Who: Ohtori Choutarou and Atobe Keigo
What: They go have coffee and talk
When: Right after school starts again
Where: The coffee shop and a bench
Rating: G
Comments: Go for it.
Atobe: *headed to Ohtori’s room, wanting to see his younger friend and make sure he's okay*
Ohtori: *leaning over the small mirror on his desk, frowning at the dark marking on his pale cheek* ...lovely
Atobe: *made room in his schedule for this all* *knocks on the door*
Ohtori: *blinks at the knocking, slinking to the door in case it is Inui, or Fuji-sempai* ...*peers through the peephole* Atobe-sempai. *hesitates a moment before opening the door, blushing because he knows he looks horrid- his hair is a bit mussed and he has dark circles, all on top of the bruise- something uncharacteristic of the normally neat boy* Please...come in...
Atobe: *immediately worried over him and it's obvious* Ohtori....
Ohtori: *blushes and smiles, embarrassed* It looks worse than it feels.
Atobe: *concerned buchou is always concerned* *puts a hand on his shoulder*
Ohtori: *faint smile* I am sorry I didn't know you were coming or I'd have neatened up...
Atobe: I got in just a little bit ago. I would have visited sooner *but he had flown through the night and passed out on Shishido's bed when he finally got them home* It's fine.
Ohtori: *sort of uncomfortable* ...I am sorry you cut your trip short...
Atobe: *would have loved to spend more time with Shishido but won't say that* ....It wasn't just you. I've been away from my work too long. You should see my appointment book.
Ohtori: *sheepish grin* I am having enough trouble sleeping as it is.
Atobe: oh? would you like to talk about it?
Ohtori: I think I would rather treat you to lunch
Atobe: I'm fine with that. I'll let you clean up first though
Ohtori: ...thank you. *tends to washing his face and fixing his hair, there is no helping the bruise though*
Atobe: *just waits. and then stands and gets his keys* just pick a place. I'll drive
Ohtori: Thank you...since it is my treat, you can pick. *follows him*
Atobe: all right. I know a nice little coffee shop
Ohtori: ...sounds great-
Atobe: ....you don't sound too enthused
Ohtori: *little chuckle* I am a bit self conscious about my face-
Atobe: I see... then perhaps we can get something to go and sit somewhere more private. I'm sure our talk needn't be listened into, ahn?
Ohtori: ...*wonders what talk he might mean, assuming it has to do with the Inui drama that has him looking so rough* If that is what you prefer, Atobe-sempai- I'm just relieved to see a friendly face that actually understands me.
Atobe: *just smiles at him* Ore-sama always has time for his friends. You should know that. Now...my car is waiting. *his extra fancy sports car*
Ohtori: *wanders with him to the car, grinning, he loves Atobe's cars*
Atobe: *loves his cars too, refuses to accept a driver since he got his license* buckle up. It'll be a short ride
Ohtori: *settles in and buckles up* Cool car. *looking around, some part of him, the impractical one, would love a car like this*
Atobe: *loves his Porsche. has a Ferrari too back in Tokyo* I might let you drive it back
Ohtori: *eyes get huge* I don't have a license. That is probably not a great idea...but thank you anyway.
Atobe: *eccentric and spoils his friends* I think it's a marvelous idea! *drives to where the cafe*
Ohtori: *gives him a look and then laughs*
Atobe: *actually pretty quiet while he's driving, is actually going to wait for Ohtori, just like he had on line when they spoke through the strikes*
Ohtori: *equally quiet, preferring to just enjoy Atobe's company*
Atobe: *pulls in and gets out to a cute little cafe* they have the best coffee.
Ohtori: *follows right behind him, examining the menu thoughtfully*
Atobe: *actually inexpensive...for Atobe* *knows just what he likes* half calf double mocha, skim milk, whip...with cinnamon. and one of those little pastries
Ohtori: Hot grapefruit tea and one of the chocolate pastries there...*orders and pays quickly, he knows Atobe well enough*
Atobe: *was definitely about to pay* *laughs*
Ohtori: *smiles almost playfully, but not quite meeting his eyes*
Atobe: *reaches out and pats him on the shoulder* it's all right, Ohtori. You are allowed to be playful around me
Ohtori: *smiles faintly* It is taking some time to get to feeling more like myself again.
Atobe: *nods* it's very understandable.
