Fountain of Memories
Author: emmachase
Requested by: kat_tun_cyber
Title: Fountain of Memories
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Tragedy, with a bit of fluffy fluff/Angst
Pairing: YamaDai / AriYama
Summary: What happens, when one of JUMP's own, loses his memories?
Notes: I'm so nervous about this one too! Comments are appreciated!
“Alright guys! Lets get this last run in and that will be it for the day okay!?” Yabu cheered as the members sluggishly stood up on the stage again. The day had been hard for them, practicing for JUMP’s final concert of the month. Each time, it seemed that there would be something better that they could work into their routine, and every time one of those ideas came, a new round of rehearsals would come with it.
“I’m so tired……” Yamada complained as he sat on the ground
“Cmon this is the last one.. if not I’ll take you home and suffer the consequences okay?” Arioka offered his hand and pulled the younger boy to his feet, giving him a kiss as he did.
“Mmmm…. Okay…. You promise…” Yamada smiled and nuzzled his head in Daiki’s neck for a bit before being reminded with a tap on the shoulder by the rehearsal supervisor that his dance cue was coming up. With a sigh, Yamada gave Daiki a quick kiss and walked out onto the stage, before the seats that would soon house hundreds of JUMP’s fans. As he began to dance, Daiki stared at him, and watched with a gentle smile on his face. Things were good between them, they had been dating unofficially for 6 months, and officially for the last 6. The anniversary of their first date was today… and he had planned a special night for the two of them after rehearsal.
“Reminiscing about your loooover?” Inoo asked as he put his arm around Daiki’s shoulders.
“You don't think about Hikaru?” Arioka replied with a quick turn of his head
“Maybe……” Inoo sighed as he walked out as his cue was issued. Daiki smiled and watched as Yamada kept on dancing. He remembered the first date they had, a simple night out for dinner, that ended up with the two of them sitting around the fountain in the park just outside Yamada’s house. Underneath the bright starlit sky, he had finally come clean with his feelings, and as if the heavens approved, stars began streaming down, from the clear sky. Since then, he had enjoyed visiting Yamada at his home, he would listen as the younger would play songs on his piano. The gentle sounds of the strings would warm his heart and he would always end his visits, by sitting with Yamada at the park, his arms would be wrapped around the boy, and they would gaze into the free flowing waters of the fountain. It was there, at that very fountain that they had their first official kiss as a couple. Yes, that boy dancing out there, was indeed his Yamada, the one he wanted to be with. Daiki finally walked out and began his dance along side Yamada, the two smiling at each other all the while.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
“Ah… This is my limit…” Daiki collapsed onto the ground
“Mine too……” Ryutaro fell, knocking down Chinen in the process.
“Ryutaro knocked me down…” Chinen panted, relieved that he didn't have to dance anymore.
“Mou… isn’t this enough!?” Inoo pleaded as Yabu shook his head and sighed.
“Ohhhkay guys… I guess we will call it for today” Hikaru walked up to Yabu who was pouting.
“Hi-Hikaru…” Inoo tried to stand up again, but fell on his butt.
“Alright cmon….” Hikaru walked over and picked up the fallen boy and the two walked off into the changing room.
“Guys… I just don….t feel…so good…..” Yamada stumbled as he stumbled around on the stage.
“Whats wrong?” Keito asked as he grabbed his water bottle, opting to splash some of its cool contents over his body instead of drinking it.
“Yeah…. What’s going on?” Arioka looked at the younger boy. As he hurted, he saw Yamada’s eyes suddenly roll and as his eyes closed, he fell, stumbling off the stage and falling onto the ground below.
“Yama-chan!” Daiki dashed over as the other members ran towards the two.
“Yamachan…YAMADA!” Daiki shook the boy slightly, as he felt something wet on his hand. When he moved his hands, he gasped as his entire hand was covered with blood.
“I’ve called the ambulance, and the doctor in the studio is on his way.” Takaki said as he brought out towels to help soak up the blood.
Within moments, the ambulance had brought Yamada to the hospital and after a few hearwrenching moments, the entire group finally heard the words “He’s fine” escape the attending doctor’s mouth. As soon as the doctors and nurses left the room, they were allowed to visit, one at a time…
The other members pushed Daiki into the room and shut the doors. Yamada laid on the bed, his head was wrapped in bandages. When the scene finally soaked in, his eyes began to tear up.
