Script logs; Tezuka & Sengoku, Sengoku & Minami
Date: Saturday afternoon (03/03)
Rating: G
Summary: Sengoku boxes Mizuki an invisible opponent, and Tezuka tells Sengoku why he can't return his feelings.
Sengoku: *tries to pour all of his sour mood into boxing the imaginary opponent, a towel draped across his neck, and his t-shirt sticking uncomfortably to his skin; he's not really all that sure why he's been pissy, but boxing was the only way he could think of fixing it, and he continues to bounce around, giving himself another couple minutes before he'll take a break*
Tezuka: *arrives at Sengoku's door - it's partially open, and he can see Sengoku is practicing his boxing... usually, it is unwise to interrupt him, so Tezuka quietly enters the room and without a word closes the door behind him, just waiting to be recognized*
Sengoku: *comes to a stop a few long minutes after, breathing hard, and not yet bothering to wipe his face off with his towel, unaware of Tezuka in the room - he wants to take a drink from his water bottle sitting on his desk, but wants to catch his breath properly first*
Tezuka: *waits a moment more before speaking* Sengoku.
Sengoku: *startles a bit, and turns around to meet eyes with Tezuka* Oh, hey. *lifts the end of the towel up to swipe across his face to rid of the sweat, and lets it flop again* Didn't hear you come in.
Tezuka: *glances over Sengoku - he looks like he's been at it for a while* You're upset. *crosses the room and takes a seat at the chair beside the desk*
Sengoku: *moves over to his desk, taking a long drink of his water, regarding Tezuka* I dunno what I am - haven't been in a good mood all day.
Tezuka: Unusual for you. *crosses one leg over the other, settling back comfortably* Did something happen?
Sengoku: Not sure. *pulls his desk chair into it and sits down backwards, letting himself relax for the first time in at least an hour* A dream woke me up early today, and then Mizuki didn't help, either. *flops his arms over the back of the chair, still breathing irregularly*
Tezuka: *can't help that his eyes flick briefly to watch the rise and fall of Sengoku's chest - graze over his throat - before focusing back on his face* Dream?
Sengoku: Mm. *peels the sweaty shirt off, folding it, and settling it on the floor before unwrapping the towel from his neck and drying himself off from the sweat as best he can with a towel that's nearly as damp* About you. *he's still so far off in his bit of a zone that he doesn't realize that he's being extremely honest to Tezuka, whereas he would probably be a little more tactful were he aware*
Tezuka: *cannot help but watch the path of the towel - either Sengoku is doing this on purpose just to be a brat, or he has no idea of what is going on around him. The words bring Tezuka's attention back to Sengoku's eyes, and he tilts his head a bit. He wants to inquire further, but he suspects that he knows* A nightmare?
Sengoku: I suppose you could say it was something like that. *closes his eyes for a moment, stilling the towel, and just telling himself to relax and breathe properly*
Tezuka: What of Mizuki? *still wondering if Sengoku is even with him in the conversation*
Sengoku: What he wrote in his journal. *still doesn't open his eyes* He doesn't know /anything/ and he thinks he does. He needs to just shut up and mind his own business. *leans down a bit to rest his forehead on the back of his chair*
Tezuka: ...It is best to ignore him. *has to think very deliberately about what he's doing - Sengoku really ought to put on a shirt and stop lounging like this*
Sengoku: I know - that's what I've been trying my best to do. Today was just kinda... the final straw, I guess. *comes back to himself a bit, shoulders slumping, and gets up, grabbing a fresh t-shirt from his dresser and putting it on before flopping back in his chair to meet eyes with Tezuka again*
Tezuka: Am I catching you at a bad time?
Sengoku: *shakes his head* No, it's okay; I feel better. *he's mostly breathing normally, and smiles at Tezuka* Sorry. That took me a while.
Tezuka: *shakes his head* Not at all. I intruded upon your time. *tilts his head, surveying Sengoku's face* Did you get him with an uppercut in your mind?
Sengoku: *laughs* I got him with a few.
