You and the Night and the Music (Chapter II)
Track 2/?
Pairing: FujiTezuka (Perfect Pair)
Rating: G
Genre: Romance and slight angst
Word count: 2800
A/N: The music has began, will they dance their hearts out? or just let it end?
an AU for my OTP, some OOCness and a hint of OC.
I do not own Prince of Tennis nor the lyrics (Grace) used in this fic
Next Chapters : kat-himesama.livejournal.com/5977.html kat-himesama.livejournal.com/6307.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/7665.html
Previous chapter: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/3317.html
When it was Tezuka’s turn to shake his hand, Fuji removed his glasses. He held the taller man’s orbs with his sapphire eyes and slowly pulled him closer.
With the sweetest voice he can manage, Fuji whispered in Tezuka’s ear. ‘Ne, Tezuka-san, did you fall in love with me already?’
He felt Tezuka’s grip on his hand tightened. Fuji stepped back and gave the bespectacled man space to breathe. He chuckled when he saw Tezuka’s reaction; the poor man’s shoulders stiffened and his face turned beet red.
Fuji let go of his hand, tapped Tezuka’s back and said, ‘I was just joking, just joking Tezuka-san. Don’t take it so seriously.’
Tezuka blinked his eyes twice, then thrice, as if he just awoken from a spell. Tezuka sighed, his eyes flashed up to Fuji’s.
‘I am sorry if I surprised you, Tezuka-san,’ Fuji mused, still flashing his eternal smile.
The man with amber eyes adjusted his rimless glasses and stared at Fuji earnestly.
‘Tezuka, just Tezuka is fine,’ he said after a moment of silence.
He’s back to normal, Fuji thought.
When they were at the stage earlier, that was when he saw Tezuka. His face stood out from the sea of faces. He had his stoic mask all the time, like when he was at the tennis courts. But tonight, something was different - his amber eyes scorched from under his lashes and hypnotic, staring at him, appraising him. Fuji did enjoy Tezuka’s full attention to him but he was not able to stop himself from teasing the tennis superstar. That’s why he opened his eyes and stared back. He saw the taller man’s jaw almost drop. Oh, the mask moved, Fuji thought when their song ended.
Fuji snapped back to reality and his smile grew wider, making Tezuka raised an inquiring eyebrow.
‘I just remembered something good, Tezuka,’ he said, answering Tezuka’s silent question.
The silence between them lasted until they were distracted by loud footsteps.
‘My, my. Here they come,’ Fuji groaned while folding his arms across his chests and placing one hand under his chin.
Tezuka followed his gaze. Momo and Kaidoh were almost running, shoulder to shoulder, padding towards them. The two young men reached them in no time and both handed a piece of paper and a pen to Tezuka.
‘What are you doing Mamushi? I was here first!’ growled Momo.
‘Fuushhuuu. That’s my line. Get out of the way, stupid Momoshiro!’ hissed Kaidoh between his teeth at the purple-eyed boy.
Fuji smiled at Tezuka who was out of words.
‘They are always like that, fighting over small things.’ Fuji chuckled and moved closer to Tezuka before continuing. ‘Well, since they are one of your biggest fans, I’ll let them borrow you this time, Tezuka.’
He winked at Tezuka, who’s eyes behind the rimless glasses grew big and stared at him as if he just spoken in pig Latin.
The night came to an end after their performance; they signed autographs and graciously answered questions from the London Press. Fuji never had the chance to talk with Tezuka again. He only saw their group leaving the place with Oishi bidding them goodbye.
****************************************************************************************************************
Nothing comes easily
Where do I begin?
Nothing can bring me peace
I’ve lost everything.
Fuji woke up feeling a little light-headed. It was an 11-hour flight from London and they landed at the Narita Airport late last night. After successfully evading the media, the band, including Oishi crashed at his place. He didn’t mind the idea since his apartment can accommodate all of them and it was the closest to their school, Tokyo University of the Arts.
