drabble; eleventh drabble batch
I realized I've been hoarding some drabbles in my folders and thought I should probably get around to posting them, so here they are. :) Enjoy! ♥
For pipsqueaks / Prompt: Koki/Ueda - lightbulb / 337 words / PG
Ueda thinks he should come up with a better plan when he hears Koki curse as he enters Ueda's apartment that night.
"Why are your lights all off?" Koki shouts.
Ueda doesn't feel like yelling back so he waits until Koki makes it down the hall to his room. He hears Koki bumping into things on the way and hopes he hasn't broken anything. Then he makes out a Koki-shaped shadow in his doorway and Koki slides his hand along the walls to find the light switch.
"Don't bother," Ueda tells him. "The bulb is dead."
"Why haven't you changed it then?" Koki questions as he tries to navigate his way towards Ueda's voice.
"Because I'm in pain," Ueda reminds him haughtily, and his foot chooses that moment to throb its agreement.
"You don't sound like it," Koki says as he flops onto the bed beside Ueda.
Ueda pouts in his general direction and says in a very fake, very whiny voice, "It hurts, Koki-kun."
Koki just laughs at him as he tosses and turns a little to make himself more comfortable. They sit in silence for a long time until Ueda says, "Why are you here?"
He feels rather than sees Koki shrug. "Making sure you're okay."
"I'm not that weak," Ueda insists, even though it's a lie. It really does hurt, but he's trying not to show it.
Koki snorts. "Just now you said you were in pain." He mock-gasps and looks at Ueda, who is starting to make out Koki's defined features. "Are you pretending, Uebo?"
Ueda slugs him halfheartedly and they both laugh until Ueda says, "Since you're here, you could do something useful."
"What?"
"Fix the lightbulb?"
Koki is silent for a moment and then he shakes his head; Ueda feels his hair on his short hair on his shoulder. "Nah," he says eventually. "It's kind of nice like this."
Ueda scoffs but doesn't reply. He's glad it's dark because then Koki can't see his smile and know he's thinking the same.
~
For sashjun / Prompt: Ryoda - bare / 226 words / PG
He didn't get it, in the beginning, but now it's what Ueda loves most about Ryo. He doesn't hold anything back, and he doesn't cover anything up with pretty, flowery words. He says what he thinks and he doesn't care what the consequences are. He bares everything, his eyes full of truth, not hostility, and when they were younger, Ueda misinterpreted the former to be the latter.
Now he knows better. Now he knows that when Ryo says harsh things it's not out of hate, but because he cares, and it's easier to just smile at him and says, "Thanks," because watching Ryo's embarrassed look never fails to make Ueda's day.
He understands it now, Ryo's bare attitude, and it's what he loves most about Ryo. Loves that if he needs honest opinions, Ryo won't hold them back. He'll tell Ueda his hair is disgusting or his new song sucks, but he'll also tell him he looks hot in that outfit, his eyes dark as they take all of Ueda in, or that he loves him, whispered softly into Ueda's ear, when years before, Ueda would've thought he was making fun of him.
Ueda doesn't have to worry about that now, though, because he knows the truth, and all he has to do is look into Ryo's eyes to see the love reflected there as well.
~
For sumo_mona / Prompt: Pin - alone / 352 words / PG
Jin loves L.A. He loves the sunshine and the breeze, loves the people and the energy, loves being close to the beach. His friends are amazing and he's meeting more people by the day, as his workload increases with more recording and more rehearsals. Despite everything it took to get him here, he's glad he's finally doing what he loves, for himself, and no one else.
But, even with all of the good things going for him, Jin can't hide how he really feels.
It gets lonely, quickly. He thought he'd be over it, since it's not the first time, since he's been here before, since he's actually working, since he has much more friends and a future.
But the fact is that his friends and his work only cover it up for awhile, hide the loneliness behind eager eyes and bright smiles.