“Yama-chan….Yama…chan?” Daiki walked over to the bed, and put his hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“mmmh…”
“Yama-chan?.....Ryosuke?” Daiki watched carefully, as Yamada’s eyes fluttered and finally opened, looking up at the white ceiling of the hospital. The boy blinked blankly and turned his head slowly to face him.
“Yama-chan? Are you….okay?”
“I-I’m fine…” Yamada answered.
“OH… thank god…. I was so worried… I was so worried that you were seriously hurt, that you were-“
“Um…I’m sorry…..but..who…. are you?” Daiki’s eyes widened at the question, his heart felt as if it had just been struck with a hundred arrows.
“I…I'm..” Words failed to come out of his mouth, as Daiki just ran to the door and shut the door behind him. He fell against it and slumped to the ground, as the other members in the hall gathered around him and helped him to a chair in the hall.
“What happened?” Ryutaro asked
“Is he okay?” Chinen asked, as Daiki shook his head, burying his face into his hands.
“Ya..ma-chan… has no idea who I am……” Keito’s voice came from behind them. The other members turned to look at him. Keito’s eyes were blank with disbelief as he closed to door to Ryosuke’s room.
One by one, JUMP entered the hospital room, and each came out with the same horrified look, as one of their own, didn’t recognize them. As the last, Ryutaro came out, and Daiki had finally worked up the nerve to walk in there again.
Gently, Daiki shut the door as he walked into the room, Yamada’s head turned to face him, for a few moments, the two stared at each other.
“Hello… you… were in here earlier weren’t you?”
“Yes….”
“I’m sorry…. I don't.. seem to remember you…”
“Do… you remember…. Anything?”
“No… one of the other people that came in here… they told me that my name is-“
“Yamada Ryosuke….” Daiki whispered, the boy in the bed looked at him blankly and nodded
“Were… we friends?” Yamada asked
“We were…. More than that..” Daiki could feel his eyes watering again.
“Yama-chan…..”
“Did I know you well? Everyone seems to be calling me Yama-chan.. doesn't that mean we were close friends?”
“We ….. are all your friends.. Yama-cha-….Ryosuke….” Daiki felt it would be better not to make Yamada feel awkward.
“But I….”
“I’m sorry…. “ Yamada looked at his hands and suddenly felt very small.
“W-What for?”
“I'm sorry that I don't remember you…. I’m sorry that I don't remember them….I’m sorry that I don't remember….. anything.” He said as he twiddled his thumbs.
“It’s okay… it’ll come back to you…. I know it will.” Daiki smiled and sat down next to the boy, he brushed Yamada’s hair out of his eyes and looked into his love’s face.
“I promise, it will come back….” He reiterated. Just then, the door to the room burst open, and Yamada’s family stood there, his parents nodded to Daiki and quickly rushed over. Not wanting to be in the way, Daiki walked out and sat among the other members of JUMP in the hall. They sat there in silence, each wanting to comfort Daiki, but unable to think of anything to say. For the next hour, they sat there, staring at the plaque infront of the room, bearing Yamada’s name, before finally, the door to the room opened, and Yamada’s family came out. They walked up to Daiki and his mother, with a gentle pat on Daiki’s back, asked he she could have a moment.
“Arioka-kun… About Ryosuke….”
“I’m sorry…” Daiki bowed
“Arioka-kun, during the time that Ryosuke is… recovering…. I think that you should help him….. be with him….” Daiki looked up
“I’m…. sorry?” He wasn't sure that he had understood.
“The time that he spent with you, was some of his happiest times… I think…. That if there was anything to be done to help him…. You could do it. I want to help my son… but with work…. I would be leaving him alone during the day…. And I feel that…. You would take care of him. So-“
“I understand… t-thank you….” The two bowed to each other and Yamada’s family left the hospital.
“Dai-Chan…. The doctor said that Yama-chan would be able to leave tomorrow… We’ll stay here…. If you want to have some time to yourse-“
“I’ll stay.”
“But-“
“I’ll stay….but thank you….. all of you.” Daiki watched as the members merely nodded and walked out with worried looks on their faces.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
Once again, Daiki entered the room, he forced his smile and walked toward the hospital bed.
“Hi again.. I’m sorry….. what is your name?”
“Daiki…. Arioka Daiki.”