6:18 AM, according to his cactus-shaped digital alarm clock. I need to adjust my body clock, Fuji thought to himself. His eyes flew at the right side of his bed, which was still made up and free from creases - the smiling face and the warmth beside him that he was so used to waking up with everyday was not there anymore. Akira. Fuji whispered to himself, leaving a bitter taste on his mouth as the name traced his lips. His sapphire orbs became brooding and he made a deep sigh. Fuji closed his burning eyes and leaned back to the soft leather head rest. His body was tired but his mind couldn’t stop from thinking and remembering. He kept his eyes close for a long moment, his thoughts moving sluggishly, hunting him - he couldn’t seem to make these thoughts go anywhere.
Fighting his tears, Fuji chuckled and rubbed his eyes. He got up from his bed, wore his robe and picked up a carton box from the nightstand. The honey-brown haired man padded towards his glass folding wall and pulled back the drapes. He effortlessly and smoothly slid them open and stepped out into the veranda. The sky was so dark and it was raining hard. The breezing damp air made Fuji shiver and embrace himself. He took out one cigarette from the box, brought it to his thin lips and lit it. Fuji stopped himself from coughing, and slowly breathed out white smoke. The smell of tobacco made him more light-headed than he was, but that was what he wanted - the floating feeling and the numbness.
The rain picked up against the roof and Fuji didn’t hear the soft knocking on his door. He turned around when he felt someone was watching him. His red-headed best friend was standing and leaning against the sliding glass wall, looking at him with so much concern in his eyes.
Eiji walked towards Fuji and without saying anything, he snatched the cigarette from Fuji’s hand and dabbed it in to the ashtray. Fuji was not surprised by how his friend acted. Just what I expected, he thought to himself.
‘Good morning, Eiji,’ he said and smiled at his beloved friend, who was unusually silent.
‘You look like you could sleep longer. Your classes will not start until noon,’ Fuji added when Eiji didn’t answer him.
‘I look much better than you…and how many times do I have to tell you to stop burning your lungs!’ Eiji said, his tone was reproachful but his eyes were sad.
‘What’s wrong with you? Woke up at the wrong side of the bed?’ Fuji teased, ignoring Eiji's accusations.
The pianist shook his head, sighed deeply and grabbed Fuji’s hand. He led the blue-eyed vocalist inside the room and into the kitchen, where Oishi was cooking. When Fuji was already seated, Oishi handed him a mug, filled with steaming, hot liquid.
‘Thank you Oishi, but what’s this?’ Fuji exclaimed when he saw what was inside the mug. ‘You realize I am not a kid, right?’
‘That’s good for you,’ the warm-eyed man pointed out. ‘Just drink your milk while it’s hot.’
Fuji shrugged his shoulders and took a sip of his milk, fighting the urge to stick out his tongue to Oishi like a five-year old kid.
‘You really do put on a good show,’ Eiji said, almost a whisper, and sat beside him. ‘How long do you plan on doing this to yourself?’ he continued
‘Doing what exactly? I am totally fine, Eiji,’ Fuji answered with his eternal smile.
‘Come on Fujiko. We know that there is something wrong even there’s a big smile plastered in your face. We know,’ Eiji choked. ‘You know that you are not okay. This is not you.’
Don’t know how
But Ill get by
Slowly pull myself together
Fuji stared at his ever-loving best friend. Eiji's cat-eyes were conveying messages more than words could say.
He has known Eiji and Oishi since they were in middle high school and the two became his instant companions. They shared almost everything - their dreams and even making wishes from fallen eyelashes. They grew up together, witnessed each others’ joy, triumphs, and unfortunately, his heartache and pain.
Fuji felt a lump on his throat and fought back the tears forming in his eyes. He bit his lower lip.
‘In time, I will be fine, Eiji, Oishi,’ he finally said, assuring the two men. ‘I am moving on.’ This time assuring himself.
Oishi looked at Eiji, and the latter sighed and nodded.
