Title: The Osaka Ride
Author:
kitsune_hikaruCategory: One-Shot
Pairing: UchiDa, mention of RyoUchi
Rating: G
Genre: Friendship
Disclaimer: Too bad owning people these days are no longer legal...
Warning: Un-betaed.
Summary: Uchi was troubled by the people who kept bugging him about Ryo leaving NEWS, Ueda thought he could do something at least.
A/N: I just want to have a break from writing all those request fics. Don’t be mad at me~~ ;____;
I think this story is totally pointless though. But constructive criticisms are still welcomed, as always~ ;)
Uchi sighed, walking aimlessly around Johnny’s lobby. The show conference he had was just like other conferences before, but it was surprisingly utterly tiring. Uchi wondered though, why the press even bothered to rain him with such questions of Yamapi and Ryo leaving NEWS. Why did they even want to ask him? How should he answer to such questions? Even if he knew anything about that, there was nothing he could do. He had nothing to do with them anymore. Uchi scrunched his eyes, quickening his pace to brush all uneasy thoughts pouring inside his mind. But just as he stepped further, he hit someone and sent them both tumbling on the floor. Uchi opened his eyes in shock.
“Ouch... Uchi what happen to you? Suddenly dashing like that...” Ueda rubbed his forehead that bumped into Uchi.
“Oh my, Ueda-san, I’m sorry! I’m too lost in thought I couldn’t even see anyone around,” Uchi panicked, standing quickly to help Ueda up.
“Long day? You should rest,” Ueda said when he was finally on his feet.
Uchi scratched his head, smiling ever so slightly that gave the impression of a forced one. “Well, not really. I’m off for a week starting tomorrow anyway.”
Ueda’s brows rose. “That’s good. Be a bit happier then.”
Without realizing, Uchi sighed. He wasn’t complaining, but it was like the media was setting a trap for him. He was suspended at one time, and wasn’t able to return to NEWS or Kanjani8, and suddenly people were asking about this issue. Uchi doesn’t want to get paranoid, but no matter which side he might take, he would be troubled.
Ueda frowned, looking at the mute Uchi so deep in thought. He waved a hand in front of Uchi’s eyes, just in case if Uchi already left to dreamland, but Uchi winced, making Ueda chuckled. “Do you have plan for this week?” he asked.
“No, why?”
Ueda hummed, his index finger resting loosely on his chin as he looked up as if he was thinking something. “I was thinking of going somewhere where I can relax,” he said before shifting his gaze towards Uchi and smiled. “Would you like to join me? To Osaka.”
“Eh?”
Atsugi, Kanagawa
“Are we seriously going to Osaka? Why so sudden?” Uchi asked in confusion, looking at Ueda who was concentrating on the road.
“It’s not sudden, I was having a little break from my drama filming. It was damn tiring and we kinda worked the whole day. Now that I had the privilege, I want to go somewhere that can bring me some peace in mind,” Ueda explained. It was true though, when he had the break, he returned to Tokyo to meet his band mates and he planned to go straight to Osaka afterwards.
“But why Osaka?”
“My important people are there.”
“Your family?”
“No,” Ueda answered shortly. “Ah, it’s Sagami River!” Ueda exclaimed, one hand pointing at the river beside them as they pass.
Uchi looked outside, taking in what offered to him with the speed of Ueda’s car. “Ah, yeah, what’s wrong with Sagami River anyway?”
“I love Sagami River. It was probably one of the strongest rivers in Japan,” Ueda said, eyes glancing occasionally at the view.
“What do you mean strongest river?” Uchi frowned, not getting where they were going.
“Sagami River drains the largest lake in eastern Japan, dammed at several locations along the way, supported by some reservoir lakes, and become the hydroelectric power for Kanagawa, isn’t that awesome?” Ueda said in admiration. “But you know, long time ago it had to re-cut its course several times due to repeated eruptions of Mount Fuji. And the dam was neglected during World War II due to lack of funding. It almost died and dry. It took 30 years to resume and gain its power again,” Ueda stole a glance towards Uchi. “It’s long, right? But it finally managed to contribute something. I think the soul of the river must have strived so hard to bring its worth again.”
Uchi looked speechlessly towards his colleague. He never really saw rivers that way. But in that view, Uchi thought it sounded so much like his life. Being so bright at first, before he was suspended and finally able to come back again. It was a bit late and slow at the second part, but he strived hard.
