Drabble # 224
Title: One in a million
Chapter: [2/?]
Authors: gabs_yuuya and yamap_oukoku
Rating: PG-13 (for now)
Pairing: Tegopi
Genre: Romance, AU, fluff, Angst
Disclaimer: We don't own the boys as you already know, but we can't help to dream about it ^^
Summary: Yamashita Tomohisa, aka Yamapi, is a well-known bachelor of Tokyo nights, but what makes him so well known? Well it's just the simple fact that no one ever managed to get a hold of this handsome and rich young man. The few ones that dared to say they managed to get into Yamashita`s bed, are just liars or never had a chance to make it happen a second time. The only thing he really want is to find his long missed one in a million.
[Chapter 01] [Chapter 02] [Chapter 03] [Chapter 04] [Chapter 05] [Chapter 06][Chapter 07]
“Yeah that’s my name…” Yuya said as he pulled Yamapi closer to give him a quick kiss before letting his head drop back onto the soft pillow “but could you please let me sleep for a bit longer....we did it way too many times last night…” Yuya said sleepily as he closed his eyes again to fall back to sleep, leaving a shocked Yamapi staring at him.
‘What the fuck had just happened?...’
Yamapi suddenly felt a rush of unbearable heat running through his whole body, leaving him weak and dizzy as he tried to regain his senses after the boy to his right unexpectedly kissed him before dropping back down into the smooth linen sheets, pulling the blanket over his head.
Yamapi watched in blank astonishment as the younger man next to him seemed to be have fallen back asleep within mere seconds, not to mention what shocked him most was that the person that meant to be just another stranger turned out to be not just a stranger he would never cross paths with, but his best friend and childhood lover he hadn’t been in contact with for so long.
‘This must be some kind of joke…’
It was as if he was thrown into a sea of emotions, not sure if ‘happiness’ or ‘shock’ or even ‘fear’ outweighed his current state. It was truly a shock but he couldn’t deny the sudden happiness that drowned said feelings of ‘fear’ in any way.
Yamapi couldn’t believe though that he hadn’t recognized him from the start and the person he had been longing to meet again for years was now simply lying in his bed like it was the most natural thing.
‘Can that be true…? Is it really him…? Tegoshi Yuya…My little Tego-nyan…sleeping in my bed? .. Good gracious, it really IS him, it has to be…!” and just thinking about what had happened last night dyed his cheeks a deep red as he remembered every little detail flashing before his eyes.
‘How can he have gotten even prettier than before…he was already perfect looking when he was just sixteen….oh lord and not to mention how sexy he became…those broad but slender shoulders, his features are so delicate and yet forceful…Jesus, and those things he can do in bed should be illegal…’
Yamapi couldn’t help but remember the many ways Tegoshi had made him feel last night; he slightly chuckled, his blush even deepening. The single thought of the fact that it was his Yuya that had done those ridiculous things to him made the last night really special.
Looking at Tegoshi, Yamapi felt as if someone smacked him really hard, his stomach now cramped and his thoughts ran wild. He observed the sleeping figure in front of him carefully as he slowly moved backwards to crawl out of bed not paying attention that to where he was going. It was already too late when suddenly he felt the ‘ground’ beneath his feet disappear and the next second Yamapi found himself lying flat on the floor, crying out in shock and pain, as he fell over the edge of his bed.
“Damnit…Fuck- eh…”
Yamapi cursed, gently rubbing his head and the sore skin where he hit his arm when the stirring underneath the bedcovers caught his full attention.
“Mooo~ Keep it down over there, I’m trying to sleep..”
The younger man muttered as he turned around annoyed at the commotion the other made with his fall.
“Ehh? Excuse me for hurting myself.”
Yamapi dragged himself up at the bed frame, glaring down at the boy.
“You could be a less noisy though.”
The younger man lifted an eyebrow as he glared back at the noisemaker; all he wanted was get some more rest before he had to be at work, and it made him furious why that guy didn’t understand that.
“Well that isn’t a hotel you know.”
Yamapi lost his temper finally as he watched the other turning his head around like he had the complete right to whatever pleased him not bothering that this wasn’t even his apartment but Yamapi’s.
Tegoshi shook the bed sheets off his lithe body as he sighed and crawled out of bad lazily, mumbling under his breath.
“…and that’s why I hate to stay longer than needed…just never brings anything but trouble with it …and I actually thought you were different somehow..”
The brown haired man slipped into his shirt, leaving it unbuttoned while collecting the rest of his on the floor discarded clothes.
“Of course I am different! I’m-“
The older man was cut off when Tegoshi gave him a nudge against his shoulder as he casually walked pass him, his piercing brown eyes right at him when he stopped for a moment looking over his shoulder at the older man.
“No, you’re not you’re just as possessive and annoying as everyone else when they realize they have me in their bed. Last night you didn’t seem to care about anything at all and that, I liked. But now…” Tegoshi shook his brown locks lightly, “you’re just the same.”
The younger man pulled up his pants quickly, slipping into his shoes and without much effort was he dressed almost properly before the other realized he was out and about. At least that’s how it usually went, he had been already used to scenes like that, because it always ended similar and he got tired of it.
“But that’s ok; it was my own fault for believing I could get out of this with ease.”
Nevertheless it made him angry and he knew just how he’d get the other to finally shut up and let him leave, it was just a matter of time which Tegoshi planned to make quickly. Sometimes it worked faster sometimes sadly not but he had always some tricks up his sleeve just in case it would get messy, which often was the case.
Leaving and never returning was all he wanted, why was that so hard to understand?
“W-what?..” Yamapi couldn’t believe what he was hearing and instinctively reached out and took hold the leaving man’s arm, bringing him to a halt. “Wait where are you going? Yuya,…WAIT!!”
Tegoshi slapped away the older man’s hand harshly, “Listen, handsome, we had a really nice night but that doesn’t mean I am yours. We are not in High School or College and don’t you dare calling me by my first name again.” The younger man raised his voice as he stepped again closer to the object of his pain, “Actually I never told you in the first place, so what are you?” A stalker?”
Yamapi stared in shock at the furious expression in the other’s eyes, it wasn’t just annoyance or anger that showed but also something like hurt? Fear?!
“Did you friggin plan this?” Tegoshi didn’t stop shouting into the other’s face, slightly pushing him backwards to regain a certain distance when he suddenly felt squeezed like a wedge into a narrow space.
“You can’t be serious! Don’t you… remember me?” Yamapi’s voice cracked slightly, making it noticeable how hurt he was that the person he loved didn’t give a damn about anything and treated him like a pile of shit.
“Should I?” Tegoshi asked alarmed stepping back two steps as he examined Yamapi’s troubled features quickly running his eyes up and down his still exposed body “Sorry but I didn’t plan on making friends in the first place.”
“But..it’s me, Yamapi.”
The instant Tegoshi took sight of the older man last night he had known it was Yamapi, of course he had, how could he forget his face, his eyes, his lips.. he’d never be able to forget but he tried hard, always tried hard to fight away the memories that haunted him since forever.
“I don’t know anyone by that name, so just let me leave already so I can get ready for work and you can go back to your perfect life”
The younger man snapped at Yamapi who suddenly looked so vulnerable, the strong and powerful facade seemed to crumble with every word the younger boy released. The coolness from last night was gone, not completely but overall the self confident man lacked the previous power over his actions.
“Damnit Yuya, what’s wrong with you?
Yamapi had that bewildered look on his face, his voice raising as he bawled at the boy, underlying his obvious waspishness.
“I’m outta here~!”
It was a quick reply and definitely not was Yamapi wanted to hear. Ignoring the older man’s words Tegoshi turned around, snapping his fingers as he was about to open the front door, his hands on the door knob when Yamapi dashed at him to take hold of the younger man’s arm, pulling him to a halt roughly.
The sudden grip on his lower arm forced Tegoshi to look back over his shoulder before letting go of the door and completely turning to face the other man once again.
“Oi, be happy I don’t charge you, but don’t think you can harass me just because I slept in your bed…my friend is with the cops so whatever you do to me will get here faster than you can imagine, and believe me you don’t want to deal with them.”
It wasn’t a lie and he would make use of his connections anytime if needed and even though he never liked to threaten people he was getting used to it and it somehow made him feel stronger and less vulnerable when dealing with strangers. In the end he never knew with whom he ended up with and would wake up to the next morning, although he preferably left when they slept so he didn’t have to deal with them at all.
This time it was a little different because he knew who he’d slept with but it was for his own pleasure so it didn’t feel that wrong fooling the other, but he almost felt bad for threatening his old friend, even though he didn’t consider him as friend right now and didn’t plan on in the future.
Yamapi stood in awe with the person he once thought he’d known, it was like a bad, really bad, movie and all he could do was watch the younger man turn around slowly and leave through the open door.
He watched his one and only love disappear on him a second time, not recognizing the person he once knew he felt his whole world crash to the ground and splitter into tiny pieces all over again.
