[fic] Anything for You - Ch 15
Title: Anything for You
Author/Artist: mido_ban04 and tennis_dudez
Link: Winglicans Thread
Warnings/Rating: M (contains content suitable for Mature Teens and over); not worksafe; yaoi
Series/Pairing(s): TeniMyu; Mainly Takigawa Eiji x Kimeru & Shirota Yuu x Aiba Hiroki
Notes: This is actually a forum roleplay we did over at Winglicans, and I decided to post an edited version (or rather, a cleaner and grammatically correct version) here, open to reviews and such from fellow TeniMyu Slash fans. :D
Here is the 15th chapter entitled Getting Better. Again, there are supposed to be footnotes for the Japanese terms, but I would be assuming you lot would understand them, seeing as they're just the common phrases we often hear. :)
The following day, Takigawa is discharged from the hospital with Kimeru’s influence, returning to Shirota and Aiba’s place. Takigawa is sent straight up to the room upon their arrival, causing him to be bedridden during the rest of his recovery. Tuti and Nagayan continue to help out around the house. Nagayan manages to persuade Kimeru to spending some time away from waiting on Takigawa, giving the J-Pop singer time to spend with Shirota and Aiba.
A week later, Takigawa feels better and the foursome are left to themselves once more, creating an interesting day full of good food and little moments to themselves. This chapter details the events of January 15, 16 and 23, 2007.
**ALSO! None of the authors of this roleplay/fanfic own TeniMyu or the actors, but are mere fangirls of the musical series and corresponding actors we write about. Everything that progresses in the story is the creation of our witty imaginations.
The next day, Aiba woke up and headed downstairs to make breakfast. 'If I did it before I can do it again!' he proclaimed in his mind.
Yuki Kaida and Okiayu Ryoutarou had left when Nagayan and Tuti arrived the previous evening. The two seiyuus promised that they would visit again and reminded them about their little voice acting offer.
"And what do you think you're doing?"
Aiba froze when he heard a voice speak up. "N-Nagayama-senpai..." he said before turning around to face the first cast Eiji actor.
"Let go of the pan Aibacchi..." Nagayan said.
----------
Kimeru was taking care of the billing early in the morning since the doctor had said that Takigawa could already be discharged. After a few minutes of talking to some people, he went back to Takigawa's room only to find him still asleep.
Takigawa stirred a few minutes after Kimeru had re-entered the room as he blinked the last of his sleep and rubbed his eyes. "Morning..." he muttered to himself before he spotted Kimeru, nodding to him.
Kimeru smiled. "Good morning, Eiji… You're going to be discharged in a while. I already took care of everything," he said.
Takigawa nodded. "Arigatou, Kime..." he said with a smile before he closed his eyes. “I'd imagine Shirotan's still asleep at this time..." he chuckled.
Kimeru looked at the clock and nodded. "Aa...but I'm guessing that Aibacchi is already up," he said with a smile.
Takigawa nodded. "Probably trying to sneak down and make breakfast?" he guessed, recalling the morning of Shirota's birthday.
Kimeru grinned. "That's true..." he said. “Then again, if Nagayan spots him attempting to do that he would be in trouble."
"Would you know what time I can leave?" Takigawa inquired.
----------
Four plushies were scattered in their bed - a Tezuka, Fuji, Shirota and Aiba plushie. Shirota shifted on the bed, his hand outstretched to locate one before pulling it close - it was his plushie counterpart. "Hiroki..." he mumbled, reaching another hand out to the other side of the bed that was empty of the second Fuji actor. Sleepily, Shirota pushed himself up on his elbows. "Hiroki..?" he inquired, looking around for a moment before returning to sleep.
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"But senpai...I did it before..." Aiba reasoned, still holding onto the pan.
"No buts, Aibacchi...I will not risk Kime killing me when he discovers that you've been doing things that might strain you even more.”
Aiba sighed as he handed the pan over. "Hai..." he said.
------
"At around 10," Kimeru answered. "Tuti will pick us up."
"Looks like I have nearly 2 hours to catch another nap, na?" Takigawa said before stretching his hand out.
Kimeru chuckled. "You go ahead and do that," he said.
"Kimeru..." Takigawa called. "I need your hand for a second..." he called, his hand still outstretched.
"Huh? What for?" Kimeru asked, but he still reached out to place his hand on Takigawa's.
Takigawa took Kimeru's hand and pulled it towards him, kissing the back of his hand. "Arigatou..." he said quietly. “It's selfish of me to say this, but I want to hold your hand like this for a while..." he explained. "I've missed doing it..."
Kimeru smiled. "I see no problem with that..." he said softly as he sat down on the chair beside Takigawa's bed.
----------
Aiba went back to their room and sighed as he lied back down on the bed.
Shirota felt a weight settle beside him before he temporarily stirred with the Shirota plushie in his clutches. "Hiroki..." he muttered.
Aiba fought down a chuckle when he heard this. "I'm right here, Yuu…" he whispered before moving to kiss Shirota on the forehead.
Shirota smiled as he brought an arm out over Hiroki, settling back to sleep after muttering, "Good..."
Aiba chose to remain silent and snuggled closer to Shirota, all the time mindful about his broken arm. Soon enough he drifted back to sleep.
----------
At 10 on the dot, Tuti arrived in the room after promptly knocking. "Kimeru, the car's ready," he announced quietly as he approached the J-Pop singer, seeing that Takigawa was still asleep.
Kimeru nodded. "Thanks Tuti," he said before gently shaking Takigawa awake. "Eiji...Eiji....come on wake up. We're going home to the kids," he said.
Takigawa's eyes opened at Kimeru shaking him before he slowly pushed himself up to sit down. "Aa..." he replied, nodding to both Kimeru and Tuti. “I'm ready to go..."
Kimeru smiled as helped Takigawa off the bed. "You do realize that I'll force you back on the bed once we get back, don't you?" he asked.
Tuti grinned before noticing something. "Oi Kime...what happened to your--" He was cut off by a glare from Kimeru.
Takigawa nodded over to Kimeru. "I won't complain anymore..." he said quietly, forcing a smile.
----------
"Shirotan...Aibacchi...breakfast is ready...Get up..." Nagayan coaxed as he gently shook the two.
Aiba blinked. "Uhn...breakfast?" he asked sleepily.
Nagayan smiled. "Aa. I made pancakes," he said. "Chocolate pancakes."
Shirota's eyes shot open at the mention of 'chocolate' as he pushed himself up. "I want some!" he said brightly, grinning.
Aiba grinned. 'Looks like someone did his research...' he thought before sitting up. "Looks good, senpai..." he said as Nagayan set the bed table up.
Shirota nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to try it out," he said.
"Itadakimasu~" Aiba said before he started eating. Nagayan had cut his share of pancakes so that he wouldn't be troubled.
----------
Kimeru chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll keep you company this time," he said.
Tuti nodded. "Aa. Nagayan and I will be coming and going for the rest of the week to help out."
"That's good to hear, Kime..." Takigawa said.
"Okay then, let's get you two back to Shirota and Aiba's place," Tuti said as he and Kimeru assisted Takigawa to the car.
----------
After a few minutes, Takigawa, Kimeru and Tuti had arrived at Shirota and Aiba's place.
"I think that's them..." Nagayan said as he stood up from the couch. He, Shirota and Aiba were in the living room, watching TV to pass the time.
Shirota turned to the door as it opened. "Welcome back Eiji-nii! Kime-nii!" he greeted as Tuti entered with Takigawa.
Takigawa nodded to Shirota and Aiba with a small smile. "Glad to be back..." he said.
Aiba smiled. "Let me guess, you're going straight to bed..." he said.
Kimeru nodded as he closed the door behind him. "That's right. And he's going to stay there until I say otherwise."
"He's still sporting a fever, after all," Tuti said worriedly.
"I'll help you bring him upstairs," Nagayan offered.
Shirota frowned. "Make sure you stay in bed this time, Eiji-nii!" he said.
Takigawa chuckled. "I know that, Shirotan..." he called over his shoulder.
Kimeru followed the three upstairs and soon, Nagayan and Tuti went back to the living room. "The next few days will be interesting..." Nagayan said with a smile.
Aiba tilted his head to the side curiously. "Why is that?" he asked.
Nagayan smirked. "That would be because we would see firsthand how Kime becomes Oishi from a Fuji."
"You could call it a mix of Fuji and Oishi, though..." Shirota offered. "Since Eiji-nii is still Tezuka."
"That's true…" Nagayan said with a chuckle.
----------
Kimeru had brought out some clothes for Takigawa to change in. "Want me to give you a sponge-bath?" he asked with a grin.
Takigawa smiled. "If it's no trouble..." he replied, nodding.
Kimeru shook his head. "No trouble at all..." he said with a smile.
----------
"...and before I knew it, Nagayan and I were locked inside the closet because of Kimeru!" Tuti finished.
Aiba laughed along with the rest as Tuti told them a story of Kimeru's revenge on them for stealing his hair iron.
Shirota frowned at the mention of a closet.
"What's wrong, Shirota-kun?" Tuti inquired, noticing the look on Shirota's face.
Shirota sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just remembered something back when I was in Senior High... when Aiba came to stay over for the first time and my brothers were home..."
Aiba chuckled. "Oh...that...." he said
Nagayan looked at him in confusion. “Why, what happened?" he asked.
Shirota shrugged. "I don't..." he said, turning to Aiba. “You tell them..."
Aiba patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. "When I first slept over at Yuu's place back in Senior High, his brothers locked him in the closet so that they could ask me about some things," he explained.
Tuti blinked. "Really?" he asked, looking over to Shirota.
"I ended up being stuck there for a half hour, and I don't like being in dark places for that long..." Shirota complained.
Aiba smiled as he placed an arm on Shirota's shoulders. "Saa...let's not talk about that okay? I don't like seeing you frown," he said.
"Oh yeah~ Before I forget! Aibacchin, your manager called this morning and told me you have a new project to work on once that arm of yours heals," Nagayan said.
"A new project?" Aiba asked.
"Aa. It's a series called ‘Delicious Gakuin’ and I'll be working with you this time," Nagayan said happily.
"Really that's good news senpai!"
Shirota nodded before turning to Nagayan. "Would you know what that's about, Nagayama-senpai?"
Tuti stroked his chin. "Isn't Ryunosuke-kun going to take part in that as well?" he inquired, turning to Nagayan.
"Aa. Ryunosuke-kun will be with us, though he's in my side of the story while Aibacchi is one of the main characters," Nagayan said. "The show is mainly about food and various ways to prepare them like from selection to cooking and even presentation."
Aiba blinked. "Food?" he asked curiously.
Nagayan laughed when he heard Aiba's reaction. "Yes Aibacchi...food."
"I wonder if Hiroki would be able to control himself around that," Shirota teased lightly.
"I'm sure he would...and I would advice that you talk to Kazuki-kun as well to help you prepare for the role," Nagayan continued.
"Kazuki? Why Kazuki?" Aiba asked.
"Because you character is apparently narcissistic," Nagayan answered.
Shirota's eyes widened before turning to Aiba, grinning. "THAT would be a sight to see you pull off, Hiroki!"
Aiba blinked. "It's going to be tough but if they think I can do it then I might just pull it off," he said with a chuckle. "After all, we wouldn't know until I actually try now, do we?"
"You can start right now," Shirota offered.
"Eh?" Aiba exclaimed as he looked at Shirota. "Now?" he asked.
Tuti nodded. "Why don't you give us an Atobe impersonation?" he asked.
Nagayan nodded. "That could work since he would be our basis for now."
Aiba looked at the group. "Well...let's see...Atobe...Atobe..." he muttered as he thought of some lines. He smirked as he stood up and pointed at Shirota. "Tezuka....you are no match for Ore-sama...whether be it in skill, talent or...." he paused dramatically as he used Kazuki's ending pose in 'Koori no Emperor' back in DL 3 -but he only used one hand-, "...beauty...Ore-sama no bigi ni...yoi na."
Nagayan applauded. "He actually did it!" he said as he laughed.
Shirota held back his laughter for two seconds before bursting out. "Sugee, Hiroki!" he cheered, grinning widely. "Looks like you'll have no problems acting that way," he said happily.
"Your manager called up as well, Shirota," Tuti said suddenly.
"Eh?"
"Once your leg heals, he says you'll be taking the lead role in a movie called 'Heat Island'," he explained.
Shirota blinked.
"Cool...what's his character, senpai?" Aiba asked eagerly as he sat back down.
Tuti chuckled as he turned to Shirota. "A street gangster by the name of Aki," he explained. "I believe that in itself explains a lot."
Aiba grinned as he looked at Shirota. "Looks like you have to bring out that bad boy attitude of yours, Yuu," he teased.
Shirota smirked. "They're expecting me to if they gave that role to me..." he replied.
Aiba chuckled. "Just make sure that you lose the attitude once you come home," he said.
"I know. But if I somehow need to sport my hair differently for the movie, we wouldn't be able to do anything about that," Shirota said amusingly.
Aiba looked at Shirota's hair and smirked. "I think I can do something about that," he said.
----------
Upstairs, Takigawa and Kimeru had just finished with the bath as the former was pulling on a shirt with a bit of difficulty, wincing at his bruises as he did so. Kimeru helped Takigawa put on his clothes and afterwards eased him on the bed. He joined him after he changed his own clothes, though he was careful not to let Takigawa notice his wound.
Takigawa sighed with relief as he settled down onto the bed. "Kimeru..." he called out quietly as he closed his eyes. Kimeru smiled as he lied down beside Takigawa. "You don't have to hide it, you know..." Takigawa said. "About your knees, I mean..." he added quietly.
----------
Shirota frowned, turning to Aiba. "Exactly what would you do?" he asked hesitantly.
Aiba grinned. "Well...I'd just have to mess it up a bit..." he said.
Shirota laughed. "That's not what I mean!" he said. "What I mean is if and when the directors decide that I need to have a different hairstyle - whether it be color or what not - then you shouldn't complain if I come home sporting some kind of rebel hairstyle," he explained.
