Who: Fuji Syuusuke, Shishido Ryo
Where: DC then UshiTown A posh restaurant
When: November 29
Rating: PG
Summary: Fuji decides that to heal Yuuta's broken heart that he needs someone to distract him with. His chosen Prince, Shishido needs a little cajoling to help him out - that includes kobe beef burgers and blackmail
Fuji Syuusuke knew that to heal a broken heart, one must find another love. He had thought about it long and hard and realized the guy who could most likely melt his brother’s heart was the man who he was most similar with. A manly guy -- the toughest guy in school. There could be no mistake that it is Shishido Ryou. That was easy to see, but another thing was certain. It would be hard to get Shishido Ryou to do anything for him even as a favor.
He fixed his hair and put on his most charming smile as he knocked on the door of the DC office. Shishido should be here.
The prince had been happily napping at his desk when the knock startled him awake. He lifted his head to glare at the door, annoyed that his rest had been disturbed then looked down at the dog curled up on the floor beside his chair. Kaji had lifted his head to stare at the door as well and then back up at his master as though questioning what to do.
“Who is it?” Shishido asked with a sleepy murmur, watching as the doberman stood up and walked to the door, sniffing around the bottom of it before returning to his side and sitting down. “... Is it one of the other princes?” The dog nodded and Shishido gave a groan. He lifted his feet off his desk and put his hat back on as he stood before moving to open the door. He frowned at Fuji. “What?”
“I thought you might be hungry,” Fuji said with his charming smile never leaving his face. Yes, this attitude mirrored his brothers. The snark, the glare -- his brother would be pleased. Plus Shishido was cute, though he wouldn’t say that to his face, unless he wanted Kaji to chew on his new jeans. “Let’s have lunch, UshiTown: Kobe Beef just opened downtown. I know how much you love steak and burgers so wanna come with? I’m paying of course and Kaji can come too.”
The smile was innocent, but this was all for the sake of getting Shishido to go on a date with his brother. He had it all planned.
Shishido blinked. Then frowned again. There had to be a catch here. Fuji never invited him out for lunch and he definitely didn’t usually offer to pay for them both. Himself, maybe, but never for them both. He was suspicious, but, at the same time... How the hell could he turn down food like that? And he was feeling a little peckish...
“... Fine,” He finally conceded, looking back over his shoulder. Kaji stood up and trotted to his side. “Not like I got anything else to do at the moment.” Apart from finding the guys who trashed Choutarou’s room and figure who the hell that Himitsu person was, but he couldn’t think about that on an empty stomach.
“Kaji has to sit at the back, but I’m sure he’ll like the ride,” He said as he led them out into the street where his green SUV was parked. “UshiTown has great reviews. I actually thought about how you’d like it there. I guess, I never really spent time with you lately. Been busy, sorry. The night market’s coming up and Eiji’s birthday too.” He opened the doors for them and the window for Kaji and then motioned for them to board the vehicle.
The dog had no hesitation in jumping into the back of the vehicle while Shishido climbed into his seat. “I think everyone’s been busy,” he said, deciding that maybe, just this once, he could be a little less harsh about everything. Besides, there were always worse people than Fuji. “With night market and the ball just done and DC’s been a bit occupied with that Hitmitsu thing.”
“What are you boys going to do?” Fuji asked as he drove out of the side streets and into the main drive. “We thought it would be fun to rival Atobe’s host club with a cafe. I’ll bake, of course and we’d have coffee, tea and some hot chocolate. It might be fun! I remember last year, Kamakari-sama’s boys had that ‘bar’ right? Kato-sama still had the host club. Me and Kime-sama had the cute little boutique.”
“Pizza,” Shishido said with a slight grin. “Selling pizza and beer. Well, the DC is, at least. I’m not gonna be there, though. Sanada isn’t either. Sanada’ll be with the kendo team, probably, and we’re doing a tournament for the billiards team with a betting pool.” Of course, he would win. Even without trying, he was just that good. “Plus, that way, when I’m not due to play, I’ll be able to actually get some time to look at the rest of the market and help out at the DC at least a little.”
“The former court said they’d come. I’m sure Kamakari-sama would be glad to see that. Who are you going to leave in charge of the DC? Hmm.... I’m sure I could spare a few minutes to look over everything. I’ll surely buy pizza from you guys,” They were driving close to town now. “How about the ball? Did you enjoy at least?”
The prince glanced out the window with a shrug. “Probably the twins,” he said before chuckling a little. “They’re amusing guys. They’ll probably end up causing a bit of a stir as well, but I trust them not to screw up.” He continued to stare out the window in silence for a moment before adding, “It could’ve been worse. I got to see Kamakari-san and I didn’t have to stay forever.”