---
Tegoshi increased his pace as he walked down the endless seeming hallway of Yamapi’s apartment, once the staircase came into vision he rushed down as fast as his feet took him, taking two steps at a time almost dripping over his untied black boots.
Taking in a deep breath of fresh morning air once he dashed out of the building’s main door, feeling relieved as the pressure built up inside slowly seemed to loosen. He thought he was finally able to close that chapter and leave everything behind from here.
There was simply nothing he wanted to have to do with that person ever again, but the moment he stood in front of him last night, like out of nowhere, the instant he had gazed at him with that well known look he couldn’t just walk away no matter how much he would have wanted. Maybe it was all thanks to the alcohol running through his veins that lowered his defenses, he had no idea what it was but he regretted it.
Tegoshi regretted to get involved with Yampi again, he knew it would have a bad ending but he had hoped it would last a little longer, after all he thought the other wouldn’t have recognized him at all and he could have a little fun, that’s why he took the final step when last night he approached him. Now he regretted it, all of it, hoping he was going to get out of it as soon as possible.
Tegoshi kept on walking at a fast pace, trying to get away from here as quickly as he could and get ready for work. Oh he wasn’t in the mood of work at all but it couldn’t be helped he knew, therefore he aimed for the next convenience store to buy himself some quick breakfast and coffee, maybe he’d stop by at a café though he considered as he kept walking down the empty street. Not many people were around just yet and Tegoshi took a glance at his watch, barely 6:00 AM Monday morning and it was even summer holidays, so literally no one was on the streets.
The morning sun rose at 4:40 and felt already hot against the skin of his bare chest, making him realize he hadn’t gotten dressed properly, so he reached down to start buttoning up his shirt slowly, one button after the other.
[Flash Back]
It was Tegoshi’s first year at junior high school, the way his daily routines changed from the days at elementary school was scary but deep down it was a great time and he started enjoying this school pretty soon, because there was one person that would always be by his side - his best friend Yamapi.
Even though he was almost two years older than him, the boy would always spend his free time with Tegoshi. He couldn’t have wished for anything else because having his best friend by his side put him at ease and made every day worthwhile.
“Yamapiiiii, chotto matteyo!”
Tegoshi shouted in the middle of pants as he tried to catch his breath running after his friend through the nearby park.
“Come on Tego-chan, hurry up or we will surely miss it!”
Yamapi stopped his fast pace to catch up with the younger boy, grabbing him by his skinny arm to pull his friend along and both started running as fast as their feet would take them. Tegoshi had always loved soccer far more than anything and he didn’t want to miss today’s event for nothing in the world. It wasn’t a big event but it was the first time the J-League (Japanese soccer team) was paying their city a visit.
“Oh Tego! I can see it, we are there!”
Yamapi yelled over his shoulder as they reached the small but crowded festival, spotting a small group of tall men dressed in blue soccer jerseys, they kept sprinting even faster to reach their destination quickly. The two young boys managed to pass through the middle of those many legs moving exited toward the main stage where the soccer players gathered at the neighborhoods soccer field Tegoshi had spent half his free time kicking balls.
“….And as I was saying, today one lucky boy or girl will win this T-shirt singed by me!”
The Ace of the team said exited as he held up the signed blue soccer jersey.
“All you guys need to do is come over here and score a simple goal. Right here into the goal at the other side! Show us what you got and this will be yours!” he explained the simple rules, pointing toward the tall metal goal.
“So who will be the brave kid that will start?” the guy shouted exited into the cheering crowd, encouraging many children to rush towards the stage to line up for the try out.
Yamapi turned to look at his small friend, still holding on to his hand tightly.
“Hey Tego-chan, you should go and try as well! Wouldn’t that be so cool?” admiring the boy’s passion for soccer he knew he’d die to get his little hands on that jersey and he had to admit it looked really cool. “I bet you want to have this shirt, don’t you Tego?” Yamapi lightly giggled at his little friend’s dreamy stare at the soccer dude over there, holding the give-a-way shirt, his bright eyes sparkling with excitement.
Turning his head to look up to his best friend Tegoshi started to realize he really wanted that shirt but there was one tiny problem.
“Eto.. I do… but… but…” The younger boy said blushing slightly; he wasn’t good with situations where he would get a lot of attention like here, where countless eyes would stare at him like at rare animals in the zoo. He feared that he’d do something to embarrass himself and the thought of having countless people laugh at him was horrifying, he already felt the cold shivers run down his back, - he shook his head irritated.
“Ahhh come on, Yuu-chan….” Yamapi took hold of both of his friend’s hands as he got on his knees to face him properly, “I know you’re the best player here!” The older boy gave his friend a tight squeeze and smiled reassuringly, noticing how the other’s small lips also curved into a shy smile.
“Just forget about those people, they won’t harm you, and once they see how awesome you shoot and how easily you’ll win that shirt they’ll be all over you, cheering their hearts out believe me!” Yamapi said encouraging his shy friend who still looked slightly horrified at the idea of them observing his movements.
Yamapi squeezed the boy’s hands once more, “If it’s too much just pretend they’re not here…it’s just you and me, like always when we come here. It’ll be just me watching you play and I’ll also cheer for you, ok?”
The boy finally smiled wholeheartedly when he suddenly felt affected by his friend’s calm words, smiling and nodding exited as he imagined the scene in his mind, just him and Yamapi.
The older boy sighed in relief as he watched the boy run toward the stage to line up with the other kids, excited to see how his best friend would handle that easy task, scoring a simple goal like this was one of Tegoshi’s specialties and he was sure he wouldn’t miss this time.
Although Tegoshi was good at soccer in contrary to his friend, the boy was sure it wouldn’t be easy for him to win this T-shirt once he stepped closer towards the ‘start’ line. From here the tall metal goal was far away and also there was the high possibility of one of the other kids to score a goal before he could even try.
Today he was lucky though, so he thought, as none of the kids was able to get the small black and white patterned ball into the net. Once it was finally his turn he felt a sudden rush of head run through his small veins into his head, leaving him dizzy and confused and he tried hard to remember what Yamapi had said, nobody was looking…it was just him and his friend.. and the ball and goal…it couldn’t be that hard to score, it was just like every other day he’d play around.
Nevertheless he felt his courage crumble away as the leather ball lay in front of his feet and his foot just wouldn’t move.
Tegoshi felt all eyes on him, waiting for him to shoot but he couldn’t, he was just too afraid to fail and the moment he was about to turn around to run away as fast as he could before he would drown in the expected laughter that would linger in his head forever he heard a familiar voice shout from a few feet behind him,
“Ganbatte Tegonyan! YOU CAN DO IT!”
The young boy saw his best friend cheering with a happy and bright smile; he registered the encouraging words and turned back toward the goal with a bright smile on his own lips knowing he was ready to do it, ready to score.
He lunged out and hit the ball with all the strength he could get together and seconds later he watched the ball fly fast and high towards the goal.
---
“Waa look Yamapi! I got it! Isn’t it awesome? And it’s singed by the team’s Ace! This is sooo awesome! I will treasure it forever!”
Tegoshi kept talking non-stop in his happiest voice on their way back through the park.
“Yeah it’s really awesome Tego!”
The older boy giggled lightly and ruffling the younger’s hair in amusement, smiling at his friend’s excitement over his easy victory as he held up the blue soccer jersey high into the air to get a better look at it.
Suddenly before any of them could notice what was happening, the shirt was gone out of Tegoshi small hands. The boys turned to look around to find a small group of three slightly older guys behind them, playing with the shirt.
“Hey that’s mine!”
Tegoshi yelled out in shock as he started to walk toward the group of boys.
“Oh really?” the tallest of the boys said in a mocking tone, “Look at that guys, the little baby wants his shirt back!”
The eldest, black haired leader walked towards Tegoshi, but before he could reach him Yamapi pulled the young boy roughly behind his back to shield him.
“Hey that isn’t yours give it back!” Yamapi shouted angry, protecting his friend.
“Oh it looks like the baby got baby friend to help him!”
One of the other boys said as they corned Yamapi with Tegoshi behind his back.
Said slightly chubby guy pushed Yamapi as he hit him by his shoulder, but to his frustration Yamapi managed not to fall and kept his spot to protect Tegoshi.
“If you guys really want it back… let’s see how high you can jump to get it back!”
The last guy said as he grabbed the shirt from his leader and ran toward a tree and started to climb up. Yamapi tried to run after him but he was stopped by one of the guys, grabbing him roughly by his arm before he even got close to the tree. The tall black haired boy took hold of Tegoshi as he tried to run after his friend to help.
“Let them go guys!” Shortly the Leader suggested, “Let’s go, they won’t manage to get the shirt from there and we can have more fun somewhere else, they are not that entertaining after all.”
And soon the entire group gathered, leaving the blue soccer jersey hanging on one of the tree’s branches before they walked away laughing in amusement.
