desire for enjoyment.”
For a moment Yuushi could only stare at Atobe as his former captain's conclusion echoed in his ears. Thankfully though his speechlessness didn't last very long or Arobe might have taken it as silent agreement. "You think I wanted to join you and Fuji in humping each other in front of the entire island?" Yuushi repeated in disbelief. Certainly he had a wide repertoire at sexual deviancies on his record but that his friend thought he was that desperate...Yuushi quickly shook his head as he felt his pride bristle. "Most certainly not." He informed Atobe cooly. "And if you had chosen a less public location to rut I assure I would not have cared to interrupt such a... special time for you."The tensai finished with only a faint note of derision.
The carefully blank features before him were briefly replaced by something akin to shock. Clearly, they were on the right track. Not that it could be otherwise with his insight. “So your tantrum is due to me not instantly taking your advice? I would hardly care what others thought.” Atobe flicked his wrist to indicate the rest of the island, suitably below them from this position. “Or is it simply jealousy that I was engaged in such activities to begin with? Do decide, Oshitari. The day does not get younger.”
"Jealous?" Instead of shock this time Yuushi met Atobe's haphazard guess with amusement. "I hardly need to be jealous of you making a spectacle out of yourself because you couldn't keep it in your pants Atobe." He refuted calmly. "Nor am I so sex starved that the mere thought of somebody getting some ass drives me into some jealous rage beyond any reason." Staring at his former captain Yuushi's eyes softened for a moment in something that looked suspiciously like pity and a hint of wistfulness. "You used to have more class than this. You used to be better." The wind ruffled blue hair as Yuushi shook his head before turning on his heel to start heading back toward the camp. "Now you're no better than some mutt panting after a bitch in heat that won't stop until somebody pours a bucket of cold water over them and then come back to piss on that person because you didn't get to bust a nut then and there." He sighed, shoulders slumping a little. "It's sad."
Atobe watched Oshitari take exactly four steps before replying. “Disliking my actions is not sufficient cause for your anger. Your own behaviour is not so pristine that you can be morally shocked, nor is it any grounds to invite Yukimura Seiichi to gatherings that would leave us in close company.”
He stepped forward across the court’s rough surface, blocking Oshitari off from the path down to the camp. Six years stood before them. Six years in which they had stood side-by-side. Atobe acknowledging Oshitari as worthy of notice from their first meeting and the latter understanding the former to his core. Oshitari had always known how to handle Atobe’s ego, had even seemed to revel in doing so and had --as a result -- been able to speak more bluntly to him than any other.
Still, calling him a randy mutt was pushing it.
“This is not an ending I desire ….. old friend.”
It was those words more than Atobe blocking his path that made Yuushi come to a halt, allowing himself a little smile, knowing what a struggled it had to have been for the other to bend this far for him. He doubted that Atobe would ever understand how much the simple words alone meant to him and it was a bittersweet thought.
In a way Atobe was right though - he had been angry for reasons beyond what he had been admitting to himself so far. Maybe it was time to once and for all clear the air between them - even if it might be the last.
"Neither do I" He admitted a real note of regret warming his voice - "But I'm not the boy I used to be. My life doesn't revolve around tennis any longer, I've moved on." Studying Atobe for a long moment Yuushi finally sighed. "I am not saying I will never hold a racket again but my time to play in competitons is over so I don't need a captain anymore." Only a friend - but he wasn't so sure that would be possible without tennis anymore. "And you are clinging to it so tightly...to this idea that you have to prove yourself by beating everybody else. You train and you train and you push yourself so hard." Remembering that desperate game during their last year in middle school of Atobe fighting to the last breath against Echizen still made Yuushi's heart clench painfully.
