Sacrificial Battle Scars - Uruha/Aoi - 3/xx
Title: Sacrificial Battle Scars
Chapter(s): 3/xx
Author: sentimentalenvy
Genre: AU/Romance/little angsty
Rating: PG-13 - R
Warnings: language
Pairing/Characters: Uruha/Aoi, Reita/Ruki, Reita/Kai (one-sided)
Synopsis: The life of every high school student can be a bitch. As a third year high school student, Aoi already thinks that he has seen it all. Truth is, he hardly even knows half of what is in store for him.
Comments: I've been doing everything half assed lately. Sorry about that @.@
3
Sigh.
Sigh.
"What's wrong?" Reita asked, plopping onto Aoi's bed as he watched his friend emo in the corner of his room.
"You would not believe how stupid I was today..." Aoi mumbled miserably, curled up in a little tight ball.
"Stupid? You do something stupid everyday. I don't think it would make much of a difference now," Reita shrugged. "C'mon Aoi," He said, patting at the cushion beside him. "Tell papa Reita everything," He grinned, and Aoi shot him a death glare.
"I'm trying out for the track team," Aoi murmured so slow, he was sure Reita could hardly hear him.
"I'm sorry...what?" Reita strained his ears to listen.
"I'm....hmmm..track..." Aoi mumbled into the sleeve of his shirt.
"OH MY GOD YOU JOINED THE TRACK TEAM!" Reita exclaimed, his hands flew straight towards his mouth. "Oh shit I can't believe it Aoi! I'm so proud of you!" Reita threw himself off Aoi's bed and flung himself at his friend to hug him.
"What the fuck! Don't get so excited!" Aoi snorted and shoved Reita away. "I don't know what came over me. I never knew he was so...well I knew he was conceited but his attitude just makes me wanna punch him in the face," Aoi frowned.
"I cannot believe I'm hearing this," Reita stared at Aoi with wide eyes as he slumped against the wall. "Can you hear yourself right now? You want to hit him? What happened to all that lovey dovey shit with being in love with the punk?"
"That was before I ended up talking to him," Aoi rolled his eyes and let his head rest against Reita's shoulder.
Aoi didn't know what the hell came over him, but at that moment all he wanted to do was to wipe that smug look off Uruha's face. He wanted to beat Uruha so bad, and maybe punch and kick him a few times. Uruha thought he was so good did he? Aoi was just as good and he knew it. This wasn't all about his stupid crush on the boy, he couldn't help but wonder if maybe this was going to be something more.
Maybe he was getting his spirit back. He did love running, and Reita was trying to push him into something that was actually good for him. Uruha could be his best inspiration. He knew he wouldn't stand a chance winning Uruha's heart, but at least he could get to know Uruha a little more better before the boy graduated. Aoi understood there are times where he couldn't get too greedy. Keeping this feeling to himself shouldn't be hard.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Mm..." Aoi hummed thoughtfully. "Nothing you wanna know about."
* * * * * * * * * *
2 weeks later
Tryouts had already ended, and it wasn't a surprise to him that he had made the team. The only thing that pissed him off was how much he had underestimated Uruha. The guy was a lot faster than he looked, and Aoi was not kidding when he said that. Every practice event they had, Uruha had always beaten him by a second or two, or even a mili second. Some people had tried to tell him that it was no big deal. Yeah it was only practice after all. Aoi snorted. Yeah right.
"Aooi~!"
Aoi's head popped out of his locker as he continuously search right and left cautiously for that awfully familiar voice. Kai ran up to Aoi and came to an abrupt stop in front of him, which startled him a little because Aoi thought Kai's face was going to collide with the cover of his locker. He quickly took the books out he needed for his next class and shut his locker to see Kai's big sparkily cheery eyes watching him admirably.
"Good morning!" Kai jumped up and down a couple of times before Aoi stuttered for a response.
"H-Hey...Kai...it's so early in the morning," He mumbled. "What are you doing here...? Standing by my locker waiting for me every morning like usual?"
"You shouldn't be surprised Aoi," Kai said, his lower lip jutting out a little.
Ever since Aoi's little encounter with Kai and Uruha, Kai had always been around looking for him like they were one of the closest buddies in the world. Of course, when he hung out with Kai, Uruha was always there. He started getting paranoid about whether or not Uruha was pissed about Aoi supposedly "stealing" his best friend away from him, but amazingly, Uruha wasn't bothered at all.
The only person that was pissed and bothered by all this was Uruha himself. Uruha seemed to take some sort of sick pleasure in poking fun at him or humiliating him every chance he had. Every single time Aoi had said something Uruha would find a way to put him down. It was a neverending cycle, and Aoi was close to believing that falling out of this stupid crush was actually very possible.
"Yo Uruha," Kai called out, looking at Aoi's direction with a wave of his hand.
Every muscle in Aoi's body froze. Scratch that.
"Seriously Kai, how long do you intend on hanging out with this kid?" Uruha asked with a sigh as he came up behind Aoi and placed his hand on Aoi's head.
"I am not a ki-hey!"
Aoi was going to turn around and jab Uruha hard in the stomach, but he never had the chance because before he knew it, Uruha was already standing between him and Kai. Aoi found himself glaring daggers at Uruha's back.
"Don't be too hard on him," Kai sighed. "You're just annoyed of him because he's the first one to make you actually try. Shouldn't you be taking this as a good thing?" Kai asked. He only got a snort as a response.
"It doesn't matter."
"What did I ever do to you?" Aoi frowned, stepping aside to stand next to Uruha. "You should be grateful that you finally have some competition?" Aoi couldn't help but let a teasing smirk take over his lips.
"Nah. You're in the second place, kid. And you'll always be a step below me," Uruha smirked in return that had Aoi's blood boiling hot. Oh it is so on. "See ya kiddo," Uruha chuckled at Aoi's reaction as he dragged Kai away, and left Aoi standing there in frustration.
* * * * * * * * * *
"That no good son of a mother bitchin' mother fucker mother fucker!" Aoi screamed, throwing books all over the place.
Reita was dodging everything Aoi thrown his way, including an encyclopedia which he nearly dodged. Aoi's outer appearance was never the manliest, but people who had underestimated his strength had one hell of a consequence to pay.
