Happy spring, solanum_d!
Title: Moment
Recipient's name: solanum_d
Rating: PG/PG-13?
Pairing(s): Jackal/Bunta
Disclaimer: Neither Prince of Tennis nor the characters herein belong to me.
Warnings: The usual? Boys kissing and things like that.
Author's notes: This isn't a pairing that gets nearly enough attention; I hope I half-way did it justice for you!
They saw each other often, but finding time alone proved difficult. This was especially true once they entered high school, even more so their final year. In addition to practice, there were entrance exams to think about -- ToDai was the best, and that was where Marui aimed. No other place was worthy of his genius, and it was understood that Jackal would keep up. Marui went with Jackal to the extra study sessions to keep him company, or so he claimed, though Jackal knew he studied when he thought no one was looking. Not so much out of necessity as competitive drive; getting in was one thing, making the highest mark was another.
At lunch they moved their desks around and reviewed trigonometry and calculus, sitting next to each other with Yagyuu and Niou situated opposite. Marui reached over and wiped his fingers on Jackal's pants as they worked one of the homework problems. His hand lingered on Jackal's knee, thumb brushing back and forth in a rhythmic, almost thoughtless, motion that Jackal felt all too aware of. No one else paid them much attention though, lost in their own conversations and finishing up homework for the afternoon.
"The answer's forty-two."
Marui rolled his eyes at Niou. "You aren't even looking at the problem."
"It makes it easier to solve that way."
"Niou-kun, finish your English essay."
"Already did."
Jackal glanced up to see Yagyuu pick up Niou's notebook from where it rested under his elbow and flip through it, expression unreadable as he paused every so often, occasionally turning the papers sideways. "... this is hardly an appropriate topic for school."
"That's what makes it unique. And hey, neither is whatever Marui's hand is doing to Jackal under the table, but you don't see me complaining now do you?"
Both jumped and looked away.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Marui shot Niou a glare even as his ears colored and Jackal tried to shift away without being obvious about it. In response Niou grinned, picking up a rice ball and taking a large bite.
Yagyuu cleared his throat. "It was not a complaint, merely an observation."
--
After class everyone hurried out; Jackal lingered behind, so did Marui.
"I have clean up duty today."
"I'll wait."
Marui sat on one of the desks, flipping through a tennis magazine as Jackal swept and cleaned off the blackboard.
"Who do you think will go pro?"
"Sanada, maybe. Yukimura, definitely. I don't know about Yanagi. Akaya once he graduates, though he's probably still chafing that it's going to keep him a year behind everyone else."
Nothing he didn't expect to hear. "Niou and Yagyuu?"
"Who's to say what they'll do within the next five minutes, much less the next three years?" Jackal put the broom back in the closet and started to straighten the rows of desks.
"Did you ever wonder why I decided not to?"
Jackal paused, thoughtful for a moment. "Not really.” That almost surprised him, but most of the time he didn’t have any trouble figuring Marui out, so there seemed little need to think about it. “Did you ever wonder why I didn't?"
"No. "
It didn't take more than fifteen minutes for Jackal to finish, a small pile of forgotten possessions left on the teacher's desk to be collected by their owners later. Jackal put everything else away and joined Marui, leaning over his shoulder to see what he was reading. "I guess we should go to practice now."
"Probably."
Neither of them was in a hurry to move. Marui leaned back against Jackal, trusting the other to keep his balance though the desk wasn't the most stable surface to begin with. Arms around Marui's waist, Jackal took the tennis magazine and placed it aside after closing it.
There was always the chance that someone could come back; it seemed like too much effort to care. The thought went completely out of mind when Marui turned to press his lips to Jackal's, overconfident and almost too much at first, sloppy. Teeth against teeth, an uncomfortable angle that was ignored in light of impatience. Jackal's hand fisted the fabric of Marui's shirt as he met the other with equal force. For want of air they pulled apart, mingled breath uneven and out of synch.
