[One-Shot] Quelling the Storm
Title: Quelling the Storm
Pairing: Taguchi / Ueda (JunDa)
Rating: G
Genre: Fluff with a light toss of angst
Summary: Ueda gets too immersed in the role of Ando Ryuu.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Author’s Note: Prompt and summary by racanai! I hope I did your idea justice >_< Written for Ueda's birthday post here.
Quelling the Storm
Ueda stomps into the dance studio. It’s eleven and he is exhausted after filming. Why must there be extra dance practices?
Screw Taguchi, freaking perfectionist just because he is the choreographer.
“Hey, Uebo-hime is finally here!” Koki teases as Ueda approaches the group. “We can finally start on our -”
Koki never really finished his sentence when Ueda begins glaring at him.
“I wasn’t late because I wanted to. I had work to do.”
“Ueda, I’m sure Koki wasn’t insinuating anything,” Nakamaru steps in to negate the tension. “He was merely joking.”
“Yeah,” Kamenashi adds. “There’s no need to get worked up…”
Before Ueda could make a rebuttal, Taguchi snaps his fingers to attract their attention.
“We’re all tired so let’s run through the steps and we can call it a day. Everyone just wants some rest.”
Ueda tosses his duffel bag onto the ground and shuffles to his position.
***
Ueda is frustrated by his inability to catch up with the pace of the dance. The laughter of the other members further grates on his nerves. Ueda’s temper snaps when Kamenashi trips over his own feet and lands on Ueda.
“What were you looking at?” Ueda growls as he shoves Kamenashi roughly off. “Pay more attention so you don’t fall!”
“I don’t know how everyone else is doing it but I’m not condoning your attitude!” It’s expected when Kamenashi replies with equal aggression in his voice; one can always count on Kamenashi to be the vocal one. “I’m juggling with a variety show, movie, theatre play, radio show and Going! Frankly, I don’t even think I’m being half as prissy as you are.”
“Well, you should purchase a mirror and do some self-reflection,” Ueda hisses in response. “So you’re saying my schedule is a walk in the park?”
“Stop putting words in my mouth. I didn’t mean that.”
The entire quarrel would have ended in a scuffle if Taguchi hadn’t interrupted.
“I need a word with you.”
Ueda twitches in discomfort but agrees eventually.
“Make it snappy, I don’t have all day.”
“Kame, Koki and Yucchi, would you mind giving me a moment?”
***
After the other three members left the dance studio, Ueda is taken aback when Taguchi slams him against the wall.
“What’s wrong with you?”
The usual smile on Taguchi’s face is missing and is replaced with a steely gaze that screams disapproval and disappointment. Ueda attempts to squirm away and avoid Taguchi’s question but Taguchi has proven himself to be incredibly strong and persistent when needed to. Taguchi’s grip tightens when Ueda remains quiet.
“Nothing,” Ueda finally answers. “I’m just being myself.”
“If you’re that unhappy, you can walk out of the studio whenever you want to.”
“What?”
“Ando Ryuu doesn’t need to learn the dance for Fumetsu no Scrum. KAT-TUN’s Ueda Tatsuya is the one that needs to turn up. Come for lessons only when Uepi is back.”
Taguchi’s voice is surprisingly stern and cold. Although Ueda wants to apologize for his juvenile actions, his hotheadedness gets in his way. Breaking out from Taguchi’s hold, Ueda goes straight to his belongings before leaving the venue and slamming the door along his way.
The rest of the members stare at him in disbelief as he exits the place but it is nowhere near the look of dismay Taguchi gave when Ueda decided to walk out.
***
Message from Kamenashi: Taguchi only said those harsh words because he cares. He felt that you became too engrossed with your character… Don’t hold it against him, okay?
No one is asking for your opinions, Ueda scowls as he slams his mobile shut. It’s your fault anyway.
***
Ueda stares at the ceiling blankly and begins inspecting his lights. It’s been days since the last practice and he is supposed to be at the dance studio for another lesson yet pride is holding him back.
Taguchi thinks he is all high and mighty. If he doesn’t want me around, fine!
With the little rationality he is left with and the desire not to be the awkward lagging one during PV filming, Ueda begins running through the steps on his own. However, the number of mistakes he commits snowballs and he ends up discouraged.
Everything is not going right.
Why is he turning into someone that he doesn’t want to be in reality? Nothing irritates him more than a question without an answer. Even though he is aware at what a vile person he is of late, he can’t seem to prevent it.
Nearing his breaking point, Ueda hits the wall in rage, hoping that some pain will jolt him out of this confusion. As anticipated, nothing happens besides bruising his knuckles.
Exasperated, Ueda decides to go for a drink when he discovers Taguchi by his doorsteps. The taller man flies into a fluster upon being discovered and mutters something about passing by. Ueda ignores Taguchi’s excuses and lets him in without a fuss.
***
Taguchi is now seated beside Ueda on the couch, hot coffee in hand. Ueda had been so wrapped up in his personal struggle that he hasn't realised it has started raining. Taguchi must have been cold, standing outside along his corridor with only a normal shirt and slacks.
