You're Making A Choice To Live Like This [Closed; Incomplete]

[theartofsmiling]

WHO: Kikumaru Eiji (theflexiblecat), Fuji Syusuke (theartofsmiling)
WHAT: Fuji turns to his best friend when he's lost.
WHERE: The park.
WHEN: Night of Poison Ivy-induced euphoria; extremely backlogged

Comments

[theartofsmiling]

So others actually could tell?

Fuji made no visible response at the remark regarding his personality. "Don't worry. I brought along the Seigaku Regulars' Jacket~"

Perhaps Eiji had known so much more about him than he would ever appear to know. Perhaps, even better than he knew himself. Almost exactly like how he had found out now. Had he been as easy to read as an open book? Fuji chuckled inwardly. The redhead ought to receive more credit than this. He could fix the one problem Fuji Syusuke couldn't, not with a smile.

Fuji was tired of being at a loss. Before this, he was always on the giving end, always in control. But this - this was beyond anything he had foreseen. Sure, they would end up closer than before. Sure, they might become best friends and confidantes. Now?

And because of everything else, he would tell the absolute truth this time, despite warning lights flashing dangerously in his head. Without a second thought about consequences. What Eiji might do. How Ryoma would feel. Why did you let your guard down, Fuji? Tezuka's voice rang loudly in his head in time for a distant sound.

Such sweet thunder.

Cerulean eyes wide, without the slightest trace of hesitation or regret. "I like Echizen Ryoma."

And it began to pour.

[theflexiblecat]

Raindrops slowly fell from the sky as if they were blessings from heaven for the plants. However, they soon turned like bombs dropping from the sky, heavy and fast. Puddles formed here and there in the streets. Some ran for cover from the rain however, Eiji remained still out of shock and suprise, not minding the fact that the water was seeping into his clothes and that his red hair was dripping wet.

As Fuji's best friend, Eiji knew a lot of things about the honey-haired boy that others didn't. Still, he was unpredictable. The redhead didn't use to mind this fact.

But today... Today was different.

The statement that just left Fuji's lips was something totally unexpected to the acrobatic tennis player. Despite the fact that it seemed totally unbelievable to anyone who will hear it, Eiji isn't just "anyone". He was Fuji's best friend. And he knew that Fuji was serious.

He thought hard for a while, not minding whether Fuji will worry if there's something wrong with him. He knew that Fuji and Ochibi were the ones who arrived in this place first. They might not have arrived together but they certainly must have spent some time with just the two of them, especially with Ochibi's anti-socialness, he was bound to spend time with someone he was familiar with.

Dark blue orbs stared into cerulean eyes, though the the continuously falling raindrops reduced the intensity of the stare.

If this person was just some random person, Eiji thought, he'd act like his usual self; be all cheery and congratulate or tease that person. But this was Fuji, his best friend. He couldn't bring himself to act like he usually does, not when Fuji was being all serious like this.

He was confused. He was not used to these kind of situations. He was unsure of what to do. But then, he knew that, even if he is clueless, he knew that he should help Fuji as his faithful best friend, if he needs it.

Choosing his words carefully as to not say anything insensitive, he slowly said, unmindful of the rain, "Does he... Does he feel the same way?"

[ooc: Melo, I tell you, your affinity for long and descriptive tags is contagious. XDDDDDDDDDD]

[theartofsmiling]

[ooc: IT'S A GOOD THING. XD Well, blame Jodi Picoult. Besides, his confession deserves a long tag!]

Confusion, helplessness tied in perfectly with irony, awkwardness. But above them all was the immense, cleansing feeling of relief, as if something heavy had just been lifted off his shoulders. The mixture of strange, unfurling emotions was too much.

So as Fuji thoughtlessly unfolded his waterproof jacket and raised it above both their heads, he did the only thing he was capable of right now. He laughed. Not a hearty, howling laugh, just a soundless one, blended with just that tiny hint of bitterness.

Were those splotches of water merciless raindrops or his own tears?

Finally, the urge to laugh some more gave way to a quiet, worn-out emptiness. His confession must have stunned Eiji so much, that the redhead hadn't been able to come up with a cheery reply. Fuji understood. It wasn't every day that you heard your best friend telling you he had feelings for his kouhai. "It's all right, Eiji. He doesn't like me back."

He broke off into laughter again, this time softer, barely audible. "We'll fall sick sitting in the rain like this, you know~" A thoughtful Eiji was a truly scarce sight. Really, Eiji needn't worry at all. "The secret would be safe with you, ne?" He added as an afterthought with a smile.

Fuji turned towards Eiji, his hands still holding up the jacket, feeling the raindrops pelting against it. He returned the gaze, expecting to see shock, disappointment, even disgust in those usually dancing eyes. Instead, all he saw was undoubting concern, and - was that his imagination? - acceptance.

[theflexiblecat]

What brought Eiji back to earth was the sudden stop of the water that poured down on him like someone turning off a faucet as Fuji unraveled the jacket he was carrying and held it over their heads like a makeshift umbrella.

After the brown-haired boy was done, laughter escaped from his lips. But for Eiji, it wasn't just his eyes that were perceptive, his inner understanding was as well and he felt that hidden behind the laughter was something akin to bitterness. It was void of emotion anywhere near happiness.

And suddenly, water unnaturally flowed down Fuji's cheeks. Eiji's sharp vision missed nothing. It was, beyond doubt, tears. Heck, he prided himself in seeing the spin of an incoming tennis ball, how could he not miss the tears falling from the eyes of his best friend, who happened to be standing in front of him?