‘We’ll take your word Fujiko,’ the red-headed man said in resignation. ‘He is not worth it for you to suffer this much.’
‘If you need anything, we are always here, ok?’ Oishi said in a mother-like manner.
Fuji couldn’t help but smile at his friends and was surprised when Eiji embraced him from behind and sniffed his hair.
‘Nya Fujiko, you smell like cigarette! Go take a shower,’ Eiji exclaimed in his ear.
Fuji chuckled. ‘Hai, hai,’ he said and stood up from his seat.
‘Breakfast will be ready when you’re done.’ He heard Oishi shouting when he was almost at his bedroom door.
Fuji skipped to his bathroom, his emotions unrecognizable.
*******************************************************************************************************************
Classes went smoothly, though his classmates bombarded him questions about their London stint. When the school day was finally done, Fuji walked swiftly out to the Inter-Media Arts building parking lot. It was crowded with fleeing students. The rain had drifted away, but the wind was strong, and colder. He wrapped his arms around himself. When Fuji was in the comfort of his car, he got the heater running. While he was sitting there, waiting for the heat to take effect, his cell phone rang. He took the small silver device out of his bag and looked at the screen. Momoshiro’s name was flashing at the caller’s ID.
‘Yes Momo?’
‘Fuji-senpai, where are you?’ Momo asked energetically.
‘I am about to go home,’ Fuji answered. ‘Are you still at the house?’
‘Yes senpai. Kaidoh woke up late.’
‘Who woke up late? It was you, stupid Momoshiro!’ Fuji heard Kaidoh shouting in the background.
He sighed before asking. ‘So what’s up?’
‘Ah yes. We have news for you, so please hurry home. Oishi-senpai and Eiji-senpai are here too,’ Momo mumbled without taking a breather.
Fuji was suddenly curious, hearing the smile on Momo’s voice.
‘Give me five minutes,’ Fuji said before pressing the end button and started his car’s engine.
********************************************************************************************************************
‘I’m home,’ Fuji called out when he was already inside his 3-bedroom apartment.
‘Oh Fujiko, welcome back,’ greeted Eiji, smiling warmly at him.
Suddenly, a rush of nostalgia came to him; going home to a house where someone was waiting. He felt the warmth of a home quickly enveloping him.
Kaidoh, Oishi and Momo were seating at the black leather sofa, their eyes were immoveable from his HD TV. Fuji looked at Eiji, raising an eyebrow. The pianist continued smiling and beckoned him to watch. His eyes flashed up and he was surprised when he saw his own face in front of him. He realized that they were watching the local evening news and the program was reporting about their successful London tour. It was their latest show, where they met Atobe and Tezu--. Fuji’s thoughts were interrupted by the chorused ooohhss and whistles from his friends. When he looked at them, they were smirking at him, like they were enjoying a private joke.
‘What?’ he asked warily.
His foolish friends continued grinning from ear to ear, while their eyes were switching from him to the television, then back to him again. Fuji felt his blood started to rise when no one answered him. He was about to stand up when something caught his eyes. His beautiful orbs flew wide open - a picture of Tezuka and he, close to each other, him whispering to Tezuka, was on his 42-inch television screen.
********************************************************************************************************************
‘I told you, that was nothing. I was just asking for his autograph!’ Fuji exclaimed for the nth time.
‘But it doesn’t look like it, Fu-ji-ko-chan!’ Eiji teased, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
‘Nice move Fuji-senpai. Nice move,’ added Momoshiro.
Oishi and Kaidoh remained silent, but their cheeks were the shade of pink. Fuji felt his last string snapped as the group ganged up on him. He opened his eyes in the most menacingly way he could manage. The four young men who were seated with him around the dining table shivered, as if the temperature dropped to freezing point. Kaidoh let out a hiss and Oishi cleared his throat, fighting a chuckle.
‘I am sorry Fuji. We got a little excited,’ the neatly-cut haired man apologized.