Aiba frowned. "As long as you don't bring anymore of your character home rather than your hairstyle then it'll be fine," he said flatly.
Nagayan smirked. "Someone's not into roleplay..." he muttered before Tuti elbowed him.
Shirota nodded, satisfied with the bargain.
----------
Kimeru's smile disappeared when he heard this. "I...I just didn't want you to worry, that's all..." he said.
"Aa... But since I know you're more worried about my welfare for the time being and since I have to be the one to stay in bed, I'll just tell you to take care of yourself next time... Ii na?" Takigawa said, looking over to Kimeru and gave him a soft smile.
Kimeru chuckled. "Alright..." he said quietly.
Takigawa closed his eyes after acknowledging Kimeru's response with a nod before he drifted off to sleep.
Kimeru smiled softly as he watched Takigawa fall asleep. He moved a bit closer before closing his eyes to catch up on much needed rest.
----------
Aiba looked at the ceiling. "I don't think they'll be coming down in a while..." he said.
"Eiji-nii certainly won't," Shirota supplied. "And Kime-nii's probably staying with him for now..."
Aiba nodded. "That's true...and knowing Kime-nii he must have gotten only a few minutes -if not none at all- of sleep last night," he said.
Nagayan looked at Tuti. "What's your assessment?" he asked.
Tuti looked over to Nagayan for a moment before saying, "Kimeru wants to look after Takigawa-kun a bit more carefully than before, I suppose."
Shirota nodded. "That may be another reason..."
"I can't really blame him for wanting to do so," Nagayan said and Tuti nodded.
"So what's for dinner, Tuti-senpai?" Shirota inquired, effectively changing the subject.
Tuti thought for a moment. "Hmm...Anyone up for chicken?" he asked.
"Chicken's a nice change of pace," Shirota admitted.
==========
The next day, Nagayan had managed to coax Kimeru to get out of the room. Kimeru was very reluctant at first but thanks to Nagayan reassuring him that nothing bad would happen while he wasn't there, they managed to get him to come out. He was now with Aiba and Shirota in the backyard, watching Momo and Echizen run around while Fuji remained in her cage with Tezuka.
Shirota was on the grass, chuckling as he watched Echizen scurrying from Momo, using his cast as some sort of obstacle course to get up and over. "These two have a lot of stamina to be running around like this," he commented.
Aiba nodded. "Though it's really fitting that Momo is the one running after Echizen all the time… Seldom is it the other way around," he said.
Kimeru watched the two with a smile on his lips. "How's Fuji doing?" he asked.
"She's improving...I think it's partly because Tezuka is sticking with her," Aiba answered.
"Never separate a Tezuka from his Fuji for too long," Shirota said slyly. "If you pull Tezuka away, he'll just complain by biting you or nuzzling you differently until you realize that he wants to be back with Fuji."
Kimeru smirked. "It could also happen the other way around," he said.
Aiba nodded in agreement. "Fuji would also do anything to get back to Tezuka if they're separated."
Shirota smirked, looking over to Kimeru. "Like yourself, Kime-nii?" he teased lightly.
Kimeru chuckled. "Aa...like me," he said with a smile.
"We don't really mind it if you wanted to be with Eiji-nii right now, Kime-nii. Na, Hiroki?" Shirota said, grinning over to Aiba.
----------
Takigawa winced slightly when he felt something cold press against his forehead. He opened his eyes wearily.
"Ah, gomen. Did I wake you up?" Tuti inquired as he sat down on the chair by the bed. "I had to change the towel on your forehead. You're still running a little fever, you see..."
Takigawa nodded lightly before closing his eyes again. "What time is it?"
"It's nearly time for lunch. But don't force yourself to get up. You need to rest up a lot today to fight off that fever," Tuti suggested.
----------
Kimeru sighed. "I'm afraid that Nagayan had made me promise to stay out of there until after lunch. Tuti's in there anyway to watch over him in the meantime," he said.
Aiba nodded in understanding. "He's in good hands then, Kime-nii," he told the first generation Fuji actor.
"Aa...I know," Kimeru answered.
----------
Takigawa smirked. "Aa... I'll be getting an earful from Kime if I still have a fever by tomorrow, I bet," he joked.
Tuti smiled gently. "Don't worry; I don't think Kimeru will fault you for still being feverish tomorrow or the day after that. Besides, you also have your fatigue to regain too," he reminded his fellow first generation actor.
"Arigatou, Tuti..." Takigawa said before he tried to find himself some sleep once more.
----------
Kimeru was laughing about something when he felt something fuzzy press against his hand that was on the grass. He looked down and saw two guinea pigs there. "A-re? Fuji and Tezuka?"
Aiba looked at Kimeru then at the two. "Oi...how did you two get out?" he asked.
Shirota managed to grab hold of Momo and Echizen before he looked over to see Tezuka and Fuji. "Looks like Fuji's doing better," he pointed out before chuckling. "And with the way Tezuka's managed to get in and out of their cage all this time it's no surprise how they got out," he added.
Aiba sighed. "I already adjusted the lock of the cage...didn't really think that they would actually get out," he said. Fuji went up to him and settled on his lap. "Feeling better aren't you?" he asked the guinea pig as he stroked its back using his finger.
"Shows you how smart they can be," Shirota explained as he set Momo and Echizen down as they scurried forward to their mother, joining her on Aiba's lap.
Aiba smiled as Momo and Echizen came over. "Looks like they missed her," he said before looking at Shirota to watch Tezuka scurry on the singer's shoulder.
Shirota chuckled, watching Tezuka for a moment. "You've been hanging around on my shoulder a lot lately. Are you sure you're feeling alright, Tezuka?" he teased. The response he got was Tezuka gently nuzzling him on the neck.
Kimeru chuckled as he saw Momo and Echizen run off again while Fuji and Tezuka stayed with Shirota and Aiba.
Nagayan peeked out into the backyard. "Lunch is ready~" he announced. "I made some Chinese food today."
Shirota looked over, grinning. "We haven't had Chinese in a long time!" he admitted.
"Getting in character already, senpai?" Aiba teased as he and Kimeru helped Shirota back inside the house for lunch.
Nagayan chuckled. "Maybe," he said.
Shirota thanked Aiba and Kimeru as he was helped into the familiar couch in the living room, propping his leg up as Nagayan brought him his lunch. "Arigatou, Nagayama-senpai," Shirota said, nodding as he looked at the assortment of food on his plate.
Aiba looked at the food and smiled. "Wow....you outdid Tuti-senpai with this one," he said.
Kimeru, who was being pushed out of the kitchen by Nagayan, was asking about Takigawa "...and have you even given him his lunch?!" Kimeru asked.
"He can eat when he wakes up," Nagayan reassured Kimeru. "Now go and have yourself some lunch!" he said in a warning tone.
Shirota looked to Aiba and chuckled. "Someone's worried about tou-san," Shirota said playfully.
Aiba nodded as he watched Kimeru argue with Nagayan. "Typical..." he said as he started eating.
"Itadakimasu~" Shirota said as he started off his lunch as well.
After another round of arguing, Kimeru found himself in the living room with Shirota and Aiba to have lunch with them. "Why can't I win against that guy?" he muttered as he stared at his food.
Shirota grinned, halfway finished with his food as he looked over to Kimeru. "Nagayama-senpai just wants you to take care of yourself too and not worry all the time about tou-san," he explained.
"I don't worry all the time..." Kimeru reasoned and Aiba gave him a look. Kimeru sighed. "Fine...I do, but it's all for a good reason!"
Shirota nodded. "We understand that as well. And believe me, if it wasn't for this broken leg I'd volunteer to look over tou-san once in a while so you could have some time to yourself," he said quietly.
Aiba nodded in agreement. "That's right, Kime-nii. No matter how much you worry about yourself it's still not a reason to disregard your own health and welfare," he said.
Kimeru chuckled. "I guess you two are right....which reminds me," he said before looking at the two. "Eiji's birthday is coming up in a few months, what do you guys suggest we do?" he asked.
Shirota stroked his chin in thought. "With everything Eiji-nii's been doing lately..." he began. “I guess one thing we could do is cook for him. And I actually miss being in the kitchen now that we're on the subject..."
Aiba chuckled as he patted Shirota on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you can cook all you want in a few months time," he reassured him. "That sounds like a plan. What do you think, Kime-nii?" Aiba asked.
Kimeru thought for a moment. "That could work...I already have my gift but I don't think it's safe to be given until evening," he said.
"Why is that?" Aiba inquired.
"That would be because it's an MTV that is frozen for a while and will be released next year...."Kimeru explained. “...and that it must not be viewed by minors," he added slyly.
"Unfair!" Shirota said with a pout. "We're not minors!" he complained.
Kimeru chuckled. "That's true..." he said. “But I don't think that your eyes could take what's in here..." he said as he showed them a CD.
Aiba looked at the CD. "How did that get there?" he asked.
Kimeru smiled. "Magic," he answered simply.
Shirota pouted before a door being closed was heard, and footsteps echoing overhead. "A-re? Tuti-senpai?" he thought, turning to the stairs.
"Nagayan~ Takigawa's up and wants to eat," Tuti called from the top of the stairs.
"I'll feed him!" Kimeru volunteered, immediately standing up and ran to the kitchen.
Nagayan stopped him. "Back to the living room Kime..." he warned.
"But--"
"Our agreement was after lunch," Nagayan said as he snatched the tray from Kimeru's hands, handing it to Tuti. "No buts."
Kimeru sighed before going back to the living room to finish his lunch.
Tuti nodded, taking the tray and headed back upstairs to the guest room where Takigawa and Kimeru stayed.
----------
Takigawa managed to sit himself up and smiled lightly at the sight of Tuti returning. "Mind my asking who made lunch?" he asked as Tuti arranged the bed table and set the tray onto it before placing it in front of Takigawa.
"Nagayan did. Kimeru's downstairs having lunch with Shirota-kun and Aiba-kun," Tuti replied.
Takigawa nodded.
"Kimeru will be here after lunch. Nagayan insisted he take a break from looking after you this morning. He was eager to come up in my place, though," Tuti said conversationally.
Takigawa coughed before chuckling.
----------
After having lunch, Nagayan took their plates to wash them. Aiba had turn on the TV and by a random stroke of luck they managed to catch Tennis no Oujisama in one of the channels.
Kimeru went to the kitchen during the first commercial break and asked Nagayan if he could go back to Takigawa. When Nagayan finally allowed him to go upstairs, the singer did so with much enthusiasm. Once Kimeru reached the room, Tuti was just closing the door behind him. Upon spotting Kimeru he held the door open for him. "Thanks Tuti!" Kimeru said as he went inside their room.
Takigawa turned to the door upon hearing Kimeru's voice and smiled. "Have a good lunch?" he inquired.
Kimeru nodded as he closed the door behind him. "Aa...but it could have been better if you were with us," he said with a smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he spotted the basin of water near the bed.
"A bit better," Takigawa replied as he moved to lie back down.
Kimeru nodded before taking the electronic thermometer to check Takigawa's temperature. "Not bad…" he said as he looked at the reading. “You're down to a 38.5 from 40," he informed him. He placed the thermometer back in its case before sitting on the bed.
"Glad to hear there's some improvement..." Takigawa said before coughing again.
'I thank the high heavens that I have strong immunity over sicknesses...' Kimeru thought with a smile as he took the cloth in the basin of water and placed it on Takigawa's head. "There you go..." he said. “Now go ahead and get some more sleep."
Takigawa closed his eyes. "Hai, kaa-san..." he muttered, a smirk playing on his face before drifting off to sleep.
Kimeru smiled as he noticed Takigawa drift off to sleep. He pulled out a book from under his pillow and read the page that he marked.
----------
"Heh... I'm surprised Eiji-nii's stayed upstairs this whole time without complaints... I hope he gets better soon..." Shirota whined.
Aiba chuckled. "Of course he's not complaining. He has Kime-nii to keep him company now," he said as he patted Shirota on the shoulder.
"Well, that's true..." Shirota admitted. "The reason he came out last time was because Kime-nii was leaving him alone in the room... So now that Kime-nii's actually with him, he has no reason to come out..."
"Kimeru only left him because no one else could move around the house," Nagayan explained as he and Tuti joined them to watch.
Aiba frowned. "I could..." he reasoned.
"While that's true..." Shirota started.
"Kimeru wanted you to rest your arm as much as Shirota resting his leg so it would heal quicker," Tuti interjected.
"And that's why I will drag Kime-nii to a bar once I'm out of this thing!!" Aiba proclaimed.
Nagayan smirked. "No one's stopping you but be wary that Takigawa might be lurking around if you do that. Kime isn't someone that's easily ignored when brought to those types of places," he warned.
Shirota chuckled. "Eiji-nii doubles as Kime-nii's bodyguard in public places like that," he said.
Tuti nodded. "True..." he said before looking at Aiba. “...not only that, if you put Kimeru and yourself together, I wouldn't be surprised if people start flirting with you the moment you step inside the bar," he said offhandedly.
"I'll be with Eiji-nii when that time comes looking after the two of you," Shirota mused.
Nagayan smirked. "Tezuka always has a way to find and protect Fuji no matter what the situation..." he said.
"Now where have I heard something like that before?" Aiba asked as he looked at Shirota.
Shirota merely grinned at this but decided not to say anything.
==========
A week after that day, Takigawa was once more up and about. Thanks to the combined efforts of Tuti, Nagayan and Kimeru, he had gotten enough rest and was now well enough to move around the house. Kimeru thanked Tuti and Nagayan for their efforts during their last day helping out in the house.
"Eiji-nii~ Glad to see you looking well again" Aiba said with a smile.
Takigawa nodded as he took up his cup of tea as he joined them in the living room. His fever had gone a few days back and most of the bruises he sustained were gone, save for one on his cheek - which happened to be Kimeru's punch - that still sported a bandage. "I'm glad to be walking around again," he admitted.
Shirota grinned. "We missed seeing you around the house," he said.
Aiba nodded before pointing on the bruise on Takigawa's cheek, "That’s...from Kime-nii isn't it?" he asked.
Kimeru, who was just a few steps away from Takigawa, looked away.