“Hello Arioka-san” Yamada smiled politely as Daiki chuckled
“You don't have to call me that… you used to call me “Dai-Chan…. Or just Daiki” The older boy smiled, even though his heart was being torn in two.
“Were we……”
“We were close friends.” Daiki quickly answered.
“Is that so……I’m sorry… that I don't remem-“
“Don’t be sorry…. Some people would pay to forget their lives…. it seems that you’ve actually done it.”
“Was….. my life before this…. one that I would want to forget?”
“I don't know…. But to me…. You were always happy….. you were always….. nice…. Gentle…… kind….you were… wonderful.” Daiki fought back his tears again.
“I see….”Yamada yawned as he nodded his head.
“Go to sleep…. You’ve been though quite a bit…tomorrow, maybe things will come back to you.” Daiki pulled the blankets over Yamada’s body and walked to dim the lights.
“Arigatou…” Yamada smiled drowsily, as his eyes closed, and his fell asleep.
“Good night…” Daiki whispered as he sat down in the chair opposite the bed. As he gazed at Yamada, in the lightly lit room, he put his head in his hands and silently cried himself to sleep.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
“Daiki? Daiki….?"
Arioka felt someone shaking him and he raised his head out of his hands and blinked, his vision will blurry with sleep. A young boy’s face greeted him, his brown eyes… his soft cheeks…. All slowly came into focus, and Daiki quickly stood up.
“Yamada!” He quickly stood up and rubbed his eyes.
“The doctors said that I can go home now….”
“Oh! That's great!”
“Um…. I… just….”
“Whats wrong?”
“I just… I don't want to go directly home…. After being here for so long… I want to go out somewhere, anywhere. Would you…. Maybe show me some places that I used to like?”
“S-Sure!” Daiki nodded
As soon as they left the hospital, they walked slowly towards Yamada’s home.
“So… you really don't remember anything?” Daiki asked, unsure about what to talk about.
“I remember…. Bits and pieces…. A dance…. A song….. a face that I cant quite make out… but really nothing beyond that..”
“Oh…”
“B-But, I hope it will all come back to me soon…the doctors said that amnesia can be cured if I’m exposed to familiar things.”
Daiki could only nod as he listened to the boy he loved talk about everything he could remember, everything but him. The two spent the next few hours wandering the small shops around Yamada’s house. They visited the small ice cream shop that they had shared their first plate as a couple at. Daiki ordered a large cup of the flavor that he knew Yamada liked.
“Oh! Arioka-Chan! You’re back with Ryosuke-Kun! It’s been a while hasn't it, and you two are still just as cute together!” The cashier at the front smiled as she rang them up.
“Uh… Thank you!” Daiki quickly responded, noticing how the girl’s comments made Yamada feel uneasy. He felt so bad, knowing how awkward it must be to have everyone know everything about you, when you know little more than your own name.
“This…. place is familiar….” Yamada said, his voice trailing off as he sat down in one of the small booths in the back of the ice cream shop.
“It’s your favorite place…. You used to drag me here every weekend to have some of this…” Daiki smiled as he held a spoonful of the ice cream, feeding it to Yamada.
“Eh?” Yamada looked at the spoon with a puzzled look.
“O-Oh! Sorry….” Daiki shyly put down the spoon, he was used to feeding Yamada as they would talk and listen to music, often cuddling, and even fall asleep in the little booth.
“It’s okay…..” the younger boy gave a small pat before gingerly picking up the spoon himself.
“It’s familiar…..” Yamada said again as the coolness of the ice cream slipped down his throat.
“It’s also your favorite….”
“You…. Seem to know a lot about me…. Were we very close childhood friends?”
“We were…. The closest of friends… “ Daiki’s heart ached to even say that they were little more than friends at this point. Still, he couldn't force theses feelings onto him if he couldn't remember them…
“Lets go somewhere else ne?” Daiki said as Yamada finished the last of the ice cream.
“Sure!”
The next destination they went to was a small coffee shop that was on the corner in front of Yamada’s house. They had often met here to talk, and to share a cup of hot chocolate during the winter.
“Mmmh…. It’s so fragrant…..” Yamada remarked as they entered
“Ah! Yama-chan, Dai-Chan! Please come in! I’ll make your usual.” The store owner nodded to them as he set about, opening the chocolate kept in a tin.
“Everyone seems to know us….”
“Y-Yeah..”
“Did we come here a lot?”