‘Fujiko don’t be mad. We are just happy for you,’ Eiji mused. Still smiling at him like a kid.
The blue-eyed man let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Happy about what?’ he asked.
‘Well, you know, it’s time for you to move…’
‘Okay, that’s enough!’ Fuji interrupted, with finality in his tone.
He took a sip of his tea and stared at everyone.
‘So why are we all here in the first place?’ Fuji’s voice sounded a little sharp.
‘We are invited to an interview with Shiba-san this coming Friday night, senpai,’ Momo answered promptly.
Kaidoh talked for the first time that night. ‘We’re doing it, right senpai?’
‘Well since it's Shiba-san, I guess there’s no harm in doing it,’ Fuji said in a serious tone.
He saw Eiji and Oishi exchanged glances. He raised an eyebrow at the two. Oishi just shrugged his shoulders and Eiji didn’t even bother to hide his animated smile. Fuji felt that he was missing something but decided not to pay anymore attention at his best friend, as his head started to bother him.
‘What is this interview for?’ he asked, clearing the details.
Kaidoh’s voice was very quiet when he answered. ‘It is for a national magazine senpai. They will be making a special issue for Japan’s Elite Bachelors under 25.’
‘That’s cool right? Very cool,’ Momo added, widely smiling at him.
********************************************************************************************************************
The rest of the week was uneventful, but school was hectic and unforgivable. Summer vacation was approaching and all of their professors were stacking up projects after projects. The band set their practices aside for a while and would resume once vacation begins. They needed to focus on their studies first; after all, they were University students.
When the school day ended that Friday, Fuji rushed home and took a shower. He decided to wear the light blue turtle neck sweater Yumiko gave him - 'Blue always looks good on you, Shusuke.' He remembered Yumiko telling him. Knowing his sister, she must be just teasing.
There was still an hour before the interview and Oishi said that the studio was only a 25-minute drive from his apartment. Fuji didn’t want to be too early, but he could not stay in the empty house anymore. He donned his light beige jacket and got his car keys, then headed out.
Finding the studio wasn’t difficult, though Fuji had never been there before. He parked in front of the first building. I drove too fast, Fuji realized when he looked at the dashboard’s clock; he made the 25-minute drive into a 14-minute drive. Fuji chuckled. Oishi would be freaking out if he was in the car with me.
He stepped out of the car and leaned against its side. He fished his cell phone out of his jeans’ back pocket and dialed Eiji’s number.
‘Nya Fujiko. Are you done preparing?’
‘Yes, actually I am already outside the studio,’ Fuji informed his best friend.
‘Huh? You’re too early!’ Eiji said, exaggerating his surprise.
‘Maa, I don’t mind and you know that I don’t want to stay at the house. I’ll just wait here.’
‘Oishi, hurry up! Fujiko is already there.’ He heard Eiji bellowed.
‘Huh? Then hurry up and brush your teeth Eiji!’ Oishi exclaimed with his usual motherly tone in the background.
Fuji couldn’t help not to smile. Friends are really noisy…and angels.
‘Fujiko, we’ll be there in 20 minutes, ok? I’ll be driving.’
‘I am not going anywhere Eiji. Go now and be careful, don’t make Oishi freak out,’ Fuji said, reminding his over reacting friend.
‘Okay. See you in a bit!’ Eiji said before hanging up.
Having nothing to do, he fetched his cigarette box and lit one. The night wind was blowing against his face; ruffling his soft honey-brown hair. His eyes flew open when he saw someone pacing towards him. The man was noticeably graceful. Anyone would feel intimidated by his presence; every step was full of confidence. Fuji was surprised himself to immediately recognized the taller man approaching him. Fuji dabbed his cigarette in to his portable ashtray and smiled at the newcomer.
Nothing comes easily
Fill this empty space
Nothing is like it was
Turn my grief to grace
TBC
tacuma811, as always, THANK YOU!!!!!! hearts to you Ann_chan!