Takigawa chuckled and looked over to Kimeru. "Aa. But I've got nothing to worry about," he said with a smile over to the J-Pop singing. "It'll heal up eventually. Can't be picky about it."
Kimeru sighed. "Could have been worse," he said with a shrug as he joined them.
Takigawa furrowed his eyebrows. "Don't say things like that, Kime. You'd have me spread out in bed for a whole month if it was anything worse than this," he pointed out.
"Anyway, Fuji's doing better as well," Shirota said conversationally.
Aiba nodded as he gestured to Tezuka and Fuji near the TV. "And Tezuka's still sticking with her," he said with a smile.
Kimeru grinned. "As expected."
Takigawa smiled at the sight before looking over to Kimeru. "I never got to thank you properly for taking care of me, Kime..." he said, pulling the J-Pop singing into a chaste kiss.
Kimeru smiled. "No problem, it was the least I could do," he replied.
"Shogi!" Shirota exclaimed, causing Takigawa to look over to him.
"Hmm?"
"I've always wanted to try playing against you, Eiji-nii! Let's play!" he challenged.
Takigawa blinked before laughing. "Alright. Let me go and get that set you got me for Christmas, then," he said brightly getting to his feet and went upstairs.
Aiba looked at Kimeru and smiled. "This is going to be interesting," Kimeru said and Aiba nodded.
"I've got no experience playing, though," Shirota pointed out as he watched Takigawa go upstairs.
"It'll be fun to watch either way," Kimeru said with a shrug.
Aiba nodded. "It's not every day we see you two go against one another in something," he explained.
Takigawa chuckled as he returned with the set and set it down on the table. "That's because we always end up doing things together than the opposite. Na, Shiropon?" he said as he began setting it up.
Shirota nodded. "Aa."
Kimeru smiled. "Tezuka people...." he muttered as he shook his head.
Shirota turned to Kimeru. "Then we'll play tennis when my leg is completely healed!" he said randomly before looking at the set that Takigawa had finished assembling.
Takigawa smiled. "I'll let you make the first move then, Shiropon," he said.
Shirota nodded before taking a tile and placing it forward a space. "This is like chess, right?"
Takigawa nodded as he moved a tile of his own.
Aiba watched the game. "Chess?" he said out loud. "Well....that's one game that I can never win…" he muttered.
----------
The game continued at a leisurely pace and by the end of it, Takigawa had easily won.
"Well, I knew it was hopeless to win against you," Shirota said, stretching his arms out above his head.
Takigawa chuckled. "Don't say that, I've just been playing more than you have, that's all," he said encouragingly.
Aiba blinked when the game ended. "I seriously didn't understand anything that has happened," he said as he took Momo who had somehow settled on his head sometime during the game.
Shirota chuckled. "Not that you would have to, Hiroki," Shirota said, patting the boy on the shoulder.
"Saa, it's about time I get to the kitchen. I believe a lunch to celebrate my getting better is in order?" Takigawa said as he packed up the shogi set.
"Too late, lunch is already prepared," Kimeru said with a smirk.
"Mou, and I wanted to make something new for lunch..." Takigawa said with a frown, looking over to Kimeru.
"There's always dinner, Eiji-nii," Shirota reassured him.
Kimeru nodded. "Aa... Feel free to make dinner tonight, Eiji," he said with a smile.
Aiba grinned. "Still don't want him to push himself, Kime-nii?" he teased.
"Who said cooking was pushing myself?" Takigawa inquired incredulously, looking between Aiba and Kimeru.
Kimeru raised his hand. "I just don't want to take chances?" he said sheepishly.
Shirota chuckled. "Eiji-nii will be fine if it's cooking," he reassured them with a grin.
Kimeru sighed. "Alright....." he said in defeat. "You can make dinner later but for now let me do lunch since it's already done anyway."
Aiba chuckled. "That doesn't leave us a choice anyway."
Takigawa nodded over to Aiba. "That's true." A bark came into the living room before Pearl came excitedly to paw at Takigawa's leg. Her owner smiled as he bent down to take her up into his arms. "Yes, I missed you too," Takigawa said as Pearl affectionately licked him in the face.
Shirota chuckled. "That reminds me..." He turned to Aiba. "Ne, where's the accessories for the guinea pigs?"
"Ah! Good thing you remembered!" Aiba exclaimed before running upstairs to retrieve the kit. "Here we go~" he said as he came back and handed it to Shirota, "Since Momo is already here, let's try and fix him up first," he said as he plucked Momo off his head.
Shirota nodded and opened the kit. To his surprise, it was organized in a way that there was a partition where the accessories were arranged according to character. "Wow..." he said, blinking in astonishment.
Takigawa sat himself back down on the couch. "What are you amazed about Shiropon?" he inquired, chuckling.
"There are even glasses in there as well..." Aiba said as he looked inside the kit. "This is just so cool..."
Kimeru chuckled as he saw the expression of the two second generation actors.
Shirota looked around for Tezuka. "Tezuka!" he called as the guinea pig moved towards his outstretched hand. Grinning, he took the glasses and arranged them over the guinea pig's beady eyes. He chuckled at the sight before fixing Tezuka's fur slightly before showing him to Aiba. "What do you think?" he inquired.
Aiba grinned. "Now he's definitely Tezuka..." he said.
Shirota grinned in triumph as he stroked Tezuka with his finger.
Takigawa smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying that," he said.
Aiba nodded. "Aa. Arigatou Eiji-nii~~" he said before taking Echizen. "Hand me the cap there, Yuu," he said.
Shirota pulled out the familiar white cap and held it out to Aiba. "Hai."
Aiba placed the cap on Echizen, adjusting it a bit to make sure that it won't fall off. "There we go," he said as he showed Echizen to the group.
"The prince of tennis has joined us," Kimeru said with a grin.
"Sugoi, it makes him look like Echizen a lot," Shirota pointed out, beaming.
Takigawa chuckled. "Cute, isn't it?"
Aiba paused for a moment before looking at Fuji who was still by the TV. "...What about Fuji and Momo?" he asked.
Takigawa took the kit and pulled out a small instruction manual. "Styling," he explained, showing it to Aiba. "Since they don't have any defining accessories like the rest."
"I see....well for the meantime…" Aiba said as he took out a bandana and placed it on Momo's head. "This should do the trick," he said with a chuckle.
Shirota pointed to Momo. "I think he knows he's not supposed to wear that," he said as Momo was fussing with the bandana with his little paws.
Aiba chuckled. "I think so too," he said as he plucked the bandana off Momo's head.
Takigawa looked over to Pearl, who was nuzzling against Takigawa's shirt. "You've been worried about me this whole time, haven't you?' he asked her quietly, scratching her behind the ear.
"Of course she was...we all were…"Kimeru reminded him.
"And you most of all?" Takigawa said, setting Pearl down and looking over to Kimeru with a knowing predatory smirk.
Kimeru noticed the look that Takigawa was giving him. "Eiji..." he hissed in warning before clearing his throat. "I'll just get something in the kitchen," he said quickly before standing up and heading to the kitchen.
Takigawa smiled. "I'll join you," he called, following after his partner.
Aiba watched the two as they entered the kitchen. "They....won't be back for a while, right?" he asked Shirota as he reached for the remote of the TV. "Let's just raise the sounds a bit...." he muttered as he turned up the volume of the TV.
Shirota chuckled and leaned back on the couch, turning his attention to the TV screen.
----------
Takigawa followed Kimeru into the kitchen, moving up behind him and wrapped his arms around Kimeru's waist. "I've missed you, you know..." he said quietly.
Kimeru smiled as he turned around to face Takigawa and placed his arms around his neck. "I've missed you too..." he said softly.
Takigawa smiled before leaning over and taking Kimeru into a long kiss he had been wanting to do for weeks. 'When was the last time I've held you like this? It's hard to remember...' he asked himself, but did not mind leaving the question unanswered.
Kimeru responded to the kiss and pulled Takigawa a bit closer to him in the process.
----------
Aiba, who couldn't keephis mind off what might be going on in their kitchen, adjusted for the fifth time on the couch.
Shirota patted the space beside him. "Hiroki, come here," he coaxed, a smile on his faced.
Aiba looked at Shirota for a moment before standing up from the chair where he was currently sitting on to sit beside Shirota. "Something up?" he asked.
"When's the last time we've been alone and didn't have to worry about sleep to take us away?" Shirota inquired slyly, his fingers taking Aiba by the chin as he smiled innocently at the younger boy.
Aiba blushed when he realized the situation. "A long time ago...too long..." he responded quietly.
Shirota lowered his hand as he leaned forward so that their foreheads touched as he closed his eyes. "It's been that long, huh..." he said quietly.
Aiba smiled. "Aa..." he said as closed his eyes as well and leaned forward to kiss Shirota.
Shirota, being more than obliged by the kiss, returned it with equal passion. 'If only his arm wasn't broken...' he said to himself with an inward sigh.
Aiba placed a hand on Shirota's neck, unable to do anything else. 'Darn cast...I can't wait to get this off...' he told himself.
----------
Takigawa pulled back and smiled. "I would think at least one of them would've taken this time to do something, don't you agree?" he asked quietly.
Kimeru chuckled. "That's very possible..." he said. “And I wouldn't really want to barge in on them."
Takigawa nodded. "Agreed. So were you going to get anything from here?" he inquired, gesturing to the kitchen.
Kimeru shook his head. "Nothing really...I just wanted to lure you away from the kids, tou-san," he teased.
Takigawa chuckled. "I'm actually going to miss having to take care of them when their injuries get better..." he admitted.
Kimeru sighed. "That goes for me too...so I guess we have to make the best out of the few months left, ne?" he said with a chuckle.
Takigawa nodded firmly. "Aa."
----------
Aiba pulled away from Shirota and placed his head on his shoulder as two furry creatures caught his attention. "Yuu...look," he said quietly as he gestured to Tezuka and Fuji who were nuzzling one another.
"They were jealous," Shirota pointed out, chuckling softly.
Aiba smiled. "That could be true..." he said before sighing. “I swear...once I get my cast off I will definitely do something productive."
Shirota chuckled. "Believe me, you and I will have so much more things to do once we have these casts off. Now find me a pen," he said with a grin on his face.
"A pen?" Aiba asked before standing up and walking to a drawer. "Aha," he exclaimed when he found one. He grabbed a piece of paper along with it before heading back to the couch. "Here you go..." he said with a smile.
"Arigatou," Shirota thanked, taking both before clicking the pen and checking if there was still any ink by writing a few random things on the paper. "Yosh..." He folded the paper and turned to Aiba. "You said you wanted me to sign your cast, right?" he said, grinning.
Aiba grinned. "I see you remembered," he said with a chuckle. "I am so going to put this on my blog."
Shirota chuckled as he signed Aiba's cast before holding the pen out to him. "Then you sign mine as well."
Aiba grinned. "No problem," he said as he took the pen and signed Shirota's cast.
----------
Takigawa looked around. "Isn't it about time we brought lunch out?" he inquired.
Kimeru's eyes widened as he looked at the time. "I almost forgot about that!" he said as he started setting up the lunch so that they could bring it to the two in the living room.
Takigawa chuckled. "I'll help," he offered.
----------
A few more minutes later, Kimeru and Takigawa rejoined Shirota and Aiba in the living room.
Takigawa blinked. "You've signed each other's casts..." he pointed out as he set up the table for them.
Aiba nodded. "Yep! I'm his number one fan~" he said playfully.
Kimeru chuckled. 'Now where have I heard that one before?' he asked himself.
Takigawa smirked. "Saa, lunch is served," he announced.
Kimeru was about to settle down and eat as well before he spotted two familiar balls of fur heading for the food on the table. "Oh, no you don't..." he said as he grabbed Momo and Echizen. “Your food is right here," he said as he placed the two in the cage where they immediately started eating.
Shirota started eating as he looked over to Tezuka and Fuji. "Looks like Fuji likes the glasses," he pointed out.
"But Yuu....she's just staring at him....." Aiba said.
Shirota chuckled. "If Fuji doesn't like the glasses, she'll paw it off like Momo did with the bandana," he reasoned as the two nuzzled against each other.
Aiba smiled as he watched the two. "They're so cute..." he said before turning his attention back to his food.
"Speaking of glasses, you and Kimeru-senpai haven't been wearing them lately," Shirota said before taking another serving of his food.
Aiba froze. "E-to....."
Kimeru looked at Shirota. "I'm wearing them when I read...and only when I read," he said.
Takigawa nodded. "I can confirm that for you," he said.
Shirota turned to Aiba beside him. "And you?" he inquired with a small smile as he took another serving of his food.
"Umm...I sort of forgot that I had them," Aiba answered quickly.
Shirota shrugged. "I figured as much..." he said. "Do you need me to wear glasses myself to remind you?" he asked.
Takigawa laughed. "You really enjoyed wearing prop glasses, didn't you, Shirotan?" he teased.
Shirota chuckled. "I guess..."
Kimeru grinned, "Maybe you should put the prop glasses back on so that 'Tezuka' can remind Aibacchi to wear his own," he said slyly.
Shirota smiled. "I wouldn't mind."
Takigawa got to his feet, having finished his lunch. "If that's the case, I'll go get them for you. Count on Ueshima-sensei to leave you with a parting gift from Myu..." he said before heading upstairs.
Aiba frowned. "I'll remember!!" he argued.
"Now now Aibacchi...let the Tezuka people have their fun," Kimeru said.
Shirota smiled. "I miss wearing it," he reasoned as Takigawa came back and handed a case to the second Tezuka actor. "Domo," Shirota said, taking the case and pulled out the familiar glasses and slipped it on.
As if on cue, Tezuka ran up to Aiba who picked him up and placed him on Shirota's shoulder. "Two Tezukas..." he said with a grin.
Shirota looked over to Takigawa. "We'd make it three if Eiji-nii had his glasses with him," he said, looking over to Tezuka on his shoulder.
Aiba grinned. "I'll just go get my camera, don't move!" he said as he stood up and ran upstairs.
Takigawa chuckled. "But I do," he reasoned, pulling out his own pair of glasses.