Yamapi rushed towards his friend once they were gone, “Hey Tego, are you ok?” he asked, noticing as he crunched down that the boy was already crying. He followed Tegoshi’s gaze which was directed at the shirt, and they both realized that it hung far too high for any of them to reach it just by jumping.
Before the older boy could try stopping his friend from crying, Tegoshi’s mom came running towards them and when she saw what was the cause for her boy’s behavior she just told him to stop crying over the shirt and hurried away, pulling Tegoshi along.
The young boy let himself pull along; glancing back over his shoulder to see his beloved shirt hanging up high in the tree, and Yamapi just watched his crying friend leave.
----------
The next day at school Tegoshi arrived in a really bad mood, he was upset that he lost his shirt the same day he had gotten it, it was just plain unfair. The boy felt too sad to do anything today, but he knew he had to get through this day and so he walked towards his shoe locker to get changed. As he got there he spotted something blue folded over his shoes and when he got closer to lift the piece of familiar looking clothing he let out a loud scream of joy.
“It’s my shirt! My shirt is back!!”
The boy shouted happily jumping in the same spot while holding the beloved shirt against his chest, and even without changing his shoes he ran towards Yamapi’s class. ‘I need to show Yamapi!’ Tegoshi thought as he rushed through the long corridors, smiling his brightest smile until he reached the other boy’s classroom.
When he spotted his friend from afar he stopped abruptly, noticing that something was different about him. Yeah he thought definitely something isn’t right and he realized his friend was covered in bruises, holding on to a broken arm.
“Y…Yamapi? W…what happen to you?”
Tegoshi rushed to his friend, who tried to hide the broken arm when he noticed his friend coming toward him.
“Eh nothing happened to me…”
The older boy said, trying to reassure his worried friend.
“But …but you’re hurt! What happened to your arm? Did those guys come after you?”
Tegoshi asked concerned, feeling his eyes fill with tears at the sight of his friend.
“Mouu don’t make that sad face Tego, this is nothing and those guys didn’t do anything, I just had a little fall yesterday that’s all, ok?” Yamapi smiled, ruffling the boy’s messy hair. “Besides you should be happy ne? You got you shirt back!”
“A little fall?”
The boy asked in disbelief, glaring up from the blue jersey and right into his friend’s eyes and when he put it all together he found himself dashing towards Yamapi to hug him tightly, feeling the tears run down his face and onto the other boy’s arm.
“Ehh… what’s wrong Tego? Please don’t cry… this …”
“You baka!!!”
Suddenly Tegoshi shouted breaking the hug “You climbed the tree didn’t you!! You shouldn’t!! It was dangerous….Look at you now!” Tegoshi kept shouting, more and more tears fell down his heated face, sobbing unstoppable.
“Oh boy you got it already…” Yamapi scratched his head embarrassed. “Hey but you love that shirt so I had to get it back! Now, you should be happy silly…” The older boy bit his lower lip as he tried to smile reassuringly, ruffling his friend messy hair once again.
“Yeah but now you’re hurt and all… you shouldn’t have done that for a stupid shirt!”
Tegoshi shouted as he was just about to throw away the jersey in his anger.
“Hey don’t say that and don’t throw it away!”
The older boy took hold of Tegoshi’s arm to stop his action.
“There is no need to be angry anymore, you have the shirt you love so please stop crying, ne. I’m fine and this doesn’t hurt at all…”
Yamapi’s words somehow stopped the boy from crying as well, and he tried to give his caring friend a smile to show he appreciated everything he did for him, although he was still angry that he climbed that stupid tree, nevertheless it made him happy to see how much his friend cared.
“Really? It doesn’t hurt, at all?”
Tegoshi stared at his friend’s arm and back into his eyes, wondering if he was telling the truth because he just couldn’t imagine it wouldn’t hurt even a little, in fact it looked rather painful.
“Yeah for real!” Yamapi smiled at the boy, happy to see that he stopped sobbing and the tears starting to dry on his cheeks. “… and look how cool I look with the plaster arm! Do you want to sign it?? The others already did but I saved you the best spot, look”
Yamapi sighed in relief, seeing that his distraction attempt worked when the young boy squealed out as he passed him a black pen marker and Tegoshi eagerly signed the white plaster.
Looking back up to his friend the young boy kept smiling as he hugged his blue soccer jersey tightly to his chest, making Yamapi chuckle as he handed him a pink handkerchief, “Here, wipe your face. You look a little smudgy.”
Tegoshi did as he was told, trying to wipe away his tearstains with the soft cloth that smelled like strawberries and summer. He was very happy to have his shirt back although he still felt angry and of course sad about what happened, but he decided to do his best and hide it ‘cause he knew Yamapi wouldn’t give in and keep worrying if he’d keep crying.
From the start knew he loved his friend and would always look up to him not only because he was older but because he was simply the best friend he could have wished for…
From today on though he also knew Yamapi wasn’t just his best friend but his hero.
[/ end Flash Back]
Tegoshi absent mindedly ordered a short hot drip coffee and sweet potato muffin at the closest Starbucks, lingering over a bar table he stared out of the window as the old memories took over his stricken sanity.
He didn’t want to remember those days and yet he was unable to fight them away once again. These memories that constantly haunted him drove him mad and he felt the muscles around his chest tighten and tears built up in the back of his eyes. He fought them away; he always did because it wasn’t worth to cry over the past, a past he wished to forget, wished to efface forever to make his present days easier to get through with.
He hated those repressed memories, it made him furious thinking about the carefree days he spent… They were not worth being spent like this, nothing that happened should have happened and he hated himself for being so careless back then.
His life changed a lot since then and that’s how it is right now, things were different and he hated those reminders because he felt that there was nothing worth clinging to those memories, they were just memories now after all.
But why couldn’t he get rid of them?
---
Leaning over the kitchen counter Yamapi watched the water drop into the sink, counting each drop as they hit the cold metal bottom. He was unable to understand what had changed Tegoshi that he now acted like this, that he didn’t even recognize or remember him.
Truth be told he didn’t recognize him in the beginning himself but that’s a completely different story, …it was dark, he was slightly tipsy AND he never expected to find Yuya Tegoshi in a place like this…not looking and acting like that.
But there he was now, understanding that he had been careless again and knew it couldn’t go on like that but the mistakes he made weren’t as horrible as Tegoshi had acted when he told him his name. How could he not remember him? Why did he run away like that?
Countless questions piled up inside making his brain spin in circles, leaving him feeling numb as he let himself sink down on the cold kitchen floor, burying his heavy head in his hands and pulling his feet close against his shivering body.
[Flash Back]
Yamapi walked through the busy corridors of the school during lunch time today to find Tegoshi in his classroom to pick him up so they could have lunch together like every day. He would pick up his young friend every day so it was already a routine but nevertheless he still needed to get used to the room number of his class, for some odd reason he couldn’t remember it properly.
He had to walk a little slower today since he had to watch out for his broken arm, he didn’t want to hit anything or anyone. Yamapi cursed under his breath as the plaster arm was starting to annoy him madly by now and not to forget to say it itched most of the times. He did keep those feelings to himself because he didn’t want to see Tegoshi’s tearful eyes again, he had already dealt with him sobbing over the accident a few times after he had gotten his soccer jersey back already.
When he finally managed to arrive at the junior’s corridor he spotted the desired classroom immediately, dashing towards it excited to pick up his friend, but before he would enter the classroom he peaked around the corner through the windows, noticing a strange little scene at the far back. He moved closer toward the door so he could listen to what the kids were saying.
“Why do you have such a big lunch box today? You can’t eat all that by yourself; you should share it with us!”
One of the kids shouted as he pointed at Tegoshi’s lunch box; short black hair, glasses and the same height as Tegoshi, wearing the same grey uniform as everyone else.
“Eto…. but I won’t eat it by myself….I…I made it to eat with Yamapi.” Tegoshi pointed out, wearing his bright trademark smile on his lips once his friend’s name slipped from his tongue. “I’m sorry… but I can’t share with you guys…”
The boy wondered why everyone seemed to care about his lunch and why they’d suddenly gather around him like this, he didn’t like the commotion at all, it made him feel uncomfortable.
A slightly smaller girl with long pigtails joined in and walked toward Tegoshi,
“Are you going to eat it with Yamashita-senpai again?” she asked annoyed, “I can’t believe you even dare to call him ‘Yamapi’ or whatever it is….”
Tegoshi looked startled and concerned, not completely understanding what was so wrong about him calling his best friend by a nickname, everyone does, don’t they?
When the girl didn’t get a reply another girl with short hair suddenly came closer, intrusively mocking the young boy, “Why are you always with him?? You shouldn’t be with Senpai’s…” because she felt annoyed that she couldn’t be with the Senpai’s.
Tegoshi took a few steps backwards, trying to get out of this mess.