Jackal took the opportunity to turn Marui around, leaning in again to kiss him, this time less hasty and more exploratory. He could feel Marui's arms wrap around his shoulders, a slight shift in pressure as Marui stood, almost knocking the desk over in the process. Hands lowered, down his sides to finally rest at his waist, tugging his shirt free from where it was tucked into his pants. Contact came next, fluttering almost - he couldn't tell if the sensation was internal or external - as Marui's hands rested against his abdomen. He ran his hands down Marui's back, fingers hooking the waistband of the other's pants.
This was familiar, almost, after all their time together. He could feel Marui's hands running over his skin, the scrape of jagged nails, and in return he nipped at the other's neck. Trying to keep his hands from shaking he started on the buttons of Marui's shirt, first the bottom one then --
The door to the classroom next to them slammed shut. Out of reflex they jumped apart and ducked down out of sight. Jackal stole a glance at Marui, and shared an uneasy grin. Time and place came rushing back to mind, and Marui gave over to laughter and Jackal almost immediately followed suit. Standing, Jackal straightened the desks and chairs they had displaced, tucking his shirt back in. "To practice?"
"Yeah. Where's my gum?"
"I have it."
--
Practice had ended too late to make much use of what remained of the day other than walk home. This time Marui decided to accompany Jackal, even if it was in the opposite direction he needed to go. When they neared the Kuwahara house, Marui slowed until he came to a halt on the short path that led up to the front door.
"I'll come over around eight. That should be early enough before the match tomorrow."
"I can't believe I'm waking up that early for you."
"It's your cake we're baking."
"Point."
Neither moved. "So I'll see you later?"
Marui glanced around stepping in close to Jackal, almost hesitant, but brushing that off with an almost annoyed frown; Jackal tried not to look over his shoulder, since he knew at least his mother would be in. As he leaned in closer, too close to be proper, standing on his toes -- he glanced toward Jackal's house and seemed to rethink the action, rubbing the other's head instead. Eyes opened and closed in a blink, and then Jackal laughed, feeling a wash of relief that made him realize he had been just as tense. Marui's laughter joined Jackal's as he retreated back to the sidewalk.
"Don't forget the frosting." And with a wave, Marui ran toward the corner and around to the bus stop without looking back.
Jackal stood gazing at where Marui had been seconds before, letting what he knew must be a ridiculous smile remain on his lips. There wasn't anyone else around, and even if there were he didn't care much what they might think. It was easy to get caught up in Marui, no matter how complex or simple the situation might be. He turned to go inside, stopping in the entryway to take off his shoes.
His mother's voice called from the kitchen, "Jackal-kun?"
Stepping further inside, he went toward the direction of inquiry. "Yeah?" He sat his bag down in one of the dining room chairs and grabbed a bottle of water.
Her back was to him, stirring whatever was on the stove; there was a hint of spice to the smell, rather appealing and he realized how hungry he was. "I need you to come home tomorrow afternoon by four. We need to go get the passport photos done."
That gave Jackal moment to blink in confusion. "Eh? Why do I need to get my passport?"
Heat turned off, she turned to face him, wiping her hands on a towel as she covered the food to wait for his father to get home from work. "Oh, didn't I tell you? We're going to visit my sister this summer."
"But this is --" Jackal stopped himself from finishing the sentence, catching the slight frown that set in the corners of his mother's mouth and the pout that threatened to spill over.
"Hm?"
"Nothing. I think I'm going to go get started on my homework."
--
The next morning Jackal caught Marui before class to tell him the news. In retrospect, he could have picked a better time and place, though immediacy took precedence. Jackal tugged on the wrist weight around his left forearm, adjusting it to give himself something to do that didn't require meeting Marui's eye. There was a dumbfounded flash of expression on Marui's end, replaced by a frown as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You're leaving?"
Shifting his weight from one foot to another, Jackal glanced upward toward the sky, unwilling to go into the building quite yet. The sun shone brightly down, almost blinding in the clear sky. He returned his gaze to Marui, spots dancing across his vision. "Only for vacation."
"Leaving?" Marui repeated for emphasis.
Jackal offered sheepishly, "I'll come back."
Ten steps to the left, another to the right, swift and silent. Agitation without anger, though he asked almost accusingly, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I just found out last night."