When he's alone, at home in his dingy apartment or taking a drive, or when he's at the beach, with the sand warm under his feet, that's when it hits him. That's when he misses Japan, misses his family, but most of all misses his best friend.
Yamapi calls when he can, but Jin knows the calls are expensive, doesn't expect them very often. When they come, though, he's the happiest, but when the conversation starts to dwindle down, when they both try to keep it going because neither of them want to hang up, breathing into the phone and it's almost like they're together again, in the same place instead of separated by miles and miles of blue ocean, that's when Jin feels more alone, listening to Yamapi's quiet Goodbye, Jin, and the dial tone that pierces his heart.
In the end, his loneliness makes him work harder. Because he has something to prove, to himself, to Yamapi, to everyone waiting for him. The better he works, he sooner he can go home - his real home - and see the one person he longs to see more than anything, and say the things he could never say.
He just hopes Yamapi is waiting for him, too.
~
For myxstorie / Prompt: Jin - musical / 372 words / PG
He thought he'd left this stuff behind, but now it's back in his life like it never left, and he stares at the racks of overly designed costumes like he'd much rather be back in Japan than here.
"You're kidding, right?" he asks his manager, who just grins at him deviously.
"No, I'm not, Jin," he says, mispronouncing Jin's name again, even though he's been in L.A. for months now, and he's part-Japanese himself. Jin thinks he does it on purpose. "This is a good promotion! You have a good voice. Doing this will get your name out."
"I'd rather get my name out wearing nothing than putting any of those outfits on," Jin says under his breath, still staring at the sequences and feathers and, oh god, are those tights?
His manager smirks. "That can also be arranged."
Jin grumbles under his breath and wonders how long he can go before taking those tights and strangling him. Or himself, he hasn't decided yet.
"Come on," his manager says, pats him on the back. "It's just a musical." His manager grins when Jin glares at him but Jin doesn't have a chance to retort as the director of the musical comes up to hand Jin the script.
"We're having a little meeting in ten minutes. Full costume, as well, just for fun! Be sure to put this on!" Jin's handed a couple of garments, all black and red and white and silky and he struggles to keep it in his arms. "Any questions or concerns?"
Jin opens his mouth to say fuck, yes, but his manager, sensing danger, jumps in to says, "Not at all! Thank you!" and steers the director away from Jin's growing rage.
Jin stares at the costume in his hands and then figures that since he's stuck in this mess it wouldn't hurt to at least see what musical he's supposed to be in. Carelessly he drops the costume to the ground and looks at the script, and groans when the words Phantom of the Opera stare back up at him.
At least in this role, he thinks as he tries not to shred the script with his bare hands, no one will see, or remember, his face.
~
For crystallekil / Prompt: Yamapi - everyone's possession / 404 words / PG
He has always been a star, shining brightly for the entire world to see. To be admired and envied and loved and even hated, a star of this world, his beautiful face on the television, plastered on billboards and in magazines, his professionalism in his jaded eyes and his years of experience in every move and word he makes.
Jin has always known this, known that Yamashita Tomohisa is a star, casting light upon all who look at him or know him or just watch him safely from a distance, too blinded by his brilliance to get too close.
Jin thinks he knew Yamapi was a star before he was even in Johnny’s, catching a glimpse of his eleven-year-old self on television, the same way he’d seen Ryo later, that had made him try joining in the first place. And even after they met, after Yamapi so easily slipped into his life, all soft smiles and eager happiness, a childlike innocence around him that matched Jin’s, even then Jin knew he was befriending someone who would and could take the world by storm.
Yamapi is not only loved by nearly everyone in the company, or loved by all of Japan itself, Jin just knows he’s watched across the world, fans marveling at his acting or singing or dancing, amazed by this person who was just born to be in the spotlight.