“B-but Yamapi is my best friend and he lets me call him by his nickname… actually we came up with the name together!” Tegoshi said proudly, making the other kids get even more jealous.
“Why can’t we be your best friend then?” one of the kids shouted, and another joined in “Yeah you should walk and play with us because we are the same age, just forget about Yamashita-senpai and be our best friend instead!”
Tegoshi felt like this was going too far now, “Eh… but I don’t want another best friend! I don’t need more friends anyways because Yamapi is the only best friend I want!”
Tegoshi couldn’t stand the way everyone was watching him, acting like this and making him most uncomfortable with their questions. He didn’t want to be friends with everyone; actually he didn’t want to be friends with any of them. True they were the same age and had a lot in common so it seemed, for example they were in the same classes, had the same teachers, the same.. ? hm …Tegoshi didn’t really know if they actually had anything in common that would make him enjoy their company.
He seemed to be able to be happy only around Yamapi from the day they met and he knew it would be like that forever, because simply nothing ever felt so right and enjoyable then just being with his best friend, who he was eager to find right now.
When he noticed some of the kids stare at the door he turned around to find Yamapi stand in between the doorframe looking at him.
“Yamapi!” the boy shouted happily and instantly dashed toward the door, leaving a bunch of angry and jealous kids behind. Tegoshi didn’t care what they thought anymore and was just happy to see his friend waiting for him. He threw his arms around the older boy’s waist to hug him tightly, carefully though to not hurt his broken arm.
“Hey there Tego!” Yamapi smiled down to his friend, ruffling his hair gently. “What happened back there just now?”
“Eh, nothing Yamapi!” Tegoshi replied with a happy smile, “I think the other kids wanted to have a share of my bento but I told them I made it for us!”
“Um, I see…”
The older boy nodded as he gave the kids one last look before patting Tegoshi’s shoulder, telling him to start moving towards the playground.
“etoo…wait, you made your bento today?” Yamapi asked slightly shocked but mostly surprised, looking down to his friend who held tightly onto a large black and pink obento box with tiny white bunnies and Sakura blossoms.”Are you serious?”
Tegoshi felt his cheeks reddening, “Yeah, I did.. well, urm.. I tried at least. Mom wanted to help but I refused, wanted to make it myself…” pretty soon a visible blush covered his cheeks and he somehow felt embarrassed, for no reason he thought.
The older boy smiled, “Oh thanks Tego!” and he ruffled his friend’s hair as they walked down the hallway. “Let’s go then, our spot is waiting and I am really curious to the bento you made!”
His friend’s words made Tegoshi even happier and they walked through the school yard talking about today’s classes until they reached a tall Sakura tree where they’d always have their lunch together.
Yamapi plopped down onto the soft grass, eying his friend as he settled himself carefully next to him. He’d always try to get into a proper and comfortable sitting position before starting anything, especially lunch, and Yamapi let out a chuckle when Tegoshi hesitated to open the box.
“Sooooo, show me!”
The older boy squealed exited, and it took another moment or two before Tegoshi slowly lifted the lit of his lunch box, biting down onto his lower lip afraid of his friend’s reaction. Yamapi let out a low gasping sound when he saw the messy inside of it, kind of surprised to find what he did but somehow had he expected a scenario like this “Wow, ~” was all he said and he let out a chuckle.
A worried look crept on Tegoshi’s face, wondering if that was a good ‘wow’ or a bad one. He knew the rice balls where way bigger than they should have been and all.. but.. he tried hard to make it look nice.
Yamapi exchanged a questioning look with his friend before looking back into the bento box, he knew how Tegoshi loved sea weed so it made him chuckle again when he noticed the many layers of it on the attempted onigiri.
He also spotted something that looked like he had tried to make a little bunny out of toast and apples and... he couldn’t really tell what it was because it somehow became little monster instead. Yamapi of course suppressed any comment because in the end it was just sweet how much effort Tegoshi must have put in it, making it just for him and so he smiled happily as he ruffled his friend’s hair to praise him.
Tegoshi returned the smile, feeling happy as it seemed Yamapi liked it, somehow.
“Well, then… Itadakimasu!”
Yamapi shouted excited, trying to get the chop stick with his left hand since his right arm was broken, but it didn’t work out too well and they kept falling out of his grip. Tegoshi of course noticed and moved closer to his friend.
“Eto,…ne let me help you!”
He said cheerfully, picking up a piece of sausage which he guided towards Yamapi’s mouth with his sticks, making the other blush and move his head away.
“Hey,… this is ….embarrassing…”
The older boy’s blush deepened as he looked around making sure nobody had seen this.
To his surprise though Tegoshi wasn’t bothered and tried again to feed his friend.
“I don’t see why… you can’t eat by yourself so I’m helping you!” the young boy explained casually, “Now come here and eat.”
Yamapi still tried to move away mumbling something Tegoshi couldn’t understand and he sighed in annoyance at his friend’s behavior. “Stop being baka and say ahhhh~~”
“Ahahaha haaaaaaa….” Yamapi suddenly started to laugh but obeyed finally, letting his friend feed him, but unfortunately Tegoshi’s food just tasted as bad as it looked.
He didn’t want to upset his friend so he smiled widely as he praised him and Tegoshi was smiling until he tried the food himself.
“Waaahhh that’s horrible! You were lying to me Yamapi!”
The boy said annoyed and put the food aside.
“Hey, it isn’t! Well, not that horrible.”
Yamapi chuckled and kept doing his best to keep eating, what slightly made Tegoshi’s anger go away as he watched his friend doing his best to make him believe he really liked the food.
The boy smiled contentedly, observing Yamapi closely as he fed him a piece of his “onigiri” and before he noticed he was staring at him the older boy turned to him and tried to ask “What?” but his mouth was just too full to let him do it properly. Tegoshi burst out in laughter at the silly expression his friend made and without saying anything Tegoshi moved his upper body forward until his lips brushed against Yamapi’s warm cheek.
Yamapi looked at him startled by the other’s action and the feeling of Tegoshi’s lips against his skin. Even though it was just a light brush of a kiss on his cheeks it affected the older boy and he hoped he’d not blush visibly enough for his friend to notice.
“Thank you Yamapi, you’re the best friend I could have wished for!” Tegoshi whispered with a sweet smile on his lips, “ I want to have you as my best friend forever!” he then moved even closer towards Yamapi, dropping his head to rest against his friend’s shoulder staring at the blue sky.
“You know I will always be there for you, Tego.”
Yamapi couldn’t help it but smile down onto his friend as he ruffle the other’s hair like always did.
“I will always be your best friend and I promise to always protect you from anything that will scare you and fight away everyone that tries to ever harm you.”
And so the two boys watched the fluffy white clouds pass by, while enjoying each other’s company for as long as break time would allow it.
Break time sure was the best time of the day for both of them.
[/end Flash Back]
Yamapi felt a warm tear run down his cold cheek, making him shiver again at the intense feeling of his memories. He never wanted to forget those days and had treasured them until now. He was sure that he’d always treasure them, until the last breathe he’d take even now that the person he once loved with all his heart didn’t.
It hurt, it hurt fucking badly.
Yamapi slowly managed to gather his senses and pulled himself together, he walked back into the bedroom staring at the unmade bed, that probably still smelled like Tegoshi.
If that’s how he wants to play, Yamapi thought, I can play this game too.
He reached out to pick up the pillow Tegoshi had been sleeping on and brought it to his face, intensely smelling at it as he nuzzled against it.
‘I'm going to try 3, 2, 1 So count down….’
Yamapi threw the pillow back onto the bed, thinking he can live without changing the sheets for another week or so…
‘I'm gonna hunt you down, come day or night.’
He grinned to himself, more than positive about what he has to do now because he swore to himself that there won’t be a chance that he’d let go of his memories and the man he loved.
‘One in a million, my one in a million.’
Yes, he still loved him, and nothing will ever change that not even that crappy and hurtful behavior from earlier.
So, the tall man headed for the bathroom to drown even the last of his worries with hot water.
Love is stronger than anything.
This love is forever.
TBC
Authors talk:
Riina: Aww.. we worked hard on this chapter ne Gabby-chan?
Gabby: Waaa we really did desho Riina-chan?? ^^ *smiles widely* It became so nice <3
Riina: Hope everyone will enjoy it >_____<
Gabby: Oh yeah I hope too ^^ did you guys like it?
Riina: I love the flash backs a lot! Maybe the most.. <3
Gabby: hum hai hai I really love them too ^^
Riina: Let’s keep thinking about chapter 3! ~
Gabby: Hum hai hai ^^ Otsukare sama! LoL
Riina: OTSUKARE! *screams*
Gabby: And thank you guys for reading it ne? *bows*
Riina: Haii Maidori! *bows* And we love comments ne?
Gaby: hai hai we really do! lol
Riina: See you guys in the next one! *waves*
Gaby: Bye bye *waves*
Chapter: [2/?]