“Weather in Tokyo sure changes fast, huh?” Taguchi tries to strike a conversation. While at it, Taguchi begins sniffling and Ueda wonders if those are signs of an impending cold or plain nervousness.
“Shouldn’t you be at the studio?”
Ueda hopes that cutting the chase would ease the awkward atmosphere between them.
“I cancelled the session right after you left.”
“Why?”
“I called for KAT-TUN, which means everyone. If you’re not around, there is little point in holding a practice session, no?” Ueda is amazed at how gentle Taguchi can sound. “We’ve been a group for so many years. If you have any problems, I’m sure you can approach us. We’ll never turn you down! Uepi, don’t bottle it up.”
“Oh,” Ueda mumbles, a wave of guilt crashing over him. He never knew his own selfishness and conflict would be affecting everyone else. For once, Taguchi is definitely right - he should really start sparing a thought for others. Instead of shouting and blaming, he should really be thanking the rest of his group mates for their concern.
Ueda notices that throughout the conversation, Taguchi’s eyes remain fixated on the drink in hand.
“Then…why are you here?” Ueda questions when the silence became far too antagonizing. “You could have just dropped a call.”
“I… I wanted to see if you’re okay and let you know -” Taguchi pauses for a moment before rewording his sentence. “No, I just wanted to offer private dance lessons if you need it.”
“And that is important enough for you to come all the way and stand in the rain?” Ueda queries with a faint hint of mischief. “Feel free to speak your mind. The kitchen knives are out of reach anyway.”
Taguchi chuckles for the first time since he entered Ueda’s apartment.
“You’ve been an ass lately and I really miss your bubbly self. Would you mind leaving Ando Ryuu on set?”
“That hurts,” Ueda laughs. “Aren’t you being a little straightforward here?”
“You told me to say whatever I wanted!”
“You didn’t have to listen to my words that closely!” Ueda pouts before slumping back onto his couch and sighs. “I can’t promise but I can try.”
“Great,” Taguchi beams and embraces Ueda tightly. “Since the pout is back, that implies the return of KAT-TUN’s Ueda Tatsuya!”
Ueda rolls his eyes but ends up smiling. Even though Taguchi can be such a moron at times, at least he is a lovable one.
***
During filming for Boys on the Run, there are always tiny breaks scattered throughout the day.
Sometimes, just sometimes, Ueda wonders if Ando Ryuu will falter under Taguchi’s kindness and warm smiles. Because he knows Ueda Tatsuya most definitely will.
~ The End ~
Pairing: Taguchi / Ueda (JunDa)
Rating: G
Genre: Fluff with a light toss of angst
Summary: Ueda gets too immersed in the role of Ando Ryuu.
Disclaimer: I don’t own anybody.
Author’s Note: Prompt and summary by racanai! I hope I did your idea justice >_< Written for Ueda's birthday post here.
Quelling the Storm
Ueda stomps into the dance studio. It’s eleven and he is exhausted after filming. Why must there be extra dance practices?
Screw Taguchi, freaking perfectionist just because he is the choreographer.
“Hey, Uebo-hime is finally here!” Koki teases as Ueda approaches the group. “We can finally start on our -”
Koki never really finished his sentence when Ueda begins glaring at him.
“I wasn’t late because I wanted to. I had work to do.”
“Ueda, I’m sure Koki wasn’t insinuating anything,” Nakamaru steps in to negate the tension. “He was merely joking.”
“Yeah,” Kamenashi adds. “There’s no need to get worked up…”
Before Ueda could make a rebuttal, Taguchi snaps his fingers to attract their attention.
“We’re all tired so let’s run through the steps and we can call it a day. Everyone just wants some rest.”
Ueda tosses his duffel bag onto the ground and shuffles to his position.
***
Ueda is frustrated by his inability to catch up with the pace of the dance. The laughter of the other members further grates on his nerves. Ueda’s temper snaps when Kamenashi trips over his own feet and lands on Ueda.
“What were you looking at?” Ueda growls as he shoves Kamenashi roughly off. “Pay more attention so you don’t fall!”
“I don’t know how everyone else is doing it but I’m not condoning your attitude!” It’s expected when Kamenashi replies with equal aggression in his voice; one can always count on Kamenashi to be the vocal one. “I’m juggling with a variety show, movie, theatre play, radio show and Going! Frankly, I don’t even think I’m being half as prissy as you are.”
“Well, you should purchase a mirror and do some self-reflection,” Ueda hisses in response. “So you’re saying my schedule is a walk in the park?”
“Stop putting words in my mouth. I didn’t mean that.”
The entire quarrel would have ended in a scuffle if Taguchi hadn’t interrupted.
“I need a word with you.”
Ueda twitches in discomfort but agrees eventually.
“Make it snappy, I don’t have all day.”
“Kame, Koki and Yucchi, would you mind giving me a moment?”
***
After the other three members left the dance studio, Ueda is taken aback when Taguchi slams him against the wall.
“What’s wrong with you?”