Close to sullen, Marui turned his back to Jackal. "That's still twelve hours."
Jackal wanted to reach out, but didn't think it would be the right thing to do. "It wouldn't have done any good for you to know sooner than now."
"Surprise Brazil seems an abrupt decision to make overnight."
"My mother said she thought she told me about it before; maybe I forgot."
"Pretty big thing to miss."
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah, I know."
"There'll be plenty of time later, even with --"
"Let's get to class."
--
Things returned to normal, and Marui didn't speak of Jackal's leaving or the fact that it would be the first break the team was split up. Niou and Yagyuu were also taking off a week after Jackal. Practices were still in session, mostly for Kirihara's benefit to take over another time.
Summer came around. Long days, heat and humidity. There would be days on the beach filled with sunshine and sea salt, games of soccer with his cousins, treks into the rainforest, and no Marui. He is not looking forward to this as much as he thinks he should - it has been years since he has traveled outside the country, and he has always enjoyed the family vacations before - but he is not one to complain and packs his bags.
There is a tap at his window. He looks out, sees Marui crouched on the branch of the tree that grows outside his room. Somewhat puzzled, but moreover curious, he pushes the window up as far as it will go and takes a step back to let the other boy in.
He tasted green apple and sugar, taunt and reminder; this was his to return to, he would not forget that and the thought to do so never entered his head.
--
The days passed slowly, but in swifter fashion than Jackal expected. When lined up one after the other, they seemed to stretch in unending succession, but Jackal found that morning passed to evening before he realized it. On occasion he would receive messages from the other members of the team, though none from Marui. He wasn't too worried on that end; his partner was almost as bad as keeping track of his cell phone as Kirihara, without allowing it to be taken up by Yanagi to keep tabs on it.
Lying on warm sand, waves crashing down in front of him, Jackal attempted to read one of the books assigned for the class. The musical chime from his phone was a welcome interruption. He saw Marui's name and jumped to his feet, almost dropping it in his haste. An unknown unease seemed to lift, even though his throat closed around the words when he pressed the button to answer.
Marui was the first to speak. "How's Brazil?"
"Warm. Large. Not Japan."
"I would have gathered, being full of Brazilians and all."
"My Portugese isn't that great, but it doesn't matter most of the time. How is everything?"
"Almost boring. It's weird."
"That's a first. At least since we joined the team."
"I know; that’s why it’s bizarre.”
There felt like there should be more to say, but none of the words even formed in Jackal's mind.
"When will you be back?"
"Another ten days or so."
"As long as you're not late."
With that, Marui dropped the connection.
--
He had been back in Japan for a few days. Most of his time was spent getting over jetlag and completing what remained of his summer homework. A tap on his window drew his attention; a familiar grin greeting him as he shoved it open as far as it would go.
One leg swung through first, then the other, as Marui slid in through with a quiet thud. He regained his feet lightly, posing in triumph at Jackal's bemused expression as he picked leaves out of his hair. Jackal helped, and soon the leaves were left in a small pile on the windowsill, yellow green with a few already fading to brown and gold.
Neither spoke for a moment, almost uncomfortable but not quite -- things never got that bad between them.
"I-"
"You-"
They laughed. "You first," Marui offered.
"You could just use the front door," Jackal pointed out.
Marui hooked a few strands of hair behind one ear and grabbed Jackal by the collar to pull him closer, height gap closed as Jackal bent to meet the demand. Hands rested on the sharp curve of slim hips, fingers curled in cloth warmed by the sun. The kiss was hard, almost awkward, at first, full of words that over the weeks had been left unsaid. Tension abated and it was easier to fit together again, fall back into pace with one another. Against his lips he could feel Marui's move, saying lightly, "Why mess up something that works?" And Marui twisted away from him and toward the door, sticking his tongue out at him before going into the hallway then downstairs, asking what's for dinner; the scrape of a chair and his mother's exclamation over how good it was to see him again.
He gave the question some consideration, and then smiled to himself. There was no reason to; even with tomorrow and yesterday, there was nothing better than now.