Tezuka: *gives a small smile, and looks away for a moment, his eyes drifting out the window* If you have a moment... there's something I wish to say to you.
Sengoku: *tilts his head a bit* Oh? *crosses his arms, leaning them on the back of the chair*
Tezuka: *knows well that they are on camera, but ceased to care about the same time he stopped caring if the whole world saw the raw emotions that had come to the surface as a result of Ryoma's actions over the past weeks* Do you remember... it was that night in Spain... years ago, now. You crawled in bed with me.
Sengoku: *blinks a bit - he remembers that night clearly, but hasn't thought about it in... quite a long time* Yeah, I do...
Tezuka: *looks back at Sengoku* I don't remember now if you just gave up or if you passed out drunk, but nothing happened.
Sengoku: ... *thinks about that for a moment; he remembers drinking a lot that night, and wanting to do something and acting upon something... but his memory is fuzzy past that point* I... think I might've passed out.
Tezuka: *sighs a bit* That night, I wanted to sleep with you. And every night before that... more correctly, I wished to make love to you.
Sengoku: *knows his eyes have widened a bit, and sits up in his chair a little straighter - he doesn't know what exactly he can offer as a response to that statement*
Tezuka: *forcing any uncertainty out of his voice, he presses on* I had... somewhere along the line, I had fallen in love with you. I came to treasure those moments when you were close - your warmth and your smile. Sloppy, drunken kisses were... generally unsatisfying. I wished for you to want me when you were sober and coherent. Perhaps even feel the same as I did.
Sengoku: ...*stays absolutely silent, unmoving - he's very quickly reminded of times when he used to absently wonder if there was the possibility he harbored feelings for Tezuka that he tried to squash through dating an endless list of girls - girls of which he doesn't even remember their names, or what they look like. He used to think that it was impossible for him to be drawn to Tezuka in that way. And when those times did occasionally occur when Sengoku was under the influence of alcohol, how he used to just account it to that fact. However, he could always remember words Kentarou spoke to him when Sengoku mentioned this - and he always said Sengoku is the most honest to himself during those times, because he forgets about what Sengoku expects out of himself; just let himself accept things as they are* ...I... *focuses on the text book sitting on the floor next to his bed* ...Am an idiot.
Tezuka: *can't really argue that statement for any reason, but... it does confuse him a bit* ...?
Sengoku: *continues to stare hard at the text book, unwilling to look at Tezuka quite yet* I didn't know. I had no idea. But... *goes completely still again* ...I should've listened to myself.
Tezuka: ... *watches Sengoku* As I should have told you, then. However... *sighs again, lightly* At that time... I would have been one of the girls. I would have been someone you would "try things" with - just to "see how it goes." That... did not appeal to me.
Sengoku: *nods slowly* I don't blame you - I wouldn't've, either. At the time, it was a stupid way for me to think. *runs a hand through his hair* I would've agreed, though - just not for that reason.
Tezuka: ...I... could not have known that. *brushes his hand through his hair* Kiyosumi, you... *falters a bit* You broke my heart. *when he speaks again, it is too quickly* It has been a long time since then. I just... you needed to understand why I can't return your feelings, now. Why I have to let you go, now. Reluctant as I may be, it is unfair of me to tell you I will feel that way, again.
Sengoku: *just listens to Tezuka speak, feeling his throat tighten with every word, and a slight sting at his eyes - he wasn't getting his hopes up, he was prepared for this most probably being the outcome, but... after hearing it laid out like this, he just feels like an absolute idiot* I... *can't say a whole lot that would make sense, and wills his eyes to stop stinging - he hasn't cried in years, he doesn't usually have any reason to, and even when he does, it's /never/ in front of another person - no matter how much people joke about how he seem really depressed at times* ...I'm sorry.
Tezuka: ...*reaches out a hand and buries it in Sengoku's hair - it is unpleasant to the touch with sweat, but he knows it comforts the other man* You are my dear friend. I am happy with this. I want you to be, as well.