Jin knows Yamapi’s meant for the world, for the world to love and admire and watch like the stars in the night sky, except to Jin, Yamapi is the brightest of them all, sheer radiance that cannot be contained. And while Jin knows Yamapi belongs to the world, to the fans, to the company, to his costars and colleagues and his friends, he still wishes inside that Yamapi could belong just to him. Because to Jin even the dorky Yamapi that makes stupid faces when he’s drunk and sings in the shower and wrestles with Jin over the last piece of cake and sends Jin photos of every meal, that Yamapi is still as much of a star as the one the public sees, that Yamapi is the star that only Jin can see, that Jin wishes could be just his.
But, for once, he won’t be selfish. It’s enough to just stay like his, watching over him like all the others, his best friend and maybe something more, his shining light, always.
~
For changetje / Prompt: Akame - you can’t spend tonight / 372 words / PG-13
Somehow they both just knew. Without ever once discussing it or explaining it, they just knew. Maybe it was because of all these years together, side by side, all these years dissecting and unraveling and understanding the other until they knew the other almost better than themselves. Maybe that was why they didn’t need to say anything, and that was why they both just knew. Knew that tonight would be their last.
Kame wishes it could’ve been otherwise, wishes they could’ve spoken up, wishes he could’ve changed it by one word or look or touch. But in the end he does nothing, hoping a little that maybe Jin will do it instead. But Jin just lets it go, the opportunities pass by one by one and Kame had seen all if them, had been keeping track in his head as they lay together on Jin’s bed, fingers against heated skin, lips against wet lips, gaps of breath mixing in the air, and heartbeats pounding in their ears.
There were a hundred chances that night, the night that they had tried to last as long as they could because neither wanted to end it when they both knew they would, stirring up arousals as quickly as the previous and holding onto a thread of hope that maybe this way the night will never end.
But it does, it always does, only this time it’s not the same. This time, Kame can only press a last kiss to Jin’s lips, lingering there for longer than necessary, drinking up the feel of him, everywhere, until it’s practically embedded in his flesh, fingers tight on his wrist because he doesn’t want to give it up, and yet they’ve decided wordlessly that there can be nothing more, and its with a heavy heart that he lets go. Lets go and redresses as Jin watches with sleepy eyes, says nothing the whole time, doesn’t stop him as Kame leaves the room, and Kame doesn’t look back.
And once the sun is up, Jin will be gone, flying across the sky over the ocean to a new, exciting life that awaits him, leaving Kame behind, leaving them behind, and although it hurts, they both know it’s better this way.
~
For boycottbananas / Prompt: Kame/Shige - late night coffee stops / 1043 words / PG
It’s not unusual to find Shige at a coffee shop late at night; he did it almost routinely while in school, and even now that he’s graduated it’s a habit he can’t break. There’s just something about the small, cozy atmosphere that lets him relax and clear his mind, a getaway from the usual rush of Tokyo and the life of being an idol.
It’s one of those nights. Eleven o’clock on a Friday, and most people are out somewhere with friends, hitting up clubs or bars, but Shige’s never really been into that. He much prefers this, sitting in his favorite café with a good book and mugs after mugs of warm coffee.
He doesn’t expect to see any familiar faces, so it’s definitely a surprise when a recognizable voice says, “Mind if I sit here?”
Shige looks up from his book to find Kamenashi giving him a small smile and for a second Shige wonders if he’s really talking to him. It’s not that they don’t get along, but they’ve never really interacted before, and definitely not outside of work. But Shige nods when it’s clear that, yes, in fact, Kamenashi was talking to him, and offers back a smile when he sits down across from him.
Kamenashi doesn’t say anything and Shige’s okay with that. He returns to his book, but can’t help but flick his eyes over the top to see what Kamenashi’s doing every few minutes. The other is just silently drinking his coffee, eyes staring out the window and Shige notices he looks a little lost, a little sad. He wonders what’s wrong, wonders if he should say something, but then he remembers that this is Kamenashi, and the last time they ever talked was at Countdown, and Shige doesn’t even remember what they said then. It probably wasn’t anything important if he doesn’t recall it.