"Then slip it on quickly!" Shirota said. "And stay here with me," he instructed.
Takigawa grinned over to Kimeru before slipping the glasses on and taking Aiba's place on the couch with Shirota as Tezuka moved himself to Shirota's other shoulder.
Aiba went down a moment later, his digital camera in his hand. "Yosh-- Ah! Eiji-nii also has his Tezuka glasses on!" he exclaimed as smiled widely.
Kimeru stood up and went beside Aiba. "Now this is a once in a lifetime thing." he mused.
Aiba nodded as he set the camera up. "Okay...1...2...3…smile!" he said before pressing the shutter button.
After Shirota and Takigawa smiled for the camera - in a way they knew Tezuka would -, Takigawa got to his feet. "I suppose this means that the three of you need a picture yourselves," he pointed out.
Shirota nodded. "Aa," he agreed as he stroked Tezuka in his hands.
Kimeru and Aiba looked at one another. "I think I have just the thing…" Kimeru said before going upstairs, coming back later with two Seigaku jackets.
Aiba grinned. "I think there's one for Fuji too..." he said.
Shirota, already assuming that, pulled out the kit and handed over the jacket for their guinea pig. "Hai."
Kimeru took the jacket and slipped it on Fuji before handing the camera to Takigawa. "There we go..." he said as he placed Fuji on Aiba's shoulder. "Three Fujis…one of Tezuka's best fantasies…" Kimeru teased before putting on his Seigaku jacket.
Both Shirota and Tezuka stared fondly at this scene as Takigawa took the camera and adjusted the focus as he looked through the viewfinder. "Alright then..." he called. "1...2...3... Pose!" The sound of the camera clicking and taking the picture before it was displayed on the screen.
Kimeru brought up a hand and striked one of Fuji's known poses while Aiba just smiled slyly at the camera.
"Let me see!" Kimeru said as he and Aiba went over to look at the picture.
"The two faces of Fuji Syuusuke. How interesting," Aiba commented with a grin.
"Interesting is the right word," Shirota said, adjusting his glasses.
Kimeru and Aiba looked at one another before smiling in a Fuji like manner. "Saa...they seem to want to keep their Tezuka attitude… Let's see if we can do something about that…" Kimeru said with a chuckle.
"Gladly…" Aiba replied before they both turned to look at their respective Tezukas.
"You're implying that having Tezuka's attitude is a bad thing," Takigawa stated.
Shirota shrugged. "And it's not every day that we're like this, anyway. You can go ahead and blame the glasses for the personality change once in a while," he explained.
Kimeru grinned. "Then I guess you can also blame the jackets for making me and Aibacchi feel a lot more sadistic right now," he said with a chuckle.
Aiba however, removed his jacket already. "It was getting to warm for my cast…" he explained.
"So Aiba's out of his Fuji attitude," Shirota pointed out, turning to Kimeru.
Kimeru chuckled. "Well...it's no fun if it's just me, ne?" he said as he took off his own jacket.
Takigawa smirked. "Don't worry, as long as Shiropon and I don't wear the jackets, I don't think we'll be inclined to get ourselves into Tezuka's personality for the rest of the afternoon," he reassured the J-Pop singer.
Aiba stood up again and set up his camera on its tripod. He set the timer and went back to the other three. "Everyone, look at the camera!" he said suddenly.
The four immediately positioned themselves before posing as the picture was taken. Takigawa took off his glasses and shook his head. "I'd like a better family picture when you two are out of your casts, Aibacchi... Shirotan..." he mused, smiling over to them.
Aiba chuckled. "It won't be for a while but I'll keep that in mind, Eiji-nii," he said as he took the camera from its stand to show it to the others. "Kawaii~" he said.
Kimeru grinned. "I'd have to agree with you on that," he said. "I'm going to get this printed and framed one of these days."
Shirota nodded to Takigawa. "That's a nice idea... tou-san..." He smirked.
Takigawa smiled, moving to mess up the boy's hair.
"That reminded me something...Eiji-nii, Nagayan-senpai told us something about you and Kime-nii locking them in the closet of the dressing rooms back in your Myu days," Aiba brought up.
Kimeru smirked. "Really now..."
Takigawa paused and turned to Kimeru. "Did we ever do something like that?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Kimeru looked at Takigawa. "You didn't...I did," he said. "They killed my phone and took pictures of us in theirs," he explained. "That was the time that they were missing from practice for almost two hours."
Takigawa blinked. "Well, that explains it..." he muttered.
Kimeru nodded. "I deleted the pictures from their phone… Unfortunately, Sota and the others had already seen them."
"Count on Sota to get all the gossip..." Takigawa said, shaking his head. "A natural-born Inui..."
Kimeru nodded in agreement. "Even when we were already done with Myu he still managed to get the latest news from everybody," he said.
"That just means he wants to be updated with how everybody is..." Shirota offered. "He must be the reason why Ueshima-sensei's up-to-date with everything..."
Aiba nodded. "Must be that or he had some people watch our every move~" he said. "But that's impossible."
"Hey, the thought of that is making me unsettled..." Shirota pouted.
"I was just kidding Yuu....I think I've been reading too many Sci-fi stories on the internet…" Aiba said.
Kimeru nodded. "Aa...I believe you have."
Takigawa shrugged. "Honestly..." He paused and checked the time. "Looks like it's about time I fixed up dinner." He made his way to the kitchen and gently pushed Kimeru onto the couch. "No, you relax this time around," he said before Kimeru could offer any help. "From you too, Aibacchi," Takigawa called over his shoulder before disappearing into the kitchen.
"How did he know that I was--" The two Fuji actors looked at one another as soon as they realized that they were going to say the same thing; then they both burst out laughing.
"Tou-san is tou-san that way," Shirota said happily. "Let's see what he'll cook up this time around," he said, looking over to the kitchen.
Aiba smiled. "Well, I guess we're back to having five-star dinners," he said. "No offense, Kime-nii," he added quickly.
"None taken," Kimeru answered.
Shirota frowned. "I want to help make something next time..." he muttered.
"You'll get a turn in a few months," Kimeru said as he smiled at Shirota. "I'm sure Eiji wouldn't mind if you ask him if you could help out then."
Shirota turned to Kimeru. "That's not what I meant... I want to help out for Eiji-nii's birthday, at least..." he said quietly.
Kimeru thought for a moment. "You can help...but the problem here is that I still have no idea what to do for his birthday..." he admitted.
Shirota nodded. "Having a party with the others would be nice..." he supplied.
Kimeru nodded. "...And....it would be even better if we manage to get a hold of his parents!" he said in realization. "I think I need to make a call to my manager..." Kimeru muttered as he pulled out his phone.
"I still can't believe you trust that guy after what happened to you..." Shirota muttered darkly.
"Shirotan..." Kimeru began, putting his phone down. "It was an accident," he said. "It could have happened to anybody. It's not his fault that there was ice on the road....and besides, this would be the perfect opportunity for him to make it up to Eiji."
Shirota shrugged. "If you say so..." he said, adjusting his glasses.
"Kime-nii... Have you even talked about it with Eiji-nii?" Aiba asked.
Kimeru thought for a moment. "To tell the truth, I haven't yet," Kimeru answered.
"You two haven't talked about that incident at all since you got your memories back..." Shirota said, pursing his lips.
Kimeru sighed. "Eiji's a bit uncomfortable when I bring it up. So I'm just waiting for him to recover from it for a while..." he said.
Shirota nodded. "I understand."
At this point, Takigawa came out of the kitchen with a tray of food and set it down on the coffee table. "We're doing something Spanish today," he said brightly, looking over to Shirota.
Shirota grinned as he looked at the food. "Comamos!" he said in Spanish before looking at the others. "That translates to 'let's eat'," he added hastily.
Aiba and Kimeru looked at one another before grinning. "Let's eat!" Kimeru said.
"I can't wait to try Eiji-nii's cooking again~" Aiba commented.
Takigawa smiled. "It's been a while, so I apologize if it doesn't taste---"
"UMAI!!!" Shirota exclaimed happily.
"Yep...Five-star meal..." Aiba said with a grin.
"I agree!" Kimeru said.
Takigawa let what he was going to say go before chuckling, deciding to get himself a serving of his dish.
"So...am I right in assuming that I get to do the dishes?" Kimeru asked.
Takigawa looked over to Kimeru and shook his head. "Nope," he replied, taking Kimeru's plate when all of them were through. "I'll do them," he said, placing everything on the tray and headed off to the kitchen once more.
"I wanted to do them..." Kimeru muttered. Aiba just chuckled at the reaction.
"Tou-san just wants to make up for all the housework you've done when he was in bed resting, I think," Shirota said, smiling fondly over to the kitchen.
"But what else could I do if he does all the housework?" Kimeru asked, and as if on cue, Momo and Echizen made a little squeaking sound before starting to run around the living room.
"I think that answers your question, Kime-nii," Aiba said.
"Gambatte!" Shirota cheered as Pearl came into the living room as well, wanting to play.
Kimeru chuckled as he watched the animals play for a while. "Alright you two...enough!" he said as he tried to grab Momo and Echizen but ended up chasing them around.
Takigawa stepped out from the kitchen just as Momo and Echizen glided past his feet as Kimeru collided onto him, sending them both to the floor.
"Eiji-nii! Kime-nii!" Shirota called in alarm.
"Itai..." Kimeru muttered as he opened his eyes. "What did I crash into--" he was cut off when he noticed that he and Takigawa were on the floor. "Eiji!!" he exclaimed before pushing himself back. "I'm so sorry!! I didn't see you!!" he said as he hurriedly helped Takigawa up.
Takigawa chuckled. "It's alright..." he said as he was helped to his feet.
Kimeru sighed in relief. "For a minute there I thought I injured you."
Takigawa shook his head. "It would take more than a fall like that to get something injured. Na, Shirotan?" he called, looking over to the second generation Tezuka actor.
Shirota nodded. "Aa... Hiroki's glomped me to the floor too many times to confirm that..." he said.
Aiba chuckled. "True...but that may be because I'm light in weight!" he said.
Shirota chuckled. "Then it should also apply to tou-san and kaa-san," he stated.
Kimeru grinned. "Then I'm glad that I didn't decide to try to make my weight heavier this year," he teased.
Takigawa turned to Kimeru. "As if that's possible," he pointed out before playfully lifting Kimeru into his arms.
Kimeru chuckled. "It's possible if I want to!" he said.
Takigawa threw Kimeru up a bit before catching him again. "After everything you intake, you haven't really gained much weight," he commented.
Kimeru yelped in surprise before grabbing hold of Takigawa. "Don't do that!!" he said.
Takigawa smiled, pecking Kimeru on the forehead. "Don't worry, I caught you, didn't I?" he reasoned before putting Kimeru down.
Kimeru pouted. "Yes you did but still...." he said with a frown.
"Okay, up to bed, then!" Takigawa said, moving over to the couch. "Saa, let's get you upstairs, Shiropon." He helped Shirota up and looked over to Kimeru as they passed him. "I leave you with the pets then, Kime," he said before assisting Shirota up the stairs.
Kimeru nodded. "Aa. Leave them to me," he said before looking at Momo and Echizen who were still running around. "Ne Fuji...help me out will you?" he asked the only female guinea pig who seemingly understood him.
Fuji went over to Tezuka, who immediately ran over to Kimeru so he can put him in the cage, and squeaked twice; Echizen and Momo came running towards Kimeru a few moments later.
"Thanks Fuji," Kimeru said with a chuckle as he placed her inside the cage along with the rest.
----------
Takigawa set Shirota down on the bed, nodding to him. "Jaa, oyasumi."
"Eiji-nii..." Shirota called.
"Hai?"
"Will you... Will you want to talk about that incident again with Kime-nii?" Shirota inquired hesitantly.
Aiba, who was already lying down on the bed looked back and forth between Takigawa and Shirota. "I think you should talk about it, Eiji-nii...but that's just my opinion..." he said.
Takigawa closed his eyes before exhaling, nodding. "Aa... I will," he said before heading for the door. "I was planning to clear it up tonight..." he added before leaving the room.
"Good luck, Eiji-nii~" Aiba called out before the door closed.
----------
Kimeru was already in the bedroom when Takigawa arrived and was changing into a clean shirt.
Takigawa closed the door behind him. "You and I need to have that talk..." he started as he crossed the room to get changed.
"About what?" Kimeru asked as he sat on the bed.
Takigawa came out as he pulled on a tank top. "About your accident..." Takigawa said as he joined Kimeru on the bed.
Kimeru blinked. "Oh...that," he said. "What about it do you want to talk about?" he asked.
"Just a question of why your manager didn't decide to tell me about it first..." Takigawa inquired calmly.
"Well...I talked to him about it already..." Kimeru admitted. "And he said that he called Nagayan first because he knew that you would kill him," he said. "I guess self-preservation kicked in first with him."
Takigawa groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm not that much of a sadist to kill him, for goodness sake..." he said.
Kimeru chuckled. "You can't blame him… After all, by the time he called Nagayan he thought that I didn't make it," he told him.
"What kind of manager is that..?" Takigawa muttered, attempting to squeeze something in the air.
"The kind that is able to think logically even when he's panicking that's what," Kimeru answered.
Takigawa lowered his hand and turned to Kimeru. "Fine, fine..." He moved to lie down.
"Well...he did manage to get something right that night..." Kimeru said. "I got to the hospital as soon as possible, didn't I?"
"Yes, but it would've made more sense if I had known about it right away..." Takigawa muttered.
"But you did find out right away. Nagayan called you right?" Kimeru asked, getting a bit confused.
"He did..." Takigawa confirmed before shaking his head. "Never mind… If Nagayan wasn't there, I would've had a hard time explaining myself and ultimately figure out a way to get your memory back..."
Kimeru smiled. "So everything ended up well...so don't be so hung up about it," he said before moving closer to Takigawa.
Takigawa nodded as he closed his eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep before muttering, "I'm still blaming myself for not going with you..."
"Baka...if you did then there might have been a bigger problem," Kimeru muttered before deciding to close his eyes to try and fall asleep as well.