Pairing: FujiTezuka (Perfect Pair)
Rating: G
Genre: Romance and slight angst
Word count: 2800
A/N: The music has began, will they dance their hearts out? or just let it end?
an AU for my OTP, some OOCness and a hint of OC.
I do not own Prince of Tennis nor the lyrics (Grace) used in this fic
Next Chapters : kat-himesama.livejournal.com/5977.html kat-himesama.livejournal.com/6307.html | kat-himesama.livejournal.com/7665.html
Previous chapter: kat-himesama.livejournal.com/3317.html
When it was Tezuka’s turn to shake his hand, Fuji removed his glasses. He held the taller man’s orbs with his sapphire eyes and slowly pulled him closer.
With the sweetest voice he can manage, Fuji whispered in Tezuka’s ear. ‘Ne, Tezuka-san, did you fall in love with me already?’
He felt Tezuka’s grip on his hand tightened. Fuji stepped back and gave the bespectacled man space to breathe. He chuckled when he saw Tezuka’s reaction; the poor man’s shoulders stiffened and his face turned beet red.
Fuji let go of his hand, tapped Tezuka’s back and said, ‘I was just joking, just joking Tezuka-san. Don’t take it so seriously.’
Tezuka blinked his eyes twice, then thrice, as if he just awoken from a spell. Tezuka sighed, his eyes flashed up to Fuji’s.
‘I am sorry if I surprised you, Tezuka-san,’ Fuji mused, still flashing his eternal smile.
The man with amber eyes adjusted his rimless glasses and stared at Fuji earnestly.
‘Tezuka, just Tezuka is fine,’ he said after a moment of silence.
He’s back to normal, Fuji thought.
When they were at the stage earlier, that was when he saw Tezuka. His face stood out from the sea of faces. He had his stoic mask all the time, like when he was at the tennis courts. But tonight, something was different - his amber eyes scorched from under his lashes and hypnotic, staring at him, appraising him. Fuji did enjoy Tezuka’s full attention to him but he was not able to stop himself from teasing the tennis superstar. That’s why he opened his eyes and stared back. He saw the taller man’s jaw almost drop. Oh, the mask moved, Fuji thought when their song ended.
Fuji snapped back to reality and his smile grew wider, making Tezuka raised an inquiring eyebrow.
‘I just remembered something good, Tezuka,’ he said, answering Tezuka’s silent question.
The silence between them lasted until they were distracted by loud footsteps.
‘My, my. Here they come,’ Fuji groaned while folding his arms across his chests and placing one hand under his chin.
Tezuka followed his gaze. Momo and Kaidoh were almost running, shoulder to shoulder, padding towards them. The two young men reached them in no time and both handed a piece of paper and a pen to Tezuka.
‘What are you doing Mamushi? I was here first!’ growled Momo.
‘Fuushhuuu. That’s my line. Get out of the way, stupid Momoshiro!’ hissed Kaidoh between his teeth at the purple-eyed boy.
Fuji smiled at Tezuka who was out of words.
‘They are always like that, fighting over small things.’ Fuji chuckled and moved closer to Tezuka before continuing. ‘Well, since they are one of your biggest fans, I’ll let them borrow you this time, Tezuka.’
He winked at Tezuka, who’s eyes behind the rimless glasses grew big and stared at him as if he just spoken in pig Latin.
The night came to an end after their performance; they signed autographs and graciously answered questions from the London Press. Fuji never had the chance to talk with Tezuka again. He only saw their group leaving the place with Oishi bidding them goodbye.
****************************************************************************************************************
Nothing comes easily
Where do I begin?
Nothing can bring me peace
I’ve lost everything.
Fuji woke up feeling a little light-headed. It was an 11-hour flight from London and they landed at the Narita Airport late last night. After successfully evading the media, the band, including Oishi crashed at his place. He didn’t mind the idea since his apartment can accommodate all of them and it was the closest to their school, Tokyo University of the Arts.