The distance makes him feel a little sad, but there’s not much to do about it. He and Kamenashi are worlds apart despite being in the same industry, under the same company. It doesn’t stop him from being slightly curious, though, and when another ten minutes go by without any conversation, Shige gives in.
He sets his book down and questions quietly, “Are you okay?”
Kamenashi’s eyes snap over to him and Shige instantly feels guilty for prying. But then his expression softens and he gives a small chuckle. “Just a lot on my mind, I guess,” he replies and Shige knows the feeling.
“Well,” Shige says, looking down at this mug and tracing the rip with a finger, “I hope you’ll be able to sort it out soon.”
Kamenashi smiles. “Thanks.”
Shige just nods, and picks up his book again. They don’t say anything else after that, but when Shige looks back at Kamenashi later, he doesn’t look as sad anymore.
-
“Are you stalking me?” Shige questions when Kamenashi slides into the seat across from him without asking.
Kamenashi smirks. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he says and then adds, “No. The coffee here is just really good.”
That Shige can agree with, nodding with a grin as he takes a sip of his own. It’s the sixth time they’ve met each other here in the past week and a half. Every night is spent in almost the same manner, minimal conversation, just drinking their coffee and relaxing in their own way, just in the presence of each other’s company. And, actually, Shige quite likes it. Nothing has really changed between them. They’re just colleagues who understand the pressure of their work and the necessity to break free every once in awhile. Shige doesn’t bother Kamenashi, and Kamenashi respects Shige’s privacy. And it works.
There are, of course, instances when Shige wonders what’s wrong. Like two nights ago when Kamenashi looked even more exhausted and thinner than normal, looked like he needed a week’s sleep, and not coffee. When Shige had asked, Kamenashi just smiled and brushed it off, ever the professional, even when he’s not working, and Shige knew the conversation had ended. He didn’t try again and Kamenashi didn’t share.
“You look tired,” Kamenashi says, and Shige’s a little surprised. It’s usually Shige worrying about Kamenashi, not the other way around, but he can’t help but like the feeling from Kamenashi’s concerned eyes.
Shige sighs. “It’s been a busy week,” he replies.
“Ah, you guys have a new single soon, don’t you?” Kamenashi asks, and adds when Shige looks confused, “I heard from Nakamaru.”
Shige nods then, because Nakamaru would probably have heard from Massu or Koyama. “Yeah,” he says, and smiles. “I’m excited.”
“As you should be,” Kamenashi says.
“You have one coming up soon, too,” Shige replies, hearing it from Yamapi; their company really was nothing but a huge grapevine.
A shadow crosses Kamenashi’s expression and Shige bites his tongue, remembers belatedly what has happened to KAT-TUN in the past few months. Before he can apologize, Kamenashi is grinning and it’s genuine, even though Shige can still feel the sadness lingering in eyes. “Yes,” he replies happily, “We’re looking forward to it.”
It’s such an idol answer that Shige ends up laughing, and Kamenashi looks half-bewildered, half-offended until Shige manages to wheeze out, “Do you ever stop acting so professional? This isn’t a press conference, you know.”
Kamenashi sighs, leaning back against his chair but cracks a smile. “I guess I don’t know how to turn that switch off,” he admits. “But we are looking forward to it.”
Shige laughs again. “As you should be,” he repeats and Kame chuckles, shakes his head as he puts his mug to his lips and Shige reaches for his own.
They usually only stay an hour or two, depending on when they get there and when the shop closes that particular day. They leave together, walking for a block before parting to head off in different directions. They don’t normally say goodbyes, but today Kamenashi stops and says, “Thanks.”
Shige blinks. “What for?”
Kamenashi just shrugs, looking a little uncomfortable, and replies, “Just. Thanks.”
And Shige understands. He smiles. “Goodnight, Kamenashi-kun,” he says, “I’ll see you later.”
Kamenashi replies, “Tomorrow.”
Grinning, Shige nods. “Tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says, and with a wave, turns to head home.