We look forward to your reviews and possible suggestions. :)
Author/Artist: mido_ban04 and tennis_dudez
Link: Winglicans Thread
Warnings/Rating: M (contains content suitable for Mature Teens and over); not worksafe; yaoi
Series/Pairing(s): TeniMyu; Mainly Takigawa Eiji x Kimeru & Shirota Yuu x Aiba Hiroki
Notes: This is actually a forum roleplay we did over at Winglicans, and I decided to post an edited version (or rather, a cleaner and grammatically correct version) here, open to reviews and such from fellow TeniMyu Slash fans. :D
Here is the 15th chapter entitled Getting Better. Again, there are supposed to be footnotes for the Japanese terms, but I would be assuming you lot would understand them, seeing as they're just the common phrases we often hear. :)
The following day, Takigawa is discharged from the hospital with Kimeru’s influence, returning to Shirota and Aiba’s place. Takigawa is sent straight up to the room upon their arrival, causing him to be bedridden during the rest of his recovery. Tuti and Nagayan continue to help out around the house. Nagayan manages to persuade Kimeru to spending some time away from waiting on Takigawa, giving the J-Pop singer time to spend with Shirota and Aiba.
A week later, Takigawa feels better and the foursome are left to themselves once more, creating an interesting day full of good food and little moments to themselves. This chapter details the events of January 15, 16 and 23, 2007.
**ALSO! None of the authors of this roleplay/fanfic own TeniMyu or the actors, but are mere fangirls of the musical series and corresponding actors we write about. Everything that progresses in the story is the creation of our witty imaginations.
The next day, Aiba woke up and headed downstairs to make breakfast. 'If I did it before I can do it again!' he proclaimed in his mind.
Yuki Kaida and Okiayu Ryoutarou had left when Nagayan and Tuti arrived the previous evening. The two seiyuus promised that they would visit again and reminded them about their little voice acting offer.
"And what do you think you're doing?"
Aiba froze when he heard a voice speak up. "N-Nagayama-senpai..." he said before turning around to face the first cast Eiji actor.
"Let go of the pan Aibacchi..." Nagayan said.
----------
Kimeru was taking care of the billing early in the morning since the doctor had said that Takigawa could already be discharged. After a few minutes of talking to some people, he went back to Takigawa's room only to find him still asleep.
Takigawa stirred a few minutes after Kimeru had re-entered the room as he blinked the last of his sleep and rubbed his eyes. "Morning..." he muttered to himself before he spotted Kimeru, nodding to him.
Kimeru smiled. "Good morning, Eiji… You're going to be discharged in a while. I already took care of everything," he said.
Takigawa nodded. "Arigatou, Kime..." he said with a smile before he closed his eyes. “I'd imagine Shirotan's still asleep at this time..." he chuckled.
Kimeru looked at the clock and nodded. "Aa...but I'm guessing that Aibacchi is already up," he said with a smile.
Takigawa nodded. "Probably trying to sneak down and make breakfast?" he guessed, recalling the morning of Shirota's birthday.
Kimeru grinned. "That's true..." he said. “Then again, if Nagayan spots him attempting to do that he would be in trouble."
"Would you know what time I can leave?" Takigawa inquired.
----------
Four plushies were scattered in their bed - a Tezuka, Fuji, Shirota and Aiba plushie. Shirota shifted on the bed, his hand outstretched to locate one before pulling it close - it was his plushie counterpart. "Hiroki..." he mumbled, reaching another hand out to the other side of the bed that was empty of the second Fuji actor. Sleepily, Shirota pushed himself up on his elbows. "Hiroki..?" he inquired, looking around for a moment before returning to sleep.
----------
"But senpai...I did it before..." Aiba reasoned, still holding onto the pan.
"No buts, Aibacchi...I will not risk Kime killing me when he discovers that you've been doing things that might strain you even more.”
Aiba sighed as he handed the pan over. "Hai..." he said.
------
"At around 10," Kimeru answered. "Tuti will pick us up."
"Looks like I have nearly 2 hours to catch another nap, na?" Takigawa said before stretching his hand out.
Kimeru chuckled. "You go ahead and do that," he said.
"Kimeru..." Takigawa called. "I need your hand for a second..." he called, his hand still outstretched.
"Huh? What for?" Kimeru asked, but he still reached out to place his hand on Takigawa's.
Takigawa took Kimeru's hand and pulled it towards him, kissing the back of his hand. "Arigatou..." he said quietly. “It's selfish of me to say this, but I want to hold your hand like this for a while..." he explained. "I've missed doing it..."
Kimeru smiled. "I see no problem with that..." he said softly as he sat down on the chair beside Takigawa's bed.
----------
Aiba went back to their room and sighed as he lied back down on the bed.
Shirota felt a weight settle beside him before he temporarily stirred with the Shirota plushie in his clutches. "Hiroki..." he muttered.
Aiba fought down a chuckle when he heard this. "I'm right here, Yuu…" he whispered before moving to kiss Shirota on the forehead.
Shirota smiled as he brought an arm out over Hiroki, settling back to sleep after muttering, "Good..."
Aiba chose to remain silent and snuggled closer to Shirota, all the time mindful about his broken arm. Soon enough he drifted back to sleep.
----------
At 10 on the dot, Tuti arrived in the room after promptly knocking. "Kimeru, the car's ready," he announced quietly as he approached the J-Pop singer, seeing that Takigawa was still asleep.
Kimeru nodded. "Thanks Tuti," he said before gently shaking Takigawa awake. "Eiji...Eiji....come on wake up. We're going home to the kids," he said.
Takigawa's eyes opened at Kimeru shaking him before he slowly pushed himself up to sit down. "Aa..." he replied, nodding to both Kimeru and Tuti. “I'm ready to go..."
Kimeru smiled as helped Takigawa off the bed. "You do realize that I'll force you back on the bed once we get back, don't you?" he asked.
Tuti grinned before noticing something. "Oi Kime...what happened to your--" He was cut off by a glare from Kimeru.
Takigawa nodded over to Kimeru. "I won't complain anymore..." he said quietly, forcing a smile.
----------
"Shirotan...Aibacchi...breakfast is ready...Get up..." Nagayan coaxed as he gently shook the two.
Aiba blinked. "Uhn...breakfast?" he asked sleepily.
Nagayan smiled. "Aa. I made pancakes," he said. "Chocolate pancakes."
Shirota's eyes shot open at the mention of 'chocolate' as he pushed himself up. "I want some!" he said brightly, grinning.
Aiba grinned. 'Looks like someone did his research...' he thought before sitting up. "Looks good, senpai..." he said as Nagayan set the bed table up.
Shirota nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to try it out," he said.
"Itadakimasu~" Aiba said before he started eating. Nagayan had cut his share of pancakes so that he wouldn't be troubled.
----------
Kimeru chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll keep you company this time," he said.
Tuti nodded. "Aa. Nagayan and I will be coming and going for the rest of the week to help out."
"That's good to hear, Kime..." Takigawa said.
"Okay then, let's get you two back to Shirota and Aiba's place," Tuti said as he and Kimeru assisted Takigawa to the car.
----------
After a few minutes, Takigawa, Kimeru and Tuti had arrived at Shirota and Aiba's place.
"I think that's them..." Nagayan said as he stood up from the couch. He, Shirota and Aiba were in the living room, watching TV to pass the time.
Shirota turned to the door as it opened. "Welcome back Eiji-nii! Kime-nii!" he greeted as Tuti entered with Takigawa.
Takigawa nodded to Shirota and Aiba with a small smile. "Glad to be back..." he said.
Aiba smiled. "Let me guess, you're going straight to bed..." he said.
Kimeru nodded as he closed the door behind him. "That's right. And he's going to stay there until I say otherwise."
"He's still sporting a fever, after all," Tuti said worriedly.
"I'll help you bring him upstairs," Nagayan offered.
Shirota frowned. "Make sure you stay in bed this time, Eiji-nii!" he said.
Takigawa chuckled. "I know that, Shirotan..." he called over his shoulder.
Kimeru followed the three upstairs and soon, Nagayan and Tuti went back to the living room. "The next few days will be interesting..." Nagayan said with a smile.
Aiba tilted his head to the side curiously. "Why is that?" he asked.
Nagayan smirked. "That would be because we would see firsthand how Kime becomes Oishi from a Fuji."
"You could call it a mix of Fuji and Oishi, though..." Shirota offered. "Since Eiji-nii is still Tezuka."
"That's true…" Nagayan said with a chuckle.
----------
Kimeru had brought out some clothes for Takigawa to change in. "Want me to give you a sponge-bath?" he asked with a grin.
Takigawa smiled. "If it's no trouble..." he replied, nodding.
Kimeru shook his head. "No trouble at all..." he said with a smile.
----------
"...and before I knew it, Nagayan and I were locked inside the closet because of Kimeru!" Tuti finished.
Aiba laughed along with the rest as Tuti told them a story of Kimeru's revenge on them for stealing his hair iron.
Shirota frowned at the mention of a closet.
"What's wrong, Shirota-kun?" Tuti inquired, noticing the look on Shirota's face.
Shirota sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just remembered something back when I was in Senior High... when Aiba came to stay over for the first time and my brothers were home..."
Aiba chuckled. "Oh...that...." he said
Nagayan looked at him in confusion. “Why, what happened?" he asked.
Shirota shrugged. "I don't..." he said, turning to Aiba. “You tell them..."
Aiba patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. "When I first slept over at Yuu's place back in Senior High, his brothers locked him in the closet so that they could ask me about some things," he explained.
Tuti blinked. "Really?" he asked, looking over to Shirota.
"I ended up being stuck there for a half hour, and I don't like being in dark places for that long..." Shirota complained.
Aiba smiled as he placed an arm on Shirota's shoulders. "Saa...let's not talk about that okay? I don't like seeing you frown," he said.
"Oh yeah~ Before I forget! Aibacchin, your manager called this morning and told me you have a new project to work on once that arm of yours heals," Nagayan said.
"A new project?" Aiba asked.
"Aa. It's a series called ‘Delicious Gakuin’ and I'll be working with you this time," Nagayan said happily.
"Really that's good news senpai!"
Shirota nodded before turning to Nagayan. "Would you know what that's about, Nagayama-senpai?"
Tuti stroked his chin. "Isn't Ryunosuke-kun going to take part in that as well?" he inquired, turning to Nagayan.
"Aa. Ryunosuke-kun will be with us, though he's in my side of the story while Aibacchi is one of the main characters," Nagayan said. "The show is mainly about food and various ways to prepare them like from selection to cooking and even presentation."
Aiba blinked. "Food?" he asked curiously.
Nagayan laughed when he heard Aiba's reaction. "Yes Aibacchi...food."
"I wonder if Hiroki would be able to control himself around that," Shirota teased lightly.
"I'm sure he would...and I would advice that you talk to Kazuki-kun as well to help you prepare for the role," Nagayan continued.
"Kazuki? Why Kazuki?" Aiba asked.
"Because you character is apparently narcissistic," Nagayan answered.
Shirota's eyes widened before turning to Aiba, grinning. "THAT would be a sight to see you pull off, Hiroki!"
Aiba blinked. "It's going to be tough but if they think I can do it then I might just pull it off," he said with a chuckle. "After all, we wouldn't know until I actually try now, do we?"
"You can start right now," Shirota offered.
"Eh?" Aiba exclaimed as he looked at Shirota. "Now?" he asked.
Tuti nodded. "Why don't you give us an Atobe impersonation?" he asked.
Nagayan nodded. "That could work since he would be our basis for now."
Aiba looked at the group. "Well...let's see...Atobe...Atobe..." he muttered as he thought of some lines. He smirked as he stood up and pointed at Shirota. "Tezuka....you are no match for Ore-sama...whether be it in skill, talent or...." he paused dramatically as he used Kazuki's ending pose in 'Koori no Emperor' back in DL 3 -but he only used one hand-, "...beauty...Ore-sama no bigi ni...yoi na."
Nagayan applauded. "He actually did it!" he said as he laughed.
Shirota held back his laughter for two seconds before bursting out. "Sugee, Hiroki!" he cheered, grinning widely. "Looks like you'll have no problems acting that way," he said happily.
"Your manager called up as well, Shirota," Tuti said suddenly.
"Eh?"
"Once your leg heals, he says you'll be taking the lead role in a movie called 'Heat Island'," he explained.
Shirota blinked.
"Cool...what's his character, senpai?" Aiba asked eagerly as he sat back down.
Tuti chuckled as he turned to Shirota. "A street gangster by the name of Aki," he explained. "I believe that in itself explains a lot."
Aiba grinned as he looked at Shirota. "Looks like you have to bring out that bad boy attitude of yours, Yuu," he teased.
Shirota smirked. "They're expecting me to if they gave that role to me..." he replied.
Aiba chuckled. "Just make sure that you lose the attitude once you come home," he said.
"I know. But if I somehow need to sport my hair differently for the movie, we wouldn't be able to do anything about that," Shirota said amusingly.
Aiba looked at Shirota's hair and smirked. "I think I can do something about that," he said.
----------
Upstairs, Takigawa and Kimeru had just finished with the bath as the former was pulling on a shirt with a bit of difficulty, wincing at his bruises as he did so. Kimeru helped Takigawa put on his clothes and afterwards eased him on the bed. He joined him after he changed his own clothes, though he was careful not to let Takigawa notice his wound.
Takigawa sighed with relief as he settled down onto the bed. "Kimeru..." he called out quietly as he closed his eyes. Kimeru smiled as he lied down beside Takigawa. "You don't have to hide it, you know..." Takigawa said. "About your knees, I mean..." he added quietly.
----------
Shirota frowned, turning to Aiba. "Exactly what would you do?" he asked hesitantly.
Aiba grinned. "Well...I'd just have to mess it up a bit..." he said.
Shirota laughed. "That's not what I mean!" he said. "What I mean is if and when the directors decide that I need to have a different hairstyle - whether it be color or what not - then you shouldn't complain if I come home sporting some kind of rebel hairstyle," he explained.