He shook his head again, the last lock that had kept his heart shut away and protected falling away to let Atobe see there was no doubt only respect and concern in his next words. "But what if it's not going to happen Keigo? You've lost something in your game and I don't think there is any training that can give you back what you really need." Without conscious intent his voice had dropped to a quiet murmur as his eyes silently pleaded with Atobe to understand that he still loved tennis, loved him and the friends he had made. "I can't meet you on the court anymore because there is no joy in your game."
Atobe turned away, walking back to the edge of the courts to look over the cliff at the island and the limitless blue sea. Silently, he debated whether being told he would never be as good at his sport as he wished was better or worse than being called a horny mutt.
It was a close run thing. No doubt about it.
“Unlike Tezuka,” he began. “or Sanada or Yukimura or Echizen, I do not have the liberty of choosing to go pro. I am the only heir to my family’s company. It is a mantle I must take up and it is not one I will devote anything less than 100 percent to.” He went silent again, pondering his next words as if hearing them himself for the first time. “I will not leave anyone in doubt that my reason for taking a different path has nothing to do with talent.” He turned back to face his old teammate. “I know I can be the best. They will know it too.”
His eyes dropped to look around the court, at the bad surface, the make-shift net poles, the stray tennis ball sitting in the corner. “Perhaps,” he said slowly. “I have imprinted my own desires onto you. In which case … I have been amiss in that and … other matters.” It was inescapable that more time focussed on his tensai and not on the object of his obsession would have made this conversation unnecessary. Atobe’s eyes snapped back to Oshitari’s. “Forgive me.”
As a request given as an order, it lacked a certain delicacy. But there were only so many birds one could kill with a single stone.
It was, Yuushi acknowledged in his mind rather pathetic how quickly and easily his answer came. "Of course." All at once his heart seemed to beat easier again than when Atobe's long silence had rested like a leaden weight on him. And it was more than just his willingness to forgive it, he could do naught but voice his faith in Atobe's dedication and skill. After all he doubted there was anybody in all of Hyoutei who didn't think that Atobe could have taken his rightful place amidst tr world's best if he so chose.
That left him with only one, no two more things to say. "I hope you will achieve what you must" and of course "I'm sorry I snapped at you."
Eyes closed and head dipped in a familiar gesture of assent. “It was not my intention to press you to train this year,” Atobe remarked as he looked up, his hands spreading slightly to indicate that despite being on a court, he carried no tennis bag. “A New Years gift you desired, ahn?” His sharp gaze met Oshitari’s squarely. “Your place in Hyoutei’s team, your place with me, does not depend on tennis.”
That...was possibly the best present he could have received and Yuushi 's eyes had a suspicious wet sheen to them as he blinked a few times before nodding with a small, gentle smile. "Thank you...." Relief flooded through him, melting the cold lump in his chest and making him give in to an urge he would have thought better off usually. Two large steps was all it took for him to bride the distance between him and in a move that would have made hordes of fangirls faint wrap his arms around the smaller man in a warm hug. "Thank you Keigo."
Atobe’s arm came up to pat his friend on the back before emitted a small sigh of exasperation. “My jacket, Yuushi. You will crease it.” It was difficult to place the appropriate degree of gravitas on the situation when warmth flooded his own body, making it impossible not to give into a smile. “There is no need to be emotional. Your place should never have been in doubt. It was … an error … that made it so.”
Gently, he stepped back, disentangling himself from the embrace. “Let us return. We have preparations to discuss for Kabaji’s birthday entertainment.” He stepped towards the path down the mountain and paused. “While I hope you still intend to be present, is it truly necessary to bring the captain of Rikkaidai as your date?”
"I think he has already made other plans now." Yuushi shook his head with a knowing little smirk as he fell into step next to Atobe. "But maybe I could ask Kenya."
Where: The tennis courts
Rating: PG
Summary: Hyoutei bitch fight
Feeling solid ground under his feet again Yuushi allowed the tall boy who had just carried him up the path to fuss over his clothes, hunting down every small wrinkle the gentle princess carry might have left in his already rather ratty attire. He knew Kabaji didn’t really care about clothes or fashion but he understood the gentle giant’s need to somehow apologize for bringing him to the place of his summons against his will - and of course for carrying him through the entire camp much to the amusement of any who cared to look, something he was sure the instigator of this attack was only too willing to accept.