Sengoku: *squeezes his eyes shut, and tells himself to get himself back together - he will not let himself break just because of this* I... know. I am, too. That's what's important. *sucks in a breath, and raises hand to swipe across his eyes, realizing... that he's crying*
Tezuka: ...*blinks rapidly, reminding himself silently to keep his cool - Sengoku does not need Tezuka to lose it, now... so he offers a tiny smile* You are... my best friend. I want you by my side in that respect. I can't ask you to do anything that will make you unhappy...
Sengoku: *opens his eyes, unable to kid himself into thinking that this isn't making him cry, and nods, managing a smile himself* You never will. You always make me happy.
Tezuka: *feelings infinitely relieved just to hear that* I do not know how things will turn out from here... but if we find ourselves single and lonely in twenty years, let's agree to spend our lives together. *chuckles lightly*
Sengoku: *laughs despite everything, and uses the back of his hand to wipe away the tears* Sounds good to me.
Tezuka: *once more sobers, getting off his chair and bending at the waist to lean down and give Sengoku a gentle kiss - he lingers just long enough to say goodbye to something he is willingly walking away from* You need a shower.
Sengoku: *closes his eyes until Tezuka fully pulls away, and just imprints that feeling to his memory - it won't be something he'll be able to forget* I do need a shower. *wipes his eyes from the last of the dampness and stands up*
Tezuka: I'll leave you to that. *gives the slightest of bows of his head and excuses himself*
Sengoku: Thank you. *nods and goes over to the door, closing it behind Tezuka, and just bangs his head lightly against the wood, eyes closed, and standing there for a minute before getting ready for a shower*
Date: Saturday afternoon (03/03 - after Sengoku gets out of the shower)
Rating: PG
Summary: After his talk with Tezuka, and after he goes for a shower, Sengoku needs best friend time, and feels much better afterward.
Sengoku: *sits down and relaxes against the bathroom wall, dialing Minami's number without even looking down at the display, and waits for him to pick up*
Minami: *answers after two rings - he was just about to cook dinner, so he is aimlessly wandering about the kitchen looking for inspiration. He puts the phone to his ear* Hello, this is Minami.
Sengoku: *wastes no time* You knew all this time. Didn't you.
Minami: *finds an apple and decides he can at least snack* About Tezuka's feelings?
Sengoku: Yeah. *draws his knees up and rests his forehead on them, pushing the phone against his ear* I'm an idiot.
Minami: Yeah, you are. *takes a bite out of the apple and chews, leaning against the counter* Did he reject you?
Sengoku: After telling me about something from years ago, yeah. *sighs a bit* I cried.
Minami: *pauses at that* ...Kiyosumi, *I've* never seen you cry. Was he... cruel?
Sengoku: No, not at all - the opposite. *squeezes his eyes shut again, and ignores his slight trembling* I... didn't mean to. It just... it happened. But, I feel like... my heart's been stepped on a few times.
Minami: *takes another bite of the apple, mulling it over* Well, you just had your heart broken - that's what it feels like. You've loved him for years. It's gotta feel a bit like breaking up a long-term relationship.
Sengoku: ...Exactly. *thinks about that for a moment* I feel bad for never have really noticing it before this we... *pauses for a moment* ...before.
Minami: ...*wants to roll his eyes or bang his head on the counter, but opts for the former so as to not alert Sengoku to this fact* When did you fall in love with him? Do you even know?
Sengoku: I can't tell you when it happened... it just got to the point where I couldn't ignore it anymore, or try to squash it by dating other people. *sighs again* God, I make a lot of stupid mistakes. I thought I was over my constant stupidity a couple years ago.
Minami: You've always been an idiot, it's part of your charm. *smiles, even if Sengoku can't see it* Maybe you just need a break - you've spent all of these years trying to forget about him, and now he's giving you the perfect chance. Might be good to go it solo for a bit - girls are more trouble than they're worth when you don't have it together.
Sengoku: Yeah... I can't bring myself to even think about dating a girl, right now - I don't I could do it to someone, right now. *relaxes against the wall, again* Getting off this show'll be good, too; when I'm not near Tezuka *every* waking moment, it should be a little easier. *draws a couple circles absently on his leg, watching his hand* ...I'm gonna miss his kisses.