Aiba frowned. "As long as you don't bring anymore of your character home rather than your hairstyle then it'll be fine," he said flatly.
Nagayan smirked. "Someone's not into roleplay..." he muttered before Tuti elbowed him.
Shirota nodded, satisfied with the bargain.
----------
Kimeru's smile disappeared when he heard this. "I...I just didn't want you to worry, that's all..." he said.
"Aa... But since I know you're more worried about my welfare for the time being and since I have to be the one to stay in bed, I'll just tell you to take care of yourself next time... Ii na?" Takigawa said, looking over to Kimeru and gave him a soft smile.
Kimeru chuckled. "Alright..." he said quietly.
Takigawa closed his eyes after acknowledging Kimeru's response with a nod before he drifted off to sleep.
Kimeru smiled softly as he watched Takigawa fall asleep. He moved a bit closer before closing his eyes to catch up on much needed rest.
----------
Aiba looked at the ceiling. "I don't think they'll be coming down in a while..." he said.
"Eiji-nii certainly won't," Shirota supplied. "And Kime-nii's probably staying with him for now..."
Aiba nodded. "That's true...and knowing Kime-nii he must have gotten only a few minutes -if not none at all- of sleep last night," he said.
Nagayan looked at Tuti. "What's your assessment?" he asked.
Tuti looked over to Nagayan for a moment before saying, "Kimeru wants to look after Takigawa-kun a bit more carefully than before, I suppose."
Shirota nodded. "That may be another reason..."
"I can't really blame him for wanting to do so," Nagayan said and Tuti nodded.
"So what's for dinner, Tuti-senpai?" Shirota inquired, effectively changing the subject.
Tuti thought for a moment. "Hmm...Anyone up for chicken?" he asked.
"Chicken's a nice change of pace," Shirota admitted.
==========
The next day, Nagayan had managed to coax Kimeru to get out of the room. Kimeru was very reluctant at first but thanks to Nagayan reassuring him that nothing bad would happen while he wasn't there, they managed to get him to come out. He was now with Aiba and Shirota in the backyard, watching Momo and Echizen run around while Fuji remained in her cage with Tezuka.
Shirota was on the grass, chuckling as he watched Echizen scurrying from Momo, using his cast as some sort of obstacle course to get up and over. "These two have a lot of stamina to be running around like this," he commented.
Aiba nodded. "Though it's really fitting that Momo is the one running after Echizen all the time… Seldom is it the other way around," he said.
Kimeru watched the two with a smile on his lips. "How's Fuji doing?" he asked.
"She's improving...I think it's partly because Tezuka is sticking with her," Aiba answered.
"Never separate a Tezuka from his Fuji for too long," Shirota said slyly. "If you pull Tezuka away, he'll just complain by biting you or nuzzling you differently until you realize that he wants to be back with Fuji."
Kimeru smirked. "It could also happen the other way around," he said.
Aiba nodded in agreement. "Fuji would also do anything to get back to Tezuka if they're separated."
Shirota smirked, looking over to Kimeru. "Like yourself, Kime-nii?" he teased lightly.
Kimeru chuckled. "Aa...like me," he said with a smile.
"We don't really mind it if you wanted to be with Eiji-nii right now, Kime-nii. Na, Hiroki?" Shirota said, grinning over to Aiba.
----------
Takigawa winced slightly when he felt something cold press against his forehead. He opened his eyes wearily.
"Ah, gomen. Did I wake you up?" Tuti inquired as he sat down on the chair by the bed. "I had to change the towel on your forehead. You're still running a little fever, you see..."
Takigawa nodded lightly before closing his eyes again. "What time is it?"
"It's nearly time for lunch. But don't force yourself to get up. You need to rest up a lot today to fight off that fever," Tuti suggested.
----------
Kimeru sighed. "I'm afraid that Nagayan had made me promise to stay out of there until after lunch. Tuti's in there anyway to watch over him in the meantime," he said.
Aiba nodded in understanding. "He's in good hands then, Kime-nii," he told the first generation Fuji actor.
"Aa...I know," Kimeru answered.
----------
Takigawa smirked. "Aa... I'll be getting an earful from Kime if I still have a fever by tomorrow, I bet," he joked.
Tuti smiled gently. "Don't worry; I don't think Kimeru will fault you for still being feverish tomorrow or the day after that. Besides, you also have your fatigue to regain too," he reminded his fellow first generation actor.
"Arigatou, Tuti..." Takigawa said before he tried to find himself some sleep once more.
----------
Kimeru was laughing about something when he felt something fuzzy press against his hand that was on the grass. He looked down and saw two guinea pigs there. "A-re? Fuji and Tezuka?"
Aiba looked at Kimeru then at the two. "Oi...how did you two get out?" he asked.
Shirota managed to grab hold of Momo and Echizen before he looked over to see Tezuka and Fuji. "Looks like Fuji's doing better," he pointed out before chuckling. "And with the way Tezuka's managed to get in and out of their cage all this time it's no surprise how they got out," he added.
Aiba sighed. "I already adjusted the lock of the cage...didn't really think that they would actually get out," he said. Fuji went up to him and settled on his lap. "Feeling better aren't you?" he asked the guinea pig as he stroked its back using his finger.
"Shows you how smart they can be," Shirota explained as he set Momo and Echizen down as they scurried forward to their mother, joining her on Aiba's lap.
Aiba smiled as Momo and Echizen came over. "Looks like they missed her," he said before looking at Shirota to watch Tezuka scurry on the singer's shoulder.
Shirota chuckled, watching Tezuka for a moment. "You've been hanging around on my shoulder a lot lately. Are you sure you're feeling alright, Tezuka?" he teased. The response he got was Tezuka gently nuzzling him on the neck.
Kimeru chuckled as he saw Momo and Echizen run off again while Fuji and Tezuka stayed with Shirota and Aiba.
Nagayan peeked out into the backyard. "Lunch is ready~" he announced. "I made some Chinese food today."
Shirota looked over, grinning. "We haven't had Chinese in a long time!" he admitted.
"Getting in character already, senpai?" Aiba teased as he and Kimeru helped Shirota back inside the house for lunch.
Nagayan chuckled. "Maybe," he said.
Shirota thanked Aiba and Kimeru as he was helped into the familiar couch in the living room, propping his leg up as Nagayan brought him his lunch. "Arigatou, Nagayama-senpai," Shirota said, nodding as he looked at the assortment of food on his plate.
Aiba looked at the food and smiled. "Wow....you outdid Tuti-senpai with this one," he said.
Kimeru, who was being pushed out of the kitchen by Nagayan, was asking about Takigawa "...and have you even given him his lunch?!" Kimeru asked.
"He can eat when he wakes up," Nagayan reassured Kimeru. "Now go and have yourself some lunch!" he said in a warning tone.
Shirota looked to Aiba and chuckled. "Someone's worried about tou-san," Shirota said playfully.
Aiba nodded as he watched Kimeru argue with Nagayan. "Typical..." he said as he started eating.
"Itadakimasu~" Shirota said as he started off his lunch as well.
After another round of arguing, Kimeru found himself in the living room with Shirota and Aiba to have lunch with them. "Why can't I win against that guy?" he muttered as he stared at his food.
Shirota grinned, halfway finished with his food as he looked over to Kimeru. "Nagayama-senpai just wants you to take care of yourself too and not worry all the time about tou-san," he explained.
"I don't worry all the time..." Kimeru reasoned and Aiba gave him a look. Kimeru sighed. "Fine...I do, but it's all for a good reason!"
Shirota nodded. "We understand that as well. And believe me, if it wasn't for this broken leg I'd volunteer to look over tou-san once in a while so you could have some time to yourself," he said quietly.
Aiba nodded in agreement. "That's right, Kime-nii. No matter how much you worry about yourself it's still not a reason to disregard your own health and welfare," he said.
Kimeru chuckled. "I guess you two are right....which reminds me," he said before looking at the two. "Eiji's birthday is coming up in a few months, what do you guys suggest we do?" he asked.
Shirota stroked his chin in thought. "With everything Eiji-nii's been doing lately..." he began. “I guess one thing we could do is cook for him. And I actually miss being in the kitchen now that we're on the subject..."
Aiba chuckled as he patted Shirota on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you can cook all you want in a few months time," he reassured him. "That sounds like a plan. What do you think, Kime-nii?" Aiba asked.
Kimeru thought for a moment. "That could work...I already have my gift but I don't think it's safe to be given until evening," he said.
"Why is that?" Aiba inquired.
"That would be because it's an MTV that is frozen for a while and will be released next year...."Kimeru explained. “...and that it must not be viewed by minors," he added slyly.
"Unfair!" Shirota said with a pout. "We're not minors!" he complained.
Kimeru chuckled. "That's true..." he said. “But I don't think that your eyes could take what's in here..." he said as he showed them a CD.
Aiba looked at the CD. "How did that get there?" he asked.
Kimeru smiled. "Magic," he answered simply.
Shirota pouted before a door being closed was heard, and footsteps echoing overhead. "A-re? Tuti-senpai?" he thought, turning to the stairs.
"Nagayan~ Takigawa's up and wants to eat," Tuti called from the top of the stairs.
"I'll feed him!" Kimeru volunteered, immediately standing up and ran to the kitchen.
Nagayan stopped him. "Back to the living room Kime..." he warned.
"But--"
"Our agreement was after lunch," Nagayan said as he snatched the tray from Kimeru's hands, handing it to Tuti. "No buts."
Kimeru sighed before going back to the living room to finish his lunch.
Tuti nodded, taking the tray and headed back upstairs to the guest room where Takigawa and Kimeru stayed.
----------
Takigawa managed to sit himself up and smiled lightly at the sight of Tuti returning. "Mind my asking who made lunch?" he asked as Tuti arranged the bed table and set the tray onto it before placing it in front of Takigawa.
"Nagayan did. Kimeru's downstairs having lunch with Shirota-kun and Aiba-kun," Tuti replied.
Takigawa nodded.
"Kimeru will be here after lunch. Nagayan insisted he take a break from looking after you this morning. He was eager to come up in my place, though," Tuti said conversationally.
Takigawa coughed before chuckling.
----------
After having lunch, Nagayan took their plates to wash them. Aiba had turn on the TV and by a random stroke of luck they managed to catch Tennis no Oujisama in one of the channels.
Kimeru went to the kitchen during the first commercial break and asked Nagayan if he could go back to Takigawa. When Nagayan finally allowed him to go upstairs, the singer did so with much enthusiasm. Once Kimeru reached the room, Tuti was just closing the door behind him. Upon spotting Kimeru he held the door open for him. "Thanks Tuti!" Kimeru said as he went inside their room.
Takigawa turned to the door upon hearing Kimeru's voice and smiled. "Have a good lunch?" he inquired.
Kimeru nodded as he closed the door behind him. "Aa...but it could have been better if you were with us," he said with a smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he spotted the basin of water near the bed.
"A bit better," Takigawa replied as he moved to lie back down.
Kimeru nodded before taking the electronic thermometer to check Takigawa's temperature. "Not bad…" he said as he looked at the reading. “You're down to a 38.5 from 40," he informed him. He placed the thermometer back in its case before sitting on the bed.
"Glad to hear there's some improvement..." Takigawa said before coughing again.
'I thank the high heavens that I have strong immunity over sicknesses...' Kimeru thought with a smile as he took the cloth in the basin of water and placed it on Takigawa's head. "There you go..." he said. “Now go ahead and get some more sleep."
Takigawa closed his eyes. "Hai, kaa-san..." he muttered, a smirk playing on his face before drifting off to sleep.
Kimeru smiled as he noticed Takigawa drift off to sleep. He pulled out a book from under his pillow and read the page that he marked.
----------
"Heh... I'm surprised Eiji-nii's stayed upstairs this whole time without complaints... I hope he gets better soon..." Shirota whined.
Aiba chuckled. "Of course he's not complaining. He has Kime-nii to keep him company now," he said as he patted Shirota on the shoulder.
"Well, that's true..." Shirota admitted. "The reason he came out last time was because Kime-nii was leaving him alone in the room... So now that Kime-nii's actually with him, he has no reason to come out..."
"Kimeru only left him because no one else could move around the house," Nagayan explained as he and Tuti joined them to watch.
Aiba frowned. "I could..." he reasoned.
"While that's true..." Shirota started.
"Kimeru wanted you to rest your arm as much as Shirota resting his leg so it would heal quicker," Tuti interjected.
"And that's why I will drag Kime-nii to a bar once I'm out of this thing!!" Aiba proclaimed.
Nagayan smirked. "No one's stopping you but be wary that Takigawa might be lurking around if you do that. Kime isn't someone that's easily ignored when brought to those types of places," he warned.
Shirota chuckled. "Eiji-nii doubles as Kime-nii's bodyguard in public places like that," he said.
Tuti nodded. "True..." he said before looking at Aiba. “...not only that, if you put Kimeru and yourself together, I wouldn't be surprised if people start flirting with you the moment you step inside the bar," he said offhandedly.
"I'll be with Eiji-nii when that time comes looking after the two of you," Shirota mused.
Nagayan smirked. "Tezuka always has a way to find and protect Fuji no matter what the situation..." he said.
"Now where have I heard something like that before?" Aiba asked as he looked at Shirota.
Shirota merely grinned at this but decided not to say anything.
==========
A week after that day, Takigawa was once more up and about. Thanks to the combined efforts of Tuti, Nagayan and Kimeru, he had gotten enough rest and was now well enough to move around the house. Kimeru thanked Tuti and Nagayan for their efforts during their last day helping out in the house.
"Eiji-nii~ Glad to see you looking well again" Aiba said with a smile.
Takigawa nodded as he took up his cup of tea as he joined them in the living room. His fever had gone a few days back and most of the bruises he sustained were gone, save for one on his cheek - which happened to be Kimeru's punch - that still sported a bandage. "I'm glad to be walking around again," he admitted.
Shirota grinned. "We missed seeing you around the house," he said.
Aiba nodded before pointing on the bruise on Takigawa's cheek, "That’s...from Kime-nii isn't it?" he asked.
Kimeru, who was just a few steps away from Takigawa, looked away.