"God, what the hell happened now? I told you, you should've hung out with me," Reita sighed. "I already told Kai you could have lunch with him two days out of the week. He better not be abusing you. Or should I assume...that this has something to do with Uruha?" Reita asked, his fist had already clenched Aoi's script in his hand.
"Hey watch it! I still need that you know!" Aoi exclaimed with a pout.
Quickly hopping off a seat, his hand shot out and grabbed the script away from Reita's hand. Walking back over to the desk, he smoothed the wrinkles out and turned around to face Reita once more.
"You're supposed to help me remember?"
"Yeah I know. But I don't see why you insist on being in this stupid thing. So much for friggin' free time. Do you even like doing this? You're always so unhappy whenever you have to rehearse."
"Don't question me Reita. Just help me," Aoi sighed, and looked at the clock in the classroom. "Awh shit! Forget it, I gotta get to the auditorium. We're gonna be rehearsing in the auditorium again today. We haven't even gotten much done. As much as I would love to ditch today, we have costume rehearsal today," Aoi muttered. "I really wanted to ditch today but I really don't have a choice," He sighed, packing his belongings.
With a grab of Reita's hand, Aoi dragged Reita out of the classroom in a rush. Aoi dashed his way downstairs, and he was completely unaware that he was still holding Reita's hand. Having no choice but to follow Aoi, Reita tripped his way downstairs and was forced to run with his friend towards the double doors of the auditorium. Without warning, Aoi came to an abrupt stop. He turned around and shoved Reita further away from the door.
"What the hell Aoi?"
"Sorry Reita, but this is as far as you go," Aoi said, already slipping through the crack in the double door.
Reita shoved a hand in between the crack which stopped Aoi from closing it. Aoi could tell Reita was annoyed, and he didn't blame him. He didn't need to drag Reita down here with him, but if Reita was going to yell at him, he could always do it later. Besides, Aoi would die in embarrassment if his best friend were to see him dressed up like a...
"Seriously Aoi. Why can't I watch?" Reita pouted as he pushed one of the double doors to let himself in. Unfortunately, Aoi was already on the other side pushing against it. "Aoi."
"I'm sorry. It's too embarrassing," Aoi half whined, and sighed in frustration because he knew how persitent Reita was.
"Oh, what's this? Having trouble keeping the boys out? I didn't know you had such an attraction for guys," came that annoying voice from behind him. Aoi twitched.
"Shut up Uruha. You should mind your own business," Aoi spat at him, and unfortunately, his attention was diverted.
Reita took advantage and shoved the door a little rougher; a little too rough. Aoi lost his balance and he stumbled backwards and apparently straight into Uruha's open arms.
"What did you say?!" Reita frowned.
He immediately walked towards the two, jerked Aoi from Uruha's arms and manuvered Aoi behind him.
"I assume you're the one that's bothering Aoi all this time huh?" Reita asked, looking up at Uruha since Uruha was slightly taller than he was.
Aoi knew Reita was never intimidated by height, and that was what worried him. If Reita and Uruha were to fight now...oh god Aoi didn't want to imagine the outcome. Aoi immediately tried to tug Reita back, but he didn't budge at all. Uruha didn't answer, and Aoi was getting even more worried. What happened to rehearsal? The other part of the reason why Aoi didn't want Reita to meet with Uruha, was because of this. He knew Reita was going to start something.
"And I assume you're Aoi's boyfriend?" Uruha asked, the smug look on his face never disappearing. Now Aoi wanted to throw a punch at him.
"W-Wuh?" Reita's dumbfounded look probably made Aoi want to kick at him too.
"Huh. Maybe you should teach him not to follow people around like a lost little puppy," Uruha said, looking at Aoi who suddenly felt embarrassed. He was safe at least. Hidding behind Reita didn't seem so bad.
Following Uruha? Had Aoi really done that? But he was only hanging around them because Kai wanted them to hang out. Then again, during those times, Aoi had tried to be nice. He tried talking to Uruha, and he tried getting to know him a little better, but Uruha just didn't seem interested. Aoi didn't know how Uruha got the impression that he liked guys. How did he know? Did Aoi look that queer?
During the times Uruha looked like something was bothering him, it was Aoi's nature to lend a hand. At one point, he had subconciously touched Uruha on the shoulder but Uruha had shrugged him off as if he was burned or pinched. Aoi didn't understand, but he had been so stubborn himself he wouldn't stop bothering Uruha to tell him. Eventually, Aoi slowly gave Uruha some space, because he had caught on himself. Of course he was a burden.
"Say what?" Reita frowned, both is hands clenched into fists. "You better not say anything more you spoiled little bastard."
"Why? Is it my fault he's so clumsy? Teach your little boyfriend not to meddle into anyone's business. He's not gonna get anywhere in life if he's like this. Do everyone a favor, and let him do himself a favor before he ends up digging his own grave."
Aoi shut his eyes as he unknowingly tried his best to hide behind Reita. Reita wasn't that much taller than him, but that was the least of his worries. Of course Uruha thought of him as a burden. Since when did he ever think of Uruha as a nice guy? How did he get that impression in the first place? Maybe it was because he never talked to his fellow upperclassmen. But Uruha had seemed either nice or polite to everyone else...but him. Why? It wasn't fair.
A loud slap and a punch snapped Aoi right out of his thoughts and before he knew it, Reita had already thrown himself at Uruha. He didn't get to see much, because everyone in the auditorium had crowded around them, and some students were already trying to break them up. Aoi had attempted to get through the crowd, but he kept on being pushed out of the circle. This was exactly what he was afraid of.
"What the hell is going on here!?"
One of the school deans had come in, made his way past the crowd, and forced the two apart and immediately had them escorted to the nurse's office. Aoi's heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of the battered boys, and he immediately followed right behind them. They were heading towards the nurses office, and luckily Aoi knew the nurse in there. Mrs. Sakane occasionally had Aoi help her around during his free period, so Aoi had no problem skipping rehearsal today...if there was going to be any rehearsal today that is.
"I'll see you two at the principle's office. I've contacted your mother Takashima. She especially wants to see you after you're done here," The dean said, staring at the two boys sternly. He turned around to see Aoi right behind him, but Mrs. Sakane had came out of her office to tell the dean that Aoi could stay.