Thankfully though the dark haired tensai’s pride was not that easily dented and had his latest verbal confrontation with Atobe not occurred he might even have enjoyed the ride. There certainly was something comforting about being sheltered in those strong, warm arms and Yuushi after all was never one to deny himself simple pleasures. As things stood however the idea of what might lie in store for him on the courts was enough to dampen the mood on the way and in a masochistic way he would never admit to anybody he even was capable off Yuushi was glad when their kouhai left so he could be alone with their displeased sovereign.
“I was told you wanted to see me, Atobe” None of this however showed as he drawled his greeting while slowly sauntering towards the deceptively slender figure standing with his back to him and staring out over the vast stretch of ocean they were perched on the very edge of. And just like the dark, unexplored depths of the ocean Yuushi carefully sealed his heart away from the man he had once considered a comrade and even friend, well aware that every weakness and flaw real or imaginary would be mercilessly dragged out and flung into his face. This was Hyotei after all and those naive enough to start a war they could not hope to win would be annihilated, razed to the ground with sharp words and icy indifference. If nothing else though he did have his pride and he would not let those cold, remorseless eyes see how much his easy dismissal had cut into him.
“Several times, I believe.” Atobe did not immediately turn, continuing to view the island spread out before him like the map of a kingdom. “Yet you chose to be forced here, at some inconvenience to every individual involved, even though you must have been aware it was inevitable.” He did turn then, lifting one elegant eyebrow at the smoothly impassive face of his erstwhile tensai. “Or have you given up all higher order functions while on the island?”
"Not at all." Yuushi drawled catching an unusually long strand of blue-ish black hair between his fingertips and studying it leisurely before glancing up again and meeting Atobe's eyes calmly. "I have simply given up following orders as there are no higher-ups." He easily twisted Atobe's accusation to suit himself before passing the ball back to his former captain. "Was there something that you needed?"
Blue-grey eyes narrowed at the clear implication of Oshitari’s words. “Six years,” Atobe’s tone was impassive. “Six years at my side, yet you still choose to leave now?”
"Really Atobe?" So they were going straight for the gold with none of the usual politely worded sniping first. Well it was fine with Yuushi either way he supposed, maybe he would get back to his manuscript and Kite's moonshine before dusk after all. "A guilt trip?" The exiled Hyoutei player flicked his hair over his shoulder and pushed his glasses up firmly, letting the familiar weight comfort and calm him before he continued. "That's rich coming from the person having made it absolutely clear that there is no need for me." He drawled almost gently, letting his voice convey none of the pent up frustration and disappointment he had been feeling even before that fateful New Years gathering as it curled around his listener like a velvet caress. "But do tell me Atobe, why should I stay where I am obviously not wanted, why should I care when you obviously don't? " Sinful lips curled into a short humourless smile as he continued confidently but with a sense of regret. "Tennis isn't holding me anymore and neither... are you."
But one thing was sure. Had he been able to forsee that this would be the result of one measly little ice pack he would have dumped the cursed thing in the ocean and left Atobe to bruise beautifully on his own.
Atobe continued to consider him, searching the gaze that was shielded by more than the clear glass lenses. Quite clearly, Oshitari was in the midst of a huge temper tantrum that caused him to make random and completely unconnected accusations. Atobe obviously had a need for him and as to the rest, well it wasn’t like he had changed in the six years they had known each other. However, even the biggest of storms has a source.
“Fuji,” he said flatly.
"What of him?" Yuushi raised an eyebrow, offering no further reaction to the rather randomly thrown out name.
Jaw muscles flexed. It appeared they were going to have to state what was obvious to both of them in order to progress the conversation. Atobe speculated whether it was necessary to point out they were standing on the Earth and marginally decided to moved past it. Just.