Ohtori: *picks up their orders after a few moments* So where should we go to talk? *still worried about what this talk might entail*
Atobe: *stands and will head back to the car* yes. I think so. somewhere where we can talk and you don't feel stressed
Ohtori: I am feeling a bit less stressed since yesterday-
Atobe: Yes. I am curious about that
Ohtori: ...I got in a fight on campus-
Atobe: did you? You aren't usually the sort for violence. Is it because of....that?
Ohtori: No...not exactly. Do you remember Seigaku's Echizen Ryoma? *stands by the car and offers Atobe his drink*
Atobe: *frowns a little* the brat that called me Monkey King...yes. He's hard to forget
Ohtori: ....something is wrong with him...and he is in a wheelchair. *takes a sip of his drink* 4 boys attacked him and wouldn't back down.
Atobe: shameful... *not the wheelchair...the attacking* you did the right thing. To think that such villainy was alive and well
Ohtori: *slight grin* I won. But...I broke one's nose. He looks horrid....
Atobe: good for you. I'm sure he'll not think of the NeoSkud again the same way *is a very proud buchou and it shows*
Ohtori: I still feel a bit bad. You know I hate violence. And I think...part of the reason it did escalate was I am still upset about....the...thing.
Atobe: understandable.....how are you...feeling? About the thing?
Ohtori: ...It still hurts. But you told me I can't just quit on things....so I am trying.
Atobe: *a grin* So you're taking my advice
Ohtori: Don't I always?
Atobe: *a chuckle* only because ore-sama is brilliant
Ohtori: *little smile* Exactly.
Atobe: I...am sorry for that. I wish I could have done something to help you.
Ohtori: It was a lesson I would have had to learn eventually...
Atobe: Heartbreak. Yes. It's something we all have to learn... but you will survive it and you'll find the person who is perfect for you
Ohtori: It just felt right. You know? *takes another sip of the tea*
Atobe: *knows better than anyone...though now...he might lose Shishido* I do know. Sometimes things just feel right. But you need to be treated better. You are...like a Mozart concerto. You should be treated with dignity and care.
Ohtori: *blushes and lowers his head* Right now I feel like chopsticks at best. But it will get better.
Atobe: Choutarou *rare he uses given names* Remember, Mozart did variations of Twinkle Twinkle. And your star hasn't dimmed any.
Ohtori: It's a rough spot. *slight smile* Did you just want to sit under the tree over there?
Atobe: I wouldn't mind that at all
Ohtori: *leads him over there, settling on some decorative brickwork* So...
Atobe: *sits as well and looks over at Ohtori* so?
Ohtori: *smiles* Shishido-san, hm?
Atobe: *nearly dies a little on the inside* ....it's complicated
Ohtori: *faint smile* I think it's a good thing.
Atobe: ...you still like him, don't you?
Ohtori: *blinks at the blunt question* ...Well- yes. But he is my best friend first and foremost and I want him happy.
Atobe: *wouldn't fight Ohtori for Shishido. knows where he stands in Shishido's book of favorite people* ... that's not what I meant...but I am glad to hear it. He was really really angry you know. I'm really glad he called down. A day long flight will do that though.
Ohtori: *smiles a bit more* He seems really happy-
Atobe: ....it's strange. He used to hate my guts. I used to find him the third most annoying person on the planet. things do change
Ohtori: People change and grow up, you know? I'm just afraid of growing into a jerk.
Atobe: I don't think that's possible.
Ohtori: I liked that two of the guys attacking Ryoma-san ran at the sight of me, and one actually begged me not to hurt him.
Atobe: that doesn't make you a jerk. That makes you an avenging angel
Ohtori: That seems a bit of a stretch. *chuckles*
Atobe: no...it's poetic
Ohtori: At least I could write my own ballads.
Atobe: see. Already a plus
Ohtori: *smiles brightly* And....you know. You are one of my closest friends, I want you happy too.
Atobe: *wants to tell Ohtori that his happiness won't happen for a long long time yet but doesn’t want to depress him* thank you for that
Ohtori: *nods* ...I still feel bad about you both cutting your trip short....
Atobe: I had work. and you needed your best friend. I can always have vacations later *bold faced LIE*
Ohtori: *doesn't want to call him on a lie, little smile* It's really appreciated.
Atobe: I say it often, but I'm your friend. If I can't be a shoulder to lean on when you need it, then what sort of friend am I?