“We came here during the winter…. We would share a hot chocolate, and sometimes we’d just talk. There was one time that we sat together here for quite a while, just talking about…….” Daiki trailed off, he couldn’t tell this Yama-chan about how they had spent the hours talking about their relationship, talking about each other.
“Talking about what…. Daiki?” Yamada asked as he took a sip of the drink the owner set down, wincing slightly at the temperature.
“N-Nothing, just a lot of things…. I don't remember really. You got mad at me at the end of it though, because I didn't tell you…. That you had a mustache from drinking the hot chocolate.” Daiki said as he looked at Yamada. He nearly laughed as when the drink found its way onto the table again, Yamada had suddenly gained another hot chocolate mustache.
“I..did?”
“Yeah…. But I thought….. that you were cuter that way….” Daiki said, as he used his finger to trace along Yamada’s upper lip and wipe away the mustache before licking his finger. His eyes widened as he suddenly realized what he had just done.
“U-uh… let’s go now….” Daiki quickly stood up, as Yamada sat there, still confused as to what happened.
A flurry of images came into Yamada’s mind, as if brought about by Daiki’s actions, he could remember more bits and pieces, but not enough to make sense of them. It seemed as if all the images in his head were twisted, garbled. He held his head as a sudden pain shook his body.
“Unhh.”
“Are you okay!?” Daiki rushed over, putting his arms around the younger boy.
“I just….felt a little dizzy.. that's all.” Yamada stood up, his still-shaking hand bracing him against the chair in the booth.
“Maybe…. I should take you home…” Daiki offered his hand, and as Yamada took it, he could feel yet another familiar feeling wash over his body, the warmth that Arioka’s hand provided seemed to wash away the pain in his head,
“Thank you….”
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
The two finally arrived at Yamada’s house, and together, they entered.
“Can you…. Tell me which one is my room?” Yamada asked as they walked down the hallway.
“Well, this one…. Is your room, but most of the time you spent your days in here….” Daiki gestured to the room before them, and then to the study room.
“Oh….” Yamada walked into the room to find the grand piano that he had written so many melodies on. He sat at the bench, and yet another familiar feeling overtook him. Pages upon pages of his own handwriting, his own signatures and notations greeted his eyes. Gently, he laid his hands upon the keys, and played the soft melody that sat before him on the piano. Daiki took his usual seat. He signed and closed his eyes, he sat silently and listened to the song that was playing, despite all that had happened, it seemed that even now, Yamada’s songs could still calm his heart. He felt, strangely at peace, and yet, so troubled at the same time. Finally, the song ended, and he opened his eyes to find a pure angelic look upon Ryosuke’s face. The gentleness of the song had served to calm both the boys down.
“That was beautiful” Daiki said
“Thank you….” Yamada replied as he looked through the papers on the piano.
“You wrote it you know…..? You loved writing all these songs, you said that each one represented how you were feeling on that day.” Daiki said, as he stood up to leave.
“W-Wait… this song…. I want to …. Play this song…” Yamada set the music on the reading stand and began to hit the keys again. Just as Daiki heard the first two notes of the song, he stopped and closed his eyes, he sighed as he sat down and he listened to a familiar song play, feelings of frustration and yearning causing his eyes to water again. The melody danced happily and joyfully, and both boys could feel a sense of comfort as Yamada’s fingers ever so gingerly hit each key. Finally, the song ended, and both boys opened their eyes again to look at each other.
“I… can’t believe I wrote that… it was so beautiful…. I wonder…… what I was feeling…” Yamada sighed as he brushed a lock of his hair back.
“You… wrote that song for me…..” Daiki said.
“Huh?”
“You wrote that song… for me… six months ago. It was when we …. Officially became a couple…. you said that… you felt so happy, so free…. and so you wrote that song…. for us to celebrate the day that we had our first official date.” Daiki couldn’t hold the tears back any longer, as they streamed down his face. He slumped against the wall and slid down to the floor.
“I-I’m sorry..” Yamada quickly rushed over to the boy, using his sleeves to wipe away the tears.
“N-No…. it’s n-not your f-fault.” Daiki sniffled as he tried to clean himself up.
“We…. Were… a couple?” Yamada asked.
“Yes… yesterday… was our one year anniversary….” Daiki nodded as he was still losing the battle against his emotions.
“We……. Were in love?”
“Yes……” Daiki nodded again.