Authors: gabs_yuuya and yamap_oukoku
Rating: PG-13 (for now)
Pairing: Tegopi
Genre: Romance, AU, fluff, Angst
Disclaimer: We don't own the boys as you already know, but we can't help to dream about it ^^
Summary: Yamashita Tomohisa, aka Yamapi, is a well-known bachelor of Tokyo nights, but what makes him so well known? Well it's just the simple fact that no one ever managed to get a hold of this handsome and rich young man. The few ones that dared to say they managed to get into Yamashita`s bed, are just liars or never had a chance to make it happen a second time. The only thing he really want is to find his long missed one in a million.
[Chapter 01] [Chapter 02] [Chapter 03] [Chapter 04] [Chapter 05] [Chapter 06][Chapter 07]
“Yeah that’s my name…” Yuya said as he pulled Yamapi closer to give him a quick kiss before letting his head drop back onto the soft pillow “but could you please let me sleep for a bit longer....we did it way too many times last night…” Yuya said sleepily as he closed his eyes again to fall back to sleep, leaving a shocked Yamapi staring at him.
‘What the fuck had just happened?...’
Yamapi suddenly felt a rush of unbearable heat running through his whole body, leaving him weak and dizzy as he tried to regain his senses after the boy to his right unexpectedly kissed him before dropping back down into the smooth linen sheets, pulling the blanket over his head.
Yamapi watched in blank astonishment as the younger man next to him seemed to be have fallen back asleep within mere seconds, not to mention what shocked him most was that the person that meant to be just another stranger turned out to be not just a stranger he would never cross paths with, but his best friend and childhood lover he hadn’t been in contact with for so long.
‘This must be some kind of joke…’
It was as if he was thrown into a sea of emotions, not sure if ‘happiness’ or ‘shock’ or even ‘fear’ outweighed his current state. It was truly a shock but he couldn’t deny the sudden happiness that drowned said feelings of ‘fear’ in any way.
Yamapi couldn’t believe though that he hadn’t recognized him from the start and the person he had been longing to meet again for years was now simply lying in his bed like it was the most natural thing.
‘Can that be true…? Is it really him…? Tegoshi Yuya…My little Tego-nyan…sleeping in my bed? .. Good gracious, it really IS him, it has to be…!” and just thinking about what had happened last night dyed his cheeks a deep red as he remembered every little detail flashing before his eyes.
‘How can he have gotten even prettier than before…he was already perfect looking when he was just sixteen….oh lord and not to mention how sexy he became…those broad but slender shoulders, his features are so delicate and yet forceful…Jesus, and those things he can do in bed should be illegal…’
Yamapi couldn’t help but remember the many ways Tegoshi had made him feel last night; he slightly chuckled, his blush even deepening. The single thought of the fact that it was his Yuya that had done those ridiculous things to him made the last night really special.
Looking at Tegoshi, Yamapi felt as if someone smacked him really hard, his stomach now cramped and his thoughts ran wild. He observed the sleeping figure in front of him carefully as he slowly moved backwards to crawl out of bed not paying attention that to where he was going. It was already too late when suddenly he felt the ‘ground’ beneath his feet disappear and the next second Yamapi found himself lying flat on the floor, crying out in shock and pain, as he fell over the edge of his bed.
“Damnit…Fuck- eh…”
Yamapi cursed, gently rubbing his head and the sore skin where he hit his arm when the stirring underneath the bedcovers caught his full attention.
“Mooo~ Keep it down over there, I’m trying to sleep..”
The younger man muttered as he turned around annoyed at the commotion the other made with his fall.
“Ehh? Excuse me for hurting myself.”
Yamapi dragged himself up at the bed frame, glaring down at the boy.
“You could be a less noisy though.”
The younger man lifted an eyebrow as he glared back at the noisemaker; all he wanted was get some more rest before he had to be at work, and it made him furious why that guy didn’t understand that.
“Well that isn’t a hotel you know.”
Yamapi lost his temper finally as he watched the other turning his head around like he had the complete right to whatever pleased him not bothering that this wasn’t even his apartment but Yamapi’s.
Tegoshi shook the bed sheets off his lithe body as he sighed and crawled out of bad lazily, mumbling under his breath.
“…and that’s why I hate to stay longer than needed…just never brings anything but trouble with it …and I actually thought you were different somehow..”
The brown haired man slipped into his shirt, leaving it unbuttoned while collecting the rest of his on the floor discarded clothes.
“Of course I am different! I’m-“
The older man was cut off when Tegoshi gave him a nudge against his shoulder as he casually walked pass him, his piercing brown eyes right at him when he stopped for a moment looking over his shoulder at the older man.
“No, you’re not you’re just as possessive and annoying as everyone else when they realize they have me in their bed. Last night you didn’t seem to care about anything at all and that, I liked. But now…” Tegoshi shook his brown locks lightly, “you’re just the same.”
The younger man pulled up his pants quickly, slipping into his shoes and without much effort was he dressed almost properly before the other realized he was out and about. At least that’s how it usually went, he had been already used to scenes like that, because it always ended similar and he got tired of it.
“But that’s ok; it was my own fault for believing I could get out of this with ease.”
Nevertheless it made him angry and he knew just how he’d get the other to finally shut up and let him leave, it was just a matter of time which Tegoshi planned to make quickly. Sometimes it worked faster sometimes sadly not but he had always some tricks up his sleeve just in case it would get messy, which often was the case.
Leaving and never returning was all he wanted, why was that so hard to understand?
“W-what?..” Yamapi couldn’t believe what he was hearing and instinctively reached out and took hold the leaving man’s arm, bringing him to a halt. “Wait where are you going? Yuya,…WAIT!!”
Tegoshi slapped away the older man’s hand harshly, “Listen, handsome, we had a really nice night but that doesn’t mean I am yours. We are not in High School or College and don’t you dare calling me by my first name again.” The younger man raised his voice as he stepped again closer to the object of his pain, “Actually I never told you in the first place, so what are you?” A stalker?”
Yamapi stared in shock at the furious expression in the other’s eyes, it wasn’t just annoyance or anger that showed but also something like hurt? Fear?!
“Did you friggin plan this?” Tegoshi didn’t stop shouting into the other’s face, slightly pushing him backwards to regain a certain distance when he suddenly felt squeezed like a wedge into a narrow space.
“You can’t be serious! Don’t you… remember me?” Yamapi’s voice cracked slightly, making it noticeable how hurt he was that the person he loved didn’t give a damn about anything and treated him like a pile of shit.
“Should I?” Tegoshi asked alarmed stepping back two steps as he examined Yamapi’s troubled features quickly running his eyes up and down his still exposed body “Sorry but I didn’t plan on making friends in the first place.”
“But..it’s me, Yamapi.”
The instant Tegoshi took sight of the older man last night he had known it was Yamapi, of course he had, how could he forget his face, his eyes, his lips.. he’d never be able to forget but he tried hard, always tried hard to fight away the memories that haunted him since forever.
“I don’t know anyone by that name, so just let me leave already so I can get ready for work and you can go back to your perfect life”
The younger man snapped at Yamapi who suddenly looked so vulnerable, the strong and powerful facade seemed to crumble with every word the younger boy released. The coolness from last night was gone, not completely but overall the self confident man lacked the previous power over his actions.
“Damnit Yuya, what’s wrong with you?
Yamapi had that bewildered look on his face, his voice raising as he bawled at the boy, underlying his obvious waspishness.
“I’m outta here~!”
It was a quick reply and definitely not was Yamapi wanted to hear. Ignoring the older man’s words Tegoshi turned around, snapping his fingers as he was about to open the front door, his hands on the door knob when Yamapi dashed at him to take hold of the younger man’s arm, pulling him to a halt roughly.
The sudden grip on his lower arm forced Tegoshi to look back over his shoulder before letting go of the door and completely turning to face the other man once again.
“Oi, be happy I don’t charge you, but don’t think you can harass me just because I slept in your bed…my friend is with the cops so whatever you do to me will get here faster than you can imagine, and believe me you don’t want to deal with them.”
It wasn’t a lie and he would make use of his connections anytime if needed and even though he never liked to threaten people he was getting used to it and it somehow made him feel stronger and less vulnerable when dealing with strangers. In the end he never knew with whom he ended up with and would wake up to the next morning, although he preferably left when they slept so he didn’t have to deal with them at all.
This time it was a little different because he knew who he’d slept with but it was for his own pleasure so it didn’t feel that wrong fooling the other, but he almost felt bad for threatening his old friend, even though he didn’t consider him as friend right now and didn’t plan on in the future.
Yamapi stood in awe with the person he once thought he’d known, it was like a bad, really bad, movie and all he could do was watch the younger man turn around slowly and leave through the open door.
He watched his one and only love disappear on him a second time, not recognizing the person he once knew he felt his whole world crash to the ground and splitter into tiny pieces all over again.