“It was fun for me! You guys look amazing in your Kimono,” Fuji Syuusuke cooed as he took a turn to Glitz lane. “ We’re almost there Kaji. I’ll get you a nice T-bone.” He thought a moment and then smiled when he stopped the car and handed the keys to a waiting valet. “We’re here.”
The place was huge, largely decorated in Cowboy theme and expensive leather. “I hope you brought your appetites.” He smiled and winked at Shishido as the mait’re d bowed to Fuji and Shishido as he brought them to a table. “Normally, you couldn’t get in here for weeks, but I guess being Royalty, we have perks.”
“D-Dude...” Shishido had to stop for a moment and just stare. The place was huge. Just looking at the outside, he could tell it was going to cost more than a little for even just a glass of water. It was the sort of place he would normally go past and just think about what sort of food could be there or imagine what it’d be like to eat there. Realistically, it wasn’t a place he could just go to whenever he wanted. Or at all. “Fuji, are you sure it’s okay?”
Fuji nodded. “Of course!” Sure it will put a dent on his credit card and he’d have to delay buying the new calf skin boots he wanted but this was an emergency. The boots can wait. His brother’s heart was more important than footwear. He smiled. “When have I asked you out?” He was trying to make a point. He never have willingly asked Shishido out to catch up. Well, there was once, but they had official business to do then.
Shishido was going to protest more but decided Fuji had a good point and just nodded, taking at seat at their table. Kaji sat down obediently beside him. The prince removed his hat and looked around for a moment before finally hanging it on the back of his chair. He felt a little out of place and underdressed in the clothes he normally wore for billiards - faded jeans and a dark grey t-shirt with a black vest over top, plus his normal blue cap.
Fuji Syuusuke shrugged off his suede coat and gave it to the waiter. He smiled and sat down in his fashionable clothes, a white sweater, designer jeans and brown snakeskin boots. The waiter had given them menus and he studied it. “Wow... everything just looked so good, ne, Kaji?” He grinned as Kaji was served cold water from a posh bowl.
If Shishido had seemed surprised at the restaurant itself, Kaji looked even more surprised at the bowl. So used to drinking from a stainless steel bowl in his owner’s kitchen, having something so different placed in front of him seemed to make him a little nervous. Only a hand on his head scratching behind his ears calmed him enough to risk actually having a drink. In reality, though, Shishido had placed the hand on his head to calm himself more than the dog. It wasn’t the sort of service he was used to, and everything listed in the menu just sounded so good. He couldn’t decide.
“How about a big T-bone steak for Kaji?” He pointed at the biggest thing on the Doggie menu. Fuji had decided that he’d have a sizzling plate of Garlic steak with some potatoes and some veggies for his meal. He would have to match that with Rose wine. “I love casual dining. It’s so relaxing.”
Shishido stared across the table at him. “Casual dining?” He asked in near disbelief. “You call this casual?” He stared around him. The entire place was just... He couldn’t really describe it, beyond it being the sort of place he’d only ever dreamed of being able to eat in.
Fuji looked at Shishido casually and smiled. “What else would you call it? Cowboy Themed restaurants aren’t exactly fine dining. Though, this is definitely an upgrade from T.G.I. Friday’s or the local pub.” He shrugged. This actually is casual for him.
The DC head just stared at him a moment longer before shaking his head and looking down at his menu. “Geez, Fuji...” He mumbled as he tried to decide what to get. It all looked so good. Eventually, though, he decided on one of the kobe beef burgers.
“The one with the triple cheese is great,” Fuji suggested. He tried it once and knew that Shishido, who was addicted to cheese would love it. “though, I’d probably add bacon or something.” He mused and then called over the waiter to take their order. “Kaji will get the T-Bone meal and the doggy icee after. I’ll get the garlic steak, medium-rare and with butter. Just hold the mushroom gravy and hmmm... baby potatoes and the veggie salad. I’ll decide what to get for dessert later. Ryo?”
“Mmm, that triple cheese Kobe beef burger sounds good,” Shishido mused before nod. “Okay, I’ll get that, and can I get an Asahi as well?” He didn’t normally drink, but, hey, it was a special occasion and nothing went better with burgers than a nice cold bottle of Asahi beer.
“Not a bad choice, “Fuji nodded approvingly. Then he studied Shishido who was slightly smiling. “you look good when you smile. You should do it more often. “ He teased and then put a hand on Kaji’s head. “Ne, Kaji kun?”
“I smile plenty,” Shishido challenged, frowning at him. “You’re just never around when I have reason to.” Mostly because the times when he was really enjoying himself was at his clubs or hanging with Kaji or members of the committee.