Minami: *can't help but tease at least a little - it might cheer Sengoku up* Oh, is he a good kisser?
Sengoku: *groans a bit, knowing that Minami was going to ask that* Kentarou, you have *no* idea.
Minami: ...You mean amazingly good or, like... Should I be finding a way to steal him from Echizen good?
Sengoku: Both. I've never had such good kisses before. No offense or anything. *grins a bit*
Minami: *rolls his eyes, again* Kiyosumi. *after a moment, he asks a bit more seriously* Did you sleep with him, or is that just a rumor?
Sengoku: *stays silent for a moment* ...I did.
Minami: ...I'm your best friend and all you give me are two words.
Sengoku: Yes, I slept with him - yes, it was in the bathroom and yes it was against the shower wall - and although I was sore and exhausted, afterward, it was damn good. And Tezuka's really, really sexy. Answer your question? <3 Or do you need more details?
Minami: ... *laughs loudly, giving up on the apple completely* You sound anything but regretful.
Sengoku: I'm not. I mean... after, I realized that it probably wasn't the smartest idea and that I should've been trying to think a little more and take the exit when Tezuka gave me the chance, but... I don't regret it. I know he doesn't, either.
Minami: Good. Though... you're gonna take the exit this time, right?
Sengoku: Yeah... I don't want to disrespect him. I can't do anything about these feelings right now, but... it'll get easier with time. I know it will. I've done it before.
Minami: Kiyo-yon, you're doing the right thing - and so is he. I know it sucks.
Sengoku: *smiles a bit, despite feel like something's gripping his heart again, voice holding a bit of a waver* It does really suck, but... yeah. I know.
Minami: Hey - you're gonna be alright. Life's gonna go back to normal - you'll be back on the road watching him kick everyone's ass in thirty countries before you know it.
Sengoku: *presses the heel of his hand against his eyes, telling himself for the second time that day to not start crying again, regardless of another tear slipping down his face* I know. I always am, in the end. *takes in a shaky breath*
Minami: For what it's worth, I love you. You're always welcome here if you need me.... maybe not always. You'd drink all the beer.
Sengoku: *nods, even if Minami can't see it* Thank you. I love you, too. I... just might take you up on that after the show - I don't want to go back to my apartment right away, but I don't want to be surrounded by too many people, either. Just for a few days. And it's been too long since I've seen you last. *tries to wipe the tears away*
Minami: Fine by me. *shifts a bit* You should just go relax, for now.
Sengoku: Yeah... I will in a bit. *laughs a bit* I forgot to ask, though - how have you been lately, Kentarou?
Minami: Me? Same as always. *pushes himself up on the counter and swings his legs* Work is always busy this time of year, so I've been a bit tied up at the office.
Sengoku: Mm, that's what I thought. How's Hi-chan been? I've talked to him even less than I've talked to you, lately. I feel a bit bad, I promised I'd send him an email and never got around to it.
Minami: Masami? He's doing well. I think he's been watching the show, though - so you better watch out when you come back home.
Sengoku: *laughs* I'll prepare myself for it. *smiles brightly, properly, for the first time that day, and it probably shows in his voice* Am I going to get twenty questions?
Minami: Well, it is our duty as your friends to give you hell for all of this, isn't it? *laughs*
Sengoku: You'd be horrible friends if you didn't. *laughs again, and presses the phone closer to his ear* It's been fun, despite everything.
Minami: I know. *smiles* Look at it this way, Tezuka never would have told you, otherwise... and I seriously doubt you would have gotten any.
Sengoku: Yeah... probably not. I never would've said it to Tezuka myself, I don't think. Good things came out of it.
Minami: *glances at his watch* I've gotta get started on dinner, but shoot me an email when you know when you'll be out of there for good - I'll come pick you up.
Sengoku: Alright, I can do that. Shouldn't be too much longer and I'll know. *pauses* Thank you, Kentarou.
Minami: Hey, it's nothing. Have a good night, Kiyosumi.