Also, if you don't mind: Johnny's Fanfiction Concrit Meme! Please and thank you? :D?
For pipsqueaks / Prompt: Koki/Ueda - lightbulb / 337 words / PG
Ueda thinks he should come up with a better plan when he hears Koki curse as he enters Ueda's apartment that night.
"Why are your lights all off?" Koki shouts.
Ueda doesn't feel like yelling back so he waits until Koki makes it down the hall to his room. He hears Koki bumping into things on the way and hopes he hasn't broken anything. Then he makes out a Koki-shaped shadow in his doorway and Koki slides his hand along the walls to find the light switch.
"Don't bother," Ueda tells him. "The bulb is dead."
"Why haven't you changed it then?" Koki questions as he tries to navigate his way towards Ueda's voice.
"Because I'm in pain," Ueda reminds him haughtily, and his foot chooses that moment to throb its agreement.
"You don't sound like it," Koki says as he flops onto the bed beside Ueda.
Ueda pouts in his general direction and says in a very fake, very whiny voice, "It hurts, Koki-kun."
Koki just laughs at him as he tosses and turns a little to make himself more comfortable. They sit in silence for a long time until Ueda says, "Why are you here?"
He feels rather than sees Koki shrug. "Making sure you're okay."
"I'm not that weak," Ueda insists, even though it's a lie. It really does hurt, but he's trying not to show it.
Koki snorts. "Just now you said you were in pain." He mock-gasps and looks at Ueda, who is starting to make out Koki's defined features. "Are you pretending, Uebo?"
Ueda slugs him halfheartedly and they both laugh until Ueda says, "Since you're here, you could do something useful."
"What?"
"Fix the lightbulb?"
Koki is silent for a moment and then he shakes his head; Ueda feels his hair on his short hair on his shoulder. "Nah," he says eventually. "It's kind of nice like this."
Ueda scoffs but doesn't reply. He's glad it's dark because then Koki can't see his smile and know he's thinking the same.
~
For sashjun / Prompt: Ryoda - bare / 226 words / PG
He didn't get it, in the beginning, but now it's what Ueda loves most about Ryo. He doesn't hold anything back, and he doesn't cover anything up with pretty, flowery words. He says what he thinks and he doesn't care what the consequences are. He bares everything, his eyes full of truth, not hostility, and when they were younger, Ueda misinterpreted the former to be the latter.
Now he knows better. Now he knows that when Ryo says harsh things it's not out of hate, but because he cares, and it's easier to just smile at him and says, "Thanks," because watching Ryo's embarrassed look never fails to make Ueda's day.
He understands it now, Ryo's bare attitude, and it's what he loves most about Ryo. Loves that if he needs honest opinions, Ryo won't hold them back. He'll tell Ueda his hair is disgusting or his new song sucks, but he'll also tell him he looks hot in that outfit, his eyes dark as they take all of Ueda in, or that he loves him, whispered softly into Ueda's ear, when years before, Ueda would've thought he was making fun of him.
Ueda doesn't have to worry about that now, though, because he knows the truth, and all he has to do is look into Ryo's eyes to see the love reflected there as well.
~
For sumo_mona / Prompt: Pin - alone / 352 words / PG
Jin loves L.A. He loves the sunshine and the breeze, loves the people and the energy, loves being close to the beach. His friends are amazing and he's meeting more people by the day, as his workload increases with more recording and more rehearsals. Despite everything it took to get him here, he's glad he's finally doing what he loves, for himself, and no one else.
But, even with all of the good things going for him, Jin can't hide how he really feels.
It gets lonely, quickly. He thought he'd be over it, since it's not the first time, since he's been here before, since he's actually working, since he has much more friends and a future.
But the fact is that his friends and his work only cover it up for awhile, hide the loneliness behind eager eyes and bright smiles.