Recipient's name: solanum_d
Rating: PG/PG-13?
Pairing(s): Jackal/Bunta
Disclaimer: Neither Prince of Tennis nor the characters herein belong to me.
Warnings: The usual? Boys kissing and things like that.
Author's notes: This isn't a pairing that gets nearly enough attention; I hope I half-way did it justice for you!
They saw each other often, but finding time alone proved difficult. This was especially true once they entered high school, even more so their final year. In addition to practice, there were entrance exams to think about -- ToDai was the best, and that was where Marui aimed. No other place was worthy of his genius, and it was understood that Jackal would keep up. Marui went with Jackal to the extra study sessions to keep him company, or so he claimed, though Jackal knew he studied when he thought no one was looking. Not so much out of necessity as competitive drive; getting in was one thing, making the highest mark was another.
At lunch they moved their desks around and reviewed trigonometry and calculus, sitting next to each other with Yagyuu and Niou situated opposite. Marui reached over and wiped his fingers on Jackal's pants as they worked one of the homework problems. His hand lingered on Jackal's knee, thumb brushing back and forth in a rhythmic, almost thoughtless, motion that Jackal felt all too aware of. No one else paid them much attention though, lost in their own conversations and finishing up homework for the afternoon.
"The answer's forty-two."
Marui rolled his eyes at Niou. "You aren't even looking at the problem."
"It makes it easier to solve that way."
"Niou-kun, finish your English essay."
"Already did."
Jackal glanced up to see Yagyuu pick up Niou's notebook from where it rested under his elbow and flip through it, expression unreadable as he paused every so often, occasionally turning the papers sideways. "... this is hardly an appropriate topic for school."
"That's what makes it unique. And hey, neither is whatever Marui's hand is doing to Jackal under the table, but you don't see me complaining now do you?"
Both jumped and looked away.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Marui shot Niou a glare even as his ears colored and Jackal tried to shift away without being obvious about it. In response Niou grinned, picking up a rice ball and taking a large bite.
Yagyuu cleared his throat. "It was not a complaint, merely an observation."
--
After class everyone hurried out; Jackal lingered behind, so did Marui.
"I have clean up duty today."
"I'll wait."
Marui sat on one of the desks, flipping through a tennis magazine as Jackal swept and cleaned off the blackboard.
"Who do you think will go pro?"
"Sanada, maybe. Yukimura, definitely. I don't know about Yanagi. Akaya once he graduates, though he's probably still chafing that it's going to keep him a year behind everyone else."
Nothing he didn't expect to hear. "Niou and Yagyuu?"
"Who's to say what they'll do within the next five minutes, much less the next three years?" Jackal put the broom back in the closet and started to straighten the rows of desks.
"Did you ever wonder why I decided not to?"
Jackal paused, thoughtful for a moment. "Not really.” That almost surprised him, but most of the time he didn’t have any trouble figuring Marui out, so there seemed little need to think about it. “Did you ever wonder why I didn't?"
"No. "
It didn't take more than fifteen minutes for Jackal to finish, a small pile of forgotten possessions left on the teacher's desk to be collected by their owners later. Jackal put everything else away and joined Marui, leaning over his shoulder to see what he was reading. "I guess we should go to practice now."
"Probably."
Neither of them was in a hurry to move. Marui leaned back against Jackal, trusting the other to keep his balance though the desk wasn't the most stable surface to begin with. Arms around Marui's waist, Jackal took the tennis magazine and placed it aside after closing it.
There was always the chance that someone could come back; it seemed like too much effort to care. The thought went completely out of mind when Marui turned to press his lips to Jackal's, overconfident and almost too much at first, sloppy. Teeth against teeth, an uncomfortable angle that was ignored in light of impatience. Jackal's hand fisted the fabric of Marui's shirt as he met the other with equal force. For want of air they pulled apart, mingled breath uneven and out of synch.