“That is what is behind your ridiculous behaviour.” It was not a question. “You somehow feel slighted that your interruption at New Years did not elicit a prolonged display of gratitude and invitation to join the proceedings? I would have thought such activities were outside even your desire for enjoyment.”
For a moment Yuushi could only stare at Atobe as his former captain's conclusion echoed in his ears. Thankfully though his speechlessness didn't last very long or Arobe might have taken it as silent agreement. "You think I wanted to join you and Fuji in humping each other in front of the entire island?" Yuushi repeated in disbelief. Certainly he had a wide repertoire at sexual deviancies on his record but that his friend thought he was that desperate...Yuushi quickly shook his head as he felt his pride bristle. "Most certainly not." He informed Atobe cooly. "And if you had chosen a less public location to rut I assure I would not have cared to interrupt such a... special time for you."The tensai finished with only a faint note of derision.
The carefully blank features before him were briefly replaced by something akin to shock. Clearly, they were on the right track. Not that it could be otherwise with his insight. “So your tantrum is due to me not instantly taking your advice? I would hardly care what others thought.” Atobe flicked his wrist to indicate the rest of the island, suitably below them from this position. “Or is it simply jealousy that I was engaged in such activities to begin with? Do decide, Oshitari. The day does not get younger.”
"Jealous?" Instead of shock this time Yuushi met Atobe's haphazard guess with amusement. "I hardly need to be jealous of you making a spectacle out of yourself because you couldn't keep it in your pants Atobe." He refuted calmly. "Nor am I so sex starved that the mere thought of somebody getting some ass drives me into some jealous rage beyond any reason." Staring at his former captain Yuushi's eyes softened for a moment in something that looked suspiciously like pity and a hint of wistfulness. "You used to have more class than this. You used to be better." The wind ruffled blue hair as Yuushi shook his head before turning on his heel to start heading back toward the camp. "Now you're no better than some mutt panting after a bitch in heat that won't stop until somebody pours a bucket of cold water over them and then come back to piss on that person because you didn't get to bust a nut then and there." He sighed, shoulders slumping a little. "It's sad."
Atobe watched Oshitari take exactly four steps before replying. “Disliking my actions is not sufficient cause for your anger. Your own behaviour is not so pristine that you can be morally shocked, nor is it any grounds to invite Yukimura Seiichi to gatherings that would leave us in close company.”
He stepped forward across the court’s rough surface, blocking Oshitari off from the path down to the camp. Six years stood before them. Six years in which they had stood side-by-side. Atobe acknowledging Oshitari as worthy of notice from their first meeting and the latter understanding the former to his core. Oshitari had always known how to handle Atobe’s ego, had even seemed to revel in doing so and had --as a result -- been able to speak more bluntly to him than any other.
Still, calling him a randy mutt was pushing it.
“This is not an ending I desire ….. old friend.”
It was those words more than Atobe blocking his path that made Yuushi come to a halt, allowing himself a little smile, knowing what a struggled it had to have been for the other to bend this far for him. He doubted that Atobe would ever understand how much the simple words alone meant to him and it was a bittersweet thought.
In a way Atobe was right though - he had been angry for reasons beyond what he had been admitting to himself so far. Maybe it was time to once and for all clear the air between them - even if it might be the last.
"Neither do I" He admitted a real note of regret warming his voice - "But I'm not the boy I used to be. My life doesn't revolve around tennis any longer, I've moved on." Studying Atobe for a long moment Yuushi finally sighed. "I am not saying I will never hold a racket again but my time to play in competitons is over so I don't need a captain anymore." Only a friend - but he wasn't so sure that would be possible without tennis anymore. "And you are clinging to it so tightly...to this idea that you have to prove yourself by beating everybody else. You train and you train and you push yourself so hard." Remembering that desperate game during their last year in middle school of Atobe fighting to the last breath against Echizen still made Yuushi's heart clench painfully.