Feeling relieved, Aoi followed right after Nurse Sakane, who was already forcing the two into seperate beds which were apparently right next to each other. As worried as Aoi was with those two, he couldn't help but supress a giggle from the way the nurse was scolding at the two.
"Aoi you know what to do," Sakane sighed. "I'll be back to help you take care of them. Right now I have another patient in my hands," Aoi nodded in response.
Aoi walked over to the cabinet of supplies located next to Uruha, and dug through the cabinets for the first aid kits. He washed his hands in the sink, and he had noticed that neither Reita or Uruha bothered to speak. In Reita's case, Aoi knew that Reita knew he was dissapointed in him. With Uruha, Aoi wasn't sure how to determine. Uruha's expression was always so dull and expressionless, it was always hard to tell.
Since Uruha was the closest, Aoi decided to help him first. Aoi was normally friendly and close to any patient that came along the nurses' office, but seeing Uruha pissed off as he already was, Aoi didn't bother with the usual - sitting next to the patients on the bed, tending to their wounds like that. Aoi had decided to keep this quick before he moved on to Reita.
Placing the first aid kit onto the little stand, he began taking out the antibotic solution for the long cut located at Uruha's right jaw. Aoi winced at the scrapes on his flawless skin, and Uruha seemed to catch on. Aoi shrugged the thought away the stare and grabbed the tube of Neosporin. In case Uruha was going to bitch at him about his dirty hands, Aoi walked over by the sink and slipped on a pair of gloves before heading back towards the box to pick up the tube again. He squeezed a generous amount from the little tube, and Uruha had flinched when he looked up at him.
"Are you going to let me?" Aoi asked softly, not really in the mood to argue or deal with Uruha's stuborness.
"I can take care of myself. You just take care of him. He seems more beat up than me anyway."
"Hey! Shut your mouth!" Reita shot daggers at Uruha, and Aoi shot a glare at his best friend who seemed to pout and settle back down afterwards.
Aoi was grateful when Sakane came in, Aoi was grateful. Almost automatically, Aoi took the extra kit next to the opened one and headed towards Reita's bed to plop down onto it.
While Nurse Sakane was helping Uruha with his cuts, Aoi was already helping Reita. He didn't seem as tensed, and he rolled his eyes every once in awhile when he rubbed particularily hard on a long cut at the side of his neck because Reita would always curse and complain.
"That's what you get for being so stupid," Aoi muttered as lowly as he could.
"Is it my fault you're always getting picked on by assholes?" Reita asked, his voice purposely loud so Uruha could hear every word.
"Shut up," Aoi hissed, and placed a kiddy band aid on a particularily deeps scrape at his cheek. "You get a duckie band aid. You're not allowed to take this off until you get home," Aoi smirked playfully, and he had no idea where that sudden cheery attitude of his came from.
"Is this revenge for beating up on another person?" Reita pouted. He crossed his arms and fidgeted in the bed a little.
"Stop moving," Aoi frowned as he tried to scoot closer. "I can't get the other side of your cut," Aoi sighed, and turned back around to squeeze more Neosporin onto his gloved fingers. He could see Uruha glare at them from the corner of his eyes, and he assumed he was glaring at Reita for obvious reasons. And as for Aoi, Uruha always seemed to hate him, so it wasn't really much of a surprise.
"I'm sorry Aoi," Reita suddenly murmured as Aoi had reached across Reita's body to dab some Neosporin on his left cheek.
"Why?" Aoi asked curiously, evening out the medicine with the pad of his index finger. "For being a typical egotistical jerk and starting fights when you don't need to?"
"Well, that too. I shouldn't have persuaded you to join track. If I had known you were going to be around the guys who are prolly just like him, I wouldn't have pushed you to do so. If you wanna quit, by all means do so. Cause I miss having you with me at lunch," His lower lip pouted out as Aoi let out a little chuckle.
"Heeh, now you change your mind. So typical of you. You could never make up your mind hm" Aoi smiled a little, ripping the band aid out of the plastic, he smacked it especially hard on Reita's cheek.
"Ow!"
"That was well deserved and you know it," Aoi smirked, and Sakane couldn't help but laugh out loud in the middle of treating Uruha's cuts.
"I'm done here," Uruha said, and immediately stood up. He ignored the nurse's protest to stay, and as Aoi assumed, he was heading towards the principles office.
He knew Reita was going to have to visit the principle once he was done, and Aoi's brows furrowed together. The last thing he wanted was for Reita to get suspended. If Reita got suspended, it would be his fault for dragging Reita to the auditorium in the first place.
Reita seemed to notice Aoi gaze off into the space between them, and so with a sharp pinch of Aoi's cheeks, Aoi grunted and looked at him with annoyance.
"Aren't you glad I got away with just bruises and cuts? I was close to breaking his nose but the mother effin' dean pulled me away," Reita snorted, and Aoi had already smacked him on the back of the head.
"Well you're certainly all better," Aoi said, hopping off the bed. He started to clean up the kit, and Sakane had told him to leave the things and go to the principle's office.
"Reita would want you to be there. Good luck trying to bail him out this time," Sakane gave Aoi a reassuring smile, and with a helpless sigh, Aoi nodded.
As a natural habit, Aoi grabbed Reita's hand and dragged him out. They thanked the nurse for her time and assistance, and Aoi's steps towards the office were rather slow. Reita noticed because he was a few steps ahead of Aoi, and it was rare for Reita to be the one dragging Aoi around.
"Hey cheer up. What's the worse that can happen? I can only get suspended for a few days, and well...I can always ask some friends to watch over you. Don't worry," Reita smiled, and gave Aois hand a harder tug.
"You just don't get it do you?" Aoi huffed, stumbling a little as he was tugged forward. "This is going to go on your record. Bah! It doesn't even matter huh? You've had so many of these on your records it's not even funny! Stop standing up for me!" Aoi raised his voice a little once they were a few feet from Principle Takashima's half opened door. "Reita, I can take care of myself. Stop trying to save me when it's clearly obvious that I don't need it. You're always like this..."
"But-"
"No. Let Uruha say whatever he wants. He's only speaking the truth anyway," Aoi sighed.
"He's not. You can't let that punk push you around like that. That's what they do Aoi. They pick on the weak. You're the perfect example of that. You're sweet, you're kind, you're naive -"
"Just shut up!" Aoi almost wanted to scream at Reita, and he was in the middle of a half scream when the principle had stepped out of her office to watch them.