Jackal took the opportunity to turn Marui around, leaning in again to kiss him, this time less hasty and more exploratory. He could feel Marui's arms wrap around his shoulders, a slight shift in pressure as Marui stood, almost knocking the desk over in the process. Hands lowered, down his sides to finally rest at his waist, tugging his shirt free from where it was tucked into his pants. Contact came next, fluttering almost - he couldn't tell if the sensation was internal or external - as Marui's hands rested against his abdomen. He ran his hands down Marui's back, fingers hooking the waistband of the other's pants.
This was familiar, almost, after all their time together. He could feel Marui's hands running over his skin, the scrape of jagged nails, and in return he nipped at the other's neck. Trying to keep his hands from shaking he started on the buttons of Marui's shirt, first the bottom one then --
The door to the classroom next to them slammed shut. Out of reflex they jumped apart and ducked down out of sight. Jackal stole a glance at Marui, and shared an uneasy grin. Time and place came rushing back to mind, and Marui gave over to laughter and Jackal almost immediately followed suit. Standing, Jackal straightened the desks and chairs they had displaced, tucking his shirt back in. "To practice?"
"Yeah. Where's my gum?"
"I have it."
--
Practice had ended too late to make much use of what remained of the day other than walk home. This time Marui decided to accompany Jackal, even if it was in the opposite direction he needed to go. When they neared the Kuwahara house, Marui slowed until he came to a halt on the short path that led up to the front door.
"I'll come over around eight. That should be early enough before the match tomorrow."
"I can't believe I'm waking up that early for you."
"It's your cake we're baking."
"Point."
Neither moved. "So I'll see you later?"
Marui glanced around stepping in close to Jackal, almost hesitant, but brushing that off with an almost annoyed frown; Jackal tried not to look over his shoulder, since he knew at least his mother would be in. As he leaned in closer, too close to be proper, standing on his toes -- he glanced toward Jackal's house and seemed to rethink the action, rubbing the other's head instead. Eyes opened and closed in a blink, and then Jackal laughed, feeling a wash of relief that made him realize he had been just as tense. Marui's laughter joined Jackal's as he retreated back to the sidewalk.
"Don't forget the frosting." And with a wave, Marui ran toward the corner and around to the bus stop without looking back.
Jackal stood gazing at where Marui had been seconds before, letting what he knew must be a ridiculous smile remain on his lips. There wasn't anyone else around, and even if there were he didn't care much what they might think. It was easy to get caught up in Marui, no matter how complex or simple the situation might be. He turned to go inside, stopping in the entryway to take off his shoes.
His mother's voice called from the kitchen, "Jackal-kun?"
Stepping further inside, he went toward the direction of inquiry. "Yeah?" He sat his bag down in one of the dining room chairs and grabbed a bottle of water.
Her back was to him, stirring whatever was on the stove; there was a hint of spice to the smell, rather appealing and he realized how hungry he was. "I need you to come home tomorrow afternoon by four. We need to go get the passport photos done."
That gave Jackal moment to blink in confusion. "Eh? Why do I need to get my passport?"
Heat turned off, she turned to face him, wiping her hands on a towel as she covered the food to wait for his father to get home from work. "Oh, didn't I tell you? We're going to visit my sister this summer."
"But this is --" Jackal stopped himself from finishing the sentence, catching the slight frown that set in the corners of his mother's mouth and the pout that threatened to spill over.
"Hm?"
"Nothing. I think I'm going to go get started on my homework."
--
The next morning Jackal caught Marui before class to tell him the news. In retrospect, he could have picked a better time and place, though immediacy took precedence. Jackal tugged on the wrist weight around his left forearm, adjusting it to give himself something to do that didn't require meeting Marui's eye. There was a dumbfounded flash of expression on Marui's end, replaced by a frown as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"You're leaving?"
Shifting his weight from one foot to another, Jackal glanced upward toward the sky, unwilling to go into the building quite yet. The sun shone brightly down, almost blinding in the clear sky. He returned his gaze to Marui, spots dancing across his vision. "Only for vacation."
"Leaving?" Marui repeated for emphasis.
Jackal offered sheepishly, "I'll come back."
Ten steps to the left, another to the right, swift and silent. Agitation without anger, though he asked almost accusingly, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I just found out last night."