Sengoku: I will - you, too, and eat lots of food for me. *smiling* G'night~
Rating: G
Summary: Sengoku boxes Mizuki an invisible opponent, and Tezuka tells Sengoku why he can't return his feelings.
Sengoku: *tries to pour all of his sour mood into boxing the imaginary opponent, a towel draped across his neck, and his t-shirt sticking uncomfortably to his skin; he's not really all that sure why he's been pissy, but boxing was the only way he could think of fixing it, and he continues to bounce around, giving himself another couple minutes before he'll take a break*
Tezuka: *arrives at Sengoku's door - it's partially open, and he can see Sengoku is practicing his boxing... usually, it is unwise to interrupt him, so Tezuka quietly enters the room and without a word closes the door behind him, just waiting to be recognized*
Sengoku: *comes to a stop a few long minutes after, breathing hard, and not yet bothering to wipe his face off with his towel, unaware of Tezuka in the room - he wants to take a drink from his water bottle sitting on his desk, but wants to catch his breath properly first*
Tezuka: *waits a moment more before speaking* Sengoku.
Sengoku: *startles a bit, and turns around to meet eyes with Tezuka* Oh, hey. *lifts the end of the towel up to swipe across his face to rid of the sweat, and lets it flop again* Didn't hear you come in.
Tezuka: *glances over Sengoku - he looks like he's been at it for a while* You're upset. *crosses the room and takes a seat at the chair beside the desk*
Sengoku: *moves over to his desk, taking a long drink of his water, regarding Tezuka* I dunno what I am - haven't been in a good mood all day.
Tezuka: Unusual for you. *crosses one leg over the other, settling back comfortably* Did something happen?
Sengoku: Not sure. *pulls his desk chair into it and sits down backwards, letting himself relax for the first time in at least an hour* A dream woke me up early today, and then Mizuki didn't help, either. *flops his arms over the back of the chair, still breathing irregularly*
Tezuka: *can't help that his eyes flick briefly to watch the rise and fall of Sengoku's chest - graze over his throat - before focusing back on his face* Dream?
Sengoku: Mm. *peels the sweaty shirt off, folding it, and settling it on the floor before unwrapping the towel from his neck and drying himself off from the sweat as best he can with a towel that's nearly as damp* About you. *he's still so far off in his bit of a zone that he doesn't realize that he's being extremely honest to Tezuka, whereas he would probably be a little more tactful were he aware*
Tezuka: *cannot help but watch the path of the towel - either Sengoku is doing this on purpose just to be a brat, or he has no idea of what is going on around him. The words bring Tezuka's attention back to Sengoku's eyes, and he tilts his head a bit. He wants to inquire further, but he suspects that he knows* A nightmare?
Sengoku: I suppose you could say it was something like that. *closes his eyes for a moment, stilling the towel, and just telling himself to relax and breathe properly*
Tezuka: What of Mizuki? *still wondering if Sengoku is even with him in the conversation*
Sengoku: What he wrote in his journal. *still doesn't open his eyes* He doesn't know /anything/ and he thinks he does. He needs to just shut up and mind his own business. *leans down a bit to rest his forehead on the back of his chair*
Tezuka: ...It is best to ignore him. *has to think very deliberately about what he's doing - Sengoku really ought to put on a shirt and stop lounging like this*
Sengoku: I know - that's what I've been trying my best to do. Today was just kinda... the final straw, I guess. *comes back to himself a bit, shoulders slumping, and gets up, grabbing a fresh t-shirt from his dresser and putting it on before flopping back in his chair to meet eyes with Tezuka again*
Tezuka: Am I catching you at a bad time?
Sengoku: *shakes his head* No, it's okay; I feel better. *he's mostly breathing normally, and smiles at Tezuka* Sorry. That took me a while.
Tezuka: *shakes his head* Not at all. I intruded upon your time. *tilts his head, surveying Sengoku's face* Did you get him with an uppercut in your mind?
Sengoku: *laughs* I got him with a few.
Tezuka: *gives a small smile, and looks away for a moment, his eyes drifting out the window* If you have a moment... there's something I wish to say to you.