“I wrote this ….. song…. because…. I loved you….. because I….” A flood of memories tempted Yamada, revealing barely anything about Daiki, but just as soon as he had a grasp on any of them, they vanished again.
“You wrote this song…. because you said you were happy….. you were so glad that it was finally out, so that we could finally be together…” Daiki finished for him
“I want to remember!” Yamada cried out into the study room, his yells vibrating even the strings in the piano. The younger boy collapsed to the ground on his hands and knees as tears welled up in his eyes.
“I want to remember! I want to remember everything! B-But I cant! I cant! I just…. I just cant!” Yamada cried as the tears left his eyes and hit the floor beneath him. He banged his fist against the hardwood floors.
“Oh… Yama-chan….” Daiki crawled over to the boy and held him in his arms. He leaned them against the couch in the room and for the next hour, he held Yamada, the boy he loved with all his heart, and listened to him cry, feeling absolutely powerless to do anything about it.
“Ryosuke…. It’ll be alright…..” Daiki held him, and let Yamada’s head rest on his shoulders, Yamada’s head nuzzled against his neck and again, he held back tears.
The two sat there, one crying, the other torn up on the inside, just listening to the silence that had become them.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
When the two had finally dried their eyes out, Daiki helped Yamada stand up and led him to his room.
“W-Wait…. You know…. There’s one…. Just one more familiar place… that I’d like to take you….is…. that okay?” Daiki asked, and received a nod in response.
Daiki led Yamada out of his house, and into the darkness of the night, they walked towards the small park that housed the fountain, their fountain. The two of them arrived at their beloved fountain, and heard the gentle fall of the water.
“I remember….. this place….. it’s blurry… but I remember this place.”
“It’s the place where we had our first kiss….it’s the place where we spent our time as a couple.” Daiki said, as he cleared the leaves from the bench across from the fountain.
“Why… didn't you tell me we were a couple?”
“I didn’t want to put that pressure on you…. I ju-“
“It’s must have been hard on you… I’m… sorry…” Yamada cut Daiki off, as he absent mindedly dragged his hand in the waters.
“I remember……. This fountain…. That bench…..”
“We came here often…..”
“Daiki….. um…. Dai-Chan…. Did…. You love me?”
“Yes….. with all my heart”
“Did….. I love you?”
“I hope you did…..” Daiki smiled and watched as Yamada walked over to him and sat down on the bench next to him.
“I….. know….. that I did….. I had to….. that song… I remember some of it….. and…. And I …. Remember thinking about you….but…. even now…. It must be hard on you…I’m sorry….” Yamada kept bowing in apology.
“N-No…. its not your fault…. I’m strong… see? I’ll be fine.” Daiki lifted the younger boy’s chin and looked into his eyes.
“I’m….. sorry….” Yamada repeated..
“Even if you don't remember me…. I…. still love you.” Daiki said, as he leaned in, and kissed Yamada again. Just as suddenly, the images flew back into Yamada’s head. The fountain…. the song…. their first kiss, the ice cream….. everything. Reality seemed to have restored itself in his mind.
“Dai-Chan……”
“Yes? Ryosuke?”
“I remember….. everything…….. everything….. and don’t call me that….” Yamada gave Daiki a quick swat with his hand and chuckled, as he felt so happy he could finally remember everything that had happened between them.
“Y-Yama…..Chan?”
“Dai-Chan…. I'm so sorry… I’m so so sorry….. you helped me…. Get my memories back… even though going through all this with me … couldn’t have been easy.”
“n-no, it’s fine… I’m fine…” Daiki was wiping away tears from his eyes as his smile revealed itself.
“Ahah….You’re a mess…..” Yamada laughed as he hugged his boyfriend and held onto him tight.
“And whether YOU remember it or not….. I love you too…. Arioka Daiki.” Yamada whispered into the older boy’s ear. Daiki merely nodded, the tears of joy streaming down his eyes and wetting Yamada’s shirt.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
“I’m sorry we didn't get to celebrate our anniversary yesterday….” Yamada said as the two stood before the fountain, bathed in the gentle glow of the lights around the waters.
“It’s okay…. “
“I had the best present picked out for you…. It was this little penguin with your name sewn onto it…. And it had another smaller penguin… with my name sewn onto it… I poked my fingers a bit making it….” Yamada laughed as he looked at his pale white fingers.