When he's alone, at home in his dingy apartment or taking a drive, or when he's at the beach, with the sand warm under his feet, that's when it hits him. That's when he misses Japan, misses his family, but most of all misses his best friend.
Yamapi calls when he can, but Jin knows the calls are expensive, doesn't expect them very often. When they come, though, he's the happiest, but when the conversation starts to dwindle down, when they both try to keep it going because neither of them want to hang up, breathing into the phone and it's almost like they're together again, in the same place instead of separated by miles and miles of blue ocean, that's when Jin feels more alone, listening to Yamapi's quiet Goodbye, Jin, and the dial tone that pierces his heart.
In the end, his loneliness makes him work harder. Because he has something to prove, to himself, to Yamapi, to everyone waiting for him. The better he works, he sooner he can go home - his real home - and see the one person he longs to see more than anything, and say the things he could never say.
He just hopes Yamapi is waiting for him, too.
~
For myxstorie / Prompt: Jin - musical / 372 words / PG
He thought he'd left this stuff behind, but now it's back in his life like it never left, and he stares at the racks of overly designed costumes like he'd much rather be back in Japan than here.
"You're kidding, right?" he asks his manager, who just grins at him deviously.
"No, I'm not, Jin," he says, mispronouncing Jin's name again, even though he's been in L.A. for months now, and he's part-Japanese himself. Jin thinks he does it on purpose. "This is a good promotion! You have a good voice. Doing this will get your name out."
"I'd rather get my name out wearing nothing than putting any of those outfits on," Jin says under his breath, still staring at the sequences and feathers and, oh god, are those tights?
His manager smirks. "That can also be arranged."
Jin grumbles under his breath and wonders how long he can go before taking those tights and strangling him. Or himself, he hasn't decided yet.
"Come on," his manager says, pats him on the back. "It's just a musical." His manager grins when Jin glares at him but Jin doesn't have a chance to retort as the director of the musical comes up to hand Jin the script.
"We're having a little meeting in ten minutes. Full costume, as well, just for fun! Be sure to put this on!" Jin's handed a couple of garments, all black and red and white and silky and he struggles to keep it in his arms. "Any questions or concerns?"
Jin opens his mouth to say fuck, yes, but his manager, sensing danger, jumps in to says, "Not at all! Thank you!" and steers the director away from Jin's growing rage.
Jin stares at the costume in his hands and then figures that since he's stuck in this mess it wouldn't hurt to at least see what musical he's supposed to be in. Carelessly he drops the costume to the ground and looks at the script, and groans when the words Phantom of the Opera stare back up at him.
At least in this role, he thinks as he tries not to shred the script with his bare hands, no one will see, or remember, his face.
~
For crystallekil / Prompt: Yamapi - everyone's possession / 404 words / PG
He has always been a star, shining brightly for the entire world to see. To be admired and envied and loved and even hated, a star of this world, his beautiful face on the television, plastered on billboards and in magazines, his professionalism in his jaded eyes and his years of experience in every move and word he makes.
Jin has always known this, known that Yamashita Tomohisa is a star, casting light upon all who look at him or know him or just watch him safely from a distance, too blinded by his brilliance to get too close.
Jin thinks he knew Yamapi was a star before he was even in Johnny’s, catching a glimpse of his eleven-year-old self on television, the same way he’d seen Ryo later, that had made him try joining in the first place. And even after they met, after Yamapi so easily slipped into his life, all soft smiles and eager happiness, a childlike innocence around him that matched Jin’s, even then Jin knew he was befriending someone who would and could take the world by storm.
Yamapi is not only loved by nearly everyone in the company, or loved by all of Japan itself, Jin just knows he’s watched across the world, fans marveling at his acting or singing or dancing, amazed by this person who was just born to be in the spotlight.