"Come in Reita. Thank you for your assistance Aoi. You can return to your rehearsal," She said with a stern nod. Her expression turned into a frown when she realized that when Reita walked towards her office, Aoi didn't leave his side.
"Shiroyama-kun-"
"I don't intend on leaving him until you have your verdict," Aoi said sternly, mirroring the principles stare-down.
After a few seconds of silence, the principle sighed.
"Very well. If you insist," She muttered, and opened the door futher for the two to walk in. Uruha was already in one of the chairs in front of his mother's desk, and so Reita walked in, moved the chair further away from Uruha before plopping into it. Aoi stood next to Reita and waited while the principle shut the door behind her to take her seat in front of them.
"So let's make this quick shall we? I mean it's obvious that I threw myself and beat the living daylights out of your son, so I'm guilty right?" Reita sighed. He was too used it. Aoi was getting pretty tired of it as well.
"Well, from what the teacher and witnesses I've had from students, you did throw the first punch," She sighed. "How many times has it been now Reita?" She asked, and stared boringly at Reita who slumped back into his chair.
"It would be pointless to count, wouldn't it?" Reita asked smugly, and because of that, he earned himself a light smack on the arm from Aoi.
"This is going to be your last suspension," She said, leaning forward from her chair. "Do I make myself clear? If you cause any more mischief around here you will face consequences way more extreme than a mere three day suspension. I will be sure of it."
Aoi looked frantically at Uruha for a second. Did Uruha even tell his mother everything? Would Uruha even bother telling his mother the truth? Because it was Uruha who was the one that provoked everyone in the first place. Deep down inside, Aoi knew it was pointless, because Uruha had special priorities. He was his mother's baby boy, and if he wanted someone kicked out of school, he could make it happen.
"Please...Principle. Please let him attend 3 detention Saturdays instead. Missing school isn't going to punish him," Aoi suddenly found that words were slipping out of his lips before he could catch them. Aoi knew the consequences. He had never gotten in trouble. Aoi's records were clean because Reita always made sure they were.
"This isn't the first or second time this has happened Aoi," The principle said. "I've given you some special priorities as well, because you're a good kid. You're adorable, and it would hurt for me to see you put yourself on the line for someone who's going to be nothing but trouble for you in the future."
"That's not true," Aoi said. "Reita has been there for me through the thick and thin. If you really want the truth, it's my fault. He's always being so paranoid about me getting into any kind of trouble with other people. So please just give him the Saturday detentions instead. I swear this would never happen again. You have my word."
"Aoi, stop it," Reita muttered.
"Very well."
"What?" Aoi, Uruha and Reita asked in unison. Normally Uruha's mother never gave more than two chances.
"I will hold this on your word Aoi-kun. Don't make me regret this."
"Thank you very much! You won't!" Aoi smiled and nodded as Reita looked up at him and back at the principle with disbelief in his eyes. Uruha was staring at his mother in disbelief as well.
"Now you and Uruha better go back to rehearsal. I don't want you two missing out on this because I have put my hard work and soul into making this play happen," She said, digging in her drawer for her camera. "And, since today is dress rehearsal, Uruha is going to be looking cute in his outfit today," She grinned triumphantly with a smirked as her son gawked at her. "Now run along. I need to take care of some business before I drop by the set."
Once Aoi, Reita and Uruha filed out of the principle's office, Aoi pushed Reita towards the double door exits of the school. He had promised Reita he would catch up with him after his rehearsals were done, and it was wise not to talk about what had happened, especially in front of Uruha. After Reita shot one more death glare at Uruha, he snorted and shoved his way past the double doors.
"I cannot believe you would sink so low like that," Aoi muttered darkly as he turned around to face Uruha head on.
"Do what?" Uruha asked, his face not showing any sign of remorse for what he had done. "He hit me first."
"I don't care who hit who first. I can't believe you didn't tell your mother about you provoking him. I'm surprised she doesn't even know these kinds of habits of yours."
"Even if I did tell her, she wouldn't believe me," Uruha said, and shrugged.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Aoi asked, taken back from what he is seeing right now. "Is this how you're really like?" He asked again after a long moment of silence.
"Why? What have you pictured me to be? Smart, perfect, generous - kind? That's what everyone likes to mold me into huh? You're no different," Uruha scoffed, leaning away from the wall.
"I can't...believe...I just didn't think you could be so horrible," Aoi mumbled softly, but he was sure Uruha could hear him. "So me being queer bothers you huh?" He emphazised the word queer now that he had nothing to hide anymore. "Rest assured, don't think I have a crush on your or anything. Because that's not true anymore."
"...Anymore?"
Aoi ignored him and continued on.
"I can't anyway...have feelings for a person so heartless. I'll give you what you want. You want this whole mess to be behind us right? Before I came into track, you were the best right? Did I ruin that for you? I can promise you that Reita won't be bothering you anymore, but I cannot promise you that I'll be dropping out of the track team or the school play. You're going to be leaving in less than half a year anyway. I don't see the point in throwing the rest of my high school career away for you. So this is my proposition. I'll stay out of your hair. You'll only see me when necessary, and don't provoke Reita or give any of us any more trouble ever again. Do we have a deal?"
"Why are you always standing up for him anyway?" Uruha suddenly asked, and Aoi was surprised once more. After a moment, Aoi shook his head. Uruha was trying to throw him off track was he?
"Do we have a deal?"
Aoi waited for Uruha to decide, and he had to admit, the boy was pissing him off. He seemed thoughtful, but Aoi highly doubted he was even thinking about his proposition.
"I'll drop out for this year in track then. And the play," Aoi said, and made the last minute changes through his head. It was only for the rest of the year. He wanted to make Uruha's last year in high school as light and pain free as possible. And if this was going to keep the peace, then he figured it was worth the sacrifice.
"Deal," Uruha nodded, and Aoi sighed in relief. "You don't have to quit the play. That choice is up to you. I am curious in seeing you in your costume after all," Uruha smirked, and Aoi frowned with his lower lip popping out. "But don't quit the track team. As Kai put it, I do need...the damn competition," Uruha scoffed, and looked away. "Whatever. Deals a deal. Anyway, we better get to rehearsal before everyone accuses us for attempting to ditch," Uruha said, already heading towards the auditorium leaving Aoi dazed, puzzled and confused.