Sengoku: *tilts his head a bit* Oh? *crosses his arms, leaning them on the back of the chair*
Tezuka: *knows well that they are on camera, but ceased to care about the same time he stopped caring if the whole world saw the raw emotions that had come to the surface as a result of Ryoma's actions over the past weeks* Do you remember... it was that night in Spain... years ago, now. You crawled in bed with me.
Sengoku: *blinks a bit - he remembers that night clearly, but hasn't thought about it in... quite a long time* Yeah, I do...
Tezuka: *looks back at Sengoku* I don't remember now if you just gave up or if you passed out drunk, but nothing happened.
Sengoku: ... *thinks about that for a moment; he remembers drinking a lot that night, and wanting to do something and acting upon something... but his memory is fuzzy past that point* I... think I might've passed out.
Tezuka: *sighs a bit* That night, I wanted to sleep with you. And every night before that... more correctly, I wished to make love to you.
Sengoku: *knows his eyes have widened a bit, and sits up in his chair a little straighter - he doesn't know what exactly he can offer as a response to that statement*
Tezuka: *forcing any uncertainty out of his voice, he presses on* I had... somewhere along the line, I had fallen in love with you. I came to treasure those moments when you were close - your warmth and your smile. Sloppy, drunken kisses were... generally unsatisfying. I wished for you to want me when you were sober and coherent. Perhaps even feel the same as I did.
Sengoku: ...*stays absolutely silent, unmoving - he's very quickly reminded of times when he used to absently wonder if there was the possibility he harbored feelings for Tezuka that he tried to squash through dating an endless list of girls - girls of which he doesn't even remember their names, or what they look like. He used to think that it was impossible for him to be drawn to Tezuka in that way. And when those times did occasionally occur when Sengoku was under the influence of alcohol, how he used to just account it to that fact. However, he could always remember words Kentarou spoke to him when Sengoku mentioned this - and he always said Sengoku is the most honest to himself during those times, because he forgets about what Sengoku expects out of himself; just let himself accept things as they are* ...I... *focuses on the text book sitting on the floor next to his bed* ...Am an idiot.
Tezuka: *can't really argue that statement for any reason, but... it does confuse him a bit* ...?
Sengoku: *continues to stare hard at the text book, unwilling to look at Tezuka quite yet* I didn't know. I had no idea. But... *goes completely still again* ...I should've listened to myself.
Tezuka: ... *watches Sengoku* As I should have told you, then. However... *sighs again, lightly* At that time... I would have been one of the girls. I would have been someone you would "try things" with - just to "see how it goes." That... did not appeal to me.
Sengoku: *nods slowly* I don't blame you - I wouldn't've, either. At the time, it was a stupid way for me to think. *runs a hand through his hair* I would've agreed, though - just not for that reason.
Tezuka: ...I... could not have known that. *brushes his hand through his hair* Kiyosumi, you... *falters a bit* You broke my heart. *when he speaks again, it is too quickly* It has been a long time since then. I just... you needed to understand why I can't return your feelings, now. Why I have to let you go, now. Reluctant as I may be, it is unfair of me to tell you I will feel that way, again.
Sengoku: *just listens to Tezuka speak, feeling his throat tighten with every word, and a slight sting at his eyes - he wasn't getting his hopes up, he was prepared for this most probably being the outcome, but... after hearing it laid out like this, he just feels like an absolute idiot* I... *can't say a whole lot that would make sense, and wills his eyes to stop stinging - he hasn't cried in years, he doesn't usually have any reason to, and even when he does, it's /never/ in front of another person - no matter how much people joke about how he seem really depressed at times* ...I'm sorry.
Tezuka: ...*reaches out a hand and buries it in Sengoku's hair - it is unpleasant to the touch with sweat, but he knows it comforts the other man* You are my dear friend. I am happy with this. I want you to be, as well.