“I got the best present today…” Daiki said as he put his arms around Yamada’s waist and rested his head on the younger boy’s shoulders.
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“I got YOU back…..”
“You’re so corny….” Yamada laughed as he turned around and kissed his boyfriend again.
“But you love me for it right?” Daiki asked, putting on his fake pout
“Yeah Yeah…. I love you…. Haha” Yamada laughed as he gave Daiki another quick kiss, turning the pout into a smile. He giggled and turned to watch the fountain again.
“I’ll always love you…”
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
Sorry it took so long Minna! I hope you enjoyed the story! Once again, Comments are ALWAYS welcome, as I love hearing from you! The more the better the longer the better!
~Emmie
Requested by: kat_tun_cyber
Title: Fountain of Memories
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Tragedy, with a bit of fluffy fluff/Angst
Pairing: YamaDai / AriYama
Summary: What happens, when one of JUMP's own, loses his memories?
Notes: I'm so nervous about this one too! Comments are appreciated!
“Alright guys! Lets get this last run in and that will be it for the day okay!?” Yabu cheered as the members sluggishly stood up on the stage again. The day had been hard for them, practicing for JUMP’s final concert of the month. Each time, it seemed that there would be something better that they could work into their routine, and every time one of those ideas came, a new round of rehearsals would come with it.
“I’m so tired……” Yamada complained as he sat on the ground
“Cmon this is the last one.. if not I’ll take you home and suffer the consequences okay?” Arioka offered his hand and pulled the younger boy to his feet, giving him a kiss as he did.
“Mmmm…. Okay…. You promise…” Yamada smiled and nuzzled his head in Daiki’s neck for a bit before being reminded with a tap on the shoulder by the rehearsal supervisor that his dance cue was coming up. With a sigh, Yamada gave Daiki a quick kiss and walked out onto the stage, before the seats that would soon house hundreds of JUMP’s fans. As he began to dance, Daiki stared at him, and watched with a gentle smile on his face. Things were good between them, they had been dating unofficially for 6 months, and officially for the last 6. The anniversary of their first date was today… and he had planned a special night for the two of them after rehearsal.
“Reminiscing about your loooover?” Inoo asked as he put his arm around Daiki’s shoulders.
“You don't think about Hikaru?” Arioka replied with a quick turn of his head
“Maybe……” Inoo sighed as he walked out as his cue was issued. Daiki smiled and watched as Yamada kept on dancing. He remembered the first date they had, a simple night out for dinner, that ended up with the two of them sitting around the fountain in the park just outside Yamada’s house. Underneath the bright starlit sky, he had finally come clean with his feelings, and as if the heavens approved, stars began streaming down, from the clear sky. Since then, he had enjoyed visiting Yamada at his home, he would listen as the younger would play songs on his piano. The gentle sounds of the strings would warm his heart and he would always end his visits, by sitting with Yamada at the park, his arms would be wrapped around the boy, and they would gaze into the free flowing waters of the fountain. It was there, at that very fountain that they had their first official kiss as a couple. Yes, that boy dancing out there, was indeed his Yamada, the one he wanted to be with. Daiki finally walked out and began his dance along side Yamada, the two smiling at each other all the while.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
“Ah… This is my limit…” Daiki collapsed onto the ground
“Mine too……” Ryutaro fell, knocking down Chinen in the process.
“Ryutaro knocked me down…” Chinen panted, relieved that he didn't have to dance anymore.
“Mou… isn’t this enough!?” Inoo pleaded as Yabu shook his head and sighed.
“Ohhhkay guys… I guess we will call it for today” Hikaru walked up to Yabu who was pouting.
“Hi-Hikaru…” Inoo tried to stand up again, but fell on his butt.
“Alright cmon….” Hikaru walked over and picked up the fallen boy and the two walked off into the changing room.
“Guys… I just don….t feel…so good…..” Yamada stumbled as he stumbled around on the stage.
“Whats wrong?” Keito asked as he grabbed his water bottle, opting to splash some of its cool contents over his body instead of drinking it.
“Yeah…. What’s going on?” Arioka looked at the younger boy. As he hurted, he saw Yamada’s eyes suddenly roll and as his eyes closed, he fell, stumbling off the stage and falling onto the ground below.
“Yama-chan!” Daiki dashed over as the other members ran towards the two.
“Yamachan…YAMADA!” Daiki shook the boy slightly, as he felt something wet on his hand. When he moved his hands, he gasped as his entire hand was covered with blood.