Ohtori: I know. You raced halfway across the world to help...*gives his shoulder a gentle squeeze*
Atobe: *would do more than that and he's sure Chouta knows that. is very much a person who values his friends and spoils them rotten. especially his true friends* it gave me an excuse to fly my jet
Ohtori: Why am I not shocked you can fly? *grins*
Atobe: I got sick of being carted around in my own helicopter. So I got a license for that. But I figured why stop there. I go around the world so much for business that it's just better I fly myself than rack up the frequent flyer miles
Ohtori: You never cease to amaze.
Atobe: *thinks of this as NORMAL* it just means that if you ever want to take a trip...*and he has the time* you can just ask me
Ohtori: I will keep that in mind. *will not bother him, knows Atobe needs time to breathe*
Atobe: *doesn't ever have time for anything really. has to actually schedule in sleeping and eating or he wont' get to do either* *just smiles at Ohtori*
Ohtori: *smiles back, enjoying his company*
Atobe: *drinks his coffee happily*
Ohtori: ...Atobe-sempai? You are happy, right?
Atobe: .... in a way
Ohtori: *hands over his pastry* ...any way I can help you?
Atobe: unless you know a good assassin...doubtful *unclear whether he's joking or not*
Ohtori: *blinks* ....ah- well let me check my phone- *is kidding*
Atobe: my happiness will come to me in time. I just have to be patient a little longer, Ohtori.
Ohtori: *has a feeling he knows what it might be* It'll be worth it in the long run.
Atobe: it had better be...Hell, Ohtori, is a little black book full of appointments and a pair of shoes far too large to ever wear
Ohtori: I'm sure it will be...and when it happens. We'll have a party and burn that stupid book.
Atobe: if Shishido doesn't stop stealing it from me to deface it
Ohtori: *chuckles* Seriously? Maybe you need to get him his own?
Atobe: ....he wrote all over it. *because he had wanted Atobe time to himself*
Ohtori: *knows his former partner is a troublemaker* That sounds about right...
Atobe: *an almost fond smile* I might let him do it again.
Ohtori:...*smiles awkwardly* He's probably a good distraction for you...you need that.
Atobe: He's not just a distraction... He's more than that... but you are right. I do need that. I sometimes need to be reminded I'm human and should take breaks
Ohtori: *smiles* I will tell Shishido-san to put that in your black book next time he plans to steal it.
Atobe: he doesn't need to. He takes great pleasure in riling me up
Ohtori: *nods and sips his tea, relaxing a bit*
Atobe: were you...worried about it?
Ohtori: Worried about what?
Atobe: about...well...whatever it is Shishido and I have *can't honestly say what it really is cause even he's not quite sure where they both stand*
Ohtori: ...no. I just want my friends happy and it seems like a wonderful thing...
Atobe: good. I thought I was going to get the *gets all scowley* hurt my best friend and I kill you *returns to normal* speech
Ohtori: *smiles over the cup* I think you covered it well enough.
Atobe: *a chuckle* oh? And I was so looking forward to hearing it
Atobe: it was to be the highlight of my afternoon
Ohtori: *siiiiighs* Okay then...if you insist.
Atobe: wonderful! *leans forward to hear it* it's not often someone has the balls to tell me off. give it your best, Ohtori!
Ohtori: *clears his throat* Okay- here goes: *deep breath* Shishido-san is my best friend- he was my partner, and probably about the greatest person I know. If you do anything to hurt him, I will track you down and make you sorry....*tries his scary!Cold Hyoutei routine complete with ice glare and crossed arms, it worked on the bullies- so it has to be at least a little scary to people who don't know he is a total teddy bear* So....Do. Not. Hurt. Him.
Atobe: *can out freeze anyone and he knows it, but is impressed by the effort and smiles* wonderfully done! I commend you. Though I would have added the threat of ruining them and their families and making it so that Tibet would be the only place in the world they could show their faces again. *more seriously though* I promise though, Choutarou. I'll not hurt him
Ohtori: I'll remember that for the next one. *smiles appreciatively* Good. Take good care of my best friend.
Atobe: it's my favorite threat. but I will, though I think he's more taking care of me. I've actually slept in beds recently instead of at my desk
Ohtori: ...*blushes and looks away* aah...that is....good.
Atobe: I didn't mean it like that...
Ohtori: Ah...that is...sorry- *shy laugh*
Atobe: I can understand why you would think that though, so you are forgiven
Ohtori: Sorry...*shrugs*
Atobe: ...quit apologizing to me.
Ohtori: S-aah..*catches himself* Alright, Atobe-sempai.