---
Tegoshi increased his pace as he walked down the endless seeming hallway of Yamapi’s apartment, once the staircase came into vision he rushed down as fast as his feet took him, taking two steps at a time almost dripping over his untied black boots.
Taking in a deep breath of fresh morning air once he dashed out of the building’s main door, feeling relieved as the pressure built up inside slowly seemed to loosen. He thought he was finally able to close that chapter and leave everything behind from here.
There was simply nothing he wanted to have to do with that person ever again, but the moment he stood in front of him last night, like out of nowhere, the instant he had gazed at him with that well known look he couldn’t just walk away no matter how much he would have wanted. Maybe it was all thanks to the alcohol running through his veins that lowered his defenses, he had no idea what it was but he regretted it.
Tegoshi regretted to get involved with Yampi again, he knew it would have a bad ending but he had hoped it would last a little longer, after all he thought the other wouldn’t have recognized him at all and he could have a little fun, that’s why he took the final step when last night he approached him. Now he regretted it, all of it, hoping he was going to get out of it as soon as possible.
Tegoshi kept on walking at a fast pace, trying to get away from here as quickly as he could and get ready for work. Oh he wasn’t in the mood of work at all but it couldn’t be helped he knew, therefore he aimed for the next convenience store to buy himself some quick breakfast and coffee, maybe he’d stop by at a café though he considered as he kept walking down the empty street. Not many people were around just yet and Tegoshi took a glance at his watch, barely 6:00 AM Monday morning and it was even summer holidays, so literally no one was on the streets.
The morning sun rose at 4:40 and felt already hot against the skin of his bare chest, making him realize he hadn’t gotten dressed properly, so he reached down to start buttoning up his shirt slowly, one button after the other.
[Flash Back]
It was Tegoshi’s first year at junior high school, the way his daily routines changed from the days at elementary school was scary but deep down it was a great time and he started enjoying this school pretty soon, because there was one person that would always be by his side - his best friend Yamapi.
Even though he was almost two years older than him, the boy would always spend his free time with Tegoshi. He couldn’t have wished for anything else because having his best friend by his side put him at ease and made every day worthwhile.
“Yamapiiiii, chotto matteyo!”
Tegoshi shouted in the middle of pants as he tried to catch his breath running after his friend through the nearby park.
“Come on Tego-chan, hurry up or we will surely miss it!”
Yamapi stopped his fast pace to catch up with the younger boy, grabbing him by his skinny arm to pull his friend along and both started running as fast as their feet would take them. Tegoshi had always loved soccer far more than anything and he didn’t want to miss today’s event for nothing in the world. It wasn’t a big event but it was the first time the J-League (Japanese soccer team) was paying their city a visit.
“Oh Tego! I can see it, we are there!”
Yamapi yelled over his shoulder as they reached the small but crowded festival, spotting a small group of tall men dressed in blue soccer jerseys, they kept sprinting even faster to reach their destination quickly. The two young boys managed to pass through the middle of those many legs moving exited toward the main stage where the soccer players gathered at the neighborhoods soccer field Tegoshi had spent half his free time kicking balls.
“….And as I was saying, today one lucky boy or girl will win this T-shirt singed by me!”
The Ace of the team said exited as he held up the signed blue soccer jersey.
“All you guys need to do is come over here and score a simple goal. Right here into the goal at the other side! Show us what you got and this will be yours!” he explained the simple rules, pointing toward the tall metal goal.
“So who will be the brave kid that will start?” the guy shouted exited into the cheering crowd, encouraging many children to rush towards the stage to line up for the try out.
Yamapi turned to look at his small friend, still holding on to his hand tightly.
“Hey Tego-chan, you should go and try as well! Wouldn’t that be so cool?” admiring the boy’s passion for soccer he knew he’d die to get his little hands on that jersey and he had to admit it looked really cool. “I bet you want to have this shirt, don’t you Tego?” Yamapi lightly giggled at his little friend’s dreamy stare at the soccer dude over there, holding the give-a-way shirt, his bright eyes sparkling with excitement.
Turning his head to look up to his best friend Tegoshi started to realize he really wanted that shirt but there was one tiny problem.
“Eto.. I do… but… but…” The younger boy said blushing slightly; he wasn’t good with situations where he would get a lot of attention like here, where countless eyes would stare at him like at rare animals in the zoo. He feared that he’d do something to embarrass himself and the thought of having countless people laugh at him was horrifying, he already felt the cold shivers run down his back, - he shook his head irritated.
“Ahhh come on, Yuu-chan….” Yamapi took hold of both of his friend’s hands as he got on his knees to face him properly, “I know you’re the best player here!” The older boy gave his friend a tight squeeze and smiled reassuringly, noticing how the other’s small lips also curved into a shy smile.
“Just forget about those people, they won’t harm you, and once they see how awesome you shoot and how easily you’ll win that shirt they’ll be all over you, cheering their hearts out believe me!” Yamapi said encouraging his shy friend who still looked slightly horrified at the idea of them observing his movements.
Yamapi squeezed the boy’s hands once more, “If it’s too much just pretend they’re not here…it’s just you and me, like always when we come here. It’ll be just me watching you play and I’ll also cheer for you, ok?”
The boy finally smiled wholeheartedly when he suddenly felt affected by his friend’s calm words, smiling and nodding exited as he imagined the scene in his mind, just him and Yamapi.
The older boy sighed in relief as he watched the boy run toward the stage to line up with the other kids, excited to see how his best friend would handle that easy task, scoring a simple goal like this was one of Tegoshi’s specialties and he was sure he wouldn’t miss this time.
Although Tegoshi was good at soccer in contrary to his friend, the boy was sure it wouldn’t be easy for him to win this T-shirt once he stepped closer towards the ‘start’ line. From here the tall metal goal was far away and also there was the high possibility of one of the other kids to score a goal before he could even try.
Today he was lucky though, so he thought, as none of the kids was able to get the small black and white patterned ball into the net. Once it was finally his turn he felt a sudden rush of head run through his small veins into his head, leaving him dizzy and confused and he tried hard to remember what Yamapi had said, nobody was looking…it was just him and his friend.. and the ball and goal…it couldn’t be that hard to score, it was just like every other day he’d play around.
Nevertheless he felt his courage crumble away as the leather ball lay in front of his feet and his foot just wouldn’t move.
Tegoshi felt all eyes on him, waiting for him to shoot but he couldn’t, he was just too afraid to fail and the moment he was about to turn around to run away as fast as he could before he would drown in the expected laughter that would linger in his head forever he heard a familiar voice shout from a few feet behind him,
“Ganbatte Tegonyan! YOU CAN DO IT!”
The young boy saw his best friend cheering with a happy and bright smile; he registered the encouraging words and turned back toward the goal with a bright smile on his own lips knowing he was ready to do it, ready to score.
He lunged out and hit the ball with all the strength he could get together and seconds later he watched the ball fly fast and high towards the goal.
---
“Waa look Yamapi! I got it! Isn’t it awesome? And it’s singed by the team’s Ace! This is sooo awesome! I will treasure it forever!”
Tegoshi kept talking non-stop in his happiest voice on their way back through the park.
“Yeah it’s really awesome Tego!”
The older boy giggled lightly and ruffling the younger’s hair in amusement, smiling at his friend’s excitement over his easy victory as he held up the blue soccer jersey high into the air to get a better look at it.
Suddenly before any of them could notice what was happening, the shirt was gone out of Tegoshi small hands. The boys turned to look around to find a small group of three slightly older guys behind them, playing with the shirt.
“Hey that’s mine!”
Tegoshi yelled out in shock as he started to walk toward the group of boys.
“Oh really?” the tallest of the boys said in a mocking tone, “Look at that guys, the little baby wants his shirt back!”
The eldest, black haired leader walked towards Tegoshi, but before he could reach him Yamapi pulled the young boy roughly behind his back to shield him.
“Hey that isn’t yours give it back!” Yamapi shouted angry, protecting his friend.
“Oh it looks like the baby got baby friend to help him!”
One of the other boys said as they corned Yamapi with Tegoshi behind his back.
Said slightly chubby guy pushed Yamapi as he hit him by his shoulder, but to his frustration Yamapi managed not to fall and kept his spot to protect Tegoshi.
“If you guys really want it back… let’s see how high you can jump to get it back!”
The last guy said as he grabbed the shirt from his leader and ran toward a tree and started to climb up. Yamapi tried to run after him but he was stopped by one of the guys, grabbing him roughly by his arm before he even got close to the tree. The tall black haired boy took hold of Tegoshi as he tried to run after his friend to help.
“Let them go guys!” Shortly the Leader suggested, “Let’s go, they won’t manage to get the shirt from there and we can have more fun somewhere else, they are not that entertaining after all.”
And soon the entire group gathered, leaving the blue soccer jersey hanging on one of the tree’s branches before they walked away laughing in amusement.