6:18 AM, according to his cactus-shaped digital alarm clock. I need to adjust my body clock, Fuji thought to himself. His eyes flew at the right side of his bed, which was still made up and free from creases - the smiling face and the warmth beside him that he was so used to waking up with everyday was not there anymore. Akira. Fuji whispered to himself, leaving a bitter taste on his mouth as the name traced his lips. His sapphire orbs became brooding and he made a deep sigh. Fuji closed his burning eyes and leaned back to the soft leather head rest. His body was tired but his mind couldn’t stop from thinking and remembering. He kept his eyes close for a long moment, his thoughts moving sluggishly, hunting him - he couldn’t seem to make these thoughts go anywhere.
Fighting his tears, Fuji chuckled and rubbed his eyes. He got up from his bed, wore his robe and picked up a carton box from the nightstand. The honey-brown haired man padded towards his glass folding wall and pulled back the drapes. He effortlessly and smoothly slid them open and stepped out into the veranda. The sky was so dark and it was raining hard. The breezing damp air made Fuji shiver and embrace himself. He took out one cigarette from the box, brought it to his thin lips and lit it. Fuji stopped himself from coughing, and slowly breathed out white smoke. The smell of tobacco made him more light-headed than he was, but that was what he wanted - the floating feeling and the numbness.
The rain picked up against the roof and Fuji didn’t hear the soft knocking on his door. He turned around when he felt someone was watching him. His red-headed best friend was standing and leaning against the sliding glass wall, looking at him with so much concern in his eyes.
Eiji walked towards Fuji and without saying anything, he snatched the cigarette from Fuji’s hand and dabbed it in to the ashtray. Fuji was not surprised by how his friend acted. Just what I expected, he thought to himself.
‘Good morning, Eiji,’ he said and smiled at his beloved friend, who was unusually silent.
‘You look like you could sleep longer. Your classes will not start until noon,’ Fuji added when Eiji didn’t answer him.
‘I look much better than you…and how many times do I have to tell you to stop burning your lungs!’ Eiji said, his tone was reproachful but his eyes were sad.
‘What’s wrong with you? Woke up at the wrong side of the bed?’ Fuji teased, ignoring Eiji's accusations.
The pianist shook his head, sighed deeply and grabbed Fuji’s hand. He led the blue-eyed vocalist inside the room and into the kitchen, where Oishi was cooking. When Fuji was already seated, Oishi handed him a mug, filled with steaming, hot liquid.
‘Thank you Oishi, but what’s this?’ Fuji exclaimed when he saw what was inside the mug. ‘You realize I am not a kid, right?’
‘That’s good for you,’ the warm-eyed man pointed out. ‘Just drink your milk while it’s hot.’
Fuji shrugged his shoulders and took a sip of his milk, fighting the urge to stick out his tongue to Oishi like a five-year old kid.
‘You really do put on a good show,’ Eiji said, almost a whisper, and sat beside him. ‘How long do you plan on doing this to yourself?’ he continued
‘Doing what exactly? I am totally fine, Eiji,’ Fuji answered with his eternal smile.
‘Come on Fujiko. We know that there is something wrong even there’s a big smile plastered in your face. We know,’ Eiji choked. ‘You know that you are not okay. This is not you.’
Don’t know how
But Ill get by
Slowly pull myself together
Fuji stared at his ever-loving best friend. Eiji's cat-eyes were conveying messages more than words could say.
He has known Eiji and Oishi since they were in middle high school and the two became his instant companions. They shared almost everything - their dreams and even making wishes from fallen eyelashes. They grew up together, witnessed each others’ joy, triumphs, and unfortunately, his heartache and pain.
Fuji felt a lump on his throat and fought back the tears forming in his eyes. He bit his lower lip.
‘In time, I will be fine, Eiji, Oishi,’ he finally said, assuring the two men. ‘I am moving on.’ This time assuring himself.
Oishi looked at Eiji, and the latter sighed and nodded.