Takigawa chuckled and looked over to Kimeru. "Aa. But I've got nothing to worry about," he said with a smile over to the J-Pop singing. "It'll heal up eventually. Can't be picky about it."
Kimeru sighed. "Could have been worse," he said with a shrug as he joined them.
Takigawa furrowed his eyebrows. "Don't say things like that, Kime. You'd have me spread out in bed for a whole month if it was anything worse than this," he pointed out.
"Anyway, Fuji's doing better as well," Shirota said conversationally.
Aiba nodded as he gestured to Tezuka and Fuji near the TV. "And Tezuka's still sticking with her," he said with a smile.
Kimeru grinned. "As expected."
Takigawa smiled at the sight before looking over to Kimeru. "I never got to thank you properly for taking care of me, Kime..." he said, pulling the J-Pop singing into a chaste kiss.
Kimeru smiled. "No problem, it was the least I could do," he replied.
"Shogi!" Shirota exclaimed, causing Takigawa to look over to him.
"Hmm?"
"I've always wanted to try playing against you, Eiji-nii! Let's play!" he challenged.
Takigawa blinked before laughing. "Alright. Let me go and get that set you got me for Christmas, then," he said brightly getting to his feet and went upstairs.
Aiba looked at Kimeru and smiled. "This is going to be interesting," Kimeru said and Aiba nodded.
"I've got no experience playing, though," Shirota pointed out as he watched Takigawa go upstairs.
"It'll be fun to watch either way," Kimeru said with a shrug.
Aiba nodded. "It's not every day we see you two go against one another in something," he explained.
Takigawa chuckled as he returned with the set and set it down on the table. "That's because we always end up doing things together than the opposite. Na, Shiropon?" he said as he began setting it up.
Shirota nodded. "Aa."
Kimeru smiled. "Tezuka people...." he muttered as he shook his head.
Shirota turned to Kimeru. "Then we'll play tennis when my leg is completely healed!" he said randomly before looking at the set that Takigawa had finished assembling.
Takigawa smiled. "I'll let you make the first move then, Shiropon," he said.
Shirota nodded before taking a tile and placing it forward a space. "This is like chess, right?"
Takigawa nodded as he moved a tile of his own.
Aiba watched the game. "Chess?" he said out loud. "Well....that's one game that I can never win…" he muttered.
----------
The game continued at a leisurely pace and by the end of it, Takigawa had easily won.
"Well, I knew it was hopeless to win against you," Shirota said, stretching his arms out above his head.
Takigawa chuckled. "Don't say that, I've just been playing more than you have, that's all," he said encouragingly.
Aiba blinked when the game ended. "I seriously didn't understand anything that has happened," he said as he took Momo who had somehow settled on his head sometime during the game.
Shirota chuckled. "Not that you would have to, Hiroki," Shirota said, patting the boy on the shoulder.
"Saa, it's about time I get to the kitchen. I believe a lunch to celebrate my getting better is in order?" Takigawa said as he packed up the shogi set.
"Too late, lunch is already prepared," Kimeru said with a smirk.
"Mou, and I wanted to make something new for lunch..." Takigawa said with a frown, looking over to Kimeru.
"There's always dinner, Eiji-nii," Shirota reassured him.
Kimeru nodded. "Aa... Feel free to make dinner tonight, Eiji," he said with a smile.
Aiba grinned. "Still don't want him to push himself, Kime-nii?" he teased.
"Who said cooking was pushing myself?" Takigawa inquired incredulously, looking between Aiba and Kimeru.
Kimeru raised his hand. "I just don't want to take chances?" he said sheepishly.
Shirota chuckled. "Eiji-nii will be fine if it's cooking," he reassured them with a grin.
Kimeru sighed. "Alright....." he said in defeat. "You can make dinner later but for now let me do lunch since it's already done anyway."
Aiba chuckled. "That doesn't leave us a choice anyway."
Takigawa nodded over to Aiba. "That's true." A bark came into the living room before Pearl came excitedly to paw at Takigawa's leg. Her owner smiled as he bent down to take her up into his arms. "Yes, I missed you too," Takigawa said as Pearl affectionately licked him in the face.
Shirota chuckled. "That reminds me..." He turned to Aiba. "Ne, where's the accessories for the guinea pigs?"
"Ah! Good thing you remembered!" Aiba exclaimed before running upstairs to retrieve the kit. "Here we go~" he said as he came back and handed it to Shirota, "Since Momo is already here, let's try and fix him up first," he said as he plucked Momo off his head.
Shirota nodded and opened the kit. To his surprise, it was organized in a way that there was a partition where the accessories were arranged according to character. "Wow..." he said, blinking in astonishment.
Takigawa sat himself back down on the couch. "What are you amazed about Shiropon?" he inquired, chuckling.
"There are even glasses in there as well..." Aiba said as he looked inside the kit. "This is just so cool..."
Kimeru chuckled as he saw the expression of the two second generation actors.
Shirota looked around for Tezuka. "Tezuka!" he called as the guinea pig moved towards his outstretched hand. Grinning, he took the glasses and arranged them over the guinea pig's beady eyes. He chuckled at the sight before fixing Tezuka's fur slightly before showing him to Aiba. "What do you think?" he inquired.
Aiba grinned. "Now he's definitely Tezuka..." he said.
Shirota grinned in triumph as he stroked Tezuka with his finger.
Takigawa smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying that," he said.
Aiba nodded. "Aa. Arigatou Eiji-nii~~" he said before taking Echizen. "Hand me the cap there, Yuu," he said.
Shirota pulled out the familiar white cap and held it out to Aiba. "Hai."
Aiba placed the cap on Echizen, adjusting it a bit to make sure that it won't fall off. "There we go," he said as he showed Echizen to the group.
"The prince of tennis has joined us," Kimeru said with a grin.
"Sugoi, it makes him look like Echizen a lot," Shirota pointed out, beaming.
Takigawa chuckled. "Cute, isn't it?"
Aiba paused for a moment before looking at Fuji who was still by the TV. "...What about Fuji and Momo?" he asked.
Takigawa took the kit and pulled out a small instruction manual. "Styling," he explained, showing it to Aiba. "Since they don't have any defining accessories like the rest."
"I see....well for the meantime…" Aiba said as he took out a bandana and placed it on Momo's head. "This should do the trick," he said with a chuckle.
Shirota pointed to Momo. "I think he knows he's not supposed to wear that," he said as Momo was fussing with the bandana with his little paws.
Aiba chuckled. "I think so too," he said as he plucked the bandana off Momo's head.
Takigawa looked over to Pearl, who was nuzzling against Takigawa's shirt. "You've been worried about me this whole time, haven't you?' he asked her quietly, scratching her behind the ear.
"Of course she was...we all were…"Kimeru reminded him.
"And you most of all?" Takigawa said, setting Pearl down and looking over to Kimeru with a knowing predatory smirk.
Kimeru noticed the look that Takigawa was giving him. "Eiji..." he hissed in warning before clearing his throat. "I'll just get something in the kitchen," he said quickly before standing up and heading to the kitchen.
Takigawa smiled. "I'll join you," he called, following after his partner.
Aiba watched the two as they entered the kitchen. "They....won't be back for a while, right?" he asked Shirota as he reached for the remote of the TV. "Let's just raise the sounds a bit...." he muttered as he turned up the volume of the TV.
Shirota chuckled and leaned back on the couch, turning his attention to the TV screen.
----------
Takigawa followed Kimeru into the kitchen, moving up behind him and wrapped his arms around Kimeru's waist. "I've missed you, you know..." he said quietly.
Kimeru smiled as he turned around to face Takigawa and placed his arms around his neck. "I've missed you too..." he said softly.
Takigawa smiled before leaning over and taking Kimeru into a long kiss he had been wanting to do for weeks. 'When was the last time I've held you like this? It's hard to remember...' he asked himself, but did not mind leaving the question unanswered.
Kimeru responded to the kiss and pulled Takigawa a bit closer to him in the process.
----------
Aiba, who couldn't keephis mind off what might be going on in their kitchen, adjusted for the fifth time on the couch.
Shirota patted the space beside him. "Hiroki, come here," he coaxed, a smile on his faced.
Aiba looked at Shirota for a moment before standing up from the chair where he was currently sitting on to sit beside Shirota. "Something up?" he asked.
"When's the last time we've been alone and didn't have to worry about sleep to take us away?" Shirota inquired slyly, his fingers taking Aiba by the chin as he smiled innocently at the younger boy.
Aiba blushed when he realized the situation. "A long time ago...too long..." he responded quietly.
Shirota lowered his hand as he leaned forward so that their foreheads touched as he closed his eyes. "It's been that long, huh..." he said quietly.
Aiba smiled. "Aa..." he said as closed his eyes as well and leaned forward to kiss Shirota.
Shirota, being more than obliged by the kiss, returned it with equal passion. 'If only his arm wasn't broken...' he said to himself with an inward sigh.
Aiba placed a hand on Shirota's neck, unable to do anything else. 'Darn cast...I can't wait to get this off...' he told himself.
----------
Takigawa pulled back and smiled. "I would think at least one of them would've taken this time to do something, don't you agree?" he asked quietly.
Kimeru chuckled. "That's very possible..." he said. “And I wouldn't really want to barge in on them."
Takigawa nodded. "Agreed. So were you going to get anything from here?" he inquired, gesturing to the kitchen.
Kimeru shook his head. "Nothing really...I just wanted to lure you away from the kids, tou-san," he teased.
Takigawa chuckled. "I'm actually going to miss having to take care of them when their injuries get better..." he admitted.
Kimeru sighed. "That goes for me too...so I guess we have to make the best out of the few months left, ne?" he said with a chuckle.
Takigawa nodded firmly. "Aa."
----------
Aiba pulled away from Shirota and placed his head on his shoulder as two furry creatures caught his attention. "Yuu...look," he said quietly as he gestured to Tezuka and Fuji who were nuzzling one another.
"They were jealous," Shirota pointed out, chuckling softly.
Aiba smiled. "That could be true..." he said before sighing. “I swear...once I get my cast off I will definitely do something productive."
Shirota chuckled. "Believe me, you and I will have so much more things to do once we have these casts off. Now find me a pen," he said with a grin on his face.
"A pen?" Aiba asked before standing up and walking to a drawer. "Aha," he exclaimed when he found one. He grabbed a piece of paper along with it before heading back to the couch. "Here you go..." he said with a smile.
"Arigatou," Shirota thanked, taking both before clicking the pen and checking if there was still any ink by writing a few random things on the paper. "Yosh..." He folded the paper and turned to Aiba. "You said you wanted me to sign your cast, right?" he said, grinning.
Aiba grinned. "I see you remembered," he said with a chuckle. "I am so going to put this on my blog."
Shirota chuckled as he signed Aiba's cast before holding the pen out to him. "Then you sign mine as well."
Aiba grinned. "No problem," he said as he took the pen and signed Shirota's cast.
----------
Takigawa looked around. "Isn't it about time we brought lunch out?" he inquired.
Kimeru's eyes widened as he looked at the time. "I almost forgot about that!" he said as he started setting up the lunch so that they could bring it to the two in the living room.
Takigawa chuckled. "I'll help," he offered.
----------
A few more minutes later, Kimeru and Takigawa rejoined Shirota and Aiba in the living room.
Takigawa blinked. "You've signed each other's casts..." he pointed out as he set up the table for them.
Aiba nodded. "Yep! I'm his number one fan~" he said playfully.
Kimeru chuckled. 'Now where have I heard that one before?' he asked himself.
Takigawa smirked. "Saa, lunch is served," he announced.
Kimeru was about to settle down and eat as well before he spotted two familiar balls of fur heading for the food on the table. "Oh, no you don't..." he said as he grabbed Momo and Echizen. “Your food is right here," he said as he placed the two in the cage where they immediately started eating.
Shirota started eating as he looked over to Tezuka and Fuji. "Looks like Fuji likes the glasses," he pointed out.
"But Yuu....she's just staring at him....." Aiba said.
Shirota chuckled. "If Fuji doesn't like the glasses, she'll paw it off like Momo did with the bandana," he reasoned as the two nuzzled against each other.
Aiba smiled as he watched the two. "They're so cute..." he said before turning his attention back to his food.
"Speaking of glasses, you and Kimeru-senpai haven't been wearing them lately," Shirota said before taking another serving of his food.
Aiba froze. "E-to....."
Kimeru looked at Shirota. "I'm wearing them when I read...and only when I read," he said.
Takigawa nodded. "I can confirm that for you," he said.
Shirota turned to Aiba beside him. "And you?" he inquired with a small smile as he took another serving of his food.
"Umm...I sort of forgot that I had them," Aiba answered quickly.
Shirota shrugged. "I figured as much..." he said. "Do you need me to wear glasses myself to remind you?" he asked.
Takigawa laughed. "You really enjoyed wearing prop glasses, didn't you, Shirotan?" he teased.
Shirota chuckled. "I guess..."
Kimeru grinned, "Maybe you should put the prop glasses back on so that 'Tezuka' can remind Aibacchi to wear his own," he said slyly.
Shirota smiled. "I wouldn't mind."
Takigawa got to his feet, having finished his lunch. "If that's the case, I'll go get them for you. Count on Ueshima-sensei to leave you with a parting gift from Myu..." he said before heading upstairs.
Aiba frowned. "I'll remember!!" he argued.
"Now now Aibacchi...let the Tezuka people have their fun," Kimeru said.
Shirota smiled. "I miss wearing it," he reasoned as Takigawa came back and handed a case to the second Tezuka actor. "Domo," Shirota said, taking the case and pulled out the familiar glasses and slipped it on.
As if on cue, Tezuka ran up to Aiba who picked him up and placed him on Shirota's shoulder. "Two Tezukas..." he said with a grin.
Shirota looked over to Takigawa. "We'd make it three if Eiji-nii had his glasses with him," he said, looking over to Tezuka on his shoulder.
Aiba grinned. "I'll just go get my camera, don't move!" he said as he stood up and ran upstairs.
Takigawa chuckled. "But I do," he reasoned, pulling out his own pair of glasses.