Jin knows Yamapi’s meant for the world, for the world to love and admire and watch like the stars in the night sky, except to Jin, Yamapi is the brightest of them all, sheer radiance that cannot be contained. And while Jin knows Yamapi belongs to the world, to the fans, to the company, to his costars and colleagues and his friends, he still wishes inside that Yamapi could belong just to him. Because to Jin even the dorky Yamapi that makes stupid faces when he’s drunk and sings in the shower and wrestles with Jin over the last piece of cake and sends Jin photos of every meal, that Yamapi is still as much of a star as the one the public sees, that Yamapi is the star that only Jin can see, that Jin wishes could be just his.
But, for once, he won’t be selfish. It’s enough to just stay like his, watching over him like all the others, his best friend and maybe something more, his shining light, always.
~
For changetje / Prompt: Akame - you can’t spend tonight / 372 words / PG-13
Somehow they both just knew. Without ever once discussing it or explaining it, they just knew. Maybe it was because of all these years together, side by side, all these years dissecting and unraveling and understanding the other until they knew the other almost better than themselves. Maybe that was why they didn’t need to say anything, and that was why they both just knew. Knew that tonight would be their last.
Kame wishes it could’ve been otherwise, wishes they could’ve spoken up, wishes he could’ve changed it by one word or look or touch. But in the end he does nothing, hoping a little that maybe Jin will do it instead. But Jin just lets it go, the opportunities pass by one by one and Kame had seen all if them, had been keeping track in his head as they lay together on Jin’s bed, fingers against heated skin, lips against wet lips, gaps of breath mixing in the air, and heartbeats pounding in their ears.
There were a hundred chances that night, the night that they had tried to last as long as they could because neither wanted to end it when they both knew they would, stirring up arousals as quickly as the previous and holding onto a thread of hope that maybe this way the night will never end.
But it does, it always does, only this time it’s not the same. This time, Kame can only press a last kiss to Jin’s lips, lingering there for longer than necessary, drinking up the feel of him, everywhere, until it’s practically embedded in his flesh, fingers tight on his wrist because he doesn’t want to give it up, and yet they’ve decided wordlessly that there can be nothing more, and its with a heavy heart that he lets go. Lets go and redresses as Jin watches with sleepy eyes, says nothing the whole time, doesn’t stop him as Kame leaves the room, and Kame doesn’t look back.
And once the sun is up, Jin will be gone, flying across the sky over the ocean to a new, exciting life that awaits him, leaving Kame behind, leaving them behind, and although it hurts, they both know it’s better this way.
~
For boycottbananas / Prompt: Kame/Shige - late night coffee stops / 1043 words / PG
It’s not unusual to find Shige at a coffee shop late at night; he did it almost routinely while in school, and even now that he’s graduated it’s a habit he can’t break. There’s just something about the small, cozy atmosphere that lets him relax and clear his mind, a getaway from the usual rush of Tokyo and the life of being an idol.
It’s one of those nights. Eleven o’clock on a Friday, and most people are out somewhere with friends, hitting up clubs or bars, but Shige’s never really been into that. He much prefers this, sitting in his favorite café with a good book and mugs after mugs of warm coffee.
He doesn’t expect to see any familiar faces, so it’s definitely a surprise when a recognizable voice says, “Mind if I sit here?”
Shige looks up from his book to find Kamenashi giving him a small smile and for a second Shige wonders if he’s really talking to him. It’s not that they don’t get along, but they’ve never really interacted before, and definitely not outside of work. But Shige nods when it’s clear that, yes, in fact, Kamenashi was talking to him, and offers back a smile when he sits down across from him.
Kamenashi doesn’t say anything and Shige’s okay with that. He returns to his book, but can’t help but flick his eyes over the top to see what Kamenashi’s doing every few minutes. The other is just silently drinking his coffee, eyes staring out the window and Shige notices he looks a little lost, a little sad. He wonders what’s wrong, wonders if he should say something, but then he remembers that this is Kamenashi, and the last time they ever talked was at Countdown, and Shige doesn’t even remember what they said then. It probably wasn’t anything important if he doesn’t recall it.