Sengoku: *squeezes his eyes shut, and tells himself to get himself back together - he will not let himself break just because of this* I... know. I am, too. That's what's important. *sucks in a breath, and raises hand to swipe across his eyes, realizing... that he's crying*
Tezuka: ...*blinks rapidly, reminding himself silently to keep his cool - Sengoku does not need Tezuka to lose it, now... so he offers a tiny smile* You are... my best friend. I want you by my side in that respect. I can't ask you to do anything that will make you unhappy...
Sengoku: *opens his eyes, unable to kid himself into thinking that this isn't making him cry, and nods, managing a smile himself* You never will. You always make me happy.
Tezuka: *feelings infinitely relieved just to hear that* I do not know how things will turn out from here... but if we find ourselves single and lonely in twenty years, let's agree to spend our lives together. *chuckles lightly*
Sengoku: *laughs despite everything, and uses the back of his hand to wipe away the tears* Sounds good to me.
Tezuka: *once more sobers, getting off his chair and bending at the waist to lean down and give Sengoku a gentle kiss - he lingers just long enough to say goodbye to something he is willingly walking away from* You need a shower.
Sengoku: *closes his eyes until Tezuka fully pulls away, and just imprints that feeling to his memory - it won't be something he'll be able to forget* I do need a shower. *wipes his eyes from the last of the dampness and stands up*
Tezuka: I'll leave you to that. *gives the slightest of bows of his head and excuses himself*
Sengoku: Thank you. *nods and goes over to the door, closing it behind Tezuka, and just bangs his head lightly against the wood, eyes closed, and standing there for a minute before getting ready for a shower*
Date: Saturday afternoon (03/03 - after Sengoku gets out of the shower)
Rating: PG
Summary: After his talk with Tezuka, and after he goes for a shower, Sengoku needs best friend time, and feels much better afterward.
Sengoku: *sits down and relaxes against the bathroom wall, dialing Minami's number without even looking down at the display, and waits for him to pick up*
Minami: *answers after two rings - he was just about to cook dinner, so he is aimlessly wandering about the kitchen looking for inspiration. He puts the phone to his ear* Hello, this is Minami.
Sengoku: *wastes no time* You knew all this time. Didn't you.
Minami: *finds an apple and decides he can at least snack* About Tezuka's feelings?
Sengoku: Yeah. *draws his knees up and rests his forehead on them, pushing the phone against his ear* I'm an idiot.
Minami: Yeah, you are. *takes a bite out of the apple and chews, leaning against the counter* Did he reject you?
Sengoku: After telling me about something from years ago, yeah. *sighs a bit* I cried.
Minami: *pauses at that* ...Kiyosumi, *I've* never seen you cry. Was he... cruel?
Sengoku: No, not at all - the opposite. *squeezes his eyes shut again, and ignores his slight trembling* I... didn't mean to. It just... it happened. But, I feel like... my heart's been stepped on a few times.
Minami: *takes another bite of the apple, mulling it over* Well, you just had your heart broken - that's what it feels like. You've loved him for years. It's gotta feel a bit like breaking up a long-term relationship.
Sengoku: ...Exactly. *thinks about that for a moment* I feel bad for never have really noticing it before this we... *pauses for a moment* ...before.
Minami: ...*wants to roll his eyes or bang his head on the counter, but opts for the former so as to not alert Sengoku to this fact* When did you fall in love with him? Do you even know?
Sengoku: I can't tell you when it happened... it just got to the point where I couldn't ignore it anymore, or try to squash it by dating other people. *sighs again* God, I make a lot of stupid mistakes. I thought I was over my constant stupidity a couple years ago.
Minami: You've always been an idiot, it's part of your charm. *smiles, even if Sengoku can't see it* Maybe you just need a break - you've spent all of these years trying to forget about him, and now he's giving you the perfect chance. Might be good to go it solo for a bit - girls are more trouble than they're worth when you don't have it together.
Sengoku: Yeah... I can't bring myself to even think about dating a girl, right now - I don't I could do it to someone, right now. *relaxes against the wall, again* Getting off this show'll be good, too; when I'm not near Tezuka *every* waking moment, it should be a little easier. *draws a couple circles absently on his leg, watching his hand* ...I'm gonna miss his kisses.