2 | 4
Chapter(s): 3/xx
Author: sentimentalenvy
Genre: AU/Romance/little angsty
Rating: PG-13 - R
Warnings: language
Pairing/Characters: Uruha/Aoi, Reita/Ruki, Reita/Kai (one-sided)
Synopsis: The life of every high school student can be a bitch. As a third year high school student, Aoi already thinks that he has seen it all. Truth is, he hardly even knows half of what is in store for him.
Comments: I've been doing everything half assed lately. Sorry about that @.@
3
Sigh.
Sigh.
"What's wrong?" Reita asked, plopping onto Aoi's bed as he watched his friend emo in the corner of his room.
"You would not believe how stupid I was today..." Aoi mumbled miserably, curled up in a little tight ball.
"Stupid? You do something stupid everyday. I don't think it would make much of a difference now," Reita shrugged. "C'mon Aoi," He said, patting at the cushion beside him. "Tell papa Reita everything," He grinned, and Aoi shot him a death glare.
"I'm trying out for the track team," Aoi murmured so slow, he was sure Reita could hardly hear him.
"I'm sorry...what?" Reita strained his ears to listen.
"I'm....hmmm..track..." Aoi mumbled into the sleeve of his shirt.
"OH MY GOD YOU JOINED THE TRACK TEAM!" Reita exclaimed, his hands flew straight towards his mouth. "Oh shit I can't believe it Aoi! I'm so proud of you!" Reita threw himself off Aoi's bed and flung himself at his friend to hug him.
"What the fuck! Don't get so excited!" Aoi snorted and shoved Reita away. "I don't know what came over me. I never knew he was so...well I knew he was conceited but his attitude just makes me wanna punch him in the face," Aoi frowned.
"I cannot believe I'm hearing this," Reita stared at Aoi with wide eyes as he slumped against the wall. "Can you hear yourself right now? You want to hit him? What happened to all that lovey dovey shit with being in love with the punk?"
"That was before I ended up talking to him," Aoi rolled his eyes and let his head rest against Reita's shoulder.
Aoi didn't know what the hell came over him, but at that moment all he wanted to do was to wipe that smug look off Uruha's face. He wanted to beat Uruha so bad, and maybe punch and kick him a few times. Uruha thought he was so good did he? Aoi was just as good and he knew it. This wasn't all about his stupid crush on the boy, he couldn't help but wonder if maybe this was going to be something more.
Maybe he was getting his spirit back. He did love running, and Reita was trying to push him into something that was actually good for him. Uruha could be his best inspiration. He knew he wouldn't stand a chance winning Uruha's heart, but at least he could get to know Uruha a little more better before the boy graduated. Aoi understood there are times where he couldn't get too greedy. Keeping this feeling to himself shouldn't be hard.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Mm..." Aoi hummed thoughtfully. "Nothing you wanna know about."
* * * * * * * * * *
2 weeks later
Tryouts had already ended, and it wasn't a surprise to him that he had made the team. The only thing that pissed him off was how much he had underestimated Uruha. The guy was a lot faster than he looked, and Aoi was not kidding when he said that. Every practice event they had, Uruha had always beaten him by a second or two, or even a mili second. Some people had tried to tell him that it was no big deal. Yeah it was only practice after all. Aoi snorted. Yeah right.
"Aooi~!"
Aoi's head popped out of his locker as he continuously search right and left cautiously for that awfully familiar voice. Kai ran up to Aoi and came to an abrupt stop in front of him, which startled him a little because Aoi thought Kai's face was going to collide with the cover of his locker. He quickly took the books out he needed for his next class and shut his locker to see Kai's big sparkily cheery eyes watching him admirably.
"Good morning!" Kai jumped up and down a couple of times before Aoi stuttered for a response.
"H-Hey...Kai...it's so early in the morning," He mumbled. "What are you doing here...? Standing by my locker waiting for me every morning like usual?"
"You shouldn't be surprised Aoi," Kai said, his lower lip jutting out a little.
Ever since Aoi's little encounter with Kai and Uruha, Kai had always been around looking for him like they were one of the closest buddies in the world. Of course, when he hung out with Kai, Uruha was always there. He started getting paranoid about whether or not Uruha was pissed about Aoi supposedly "stealing" his best friend away from him, but amazingly, Uruha wasn't bothered at all.
The only person that was pissed and bothered by all this was Uruha himself. Uruha seemed to take some sort of sick pleasure in poking fun at him or humiliating him every chance he had. Every single time Aoi had said something Uruha would find a way to put him down. It was a neverending cycle, and Aoi was close to believing that falling out of this stupid crush was actually very possible.
"Yo Uruha," Kai called out, looking at Aoi's direction with a wave of his hand.
Every muscle in Aoi's body froze. Scratch that.
"Seriously Kai, how long do you intend on hanging out with this kid?" Uruha asked with a sigh as he came up behind Aoi and placed his hand on Aoi's head.
"I am not a ki-hey!"
Aoi was going to turn around and jab Uruha hard in the stomach, but he never had the chance because before he knew it, Uruha was already standing between him and Kai. Aoi found himself glaring daggers at Uruha's back.
"Don't be too hard on him," Kai sighed. "You're just annoyed of him because he's the first one to make you actually try. Shouldn't you be taking this as a good thing?" Kai asked. He only got a snort as a response.
"It doesn't matter."
"What did I ever do to you?" Aoi frowned, stepping aside to stand next to Uruha. "You should be grateful that you finally have some competition?" Aoi couldn't help but let a teasing smirk take over his lips.
"Nah. You're in the second place, kid. And you'll always be a step below me," Uruha smirked in return that had Aoi's blood boiling hot. Oh it is so on. "See ya kiddo," Uruha chuckled at Aoi's reaction as he dragged Kai away, and left Aoi standing there in frustration.
* * * * * * * * * *
"That no good son of a mother bitchin' mother fucker mother fucker!" Aoi screamed, throwing books all over the place.
Reita was dodging everything Aoi thrown his way, including an encyclopedia which he nearly dodged. Aoi's outer appearance was never the manliest, but people who had underestimated his strength had one hell of a consequence to pay.