Yamapi rushed towards his friend once they were gone, “Hey Tego, are you ok?” he asked, noticing as he crunched down that the boy was already crying. He followed Tegoshi’s gaze which was directed at the shirt, and they both realized that it hung far too high for any of them to reach it just by jumping.
Before the older boy could try stopping his friend from crying, Tegoshi’s mom came running towards them and when she saw what was the cause for her boy’s behavior she just told him to stop crying over the shirt and hurried away, pulling Tegoshi along.
The young boy let himself pull along; glancing back over his shoulder to see his beloved shirt hanging up high in the tree, and Yamapi just watched his crying friend leave.
----------
The next day at school Tegoshi arrived in a really bad mood, he was upset that he lost his shirt the same day he had gotten it, it was just plain unfair. The boy felt too sad to do anything today, but he knew he had to get through this day and so he walked towards his shoe locker to get changed. As he got there he spotted something blue folded over his shoes and when he got closer to lift the piece of familiar looking clothing he let out a loud scream of joy.
“It’s my shirt! My shirt is back!!”
The boy shouted happily jumping in the same spot while holding the beloved shirt against his chest, and even without changing his shoes he ran towards Yamapi’s class. ‘I need to show Yamapi!’ Tegoshi thought as he rushed through the long corridors, smiling his brightest smile until he reached the other boy’s classroom.
When he spotted his friend from afar he stopped abruptly, noticing that something was different about him. Yeah he thought definitely something isn’t right and he realized his friend was covered in bruises, holding on to a broken arm.
“Y…Yamapi? W…what happen to you?”
Tegoshi rushed to his friend, who tried to hide the broken arm when he noticed his friend coming toward him.
“Eh nothing happened to me…”
The older boy said, trying to reassure his worried friend.
“But …but you’re hurt! What happened to your arm? Did those guys come after you?”
Tegoshi asked concerned, feeling his eyes fill with tears at the sight of his friend.
“Mouu don’t make that sad face Tego, this is nothing and those guys didn’t do anything, I just had a little fall yesterday that’s all, ok?” Yamapi smiled, ruffling the boy’s messy hair. “Besides you should be happy ne? You got you shirt back!”
“A little fall?”
The boy asked in disbelief, glaring up from the blue jersey and right into his friend’s eyes and when he put it all together he found himself dashing towards Yamapi to hug him tightly, feeling the tears run down his face and onto the other boy’s arm.
“Ehh… what’s wrong Tego? Please don’t cry… this …”
“You baka!!!”
Suddenly Tegoshi shouted breaking the hug “You climbed the tree didn’t you!! You shouldn’t!! It was dangerous….Look at you now!” Tegoshi kept shouting, more and more tears fell down his heated face, sobbing unstoppable.
“Oh boy you got it already…” Yamapi scratched his head embarrassed. “Hey but you love that shirt so I had to get it back! Now, you should be happy silly…” The older boy bit his lower lip as he tried to smile reassuringly, ruffling his friend messy hair once again.
“Yeah but now you’re hurt and all… you shouldn’t have done that for a stupid shirt!”
Tegoshi shouted as he was just about to throw away the jersey in his anger.
“Hey don’t say that and don’t throw it away!”
The older boy took hold of Tegoshi’s arm to stop his action.
“There is no need to be angry anymore, you have the shirt you love so please stop crying, ne. I’m fine and this doesn’t hurt at all…”
Yamapi’s words somehow stopped the boy from crying as well, and he tried to give his caring friend a smile to show he appreciated everything he did for him, although he was still angry that he climbed that stupid tree, nevertheless it made him happy to see how much his friend cared.
“Really? It doesn’t hurt, at all?”
Tegoshi stared at his friend’s arm and back into his eyes, wondering if he was telling the truth because he just couldn’t imagine it wouldn’t hurt even a little, in fact it looked rather painful.
“Yeah for real!” Yamapi smiled at the boy, happy to see that he stopped sobbing and the tears starting to dry on his cheeks. “… and look how cool I look with the plaster arm! Do you want to sign it?? The others already did but I saved you the best spot, look”
Yamapi sighed in relief, seeing that his distraction attempt worked when the young boy squealed out as he passed him a black pen marker and Tegoshi eagerly signed the white plaster.
Looking back up to his friend the young boy kept smiling as he hugged his blue soccer jersey tightly to his chest, making Yamapi chuckle as he handed him a pink handkerchief, “Here, wipe your face. You look a little smudgy.”
Tegoshi did as he was told, trying to wipe away his tearstains with the soft cloth that smelled like strawberries and summer. He was very happy to have his shirt back although he still felt angry and of course sad about what happened, but he decided to do his best and hide it ‘cause he knew Yamapi wouldn’t give in and keep worrying if he’d keep crying.
From the start knew he loved his friend and would always look up to him not only because he was older but because he was simply the best friend he could have wished for…
From today on though he also knew Yamapi wasn’t just his best friend but his hero.
[/ end Flash Back]
Tegoshi absent mindedly ordered a short hot drip coffee and sweet potato muffin at the closest Starbucks, lingering over a bar table he stared out of the window as the old memories took over his stricken sanity.
He didn’t want to remember those days and yet he was unable to fight them away once again. These memories that constantly haunted him drove him mad and he felt the muscles around his chest tighten and tears built up in the back of his eyes. He fought them away; he always did because it wasn’t worth to cry over the past, a past he wished to forget, wished to efface forever to make his present days easier to get through with.
He hated those repressed memories, it made him furious thinking about the carefree days he spent… They were not worth being spent like this, nothing that happened should have happened and he hated himself for being so careless back then.
His life changed a lot since then and that’s how it is right now, things were different and he hated those reminders because he felt that there was nothing worth clinging to those memories, they were just memories now after all.
But why couldn’t he get rid of them?
---
Leaning over the kitchen counter Yamapi watched the water drop into the sink, counting each drop as they hit the cold metal bottom. He was unable to understand what had changed Tegoshi that he now acted like this, that he didn’t even recognize or remember him.
Truth be told he didn’t recognize him in the beginning himself but that’s a completely different story, …it was dark, he was slightly tipsy AND he never expected to find Yuya Tegoshi in a place like this…not looking and acting like that.
But there he was now, understanding that he had been careless again and knew it couldn’t go on like that but the mistakes he made weren’t as horrible as Tegoshi had acted when he told him his name. How could he not remember him? Why did he run away like that?
Countless questions piled up inside making his brain spin in circles, leaving him feeling numb as he let himself sink down on the cold kitchen floor, burying his heavy head in his hands and pulling his feet close against his shivering body.
[Flash Back]
Yamapi walked through the busy corridors of the school during lunch time today to find Tegoshi in his classroom to pick him up so they could have lunch together like every day. He would pick up his young friend every day so it was already a routine but nevertheless he still needed to get used to the room number of his class, for some odd reason he couldn’t remember it properly.
He had to walk a little slower today since he had to watch out for his broken arm, he didn’t want to hit anything or anyone. Yamapi cursed under his breath as the plaster arm was starting to annoy him madly by now and not to forget to say it itched most of the times. He did keep those feelings to himself because he didn’t want to see Tegoshi’s tearful eyes again, he had already dealt with him sobbing over the accident a few times after he had gotten his soccer jersey back already.
When he finally managed to arrive at the junior’s corridor he spotted the desired classroom immediately, dashing towards it excited to pick up his friend, but before he would enter the classroom he peaked around the corner through the windows, noticing a strange little scene at the far back. He moved closer toward the door so he could listen to what the kids were saying.
“Why do you have such a big lunch box today? You can’t eat all that by yourself; you should share it with us!”
One of the kids shouted as he pointed at Tegoshi’s lunch box; short black hair, glasses and the same height as Tegoshi, wearing the same grey uniform as everyone else.
“Eto…. but I won’t eat it by myself….I…I made it to eat with Yamapi.” Tegoshi pointed out, wearing his bright trademark smile on his lips once his friend’s name slipped from his tongue. “I’m sorry… but I can’t share with you guys…”
The boy wondered why everyone seemed to care about his lunch and why they’d suddenly gather around him like this, he didn’t like the commotion at all, it made him feel uncomfortable.
A slightly smaller girl with long pigtails joined in and walked toward Tegoshi,
“Are you going to eat it with Yamashita-senpai again?” she asked annoyed, “I can’t believe you even dare to call him ‘Yamapi’ or whatever it is….”
Tegoshi looked startled and concerned, not completely understanding what was so wrong about him calling his best friend by a nickname, everyone does, don’t they?
When the girl didn’t get a reply another girl with short hair suddenly came closer, intrusively mocking the young boy, “Why are you always with him?? You shouldn’t be with Senpai’s…” because she felt annoyed that she couldn’t be with the Senpai’s.
Tegoshi took a few steps backwards, trying to get out of this mess.