“Hmmm then I should be around more often,” Fuji decided and then looked up as the server brought their meals. Kaji was served first. “Oh god, Kaji that looks like a feast!”
“Ever think you might be part of the reason why I don’t smile?” Shishido cocked an eyebrow at him before looking down at his dog and his meal. “...Shit. If that’s what they’re feeding the dogs...” This place was better than he thought.
“And why should I be?” Fuji asked though he knew the answer. Shishido didn’t approve of him at all. It was probably the lure of the meat that made him come with the Fashion Icon, otherwise, he wouldn’t be caught dead alone with Fuji. The steak came in a sizzling plate filling the table with buttery smell.. “That is scrumptious. “
“Because you’re annoying,” Shishido stated simply, licking his lips a little as his plate was placed down in front of him. He’d never seen such a delicious looking burger in his life. And the cheese. He was practically drooling. Carefully, he lifted the burger and added, “Plus you remind me of.... him.” before taking a large bite.
“Kime hime?” Fuji asked as he cut his steak. “Oh, please... he’s in a different playing field. Don’t even compare me to him. I may be a fashion victim, but he’s totally girl. I only play girl because I can and I’m pretty enough. I don’t stalk men who don’t like me.”
“Hey, I said you reminded me of him,” Shishido was polite enough to finish his mouthful before talking. “Any guy who pretends to be a girl needs to have his balls checked.”
“Mine’s perfectly fine. Wanna see?” He teased as he casually put the meat in his mouth. He was teasing of course, but if Shishido bit. He wouldn’t mind it one bit. But that was the old him, this new Fuji Syuusuke is loyal to one man. “It’s fun, you should try it sometime. with your long hair, you’d be a hit!”
Shishido snorted and concentrated on his burger for a moment. “I’ll pass,” He said. “On both. There are much nicer balls to look at than yours, and I’m perfectly happy with how I am now, thank you. I’m not particularly keen on being a crossdresser.”
“Perfect,” Fuji said. Shishido passed the test. If he would have said yes to even just one of his absurd suggestions, he would have failed. But he didnt and Syuusuke was convinced that he was the kind of guy that Yuuta would admire and that was reassuring to him. “Good, I was worried that I might have competition for my crown.” he teased and then pointed to the burger. “Ecstacy huh?”
“Damn close,” Shishido managed around a half chewed mouthful as he finished off the last mouthful of what had been the largest and tastiest burger he had ever eaten to date. If only he could afford to eat here more often. “That was delicious.”
“Told you,” Fuji was still slowly working his meal. “Feel free to order seconds,” he said as he glanced down to Kaji who was enjoying as well. “You’re not the only happy puppy here. “ He considered how to break it to Shishido but he decided to wait until the meal was done.
Shishido licked his fingers clean and grinned. “He knows good food,” he said, reaching down to pat the dog’s head. “He doesn’t get it often, but he gets it more often than me.”
“Really now? That’s not right, is it?” Fuji nodded. “Did you save room for dessert?” He asked as he called over the waiter and ordered two extra large hot fudge brownie sundae rockies with everything on it and double scoop of gelato icecream on top. “This will blow your mind.”
He wanted Shishido to enjoy. He wanted him to feel that he owes Fuji Syuusuke. It was only natural, after getting fed fine food and getting warm and fuzzy with each other. This was only in preparation for what he was going to ask him.
Shishido’s eyes widened just at the sound of the dessert, and then even more when they were brought out. If the burger had looked good, this looked beyond amazing, and the prince wasted no time in starting to eat his, somehow managing to avoid making much mess.
Fuji ate his dessert with delicate bites and smiled at Kaji who was wagging his tail at the icepop. “Both of you are too cute! I really should take you guys out more often.”
“Fuck off, not cute,” Shishido mumbled around a mouthful of ice cream before swallowing it. His tongue flicked out to lick the ice cream from around his mouth before looking down at his dog with a grin. “We should let him take us out more often if we’re getting this.”
“I would treat you out more, “ Fuji started and thought about how he was going to approach. “If you would do me a small favor..” he continued. It wasn’t much - not really. Just make his brother happy, that’s all.
Shishido froze and frowned at him. “... I knew there was a catch,” He said, sitting back in his seat and folding his arms over his chest. “There’s always a catch with you.”
“It’s not really a catch,” Fuji said as he put a spoonful of gelato ice cream in his mouth and took it out again. “All you have to do is go out on a date to the amusement park with a person I know. All expenses paid. Keep him company, he’s really sad. That’s all. That’s not even hard, is it?”
“...That classifies as a catch,” Shishido stated. He should’ve trusted his gut at the beginning and not come out. “And why the hell are you trying to set me up with? Cause I’m not interested.”