Minami: *can't help but tease at least a little - it might cheer Sengoku up* Oh, is he a good kisser?
Sengoku: *groans a bit, knowing that Minami was going to ask that* Kentarou, you have *no* idea.
Minami: ...You mean amazingly good or, like... Should I be finding a way to steal him from Echizen good?
Sengoku: Both. I've never had such good kisses before. No offense or anything. *grins a bit*
Minami: *rolls his eyes, again* Kiyosumi. *after a moment, he asks a bit more seriously* Did you sleep with him, or is that just a rumor?
Sengoku: *stays silent for a moment* ...I did.
Minami: ...I'm your best friend and all you give me are two words.
Sengoku: Yes, I slept with him - yes, it was in the bathroom and yes it was against the shower wall - and although I was sore and exhausted, afterward, it was damn good. And Tezuka's really, really sexy. Answer your question? <3 Or do you need more details?
Minami: ... *laughs loudly, giving up on the apple completely* You sound anything but regretful.
Sengoku: I'm not. I mean... after, I realized that it probably wasn't the smartest idea and that I should've been trying to think a little more and take the exit when Tezuka gave me the chance, but... I don't regret it. I know he doesn't, either.
Minami: Good. Though... you're gonna take the exit this time, right?
Sengoku: Yeah... I don't want to disrespect him. I can't do anything about these feelings right now, but... it'll get easier with time. I know it will. I've done it before.
Minami: Kiyo-yon, you're doing the right thing - and so is he. I know it sucks.
Sengoku: *smiles a bit, despite feel like something's gripping his heart again, voice holding a bit of a waver* It does really suck, but... yeah. I know.
Minami: Hey - you're gonna be alright. Life's gonna go back to normal - you'll be back on the road watching him kick everyone's ass in thirty countries before you know it.
Sengoku: *presses the heel of his hand against his eyes, telling himself for the second time that day to not start crying again, regardless of another tear slipping down his face* I know. I always am, in the end. *takes in a shaky breath*
Minami: For what it's worth, I love you. You're always welcome here if you need me.... maybe not always. You'd drink all the beer.
Sengoku: *nods, even if Minami can't see it* Thank you. I love you, too. I... just might take you up on that after the show - I don't want to go back to my apartment right away, but I don't want to be surrounded by too many people, either. Just for a few days. And it's been too long since I've seen you last. *tries to wipe the tears away*
Minami: Fine by me. *shifts a bit* You should just go relax, for now.
Sengoku: Yeah... I will in a bit. *laughs a bit* I forgot to ask, though - how have you been lately, Kentarou?
Minami: Me? Same as always. *pushes himself up on the counter and swings his legs* Work is always busy this time of year, so I've been a bit tied up at the office.
Sengoku: Mm, that's what I thought. How's Hi-chan been? I've talked to him even less than I've talked to you, lately. I feel a bit bad, I promised I'd send him an email and never got around to it.
Minami: Masami? He's doing well. I think he's been watching the show, though - so you better watch out when you come back home.
Sengoku: *laughs* I'll prepare myself for it. *smiles brightly, properly, for the first time that day, and it probably shows in his voice* Am I going to get twenty questions?
Minami: Well, it is our duty as your friends to give you hell for all of this, isn't it? *laughs*
Sengoku: You'd be horrible friends if you didn't. *laughs again, and presses the phone closer to his ear* It's been fun, despite everything.
Minami: I know. *smiles* Look at it this way, Tezuka never would have told you, otherwise... and I seriously doubt you would have gotten any.
Sengoku: Yeah... probably not. I never would've said it to Tezuka myself, I don't think. Good things came out of it.
Minami: *glances at his watch* I've gotta get started on dinner, but shoot me an email when you know when you'll be out of there for good - I'll come pick you up.
Sengoku: Alright, I can do that. Shouldn't be too much longer and I'll know. *pauses* Thank you, Kentarou.
Minami: Hey, it's nothing. Have a good night, Kiyosumi.
Sengoku: I will - you, too, and eat lots of food for me. *smiling* G'night~