“Do you think I can contribute more again?” Uchi said to no one, half whispering.
Ueda smiled, as if the topic Uchi brought wasn’t really off the topic they were discussing. “Of course, if your reservoir lakes are good enough.”
Kikugawa, Shizuoka
Pulling to a halt, Ueda exited his car as he stretched lightly, taking in the fresh breeze of Shizuoka. Uchi followed right after, approaching Ueda at the other side.
“What are we doing here?” Uchi looked around, scanning a restaurant in front of them.
“Having a meal?” Ueda suggested. “I’m hungry, and now that we’re here, why don’t we try some Shizuoka Oden.”
“We can have Oden in Osaka too,” Uchi tailed Ueda into the shop, still with confusion mirrored all over his face.
“Osaka’s Oden tend to be stronger flavored. This is the place where we can enjoy the beef stock in the broth flavored Oden with skewered ingredients. Katsuobushi and the seaweed in the Oden are delicious too, you should try the Oden outside Osaka to understand the flavor,” Ueda said, taking his seat before placing his order.
Just as their order arrived, Uchi started to take a bite, slowly letting the taste blend in his mouth. “It tastes light,” he was a bit surprised actually. He expected the dark colored broth and soy sauce to taste thicker, but it was surprisingly very refreshing.
“It is, right?” Ueda beamed into his wide cheerful smile. “The look might be different from its taste. And even if they’re all Oden, the one at Osaka and Shizuoka are completely different.”
“Do you think Ryo would like Shizuoka Oden?” Uchi stuffed another daikon into his mouth and munched enthusiastically.
Ueda grinned knowingly, propping his chin on his palm. “I don’t know. You tell me.”
Okazaki, Aichi
The rest of the journey remained silent. Uchi was simply enjoying the journey around them, with his mind lost in his own thought. How long has it been that he last talked to Ryo? He was busy recently, even when Ryo asked him out or simply wanted to go home together, he always had something else to do. Uchi wasn’t sure when they stopped contacting each other regularly. Or even discuss about anything. It felt like a withdrawal. He sighed, looking out the window again, catching the sight of the garden of Okazaki Castle. It looks beautiful, and sad at the same time. Probably because of his own emotional condition.
“Anything wrong?” Ueda asked in concern.
“Nothing. The wisteria flowers are beautiful,” Uchi answered randomly.
Ueda blinked, taking a glimpse at the garden in Okazaki Castle that passed by them, with wisteria flowers climbing up the gate structure. “Are you heart-broken?”
“What?” Uchi snapped, turning abruptly towards Ueda.
“Don’t look at me like that, but of all the flowers you’re interested on wisteria. Isn’t that flower represents heart break?” Ueda explained his speculation.
“It is?” Uchi blinked, then sighed, looking away again. “I don’t know. Am I too cruel to Ryo? He had always been there for me when I needed him. And now when he needed someone, here I am, denying all connections we had. I feel so selfish.”
Ueda frowned in confusion a bit. “You mean, about him leaving NEWS? I heard that, though not in details. But you can always talk to him, I guess.”
“I should,” Uchi sighed again. “I should have at least listened to him. I’m just too scared of how my future will become.”
“Step out then,” Ueda suggested. “You know, like Fuji Musume, the wisteria tale,” Ueda paused, chuckling a bit at his words. “Wisteria also represents memory, right? Patience and endurance. But she never forgets the love anyway.”
Uchi didn’t answer. He never forgot, really. How much Ryo had done for him. The very long letter Ryo wrote to him that brought him out of his misery, and how Ryo had never forgotten to text him almost every day. It was Ryo who look most excited when he finally returned, and it was Ryo who talked to the fans to continue supporting him. It was all Ryo. Uchi thought Ryo was really someone he owe respect. Fisting his knuckles, Uchi gritted his teeth. He wanted to return the favor. He used to really want to - he wasn’t sure when the flame died.
Suita, Osaka
The warm light of the evening sun glinted off the city of Kandaimae as it set over the horizon, turning the buildings into gold. The Kandaimae city was congested with people walking along the sideway, everyone was busy with their own business. It wasn’t really a pleasant view, but Uchi felt warm, very warm. Passing along the busy road, Uchi saw the railway of the shinkansen, stretching beyond his sight. Everything reminded him of the past, how he used to go back and forth from Osaka to Tokyo with Ryo. It was crazy and tiring, but they both enjoyed it. The distance never bothered them.