Atobe: *smiles at him and pats him on the shoulder*
Ohtori: *smiles back and sips his tea thoughtfully*
Atobe: *watches him out of the corner of his eye. positive he's going to pull through this all* though...we are in that sort of relationship
Ohtori: *faint smile* He's my best friend. I know you are. *also knows that fact drives Shishido nuts, but is not about to share that*
Atobe: So...he told you then. *sort of seeking permission in a way even after they went through the don't hurt my best friend speech*
Ohtori: *nods his head* Yes, he told me. And like I told him, I think it's great.
Atobe: *sort of relieved that Shishido would say something* thank you for that
Ohtori: *smiles* You don't need to thank me.
Atobe: *just laughs a little*
Ohtori: *head tilt* what?
Atobe: Oh. It's nothing really. I'm just rather surprised how everything turned out in the end. And I'm pleased that it has.
Ohtori: *not quite as pleased but doesn't want to ruin Atobe's cheer with his mood* Did you expect me to take it badly?
Atobe: actually yes...
Ohtori: *blinks and tilts his head* It's hard not to be happy for two of my closest friends.
Atobe: *knows it's silly but...* I suppose it's simply because of the usual expectations thrust upon me. I forget that you expect nothing from me but to be me.
Ohtori: *smiles* And that is never going to change.
Atobe: It's nice. I've been away from my true friends for far too long. Which is why, whatever happens, I will support you as well. Ore-sama wishes your happiness as well
Ohtori: I think we've all been apart too long, Atobe-sempai. We should try to do more together. The guys I met from Seigaku are great...but they aren't you guys...
Atobe: *nods his head* I agree. Perhaps I should throw a party...A reunion...
Ohtori: I could help!
Atobe: *looooves throwing parties, just never has the time* I think that's a grand idea! I'd love your help
Ohtori: Awesome! I think it is just the distraction we all need.
Atobe: *can't agree more. thinks it would be a lot of fun* then perhaps we can start planning.
Ohtori: Yeah...maybe we can find some time next week?
Atobe: *whips out his black book* ......
Ohtori:*blinks* Actually- my schedule is open now that I'm... whenever you are free is great.
Atobe: *knows Ohtori can see his schedule...knows the other can see how over scheduled he is. it's ridiculous really* Saturday?
Ohtori: Sounds great.
Atobe: *starts drawing through things with a pen and rewriting them elsewhere, works way way too hard*
Ohtori: *leans over him a little and points* Hey, those are both at the same place, why not schedule them right after each other....saves you a trip then. *examines the page* And I have a break in classes then, I could deliver those documents for you since I have to go into town anyway to set up things with a new doctor.
Atobe: *so used to having to do this all on his own and blinks* ....Ohtori... *realizes that maybe he's trying to keep himself busy too* How would you feel about juggling a job and school?
Ohtori: *blinks up at him and tilts his head* What sort of a job?
Atobe: Even father has a secretary. He can't think less of me if I have one as well...
Ohtori: *grins* So long as you don't call me a secretary, I don't mind helping you out.
Atobe: An assistant? An aid? My right hand man?
Ohtori: Any of those would do.
Atobe: Of course, we'll have to negotiate your pay. There will be a contract *will probably pay Ohtori far more than a normal secretary and the contract will be basic and easy to get out of if he wants to quit*
Ohtori: You really don't have to pay me, I'd be happy to help you out. You are my friend and I should really keep busy.
Atobe: you'll be more than just really busy. And of course I want to pay you. You're doing a job. And when you get to the job you really want, having an Atobe on your resume is never a bad thing
Ohtori: *faint smile, has always been very good at organizing things due to his upbringing* Alright. You have a deal.
Atobe: *puts down his coffee and holds out his hand* Deal. Pleased to have you on board, Ohtori
Ohtori: Glad to be there to help you, Atobe-sempai. *shakes his hand and grins*
Atobe: *shakes his hand and then returns to his coffee* I'll give you my appointment calendar when we return to campus. I will also need your phone carrier and preferences on phones, as any calls for me will be covered by me. Also, no work for me should get in the way of your school or your violin
Ohtori: *nods* That sounds great. I'll have your calendar sorted out in next to no time, I bet.
Atobe: Just don't forget to schedule in my meals and sleep
Ohtori: *blinks at him and frowns, aware he is probably not joking* Okay. I'll make sure to even schedule some quiet time for you. *firm nod*
Atobe: *very much NOT joking* thank you
Ohtori: *smiles* Happy to be of some help.