"God, what the hell happened now? I told you, you should've hung out with me," Reita sighed. "I already told Kai you could have lunch with him two days out of the week. He better not be abusing you. Or should I assume...that this has something to do with Uruha?" Reita asked, his fist had already clenched Aoi's script in his hand.
"Hey watch it! I still need that you know!" Aoi exclaimed with a pout.
Quickly hopping off a seat, his hand shot out and grabbed the script away from Reita's hand. Walking back over to the desk, he smoothed the wrinkles out and turned around to face Reita once more.
"You're supposed to help me remember?"
"Yeah I know. But I don't see why you insist on being in this stupid thing. So much for friggin' free time. Do you even like doing this? You're always so unhappy whenever you have to rehearse."
"Don't question me Reita. Just help me," Aoi sighed, and looked at the clock in the classroom. "Awh shit! Forget it, I gotta get to the auditorium. We're gonna be rehearsing in the auditorium again today. We haven't even gotten much done. As much as I would love to ditch today, we have costume rehearsal today," Aoi muttered. "I really wanted to ditch today but I really don't have a choice," He sighed, packing his belongings.
With a grab of Reita's hand, Aoi dragged Reita out of the classroom in a rush. Aoi dashed his way downstairs, and he was completely unaware that he was still holding Reita's hand. Having no choice but to follow Aoi, Reita tripped his way downstairs and was forced to run with his friend towards the double doors of the auditorium. Without warning, Aoi came to an abrupt stop. He turned around and shoved Reita further away from the door.
"What the hell Aoi?"
"Sorry Reita, but this is as far as you go," Aoi said, already slipping through the crack in the double door.
Reita shoved a hand in between the crack which stopped Aoi from closing it. Aoi could tell Reita was annoyed, and he didn't blame him. He didn't need to drag Reita down here with him, but if Reita was going to yell at him, he could always do it later. Besides, Aoi would die in embarrassment if his best friend were to see him dressed up like a...
"Seriously Aoi. Why can't I watch?" Reita pouted as he pushed one of the double doors to let himself in. Unfortunately, Aoi was already on the other side pushing against it. "Aoi."
"I'm sorry. It's too embarrassing," Aoi half whined, and sighed in frustration because he knew how persitent Reita was.
"Oh, what's this? Having trouble keeping the boys out? I didn't know you had such an attraction for guys," came that annoying voice from behind him. Aoi twitched.
"Shut up Uruha. You should mind your own business," Aoi spat at him, and unfortunately, his attention was diverted.
Reita took advantage and shoved the door a little rougher; a little too rough. Aoi lost his balance and he stumbled backwards and apparently straight into Uruha's open arms.
"What did you say?!" Reita frowned.
He immediately walked towards the two, jerked Aoi from Uruha's arms and manuvered Aoi behind him.
"I assume you're the one that's bothering Aoi all this time huh?" Reita asked, looking up at Uruha since Uruha was slightly taller than he was.
Aoi knew Reita was never intimidated by height, and that was what worried him. If Reita and Uruha were to fight now...oh god Aoi didn't want to imagine the outcome. Aoi immediately tried to tug Reita back, but he didn't budge at all. Uruha didn't answer, and Aoi was getting even more worried. What happened to rehearsal? The other part of the reason why Aoi didn't want Reita to meet with Uruha, was because of this. He knew Reita was going to start something.
"And I assume you're Aoi's boyfriend?" Uruha asked, the smug look on his face never disappearing. Now Aoi wanted to throw a punch at him.
"W-Wuh?" Reita's dumbfounded look probably made Aoi want to kick at him too.
"Huh. Maybe you should teach him not to follow people around like a lost little puppy," Uruha said, looking at Aoi who suddenly felt embarrassed. He was safe at least. Hidding behind Reita didn't seem so bad.
Following Uruha? Had Aoi really done that? But he was only hanging around them because Kai wanted them to hang out. Then again, during those times, Aoi had tried to be nice. He tried talking to Uruha, and he tried getting to know him a little better, but Uruha just didn't seem interested. Aoi didn't know how Uruha got the impression that he liked guys. How did he know? Did Aoi look that queer?
During the times Uruha looked like something was bothering him, it was Aoi's nature to lend a hand. At one point, he had subconciously touched Uruha on the shoulder but Uruha had shrugged him off as if he was burned or pinched. Aoi didn't understand, but he had been so stubborn himself he wouldn't stop bothering Uruha to tell him. Eventually, Aoi slowly gave Uruha some space, because he had caught on himself. Of course he was a burden.
"Say what?" Reita frowned, both is hands clenched into fists. "You better not say anything more you spoiled little bastard."
"Why? Is it my fault he's so clumsy? Teach your little boyfriend not to meddle into anyone's business. He's not gonna get anywhere in life if he's like this. Do everyone a favor, and let him do himself a favor before he ends up digging his own grave."
Aoi shut his eyes as he unknowingly tried his best to hide behind Reita. Reita wasn't that much taller than him, but that was the least of his worries. Of course Uruha thought of him as a burden. Since when did he ever think of Uruha as a nice guy? How did he get that impression in the first place? Maybe it was because he never talked to his fellow upperclassmen. But Uruha had seemed either nice or polite to everyone else...but him. Why? It wasn't fair.
A loud slap and a punch snapped Aoi right out of his thoughts and before he knew it, Reita had already thrown himself at Uruha. He didn't get to see much, because everyone in the auditorium had crowded around them, and some students were already trying to break them up. Aoi had attempted to get through the crowd, but he kept on being pushed out of the circle. This was exactly what he was afraid of.
"What the hell is going on here!?"
One of the school deans had come in, made his way past the crowd, and forced the two apart and immediately had them escorted to the nurse's office. Aoi's heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of the battered boys, and he immediately followed right behind them. They were heading towards the nurses office, and luckily Aoi knew the nurse in there. Mrs. Sakane occasionally had Aoi help her around during his free period, so Aoi had no problem skipping rehearsal today...if there was going to be any rehearsal today that is.
"I'll see you two at the principle's office. I've contacted your mother Takashima. She especially wants to see you after you're done here," The dean said, staring at the two boys sternly. He turned around to see Aoi right behind him, but Mrs. Sakane had came out of her office to tell the dean that Aoi could stay.
Feeling relieved, Aoi followed right after Nurse Sakane, who was already forcing the two into seperate beds which were apparently right next to each other. As worried as Aoi was with those two, he couldn't help but supress a giggle from the way the nurse was scolding at the two.