‘We’ll take your word Fujiko,’ the red-headed man said in resignation. ‘He is not worth it for you to suffer this much.’
‘If you need anything, we are always here, ok?’ Oishi said in a mother-like manner.
Fuji couldn’t help but smile at his friends and was surprised when Eiji embraced him from behind and sniffed his hair.
‘Nya Fujiko, you smell like cigarette! Go take a shower,’ Eiji exclaimed in his ear.
Fuji chuckled. ‘Hai, hai,’ he said and stood up from his seat.
‘Breakfast will be ready when you’re done.’ He heard Oishi shouting when he was almost at his bedroom door.
Fuji skipped to his bathroom, his emotions unrecognizable.
*******************************************************************************************************************
Classes went smoothly, though his classmates bombarded him questions about their London stint. When the school day was finally done, Fuji walked swiftly out to the Inter-Media Arts building parking lot. It was crowded with fleeing students. The rain had drifted away, but the wind was strong, and colder. He wrapped his arms around himself. When Fuji was in the comfort of his car, he got the heater running. While he was sitting there, waiting for the heat to take effect, his cell phone rang. He took the small silver device out of his bag and looked at the screen. Momoshiro’s name was flashing at the caller’s ID.
‘Yes Momo?’
‘Fuji-senpai, where are you?’ Momo asked energetically.
‘I am about to go home,’ Fuji answered. ‘Are you still at the house?’
‘Yes senpai. Kaidoh woke up late.’
‘Who woke up late? It was you, stupid Momoshiro!’ Fuji heard Kaidoh shouting in the background.
He sighed before asking. ‘So what’s up?’
‘Ah yes. We have news for you, so please hurry home. Oishi-senpai and Eiji-senpai are here too,’ Momo mumbled without taking a breather.
Fuji was suddenly curious, hearing the smile on Momo’s voice.
‘Give me five minutes,’ Fuji said before pressing the end button and started his car’s engine.
********************************************************************************************************************
‘I’m home,’ Fuji called out when he was already inside his 3-bedroom apartment.
‘Oh Fujiko, welcome back,’ greeted Eiji, smiling warmly at him.
Suddenly, a rush of nostalgia came to him; going home to a house where someone was waiting. He felt the warmth of a home quickly enveloping him.
Kaidoh, Oishi and Momo were seating at the black leather sofa, their eyes were immoveable from his HD TV. Fuji looked at Eiji, raising an eyebrow. The pianist continued smiling and beckoned him to watch. His eyes flashed up and he was surprised when he saw his own face in front of him. He realized that they were watching the local evening news and the program was reporting about their successful London tour. It was their latest show, where they met Atobe and Tezu--. Fuji’s thoughts were interrupted by the chorused ooohhss and whistles from his friends. When he looked at them, they were smirking at him, like they were enjoying a private joke.
‘What?’ he asked warily.
His foolish friends continued grinning from ear to ear, while their eyes were switching from him to the television, then back to him again. Fuji felt his blood started to rise when no one answered him. He was about to stand up when something caught his eyes. His beautiful orbs flew wide open - a picture of Tezuka and he, close to each other, him whispering to Tezuka, was on his 42-inch television screen.
********************************************************************************************************************
‘I told you, that was nothing. I was just asking for his autograph!’ Fuji exclaimed for the nth time.
‘But it doesn’t look like it, Fu-ji-ko-chan!’ Eiji teased, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
‘Nice move Fuji-senpai. Nice move,’ added Momoshiro.
Oishi and Kaidoh remained silent, but their cheeks were the shade of pink. Fuji felt his last string snapped as the group ganged up on him. He opened his eyes in the most menacingly way he could manage. The four young men who were seated with him around the dining table shivered, as if the temperature dropped to freezing point. Kaidoh let out a hiss and Oishi cleared his throat, fighting a chuckle.
‘I am sorry Fuji. We got a little excited,’ the neatly-cut haired man apologized.