"Fujiko... I... Well, of course I won't tell!" Eiji felt that this wasn't his usual self talking. His usual self would blurt what Fuji said ago to the whole world in an hour.

But for some reason, he can't and he knew he shouldn't. Maybe it was because of the fact that Fuji is his best friend and he respected him as to not give away his secrets?

Also, there was the fact that he himself didn't seem unfazed by the fact that his best friend just confessed that he liked a guy. If it was his usual self, he'd have panicked and insisted that Fuji was going crazy.

But... This really wasn't his usual self. Maybe being transported to a new place changed a lot in him.

Grabbing ahold of the jacket as well, Eiji looked at Fuji with a serious face. "I'm no expert in things like this nya but... if you really like Ochibi then I will support you as your best friend."

Eiji swallowed. He must have been out of character in the eyes of anyone who was familiar with him but he didn't care. Helping Fuji was more important at the moment.

Trying to cheer his best friend up, he grinned like usual, "But before we continue our talk, maybe we should get out of the rain first nya. Let's find some cover! We don't want Ochibi seeing you get sick or he'll throw a tantrum because by then you can't play with him!"

[theartofsmiling]

Something was strange about Eiji after the four words that Fuji had so openly declared. When was the last time he kept a secret to himself? Fuji could hardly recall. Slight awkward silece hung between two males clueless about the ways of affection.

The bouncy redhead's reaction had been rather unexpected. He did not scream; he did not freak out. The corner of Fuji's lips automatically curved upwards at the thought - it was somewhat amusing to see his best friend behave this way.

How did you know if you truly loved someone, or if it was mere infatuation? Taking the lead, with his arms still outstretched, Fuji began to walk in search of a shelter. Ah - there it was, a hut not too far away. He managed to ruffle the taller boy's hair not without difficulty. Fortunately, Eiji had grabbed one end of the jacket.

Fuji's attempt to keep a straight face at Eiji's odd behavior failed miserably, and he for a tiny chuckle instead. "Saaa, I can't thank you enough for tonight, Eiji." If he could, he'd put his arms around him now - and perhaps snap a shot or video or two of the completely different acrobatics player.

The final comment was the last straw. "Would Ryoma-chan even notice?" The comment came out light-hearted and without sarcasm. The smile he wore grew wider, grew brighter.

If he could choose all over again, he would still choose Eiji to be his best friend. Without a doubt.

[theflexiblecat]

Eiji felt that his odd behaviour must be worrying Fuji by now, seeing as the tensai seemed to have a confused look on his face.

However, he couldn't but feel some sort of strange empathy with Fuji. He felt like he was in Fuji's shoes.

But he didn't know why. [ooc: Hint for GP XD]

Fuji lead the way to a temporary shelter from the rain, a hut. When they finally settled down, Fuji suddenly asked a question again. Seeing the smile in his best friend's face grow brighter and more real, it made Eiji happy.

Grinning, he replied, "Of course he will! He wants to beat you nya, you know!"

"So if you're going to make him fall for you," here, he grinned widely, "you better start now!"

His grin slowly turned into a slow smile. "You can always ask for my help nya!"

He winked.

Geez short tag is short. And fail.

[theartofsmiling]

"I wouldn't force it upon him." There was a finality in Fuji's tone that suggested perhaps a change of topic right about now. This was what he loved most about Eiji. His mood was lifted now.

"Of course~ You're my lifeboat to safety, Eiji." He smiled again, due to his best friend's contagious joviality.

Why did he demand so much of Eiji when he had practically nothing in return? "Just tell me if you need my help, okay?"

It's okay~

[theflexiblecat]

"You wouldn't?" That made Eiji surprised a little. Surely, with his best friend's sadistic tendencies, he was bound to do anything. But then maybe when you really like someone, you won't force yourself into that person.

The tone of finality in his best friend's voice assured Eiji that he'd done his part. When Fuji smiled again, Eiji felt relieved. He was able to help Fuji to the best of his ability and that brought a smile to his face.

When his best friend offered his help, something stirred inside Eiji. Lately, something had been bugging him and he couldn't point a finger as to why. He wondered, if he was able to help Fuji, then maybe, just maybe, Fuji would be able to help him as well.

"Err... Fujiko... There's actually something I'd like you to help me nya..."

[ooc: It's about GP. Is it okay?]

xD Late tag is laaaate.

[theartofsmiling]

[ooc: Into that person? XD Oh and of course it's okay.]

"You've been great, Eiji." Fuji announced cheerily. "I'll be sure to make more Fuji Juice tonight~"

And then Eiji had dropped the bombshell.

Fuji wondered if it would be about Oishi. After all, his best friend had been more than thrilled when the latter arrived. The Golden Pair, right? He would gladly play matchmaker if it was required of him.

"Sure. Anything that I can do."

GAHAHA... I'm later XD -shot-

[theflexiblecat]

Eiji panicked when Fuji mentioned that he'll be making Fuji juice again. If his opinion was taken into account, it was worse than Inui's. He paled.

But then, that meant that Fuji was back to his sadistic self.

Eiji wondered if he should tell Fuji. But then there was no one else he trusted well enough to confide in. Ochibi was out of the question. Especially him...

But despite his sadistic tendencies, Fuji was a true friend one can trust, Eiji knew.

Fiddling his fingers with his head bowed, he slowly said, "Fuji... It's about... Oishi..."