"Aoi you know what to do," Sakane sighed. "I'll be back to help you take care of them. Right now I have another patient in my hands," Aoi nodded in response.
Aoi walked over to the cabinet of supplies located next to Uruha, and dug through the cabinets for the first aid kits. He washed his hands in the sink, and he had noticed that neither Reita or Uruha bothered to speak. In Reita's case, Aoi knew that Reita knew he was dissapointed in him. With Uruha, Aoi wasn't sure how to determine. Uruha's expression was always so dull and expressionless, it was always hard to tell.
Since Uruha was the closest, Aoi decided to help him first. Aoi was normally friendly and close to any patient that came along the nurses' office, but seeing Uruha pissed off as he already was, Aoi didn't bother with the usual - sitting next to the patients on the bed, tending to their wounds like that. Aoi had decided to keep this quick before he moved on to Reita.
Placing the first aid kit onto the little stand, he began taking out the antibotic solution for the long cut located at Uruha's right jaw. Aoi winced at the scrapes on his flawless skin, and Uruha seemed to catch on. Aoi shrugged the thought away the stare and grabbed the tube of Neosporin. In case Uruha was going to bitch at him about his dirty hands, Aoi walked over by the sink and slipped on a pair of gloves before heading back towards the box to pick up the tube again. He squeezed a generous amount from the little tube, and Uruha had flinched when he looked up at him.
"Are you going to let me?" Aoi asked softly, not really in the mood to argue or deal with Uruha's stuborness.
"I can take care of myself. You just take care of him. He seems more beat up than me anyway."
"Hey! Shut your mouth!" Reita shot daggers at Uruha, and Aoi shot a glare at his best friend who seemed to pout and settle back down afterwards.
Aoi was grateful when Sakane came in, Aoi was grateful. Almost automatically, Aoi took the extra kit next to the opened one and headed towards Reita's bed to plop down onto it.
While Nurse Sakane was helping Uruha with his cuts, Aoi was already helping Reita. He didn't seem as tensed, and he rolled his eyes every once in awhile when he rubbed particularily hard on a long cut at the side of his neck because Reita would always curse and complain.
"That's what you get for being so stupid," Aoi muttered as lowly as he could.
"Is it my fault you're always getting picked on by assholes?" Reita asked, his voice purposely loud so Uruha could hear every word.
"Shut up," Aoi hissed, and placed a kiddy band aid on a particularily deeps scrape at his cheek. "You get a duckie band aid. You're not allowed to take this off until you get home," Aoi smirked playfully, and he had no idea where that sudden cheery attitude of his came from.
"Is this revenge for beating up on another person?" Reita pouted. He crossed his arms and fidgeted in the bed a little.
"Stop moving," Aoi frowned as he tried to scoot closer. "I can't get the other side of your cut," Aoi sighed, and turned back around to squeeze more Neosporin onto his gloved fingers. He could see Uruha glare at them from the corner of his eyes, and he assumed he was glaring at Reita for obvious reasons. And as for Aoi, Uruha always seemed to hate him, so it wasn't really much of a surprise.
"I'm sorry Aoi," Reita suddenly murmured as Aoi had reached across Reita's body to dab some Neosporin on his left cheek.
"Why?" Aoi asked curiously, evening out the medicine with the pad of his index finger. "For being a typical egotistical jerk and starting fights when you don't need to?"
"Well, that too. I shouldn't have persuaded you to join track. If I had known you were going to be around the guys who are prolly just like him, I wouldn't have pushed you to do so. If you wanna quit, by all means do so. Cause I miss having you with me at lunch," His lower lip pouted out as Aoi let out a little chuckle.
"Heeh, now you change your mind. So typical of you. You could never make up your mind hm" Aoi smiled a little, ripping the band aid out of the plastic, he smacked it especially hard on Reita's cheek.
"Ow!"
"That was well deserved and you know it," Aoi smirked, and Sakane couldn't help but laugh out loud in the middle of treating Uruha's cuts.
"I'm done here," Uruha said, and immediately stood up. He ignored the nurse's protest to stay, and as Aoi assumed, he was heading towards the principles office.
He knew Reita was going to have to visit the principle once he was done, and Aoi's brows furrowed together. The last thing he wanted was for Reita to get suspended. If Reita got suspended, it would be his fault for dragging Reita to the auditorium in the first place.
Reita seemed to notice Aoi gaze off into the space between them, and so with a sharp pinch of Aoi's cheeks, Aoi grunted and looked at him with annoyance.
"Aren't you glad I got away with just bruises and cuts? I was close to breaking his nose but the mother effin' dean pulled me away," Reita snorted, and Aoi had already smacked him on the back of the head.
"Well you're certainly all better," Aoi said, hopping off the bed. He started to clean up the kit, and Sakane had told him to leave the things and go to the principle's office.
"Reita would want you to be there. Good luck trying to bail him out this time," Sakane gave Aoi a reassuring smile, and with a helpless sigh, Aoi nodded.
As a natural habit, Aoi grabbed Reita's hand and dragged him out. They thanked the nurse for her time and assistance, and Aoi's steps towards the office were rather slow. Reita noticed because he was a few steps ahead of Aoi, and it was rare for Reita to be the one dragging Aoi around.
"Hey cheer up. What's the worse that can happen? I can only get suspended for a few days, and well...I can always ask some friends to watch over you. Don't worry," Reita smiled, and gave Aois hand a harder tug.
"You just don't get it do you?" Aoi huffed, stumbling a little as he was tugged forward. "This is going to go on your record. Bah! It doesn't even matter huh? You've had so many of these on your records it's not even funny! Stop standing up for me!" Aoi raised his voice a little once they were a few feet from Principle Takashima's half opened door. "Reita, I can take care of myself. Stop trying to save me when it's clearly obvious that I don't need it. You're always like this..."
"But-"
"No. Let Uruha say whatever he wants. He's only speaking the truth anyway," Aoi sighed.
"He's not. You can't let that punk push you around like that. That's what they do Aoi. They pick on the weak. You're the perfect example of that. You're sweet, you're kind, you're naive -"
"Just shut up!" Aoi almost wanted to scream at Reita, and he was in the middle of a half scream when the principle had stepped out of her office to watch them.