‘Fujiko don’t be mad. We are just happy for you,’ Eiji mused. Still smiling at him like a kid.
The blue-eyed man let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Happy about what?’ he asked.
‘Well, you know, it’s time for you to move…’
‘Okay, that’s enough!’ Fuji interrupted, with finality in his tone.
He took a sip of his tea and stared at everyone.
‘So why are we all here in the first place?’ Fuji’s voice sounded a little sharp.
‘We are invited to an interview with Shiba-san this coming Friday night, senpai,’ Momo answered promptly.
Kaidoh talked for the first time that night. ‘We’re doing it, right senpai?’
‘Well since it's Shiba-san, I guess there’s no harm in doing it,’ Fuji said in a serious tone.
He saw Eiji and Oishi exchanged glances. He raised an eyebrow at the two. Oishi just shrugged his shoulders and Eiji didn’t even bother to hide his animated smile. Fuji felt that he was missing something but decided not to pay anymore attention at his best friend, as his head started to bother him.
‘What is this interview for?’ he asked, clearing the details.
Kaidoh’s voice was very quiet when he answered. ‘It is for a national magazine senpai. They will be making a special issue for Japan’s Elite Bachelors under 25.’
‘That’s cool right? Very cool,’ Momo added, widely smiling at him.
********************************************************************************************************************
The rest of the week was uneventful, but school was hectic and unforgivable. Summer vacation was approaching and all of their professors were stacking up projects after projects. The band set their practices aside for a while and would resume once vacation begins. They needed to focus on their studies first; after all, they were University students.
When the school day ended that Friday, Fuji rushed home and took a shower. He decided to wear the light blue turtle neck sweater Yumiko gave him - 'Blue always looks good on you, Shusuke.' He remembered Yumiko telling him. Knowing his sister, she must be just teasing.
There was still an hour before the interview and Oishi said that the studio was only a 25-minute drive from his apartment. Fuji didn’t want to be too early, but he could not stay in the empty house anymore. He donned his light beige jacket and got his car keys, then headed out.
Finding the studio wasn’t difficult, though Fuji had never been there before. He parked in front of the first building. I drove too fast, Fuji realized when he looked at the dashboard’s clock; he made the 25-minute drive into a 14-minute drive. Fuji chuckled. Oishi would be freaking out if he was in the car with me.
He stepped out of the car and leaned against its side. He fished his cell phone out of his jeans’ back pocket and dialed Eiji’s number.
‘Nya Fujiko. Are you done preparing?’
‘Yes, actually I am already outside the studio,’ Fuji informed his best friend.
‘Huh? You’re too early!’ Eiji said, exaggerating his surprise.
‘Maa, I don’t mind and you know that I don’t want to stay at the house. I’ll just wait here.’
‘Oishi, hurry up! Fujiko is already there.’ He heard Eiji bellowed.
‘Huh? Then hurry up and brush your teeth Eiji!’ Oishi exclaimed with his usual motherly tone in the background.
Fuji couldn’t help not to smile. Friends are really noisy…and angels.
‘Fujiko, we’ll be there in 20 minutes, ok? I’ll be driving.’
‘I am not going anywhere Eiji. Go now and be careful, don’t make Oishi freak out,’ Fuji said, reminding his over reacting friend.
‘Okay. See you in a bit!’ Eiji said before hanging up.
Having nothing to do, he fetched his cigarette box and lit one. The night wind was blowing against his face; ruffling his soft honey-brown hair. His eyes flew open when he saw someone pacing towards him. The man was noticeably graceful. Anyone would feel intimidated by his presence; every step was full of confidence. Fuji was surprised himself to immediately recognized the taller man approaching him. Fuji dabbed his cigarette in to his portable ashtray and smiled at the newcomer.
Nothing comes easily
Fill this empty space
Nothing is like it was
Turn my grief to grace
TBC
tacuma811, as always, THANK YOU!!!!!! hearts to you Ann_chan!