The distance makes him feel a little sad, but there’s not much to do about it. He and Kamenashi are worlds apart despite being in the same industry, under the same company. It doesn’t stop him from being slightly curious, though, and when another ten minutes go by without any conversation, Shige gives in.
He sets his book down and questions quietly, “Are you okay?”
Kamenashi’s eyes snap over to him and Shige instantly feels guilty for prying. But then his expression softens and he gives a small chuckle. “Just a lot on my mind, I guess,” he replies and Shige knows the feeling.
“Well,” Shige says, looking down at this mug and tracing the rip with a finger, “I hope you’ll be able to sort it out soon.”
Kamenashi smiles. “Thanks.”
Shige just nods, and picks up his book again. They don’t say anything else after that, but when Shige looks back at Kamenashi later, he doesn’t look as sad anymore.
-
“Are you stalking me?” Shige questions when Kamenashi slides into the seat across from him without asking.
Kamenashi smirks. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he says and then adds, “No. The coffee here is just really good.”
That Shige can agree with, nodding with a grin as he takes a sip of his own. It’s the sixth time they’ve met each other here in the past week and a half. Every night is spent in almost the same manner, minimal conversation, just drinking their coffee and relaxing in their own way, just in the presence of each other’s company. And, actually, Shige quite likes it. Nothing has really changed between them. They’re just colleagues who understand the pressure of their work and the necessity to break free every once in awhile. Shige doesn’t bother Kamenashi, and Kamenashi respects Shige’s privacy. And it works.
There are, of course, instances when Shige wonders what’s wrong. Like two nights ago when Kamenashi looked even more exhausted and thinner than normal, looked like he needed a week’s sleep, and not coffee. When Shige had asked, Kamenashi just smiled and brushed it off, ever the professional, even when he’s not working, and Shige knew the conversation had ended. He didn’t try again and Kamenashi didn’t share.
“You look tired,” Kamenashi says, and Shige’s a little surprised. It’s usually Shige worrying about Kamenashi, not the other way around, but he can’t help but like the feeling from Kamenashi’s concerned eyes.
Shige sighs. “It’s been a busy week,” he replies.
“Ah, you guys have a new single soon, don’t you?” Kamenashi asks, and adds when Shige looks confused, “I heard from Nakamaru.”
Shige nods then, because Nakamaru would probably have heard from Massu or Koyama. “Yeah,” he says, and smiles. “I’m excited.”
“As you should be,” Kamenashi says.
“You have one coming up soon, too,” Shige replies, hearing it from Yamapi; their company really was nothing but a huge grapevine.
A shadow crosses Kamenashi’s expression and Shige bites his tongue, remembers belatedly what has happened to KAT-TUN in the past few months. Before he can apologize, Kamenashi is grinning and it’s genuine, even though Shige can still feel the sadness lingering in eyes. “Yes,” he replies happily, “We’re looking forward to it.”
It’s such an idol answer that Shige ends up laughing, and Kamenashi looks half-bewildered, half-offended until Shige manages to wheeze out, “Do you ever stop acting so professional? This isn’t a press conference, you know.”
Kamenashi sighs, leaning back against his chair but cracks a smile. “I guess I don’t know how to turn that switch off,” he admits. “But we are looking forward to it.”
Shige laughs again. “As you should be,” he repeats and Kame chuckles, shakes his head as he puts his mug to his lips and Shige reaches for his own.
They usually only stay an hour or two, depending on when they get there and when the shop closes that particular day. They leave together, walking for a block before parting to head off in different directions. They don’t normally say goodbyes, but today Kamenashi stops and says, “Thanks.”
Shige blinks. “What for?”
Kamenashi just shrugs, looking a little uncomfortable, and replies, “Just. Thanks.”
And Shige understands. He smiles. “Goodnight, Kamenashi-kun,” he says, “I’ll see you later.”
Kamenashi replies, “Tomorrow.”
Grinning, Shige nods. “Tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he says, and with a wave, turns to head home.
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