“B-but Yamapi is my best friend and he lets me call him by his nickname… actually we came up with the name together!” Tegoshi said proudly, making the other kids get even more jealous.
“Why can’t we be your best friend then?” one of the kids shouted, and another joined in “Yeah you should walk and play with us because we are the same age, just forget about Yamashita-senpai and be our best friend instead!”
Tegoshi felt like this was going too far now, “Eh… but I don’t want another best friend! I don’t need more friends anyways because Yamapi is the only best friend I want!”
Tegoshi couldn’t stand the way everyone was watching him, acting like this and making him most uncomfortable with their questions. He didn’t want to be friends with everyone; actually he didn’t want to be friends with any of them. True they were the same age and had a lot in common so it seemed, for example they were in the same classes, had the same teachers, the same.. ? hm …Tegoshi didn’t really know if they actually had anything in common that would make him enjoy their company.
He seemed to be able to be happy only around Yamapi from the day they met and he knew it would be like that forever, because simply nothing ever felt so right and enjoyable then just being with his best friend, who he was eager to find right now.
When he noticed some of the kids stare at the door he turned around to find Yamapi stand in between the doorframe looking at him.
“Yamapi!” the boy shouted happily and instantly dashed toward the door, leaving a bunch of angry and jealous kids behind. Tegoshi didn’t care what they thought anymore and was just happy to see his friend waiting for him. He threw his arms around the older boy’s waist to hug him tightly, carefully though to not hurt his broken arm.
“Hey there Tego!” Yamapi smiled down to his friend, ruffling his hair gently. “What happened back there just now?”
“Eh, nothing Yamapi!” Tegoshi replied with a happy smile, “I think the other kids wanted to have a share of my bento but I told them I made it for us!”
“Um, I see…”
The older boy nodded as he gave the kids one last look before patting Tegoshi’s shoulder, telling him to start moving towards the playground.
“etoo…wait, you made your bento today?” Yamapi asked slightly shocked but mostly surprised, looking down to his friend who held tightly onto a large black and pink obento box with tiny white bunnies and Sakura blossoms.”Are you serious?”
Tegoshi felt his cheeks reddening, “Yeah, I did.. well, urm.. I tried at least. Mom wanted to help but I refused, wanted to make it myself…” pretty soon a visible blush covered his cheeks and he somehow felt embarrassed, for no reason he thought.
The older boy smiled, “Oh thanks Tego!” and he ruffled his friend’s hair as they walked down the hallway. “Let’s go then, our spot is waiting and I am really curious to the bento you made!”
His friend’s words made Tegoshi even happier and they walked through the school yard talking about today’s classes until they reached a tall Sakura tree where they’d always have their lunch together.
Yamapi plopped down onto the soft grass, eying his friend as he settled himself carefully next to him. He’d always try to get into a proper and comfortable sitting position before starting anything, especially lunch, and Yamapi let out a chuckle when Tegoshi hesitated to open the box.
“Sooooo, show me!”
The older boy squealed exited, and it took another moment or two before Tegoshi slowly lifted the lit of his lunch box, biting down onto his lower lip afraid of his friend’s reaction. Yamapi let out a low gasping sound when he saw the messy inside of it, kind of surprised to find what he did but somehow had he expected a scenario like this “Wow, ~” was all he said and he let out a chuckle.
A worried look crept on Tegoshi’s face, wondering if that was a good ‘wow’ or a bad one. He knew the rice balls where way bigger than they should have been and all.. but.. he tried hard to make it look nice.
Yamapi exchanged a questioning look with his friend before looking back into the bento box, he knew how Tegoshi loved sea weed so it made him chuckle again when he noticed the many layers of it on the attempted onigiri.
He also spotted something that looked like he had tried to make a little bunny out of toast and apples and... he couldn’t really tell what it was because it somehow became little monster instead. Yamapi of course suppressed any comment because in the end it was just sweet how much effort Tegoshi must have put in it, making it just for him and so he smiled happily as he ruffled his friend’s hair to praise him.
Tegoshi returned the smile, feeling happy as it seemed Yamapi liked it, somehow.
“Well, then… Itadakimasu!”
Yamapi shouted excited, trying to get the chop stick with his left hand since his right arm was broken, but it didn’t work out too well and they kept falling out of his grip. Tegoshi of course noticed and moved closer to his friend.
“Eto,…ne let me help you!”
He said cheerfully, picking up a piece of sausage which he guided towards Yamapi’s mouth with his sticks, making the other blush and move his head away.
“Hey,… this is ….embarrassing…”
The older boy’s blush deepened as he looked around making sure nobody had seen this.
To his surprise though Tegoshi wasn’t bothered and tried again to feed his friend.
“I don’t see why… you can’t eat by yourself so I’m helping you!” the young boy explained casually, “Now come here and eat.”
Yamapi still tried to move away mumbling something Tegoshi couldn’t understand and he sighed in annoyance at his friend’s behavior. “Stop being baka and say ahhhh~~”
“Ahahaha haaaaaaa….” Yamapi suddenly started to laugh but obeyed finally, letting his friend feed him, but unfortunately Tegoshi’s food just tasted as bad as it looked.
He didn’t want to upset his friend so he smiled widely as he praised him and Tegoshi was smiling until he tried the food himself.
“Waaahhh that’s horrible! You were lying to me Yamapi!”
The boy said annoyed and put the food aside.
“Hey, it isn’t! Well, not that horrible.”
Yamapi chuckled and kept doing his best to keep eating, what slightly made Tegoshi’s anger go away as he watched his friend doing his best to make him believe he really liked the food.
The boy smiled contentedly, observing Yamapi closely as he fed him a piece of his “onigiri” and before he noticed he was staring at him the older boy turned to him and tried to ask “What?” but his mouth was just too full to let him do it properly. Tegoshi burst out in laughter at the silly expression his friend made and without saying anything Tegoshi moved his upper body forward until his lips brushed against Yamapi’s warm cheek.
Yamapi looked at him startled by the other’s action and the feeling of Tegoshi’s lips against his skin. Even though it was just a light brush of a kiss on his cheeks it affected the older boy and he hoped he’d not blush visibly enough for his friend to notice.
“Thank you Yamapi, you’re the best friend I could have wished for!” Tegoshi whispered with a sweet smile on his lips, “ I want to have you as my best friend forever!” he then moved even closer towards Yamapi, dropping his head to rest against his friend’s shoulder staring at the blue sky.
“You know I will always be there for you, Tego.”
Yamapi couldn’t help it but smile down onto his friend as he ruffle the other’s hair like always did.
“I will always be your best friend and I promise to always protect you from anything that will scare you and fight away everyone that tries to ever harm you.”
And so the two boys watched the fluffy white clouds pass by, while enjoying each other’s company for as long as break time would allow it.
Break time sure was the best time of the day for both of them.
[/end Flash Back]
Yamapi felt a warm tear run down his cold cheek, making him shiver again at the intense feeling of his memories. He never wanted to forget those days and had treasured them until now. He was sure that he’d always treasure them, until the last breathe he’d take even now that the person he once loved with all his heart didn’t.
It hurt, it hurt fucking badly.
Yamapi slowly managed to gather his senses and pulled himself together, he walked back into the bedroom staring at the unmade bed, that probably still smelled like Tegoshi.
If that’s how he wants to play, Yamapi thought, I can play this game too.
He reached out to pick up the pillow Tegoshi had been sleeping on and brought it to his face, intensely smelling at it as he nuzzled against it.
‘I'm going to try 3, 2, 1 So count down….’
Yamapi threw the pillow back onto the bed, thinking he can live without changing the sheets for another week or so…
‘I'm gonna hunt you down, come day or night.’
He grinned to himself, more than positive about what he has to do now because he swore to himself that there won’t be a chance that he’d let go of his memories and the man he loved.
‘One in a million, my one in a million.’
Yes, he still loved him, and nothing will ever change that not even that crappy and hurtful behavior from earlier.
So, the tall man headed for the bathroom to drown even the last of his worries with hot water.
Love is stronger than anything.
This love is forever.
TBC
Authors talk:
Riina: Aww.. we worked hard on this chapter ne Gabby-chan?
Gabby: Waaa we really did desho Riina-chan?? ^^ *smiles widely* It became so nice <3
Riina: Hope everyone will enjoy it >_____<
Gabby: Oh yeah I hope too ^^ did you guys like it?
Riina: I love the flash backs a lot! Maybe the most.. <3
Gabby: hum hai hai I really love them too ^^
Riina: Let’s keep thinking about chapter 3! ~
Gabby: Hum hai hai ^^ Otsukare sama! LoL
Riina: OTSUKARE! *screams*
Gabby: And thank you guys for reading it ne? *bows*
Riina: Haii Maidori! *bows* And we love comments ne?
Gaby: hai hai we really do! lol
Riina: See you guys in the next one! *waves*
Gaby: Bye bye *waves*