“Osaka is very nice, don’t you think?” Ueda said, as if he just knew what Uchi was thinking. “It might not be the most beautiful city ever, but it felt like home.”
“Yeah, it really does,” Uchi agreed. “Why are you coming to Osaka anyway, Ueda-san?”
“Oh, I’m meeting my Mouse Peace crews,” Ueda grinned, eyes fixing on the road as he slowed down his speed. It was hard to drive in such traffic.
“Your Mouse Peace crews are here?” Uchi was flabbergasted.
“Yeah, they are the place where I can relax,” Ueda shrugged, leaning slightly to the side. “If I had to compare, they are like my reservoir lakes, that burden my problem together. They’re crazy, and we are so different, like the variety of ingredients in Oden, but it was indescribably good. Come to think of it, Takeshi doesn’t like Oden. But well, you never knew you’ll like it or not until you tried,” Ueda chuckled.
Uchi blinked, trying to sink in the comparison. Ryo was probably his largest reservoir lake he had ever had these past years, supporting him to no end. He thought he used to be one for Ryo, he wondered if he still was. He wasn’t Ryo, he wasn’t strong. But he wasn’t weak either. He wouldn’t be able to talk to the fans like Ryo did, but at least he could provide some comfort, even just a little. Uchi felt a sudden rush at the thought. He wanted to see Ryo. So bad. Before he realized it, tear drops wettened his cheeks.
I can't be without Uchi!
“Ueda-san, can you drop me at the shinkansen station?” Uchi said hurriedly.
“What?” Ueda’s eyes widened, but he complied anyway. Rushing out, Uchi quickly bought the earliest ticket to Tokyo as he could.
“Thank you so much for the ride, Ueda-san. I really needed it,” Uchi tapped Ueda’s shoulder once before he pivoted his heel to go.
“I just bring you along, that’s all,” Ueda shrugged.
“You took the long road, Ueda-san. I’m not that stupid not to notice,” Uchi grinned, looking back at Ueda’s face again.
Ueda blushed a bit. “I forgot the path, so I took the further one,” he reasoned.
“For someone who has important people at Osaka, do you expect me to believe you forgot?” Uchi teased again, but this time, he didn’t wait for an answer as he trotted towards the entrance.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Ueda asked, voice rivaling the noises around them.
“I’m stepping out!” Uchi answered before disappearing into the gate.
*****
“You’re late,” Taizo’s Kansai ben coated his tone thickly, barely reflected his patience meter. Standing in front of the main door of his apartment, his arms folded with fury eyes. Ueda gulped. Taizo rarely spoke in Kansai ben with him. And he knew more than anyone when it comes to this point it wouldn’t be pretty.
“I’m just...” Ueda glanced at his watch. “Four hours late?” his voice shook a bit, pulling up an eyebrow. He felt like shit. He wasn’t someone who would come late to meetings, even just a simple promise with a friend. Heck, he never even late for his own personal jogging training every morning. He felt terribly bad.
“Exactly,” Taizo nodded firmly.
Ueda’s eyes lifted to fix Taizo with an incredulous look, just to catch sight of a glare beginning to form on his friend’s face. “Taizo, I’m sorry. I... Forget it, I don’t want to create excuses. The fact is I’m late and I’m sorry-”
“Okonomiyaki,” Taizo interrupted. “For apology.”
“Eh?” Ueda blinked a few times, trying to take in the demand. “Fine, Okonomiyaki for dinner then. Where?”
Taizo shrugged. “You take me to one. And don’t stop treating me until I’m satisfied with the taste.”
Ueda almost dropped his jaw at the crazy request. In most occasions Ueda might have snapped and refused with all his might. But when he looked back at Taizo who was chanting ‘Okonomiyaki’ at the tips of his lips, Ueda sighed, couldn’t help but to smile. “Fine, I’ll take you tonight.”
“It’s really not like you to be late though,” Taizo sat back on his sofa, picking up his guitar and started plucking the strings. “Anything happened?”
Ueda pursed his lips, pondering about the long journey before sitting on the sofa opposite of Taizo. “There’s a friend in need.” Inwardly Ueda thought Osaka definitely is the place where he can relax.
Ueda wasn’t aware however, that he was the only one Taizo ever go easy with his temper. Well, if the other band members were counted out though.
~The End~
A/N: Aaaah, I wish I know something about Ueda's opinion about the France history when he wrote his Marie Antoinette song... *pouts*