"Then slip it on quickly!" Shirota said. "And stay here with me," he instructed.
Takigawa grinned over to Kimeru before slipping the glasses on and taking Aiba's place on the couch with Shirota as Tezuka moved himself to Shirota's other shoulder.
Aiba went down a moment later, his digital camera in his hand. "Yosh-- Ah! Eiji-nii also has his Tezuka glasses on!" he exclaimed as smiled widely.
Kimeru stood up and went beside Aiba. "Now this is a once in a lifetime thing." he mused.
Aiba nodded as he set the camera up. "Okay...1...2...3…smile!" he said before pressing the shutter button.
After Shirota and Takigawa smiled for the camera - in a way they knew Tezuka would -, Takigawa got to his feet. "I suppose this means that the three of you need a picture yourselves," he pointed out.
Shirota nodded. "Aa," he agreed as he stroked Tezuka in his hands.
Kimeru and Aiba looked at one another. "I think I have just the thing…" Kimeru said before going upstairs, coming back later with two Seigaku jackets.
Aiba grinned. "I think there's one for Fuji too..." he said.
Shirota, already assuming that, pulled out the kit and handed over the jacket for their guinea pig. "Hai."
Kimeru took the jacket and slipped it on Fuji before handing the camera to Takigawa. "There we go..." he said as he placed Fuji on Aiba's shoulder. "Three Fujis…one of Tezuka's best fantasies…" Kimeru teased before putting on his Seigaku jacket.
Both Shirota and Tezuka stared fondly at this scene as Takigawa took the camera and adjusted the focus as he looked through the viewfinder. "Alright then..." he called. "1...2...3... Pose!" The sound of the camera clicking and taking the picture before it was displayed on the screen.
Kimeru brought up a hand and striked one of Fuji's known poses while Aiba just smiled slyly at the camera.
"Let me see!" Kimeru said as he and Aiba went over to look at the picture.
"The two faces of Fuji Syuusuke. How interesting," Aiba commented with a grin.
"Interesting is the right word," Shirota said, adjusting his glasses.
Kimeru and Aiba looked at one another before smiling in a Fuji like manner. "Saa...they seem to want to keep their Tezuka attitude… Let's see if we can do something about that…" Kimeru said with a chuckle.
"Gladly…" Aiba replied before they both turned to look at their respective Tezukas.
"You're implying that having Tezuka's attitude is a bad thing," Takigawa stated.
Shirota shrugged. "And it's not every day that we're like this, anyway. You can go ahead and blame the glasses for the personality change once in a while," he explained.
Kimeru grinned. "Then I guess you can also blame the jackets for making me and Aibacchi feel a lot more sadistic right now," he said with a chuckle.
Aiba however, removed his jacket already. "It was getting to warm for my cast…" he explained.
"So Aiba's out of his Fuji attitude," Shirota pointed out, turning to Kimeru.
Kimeru chuckled. "Well...it's no fun if it's just me, ne?" he said as he took off his own jacket.
Takigawa smirked. "Don't worry, as long as Shiropon and I don't wear the jackets, I don't think we'll be inclined to get ourselves into Tezuka's personality for the rest of the afternoon," he reassured the J-Pop singer.
Aiba stood up again and set up his camera on its tripod. He set the timer and went back to the other three. "Everyone, look at the camera!" he said suddenly.
The four immediately positioned themselves before posing as the picture was taken. Takigawa took off his glasses and shook his head. "I'd like a better family picture when you two are out of your casts, Aibacchi... Shirotan..." he mused, smiling over to them.
Aiba chuckled. "It won't be for a while but I'll keep that in mind, Eiji-nii," he said as he took the camera from its stand to show it to the others. "Kawaii~" he said.
Kimeru grinned. "I'd have to agree with you on that," he said. "I'm going to get this printed and framed one of these days."
Shirota nodded to Takigawa. "That's a nice idea... tou-san..." He smirked.
Takigawa smiled, moving to mess up the boy's hair.
"That reminded me something...Eiji-nii, Nagayan-senpai told us something about you and Kime-nii locking them in the closet of the dressing rooms back in your Myu days," Aiba brought up.
Kimeru smirked. "Really now..."
Takigawa paused and turned to Kimeru. "Did we ever do something like that?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Kimeru looked at Takigawa. "You didn't...I did," he said. "They killed my phone and took pictures of us in theirs," he explained. "That was the time that they were missing from practice for almost two hours."
Takigawa blinked. "Well, that explains it..." he muttered.
Kimeru nodded. "I deleted the pictures from their phone… Unfortunately, Sota and the others had already seen them."
"Count on Sota to get all the gossip..." Takigawa said, shaking his head. "A natural-born Inui..."
Kimeru nodded in agreement. "Even when we were already done with Myu he still managed to get the latest news from everybody," he said.
"That just means he wants to be updated with how everybody is..." Shirota offered. "He must be the reason why Ueshima-sensei's up-to-date with everything..."
Aiba nodded. "Must be that or he had some people watch our every move~" he said. "But that's impossible."
"Hey, the thought of that is making me unsettled..." Shirota pouted.
"I was just kidding Yuu....I think I've been reading too many Sci-fi stories on the internet…" Aiba said.
Kimeru nodded. "Aa...I believe you have."
Takigawa shrugged. "Honestly..." He paused and checked the time. "Looks like it's about time I fixed up dinner." He made his way to the kitchen and gently pushed Kimeru onto the couch. "No, you relax this time around," he said before Kimeru could offer any help. "From you too, Aibacchi," Takigawa called over his shoulder before disappearing into the kitchen.
"How did he know that I was--" The two Fuji actors looked at one another as soon as they realized that they were going to say the same thing; then they both burst out laughing.
"Tou-san is tou-san that way," Shirota said happily. "Let's see what he'll cook up this time around," he said, looking over to the kitchen.
Aiba smiled. "Well, I guess we're back to having five-star dinners," he said. "No offense, Kime-nii," he added quickly.
"None taken," Kimeru answered.
Shirota frowned. "I want to help make something next time..." he muttered.
"You'll get a turn in a few months," Kimeru said as he smiled at Shirota. "I'm sure Eiji wouldn't mind if you ask him if you could help out then."
Shirota turned to Kimeru. "That's not what I meant... I want to help out for Eiji-nii's birthday, at least..." he said quietly.
Kimeru thought for a moment. "You can help...but the problem here is that I still have no idea what to do for his birthday..." he admitted.
Shirota nodded. "Having a party with the others would be nice..." he supplied.
Kimeru nodded. "...And....it would be even better if we manage to get a hold of his parents!" he said in realization. "I think I need to make a call to my manager..." Kimeru muttered as he pulled out his phone.
"I still can't believe you trust that guy after what happened to you..." Shirota muttered darkly.
"Shirotan..." Kimeru began, putting his phone down. "It was an accident," he said. "It could have happened to anybody. It's not his fault that there was ice on the road....and besides, this would be the perfect opportunity for him to make it up to Eiji."
Shirota shrugged. "If you say so..." he said, adjusting his glasses.
"Kime-nii... Have you even talked about it with Eiji-nii?" Aiba asked.
Kimeru thought for a moment. "To tell the truth, I haven't yet," Kimeru answered.
"You two haven't talked about that incident at all since you got your memories back..." Shirota said, pursing his lips.
Kimeru sighed. "Eiji's a bit uncomfortable when I bring it up. So I'm just waiting for him to recover from it for a while..." he said.
Shirota nodded. "I understand."
At this point, Takigawa came out of the kitchen with a tray of food and set it down on the coffee table. "We're doing something Spanish today," he said brightly, looking over to Shirota.
Shirota grinned as he looked at the food. "Comamos!" he said in Spanish before looking at the others. "That translates to 'let's eat'," he added hastily.
Aiba and Kimeru looked at one another before grinning. "Let's eat!" Kimeru said.
"I can't wait to try Eiji-nii's cooking again~" Aiba commented.
Takigawa smiled. "It's been a while, so I apologize if it doesn't taste---"
"UMAI!!!" Shirota exclaimed happily.
"Yep...Five-star meal..." Aiba said with a grin.
"I agree!" Kimeru said.
Takigawa let what he was going to say go before chuckling, deciding to get himself a serving of his dish.
"So...am I right in assuming that I get to do the dishes?" Kimeru asked.
Takigawa looked over to Kimeru and shook his head. "Nope," he replied, taking Kimeru's plate when all of them were through. "I'll do them," he said, placing everything on the tray and headed off to the kitchen once more.
"I wanted to do them..." Kimeru muttered. Aiba just chuckled at the reaction.
"Tou-san just wants to make up for all the housework you've done when he was in bed resting, I think," Shirota said, smiling fondly over to the kitchen.
"But what else could I do if he does all the housework?" Kimeru asked, and as if on cue, Momo and Echizen made a little squeaking sound before starting to run around the living room.
"I think that answers your question, Kime-nii," Aiba said.
"Gambatte!" Shirota cheered as Pearl came into the living room as well, wanting to play.
Kimeru chuckled as he watched the animals play for a while. "Alright you two...enough!" he said as he tried to grab Momo and Echizen but ended up chasing them around.
Takigawa stepped out from the kitchen just as Momo and Echizen glided past his feet as Kimeru collided onto him, sending them both to the floor.
"Eiji-nii! Kime-nii!" Shirota called in alarm.
"Itai..." Kimeru muttered as he opened his eyes. "What did I crash into--" he was cut off when he noticed that he and Takigawa were on the floor. "Eiji!!" he exclaimed before pushing himself back. "I'm so sorry!! I didn't see you!!" he said as he hurriedly helped Takigawa up.
Takigawa chuckled. "It's alright..." he said as he was helped to his feet.
Kimeru sighed in relief. "For a minute there I thought I injured you."
Takigawa shook his head. "It would take more than a fall like that to get something injured. Na, Shirotan?" he called, looking over to the second generation Tezuka actor.
Shirota nodded. "Aa... Hiroki's glomped me to the floor too many times to confirm that..." he said.
Aiba chuckled. "True...but that may be because I'm light in weight!" he said.
Shirota chuckled. "Then it should also apply to tou-san and kaa-san," he stated.
Kimeru grinned. "Then I'm glad that I didn't decide to try to make my weight heavier this year," he teased.
Takigawa turned to Kimeru. "As if that's possible," he pointed out before playfully lifting Kimeru into his arms.
Kimeru chuckled. "It's possible if I want to!" he said.
Takigawa threw Kimeru up a bit before catching him again. "After everything you intake, you haven't really gained much weight," he commented.
Kimeru yelped in surprise before grabbing hold of Takigawa. "Don't do that!!" he said.
Takigawa smiled, pecking Kimeru on the forehead. "Don't worry, I caught you, didn't I?" he reasoned before putting Kimeru down.
Kimeru pouted. "Yes you did but still...." he said with a frown.
"Okay, up to bed, then!" Takigawa said, moving over to the couch. "Saa, let's get you upstairs, Shiropon." He helped Shirota up and looked over to Kimeru as they passed him. "I leave you with the pets then, Kime," he said before assisting Shirota up the stairs.
Kimeru nodded. "Aa. Leave them to me," he said before looking at Momo and Echizen who were still running around. "Ne Fuji...help me out will you?" he asked the only female guinea pig who seemingly understood him.
Fuji went over to Tezuka, who immediately ran over to Kimeru so he can put him in the cage, and squeaked twice; Echizen and Momo came running towards Kimeru a few moments later.
"Thanks Fuji," Kimeru said with a chuckle as he placed her inside the cage along with the rest.
----------
Takigawa set Shirota down on the bed, nodding to him. "Jaa, oyasumi."
"Eiji-nii..." Shirota called.
"Hai?"
"Will you... Will you want to talk about that incident again with Kime-nii?" Shirota inquired hesitantly.
Aiba, who was already lying down on the bed looked back and forth between Takigawa and Shirota. "I think you should talk about it, Eiji-nii...but that's just my opinion..." he said.
Takigawa closed his eyes before exhaling, nodding. "Aa... I will," he said before heading for the door. "I was planning to clear it up tonight..." he added before leaving the room.
"Good luck, Eiji-nii~" Aiba called out before the door closed.
----------
Kimeru was already in the bedroom when Takigawa arrived and was changing into a clean shirt.
Takigawa closed the door behind him. "You and I need to have that talk..." he started as he crossed the room to get changed.
"About what?" Kimeru asked as he sat on the bed.
Takigawa came out as he pulled on a tank top. "About your accident..." Takigawa said as he joined Kimeru on the bed.
Kimeru blinked. "Oh...that," he said. "What about it do you want to talk about?" he asked.
"Just a question of why your manager didn't decide to tell me about it first..." Takigawa inquired calmly.
"Well...I talked to him about it already..." Kimeru admitted. "And he said that he called Nagayan first because he knew that you would kill him," he said. "I guess self-preservation kicked in first with him."
Takigawa groaned, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm not that much of a sadist to kill him, for goodness sake..." he said.
Kimeru chuckled. "You can't blame him… After all, by the time he called Nagayan he thought that I didn't make it," he told him.
"What kind of manager is that..?" Takigawa muttered, attempting to squeeze something in the air.
"The kind that is able to think logically even when he's panicking that's what," Kimeru answered.
Takigawa lowered his hand and turned to Kimeru. "Fine, fine..." He moved to lie down.
"Well...he did manage to get something right that night..." Kimeru said. "I got to the hospital as soon as possible, didn't I?"
"Yes, but it would've made more sense if I had known about it right away..." Takigawa muttered.
"But you did find out right away. Nagayan called you right?" Kimeru asked, getting a bit confused.
"He did..." Takigawa confirmed before shaking his head. "Never mind… If Nagayan wasn't there, I would've had a hard time explaining myself and ultimately figure out a way to get your memory back..."
Kimeru smiled. "So everything ended up well...so don't be so hung up about it," he said before moving closer to Takigawa.
Takigawa nodded as he closed his eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep before muttering, "I'm still blaming myself for not going with you..."
"Baka...if you did then there might have been a bigger problem," Kimeru muttered before deciding to close his eyes to try and fall asleep as well.
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