"Come in Reita. Thank you for your assistance Aoi. You can return to your rehearsal," She said with a stern nod. Her expression turned into a frown when she realized that when Reita walked towards her office, Aoi didn't leave his side.
"Shiroyama-kun-"
"I don't intend on leaving him until you have your verdict," Aoi said sternly, mirroring the principles stare-down.
After a few seconds of silence, the principle sighed.
"Very well. If you insist," She muttered, and opened the door futher for the two to walk in. Uruha was already in one of the chairs in front of his mother's desk, and so Reita walked in, moved the chair further away from Uruha before plopping into it. Aoi stood next to Reita and waited while the principle shut the door behind her to take her seat in front of them.
"So let's make this quick shall we? I mean it's obvious that I threw myself and beat the living daylights out of your son, so I'm guilty right?" Reita sighed. He was too used it. Aoi was getting pretty tired of it as well.
"Well, from what the teacher and witnesses I've had from students, you did throw the first punch," She sighed. "How many times has it been now Reita?" She asked, and stared boringly at Reita who slumped back into his chair.
"It would be pointless to count, wouldn't it?" Reita asked smugly, and because of that, he earned himself a light smack on the arm from Aoi.
"This is going to be your last suspension," She said, leaning forward from her chair. "Do I make myself clear? If you cause any more mischief around here you will face consequences way more extreme than a mere three day suspension. I will be sure of it."
Aoi looked frantically at Uruha for a second. Did Uruha even tell his mother everything? Would Uruha even bother telling his mother the truth? Because it was Uruha who was the one that provoked everyone in the first place. Deep down inside, Aoi knew it was pointless, because Uruha had special priorities. He was his mother's baby boy, and if he wanted someone kicked out of school, he could make it happen.
"Please...Principle. Please let him attend 3 detention Saturdays instead. Missing school isn't going to punish him," Aoi suddenly found that words were slipping out of his lips before he could catch them. Aoi knew the consequences. He had never gotten in trouble. Aoi's records were clean because Reita always made sure they were.
"This isn't the first or second time this has happened Aoi," The principle said. "I've given you some special priorities as well, because you're a good kid. You're adorable, and it would hurt for me to see you put yourself on the line for someone who's going to be nothing but trouble for you in the future."
"That's not true," Aoi said. "Reita has been there for me through the thick and thin. If you really want the truth, it's my fault. He's always being so paranoid about me getting into any kind of trouble with other people. So please just give him the Saturday detentions instead. I swear this would never happen again. You have my word."
"Aoi, stop it," Reita muttered.
"Very well."
"What?" Aoi, Uruha and Reita asked in unison. Normally Uruha's mother never gave more than two chances.
"I will hold this on your word Aoi-kun. Don't make me regret this."
"Thank you very much! You won't!" Aoi smiled and nodded as Reita looked up at him and back at the principle with disbelief in his eyes. Uruha was staring at his mother in disbelief as well.
"Now you and Uruha better go back to rehearsal. I don't want you two missing out on this because I have put my hard work and soul into making this play happen," She said, digging in her drawer for her camera. "And, since today is dress rehearsal, Uruha is going to be looking cute in his outfit today," She grinned triumphantly with a smirked as her son gawked at her. "Now run along. I need to take care of some business before I drop by the set."
Once Aoi, Reita and Uruha filed out of the principle's office, Aoi pushed Reita towards the double door exits of the school. He had promised Reita he would catch up with him after his rehearsals were done, and it was wise not to talk about what had happened, especially in front of Uruha. After Reita shot one more death glare at Uruha, he snorted and shoved his way past the double doors.
"I cannot believe you would sink so low like that," Aoi muttered darkly as he turned around to face Uruha head on.
"Do what?" Uruha asked, his face not showing any sign of remorse for what he had done. "He hit me first."
"I don't care who hit who first. I can't believe you didn't tell your mother about you provoking him. I'm surprised she doesn't even know these kinds of habits of yours."
"Even if I did tell her, she wouldn't believe me," Uruha said, and shrugged.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Aoi asked, taken back from what he is seeing right now. "Is this how you're really like?" He asked again after a long moment of silence.
"Why? What have you pictured me to be? Smart, perfect, generous - kind? That's what everyone likes to mold me into huh? You're no different," Uruha scoffed, leaning away from the wall.
"I can't...believe...I just didn't think you could be so horrible," Aoi mumbled softly, but he was sure Uruha could hear him. "So me being queer bothers you huh?" He emphazised the word queer now that he had nothing to hide anymore. "Rest assured, don't think I have a crush on your or anything. Because that's not true anymore."
"...Anymore?"
Aoi ignored him and continued on.
"I can't anyway...have feelings for a person so heartless. I'll give you what you want. You want this whole mess to be behind us right? Before I came into track, you were the best right? Did I ruin that for you? I can promise you that Reita won't be bothering you anymore, but I cannot promise you that I'll be dropping out of the track team or the school play. You're going to be leaving in less than half a year anyway. I don't see the point in throwing the rest of my high school career away for you. So this is my proposition. I'll stay out of your hair. You'll only see me when necessary, and don't provoke Reita or give any of us any more trouble ever again. Do we have a deal?"
"Why are you always standing up for him anyway?" Uruha suddenly asked, and Aoi was surprised once more. After a moment, Aoi shook his head. Uruha was trying to throw him off track was he?
"Do we have a deal?"
Aoi waited for Uruha to decide, and he had to admit, the boy was pissing him off. He seemed thoughtful, but Aoi highly doubted he was even thinking about his proposition.
"I'll drop out for this year in track then. And the play," Aoi said, and made the last minute changes through his head. It was only for the rest of the year. He wanted to make Uruha's last year in high school as light and pain free as possible. And if this was going to keep the peace, then he figured it was worth the sacrifice.
"Deal," Uruha nodded, and Aoi sighed in relief. "You don't have to quit the play. That choice is up to you. I am curious in seeing you in your costume after all," Uruha smirked, and Aoi frowned with his lower lip popping out. "But don't quit the track team. As Kai put it, I do need...the damn competition," Uruha scoffed, and looked away. "Whatever. Deals a deal. Anyway, we better get to rehearsal before everyone accuses us for attempting to ditch," Uruha said, already heading towards the auditorium leaving Aoi dazed, puzzled and confused.
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