Atobe: You can start tomorrow
Ohtori; *smiles and nods* Tomorrow it is then.
Atobe: *smiles back and almost feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders*
Ohtori: *sips his tea, seems content to help him and distract himself*
Atobe: *more than happy to let him, but will make sure Ohtori won't overdo it himself*
Ohtori: *sips his tea and leans back against the tree, contemplating the last week*
Atobe: *will let him think and just say* and you know, if you ever need a break. or just want to talk, we can make this a regular thing
Ohtori: *smiles* I'd like that.
Atobe: I would too
Ohtori: I'm really glad you came back...even if it is selfish.
Atobe: We're all allowed to be selfish.
Ohtori: ...So I have heard.
Atobe: *a laugh* Which is why you belong at Hyoutei. Since the lot of them always thought us all selfish bastards
Ohtori: *amused* And here people were starting to think I should have gone to Seigaku. I must be getting soft~
Atobe: *looks at him* I would have never let you transfer.
Ohtori: *chuckles* I wouldn't have survived it there. They're all crazy.
Atobe: that they are. I have never doubted that for a moment
Ohtori: But Hyoutei wasn't the same without you and Shishido-san.
Atobe: Yes. I'm sure the wailing of the fan girls was deafening *teasing but knows what Ohtori means*
Ohtori: *snorts* Oh you have no idea.
Atobe: The shrines to the missing King must have been spectacular
Ohtori: They were breathtaking.
Atobe: *just smiles broadly* Of course they were. They were to me
Ohtori: *hums happily, this feels a bit like the old days and helps him to almost feel like himself again*
Atobe: *glad he can help*
Ohtori: *looks at his watch and makes a face* We should probably head back, then you can have a little quiet time...to unwind.
Atobe: *stands and tosses his empty cup into a been quite a bit away* *looks to Ohtori* Ore-sama no bigi ni yoi na ~ I should have tried for basketball too, Ahn?
Ohtori: *blinks at him and then laughs, shaking his head* I don't think even the great Atobe could have pulled off those dorky long shorts.
Atobe: You don't, do you? I suppose not. I would just have to alter the uniform. *starts towards his car and the pauses* Choutarou....catch... *tosses his car keys*
Ohtori: *blinks at catches the keys, a grin spreading across his face* are you certain?
Atobe: *nods* I wouldn't give you them if I wasn't
Ohtori: *brow raise* I only know how to drive from games and some from school...
Atobe: it's not icy and it's a short distance. It'll be fine.
Ohtori: Alright. *gets Atobe's door and then goes and starts the car, his eyes brightening at the loud sound of the engine, he could feel the power almost immediately* So cool...*said in a reverent whisper*
Atobe: *knows it is, that's why he got it* *buckles in and will let Ohtori enjoy himself*
Ohtori: * very careful with Atobe's car, but clearly having a great time on their way back*
Atobe: *confident and trusts him enough to let him do this* maybe I'll teach you to fly the helicopter
Ohtori: *blinks at him* No thank you....
Atobe: *laughs* I was teasing
Ohtori: I don't care for heights...but this is amazing. When I become famous, will you go shop for a car with me?
Atobe: *nods* when you do, I’ll come with you. I’ll be so proud to be around such a famous musician *already a famous business man and will get even more so*
Ohtori: *beams and continues to drive, a little sad to see the school so close, but feeling much better about himself now*
Atobe: *glad he could have helped his friend out* You can drive it all the way up to your dorm. I’ll take the keys back then.
Ohtori: *grins and nods* Alright- thanks again for letting me drive~
Atobe: Any time, Choutarou. *chuckles again and just lounges the rest of the way there*
Ohtori: *pulls into a parking spot and puts the car in park* ...Atobe-sempai? Thank you so much...for everything.
Atobe: *turns in the seat and...does something he rarely does...hugs Ohtori* You are welcome.
Ohtori: *smiles warmly and hugs him back*
Atobe: *pulls away* if you need anything, you let me know
Ohtori: You too. *gets out of the car, looking much more like himself*
Atobe: *slides into his seat* my keys?
Ohtori: *grins* ...too clever for me. *hands them over* Goodbye, Atobe-sempai.
Atobe: of course I am *takes the keys* until next time. Get good sleep. And remember, your work starts tomorrow. I'll draft the contract tonight
Ohtori: I'll talk to you tomorrow then! Goodnight! *heads off towards the dorm*
Atobe: *starts up the car and drives off*