Close to sullen, Marui turned his back to Jackal. "That's still twelve hours."
Jackal wanted to reach out, but didn't think it would be the right thing to do. "It wouldn't have done any good for you to know sooner than now."
"Surprise Brazil seems an abrupt decision to make overnight."
"My mother said she thought she told me about it before; maybe I forgot."
"Pretty big thing to miss."
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah, I know."
"There'll be plenty of time later, even with --"
"Let's get to class."
--
Things returned to normal, and Marui didn't speak of Jackal's leaving or the fact that it would be the first break the team was split up. Niou and Yagyuu were also taking off a week after Jackal. Practices were still in session, mostly for Kirihara's benefit to take over another time.
Summer came around. Long days, heat and humidity. There would be days on the beach filled with sunshine and sea salt, games of soccer with his cousins, treks into the rainforest, and no Marui. He is not looking forward to this as much as he thinks he should - it has been years since he has traveled outside the country, and he has always enjoyed the family vacations before - but he is not one to complain and packs his bags.
There is a tap at his window. He looks out, sees Marui crouched on the branch of the tree that grows outside his room. Somewhat puzzled, but moreover curious, he pushes the window up as far as it will go and takes a step back to let the other boy in.
He tasted green apple and sugar, taunt and reminder; this was his to return to, he would not forget that and the thought to do so never entered his head.
--
The days passed slowly, but in swifter fashion than Jackal expected. When lined up one after the other, they seemed to stretch in unending succession, but Jackal found that morning passed to evening before he realized it. On occasion he would receive messages from the other members of the team, though none from Marui. He wasn't too worried on that end; his partner was almost as bad as keeping track of his cell phone as Kirihara, without allowing it to be taken up by Yanagi to keep tabs on it.
Lying on warm sand, waves crashing down in front of him, Jackal attempted to read one of the books assigned for the class. The musical chime from his phone was a welcome interruption. He saw Marui's name and jumped to his feet, almost dropping it in his haste. An unknown unease seemed to lift, even though his throat closed around the words when he pressed the button to answer.
Marui was the first to speak. "How's Brazil?"
"Warm. Large. Not Japan."
"I would have gathered, being full of Brazilians and all."
"My Portugese isn't that great, but it doesn't matter most of the time. How is everything?"
"Almost boring. It's weird."
"That's a first. At least since we joined the team."
"I know; that’s why it’s bizarre.”
There felt like there should be more to say, but none of the words even formed in Jackal's mind.
"When will you be back?"
"Another ten days or so."
"As long as you're not late."
With that, Marui dropped the connection.
--
He had been back in Japan for a few days. Most of his time was spent getting over jetlag and completing what remained of his summer homework. A tap on his window drew his attention; a familiar grin greeting him as he shoved it open as far as it would go.
One leg swung through first, then the other, as Marui slid in through with a quiet thud. He regained his feet lightly, posing in triumph at Jackal's bemused expression as he picked leaves out of his hair. Jackal helped, and soon the leaves were left in a small pile on the windowsill, yellow green with a few already fading to brown and gold.
Neither spoke for a moment, almost uncomfortable but not quite -- things never got that bad between them.
"I-"
"You-"
They laughed. "You first," Marui offered.
"You could just use the front door," Jackal pointed out.
Marui hooked a few strands of hair behind one ear and grabbed Jackal by the collar to pull him closer, height gap closed as Jackal bent to meet the demand. Hands rested on the sharp curve of slim hips, fingers curled in cloth warmed by the sun. The kiss was hard, almost awkward, at first, full of words that over the weeks had been left unsaid. Tension abated and it was easier to fit together again, fall back into pace with one another. Against his lips he could feel Marui's move, saying lightly, "Why mess up something that works?" And Marui twisted away from him and toward the door, sticking his tongue out at him before going into the hallway then downstairs, asking what's for dinner; the scrape of a chair and his mother's exclamation over how good it was to see him again.
He gave the question some consideration, and then smiled to himself. There was no reason to; even with tomorrow and yesterday, there was nothing better than now.