He shook his head again, the last lock that had kept his heart shut away and protected falling away to let Atobe see there was no doubt only respect and concern in his next words. "But what if it's not going to happen Keigo? You've lost something in your game and I don't think there is any training that can give you back what you really need." Without conscious intent his voice had dropped to a quiet murmur as his eyes silently pleaded with Atobe to understand that he still loved tennis, loved him and the friends he had made. "I can't meet you on the court anymore because there is no joy in your game."
Atobe turned away, walking back to the edge of the courts to look over the cliff at the island and the limitless blue sea. Silently, he debated whether being told he would never be as good at his sport as he wished was better or worse than being called a horny mutt.
It was a close run thing. No doubt about it.
“Unlike Tezuka,” he began. “or Sanada or Yukimura or Echizen, I do not have the liberty of choosing to go pro. I am the only heir to my family’s company. It is a mantle I must take up and it is not one I will devote anything less than 100 percent to.” He went silent again, pondering his next words as if hearing them himself for the first time. “I will not leave anyone in doubt that my reason for taking a different path has nothing to do with talent.” He turned back to face his old teammate. “I know I can be the best. They will know it too.”
His eyes dropped to look around the court, at the bad surface, the make-shift net poles, the stray tennis ball sitting in the corner. “Perhaps,” he said slowly. “I have imprinted my own desires onto you. In which case … I have been amiss in that and … other matters.” It was inescapable that more time focussed on his tensai and not on the object of his obsession would have made this conversation unnecessary. Atobe’s eyes snapped back to Oshitari’s. “Forgive me.”
As a request given as an order, it lacked a certain delicacy. But there were only so many birds one could kill with a single stone.
It was, Yuushi acknowledged in his mind rather pathetic how quickly and easily his answer came. "Of course." All at once his heart seemed to beat easier again than when Atobe's long silence had rested like a leaden weight on him. And it was more than just his willingness to forgive it, he could do naught but voice his faith in Atobe's dedication and skill. After all he doubted there was anybody in all of Hyoutei who didn't think that Atobe could have taken his rightful place amidst tr world's best if he so chose.
That left him with only one, no two more things to say. "I hope you will achieve what you must" and of course "I'm sorry I snapped at you."
Eyes closed and head dipped in a familiar gesture of assent. “It was not my intention to press you to train this year,” Atobe remarked as he looked up, his hands spreading slightly to indicate that despite being on a court, he carried no tennis bag. “A New Years gift you desired, ahn?” His sharp gaze met Oshitari’s squarely. “Your place in Hyoutei’s team, your place with me, does not depend on tennis.”
That...was possibly the best present he could have received and Yuushi 's eyes had a suspicious wet sheen to them as he blinked a few times before nodding with a small, gentle smile. "Thank you...." Relief flooded through him, melting the cold lump in his chest and making him give in to an urge he would have thought better off usually. Two large steps was all it took for him to bride the distance between him and in a move that would have made hordes of fangirls faint wrap his arms around the smaller man in a warm hug. "Thank you Keigo."
Atobe’s arm came up to pat his friend on the back before emitted a small sigh of exasperation. “My jacket, Yuushi. You will crease it.” It was difficult to place the appropriate degree of gravitas on the situation when warmth flooded his own body, making it impossible not to give into a smile. “There is no need to be emotional. Your place should never have been in doubt. It was … an error … that made it so.”
Gently, he stepped back, disentangling himself from the embrace. “Let us return. We have preparations to discuss for Kabaji’s birthday entertainment.” He stepped towards the path down the mountain and paused. “While I hope you still intend to be present, is it truly necessary to bring the captain of Rikkaidai as your date?”
"I think he has already made other plans now." Yuushi shook his head with a knowing little smirk as he fell into step next to Atobe. "But maybe I could ask Kenya."