“Not exactly a date, dear,” Fuji sighed melodramatically. “How can I convince you? I mean, can’t you help out a friend in trouble? Please? It’s only one day and it’s a free ticket to the park. I will pay for everything! Plus this person is good company, promise.”
Shishido continued to frown. “Who is it then?” He asked, almost dreading the answer. If it was one of Fuji’s friends... “Fuck, it better not be Kimeru.”
“Far far from it. I wouldn’t subject you to that kind of torture,” Fuji shook his head. “At least, not without pay.” Then he giggled. “It’s Yuuta. He’s been feeling down lately. I thought since you’re similar you could - you know, know how to cheer him up?”
“...No.” Shishido shook his head and sat back in his chair. “No way in hell. Why would I go on a date with him when I don’t even like you? Have you noticed we don’t exactly get along? And we aren’t similar. At all.”
“I thought you’d say that,” Fuji smirked. “Well, what if it was for mutual gain? You help me and I help you. Let me think... which former prince do YOU hate that I have complete connection to and could help you get rid of for at least... a year?” He put a perfectly manicured finger on his lip as if in deep thought. “I wonder, what if I told him that you have a weakness for Kamakari, I’m sure the Princess would go crazy and hound you again.”
Shishido blinked at that and sat forward slightly, looking thoughtful. Fuji did have a point. If there was anyone who could Kimeru to stop hassling anyone, it would be him. “A year. No less,” He said before giving a frown. “And you tell him about that and I will never ever do anything for you. Ever.”
“Oh, believe me, he won’t touch you for a year or more, the way I would deal with him,” Fuji smirked and nodded. “This is such an easy deal, don’t make it any harder for yourself, dear.” He nodded. In reality, Fuji hated Kimeru and would do anything to keep him away from the students of SeiDai. But since he was his mentor, he knew that he couldn’t escape that fate. But it was also because of that that he could see how twisted the other man was.
Princesses were supposed to be the symbol of Grace, Beauty , Love and Benevolence. Kimeru was manipulative, evil and definitely not graceful. He was beautiful alright, but he was so selfish and spoiled that Fuji thought that this was not the case. He hated the way she harassed Sanada and Shishido. He hated the flamboyant ways he had. He hated the way he abused his power and insulted the position he was in.
But of course he would never tell this to anyone because as Princess, he was also a secret keeper.
“Think you could give me a ‘forever’ without him?” Shishido asked almost hopefully. He preferred his classes without the intrusion of the former princess and he was pretty sure his classmates did as well. “And I’m not your ‘dear’. Don’t call me that. It’s weird.”
“Don’t be so stingy, it’s just an endearment. Lighten up,” he giggled. “ And the answer to your question is maybe... “ His eyes opened, and showing the rare blue that not a lot of people live to see. It only opens when there is some kind of trouble brewing in his mind.
Shishido opened his mouth to talk but shut it when he saw Fuji’s eyes open. That never boded well. He wasn’t sure whether it wasn’t going to bode well for him or for Kimeru, but he didn’t want to push it. So instead he settled for a, “Your brother’s the one who needs to lighten up.”
“Maybe you could help him then,” Fuji nodded. The blue eyes were gone but not for long. He reached into his pocket and handed Shishido some tickets and money for the date. “Have fun. The tickets are for Friday. I’m sure you boys will have a good time. As for my end of the deal, don’t worry about it.”
It was simple really. Fuji had a sharp mind. He knew how damaging a little reliable dark secret in the grapevine would be for the fashionista’s career. So, it was just that. Maybe he could kill two birds in one stone and help Sanada as well. That would also make Shishido like putty in his hands. Plus there was nothing wrong in telling the truth. Right?
The prince stared at the offered items for a moment before giving a sigh and reaching across to take them. It was as good as a handshake. He’d gotten himself into this and now there was no way he could ever get out of it. “I cannot believe I am doing this,” He sighed, pulling out his wallet to slide the tickets and money into it for safe keeping. “If your brother’s broken when I give him back, it’s not my fault.”
“If you do that, expect worse than death,” Fuji threatened with his blue eyes and a smile. “The universe would be alright, right, if this Princess that you hate disappears from your sight. But if you break him...” He paused for effect and touched Shishido’s face. “You will face my wrath.”
Shishido just stared at him for a moment before a hand reached up and slapped Fuji’s hand away. “Don’t touch me,” he said with a frown before sighing. “Fine, I won’t do anything to the damn kid.”
“Don’t make it harder for yourself, Shishido,” Fuji nodded. “I chose you bceause I know you wouldn’t let anything bad happen to my brother. Plus, I knew you needed me.” He then turned back to his old cheerfulness. “So now, let’s finish our dessert and head back ne? I think you have work to do and I have class at two.”