The usual smile on Taguchi’s face is missing and is replaced with a steely gaze that screams disapproval and disappointment. Ueda attempts to squirm away and avoid Taguchi’s question but Taguchi has proven himself to be incredibly strong and persistent when needed to. Taguchi’s grip tightens when Ueda remains quiet.
“Nothing,” Ueda finally answers. “I’m just being myself.”
“If you’re that unhappy, you can walk out of the studio whenever you want to.”
“What?”
“Ando Ryuu doesn’t need to learn the dance for Fumetsu no Scrum. KAT-TUN’s Ueda Tatsuya is the one that needs to turn up. Come for lessons only when Uepi is back.”
Taguchi’s voice is surprisingly stern and cold. Although Ueda wants to apologize for his juvenile actions, his hotheadedness gets in his way. Breaking out from Taguchi’s hold, Ueda goes straight to his belongings before leaving the venue and slamming the door along his way.
The rest of the members stare at him in disbelief as he exits the place but it is nowhere near the look of dismay Taguchi gave when Ueda decided to walk out.
***
Message from Kamenashi: Taguchi only said those harsh words because he cares. He felt that you became too engrossed with your character… Don’t hold it against him, okay?
No one is asking for your opinions, Ueda scowls as he slams his mobile shut. It’s your fault anyway.
***
Ueda stares at the ceiling blankly and begins inspecting his lights. It’s been days since the last practice and he is supposed to be at the dance studio for another lesson yet pride is holding him back.
Taguchi thinks he is all high and mighty. If he doesn’t want me around, fine!
With the little rationality he is left with and the desire not to be the awkward lagging one during PV filming, Ueda begins running through the steps on his own. However, the number of mistakes he commits snowballs and he ends up discouraged.
Everything is not going right.
Why is he turning into someone that he doesn’t want to be in reality? Nothing irritates him more than a question without an answer. Even though he is aware at what a vile person he is of late, he can’t seem to prevent it.
Nearing his breaking point, Ueda hits the wall in rage, hoping that some pain will jolt him out of this confusion. As anticipated, nothing happens besides bruising his knuckles.
Exasperated, Ueda decides to go for a drink when he discovers Taguchi by his doorsteps. The taller man flies into a fluster upon being discovered and mutters something about passing by. Ueda ignores Taguchi’s excuses and lets him in without a fuss.
***
Taguchi is now seated beside Ueda on the couch, hot coffee in hand. Ueda had been so wrapped up in his personal struggle that he hasn't realised it has started raining. Taguchi must have been cold, standing outside along his corridor with only a normal shirt and slacks.
“Weather in Tokyo sure changes fast, huh?” Taguchi tries to strike a conversation. While at it, Taguchi begins sniffling and Ueda wonders if those are signs of an impending cold or plain nervousness.
“Shouldn’t you be at the studio?”
Ueda hopes that cutting the chase would ease the awkward atmosphere between them.
“I cancelled the session right after you left.”
“Why?”
“I called for KAT-TUN, which means everyone. If you’re not around, there is little point in holding a practice session, no?” Ueda is amazed at how gentle Taguchi can sound. “We’ve been a group for so many years. If you have any problems, I’m sure you can approach us. We’ll never turn you down! Uepi, don’t bottle it up.”
“Oh,” Ueda mumbles, a wave of guilt crashing over him. He never knew his own selfishness and conflict would be affecting everyone else. For once, Taguchi is definitely right - he should really start sparing a thought for others. Instead of shouting and blaming, he should really be thanking the rest of his group mates for their concern.
Ueda notices that throughout the conversation, Taguchi’s eyes remain fixated on the drink in hand.
“Then…why are you here?” Ueda questions when the silence became far too antagonizing. “You could have just dropped a call.”
“I… I wanted to see if you’re okay and let you know -” Taguchi pauses for a moment before rewording his sentence. “No, I just wanted to offer private dance lessons if you need it.”
“And that is important enough for you to come all the way and stand in the rain?” Ueda queries with a faint hint of mischief. “Feel free to speak your mind. The kitchen knives are out of reach anyway.”
Taguchi chuckles for the first time since he entered Ueda’s apartment.
“You’ve been an ass lately and I really miss your bubbly self. Would you mind leaving Ando Ryuu on set?”
“That hurts,” Ueda laughs. “Aren’t you being a little straightforward here?”
“You told me to say whatever I wanted!”
“You didn’t have to listen to my words that closely!” Ueda pouts before slumping back onto his couch and sighs. “I can’t promise but I can try.”
“Great,” Taguchi beams and embraces Ueda tightly. “Since the pout is back, that implies the return of KAT-TUN’s Ueda Tatsuya!”
Ueda rolls his eyes but ends up smiling. Even though Taguchi can be such a moron at times, at least he is a lovable one.
***
During filming for Boys on the Run, there are always tiny breaks scattered throughout the day.
Sometimes, just sometimes, Ueda wonders if Ando Ryuu will falter under Taguchi’s kindness and warm smiles. Because he knows Ueda Tatsuya most definitely will.
~ The End ~