“I’ve called the ambulance, and the doctor in the studio is on his way.” Takaki said as he brought out towels to help soak up the blood.
Within moments, the ambulance had brought Yamada to the hospital and after a few hearwrenching moments, the entire group finally heard the words “He’s fine” escape the attending doctor’s mouth. As soon as the doctors and nurses left the room, they were allowed to visit, one at a time…
The other members pushed Daiki into the room and shut the doors. Yamada laid on the bed, his head was wrapped in bandages. When the scene finally soaked in, his eyes began to tear up.
“Yama-chan….Yama…chan?” Daiki walked over to the bed, and put his hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“mmmh…”
“Yama-chan?.....Ryosuke?” Daiki watched carefully, as Yamada’s eyes fluttered and finally opened, looking up at the white ceiling of the hospital. The boy blinked blankly and turned his head slowly to face him.
“Yama-chan? Are you….okay?”
“I-I’m fine…” Yamada answered.
“OH… thank god…. I was so worried… I was so worried that you were seriously hurt, that you were-“
“Um…I’m sorry…..but..who…. are you?” Daiki’s eyes widened at the question, his heart felt as if it had just been struck with a hundred arrows.
“I…I'm..” Words failed to come out of his mouth, as Daiki just ran to the door and shut the door behind him. He fell against it and slumped to the ground, as the other members in the hall gathered around him and helped him to a chair in the hall.
“What happened?” Ryutaro asked
“Is he okay?” Chinen asked, as Daiki shook his head, burying his face into his hands.
“Ya..ma-chan… has no idea who I am……” Keito’s voice came from behind them. The other members turned to look at him. Keito’s eyes were blank with disbelief as he closed to door to Ryosuke’s room.
One by one, JUMP entered the hospital room, and each came out with the same horrified look, as one of their own, didn’t recognize them. As the last, Ryutaro came out, and Daiki had finally worked up the nerve to walk in there again.
Gently, Daiki shut the door as he walked into the room, Yamada’s head turned to face him, for a few moments, the two stared at each other.
“Hello… you… were in here earlier weren’t you?”
“Yes….”
“I’m sorry…. I don't.. seem to remember you…”
“Do… you remember…. Anything?”
“No… one of the other people that came in here… they told me that my name is-“
“Yamada Ryosuke….” Daiki whispered, the boy in the bed looked at him blankly and nodded
“Were… we friends?” Yamada asked
“We were…. More than that..” Daiki could feel his eyes watering again.
“Yama-chan…..”
“Did I know you well? Everyone seems to be calling me Yama-chan.. doesn't that mean we were close friends?”
“We ….. are all your friends.. Yama-cha-….Ryosuke….” Daiki felt it would be better not to make Yamada feel awkward.
“But I….”
“I’m sorry…. “ Yamada looked at his hands and suddenly felt very small.
“W-What for?”
“I'm sorry that I don't remember you…. I’m sorry that I don't remember them….I’m sorry that I don't remember….. anything.” He said as he twiddled his thumbs.
“It’s okay… it’ll come back to you…. I know it will.” Daiki smiled and sat down next to the boy, he brushed Yamada’s hair out of his eyes and looked into his love’s face.
“I promise, it will come back….” He reiterated. Just then, the door to the room burst open, and Yamada’s family stood there, his parents nodded to Daiki and quickly rushed over. Not wanting to be in the way, Daiki walked out and sat among the other members of JUMP in the hall. They sat there in silence, each wanting to comfort Daiki, but unable to think of anything to say. For the next hour, they sat there, staring at the plaque infront of the room, bearing Yamada’s name, before finally, the door to the room opened, and Yamada’s family came out. They walked up to Daiki and his mother, with a gentle pat on Daiki’s back, asked he she could have a moment.
“Arioka-kun… About Ryosuke….”
“I’m sorry…” Daiki bowed
“Arioka-kun, during the time that Ryosuke is… recovering…. I think that you should help him….. be with him….” Daiki looked up
“I’m…. sorry?” He wasn't sure that he had understood.
“The time that he spent with you, was some of his happiest times… I think…. That if there was anything to be done to help him…. You could do it. I want to help my son… but with work…. I would be leaving him alone during the day…. And I feel that…. You would take care of him. So-“
“I understand… t-thank you….” The two bowed to each other and Yamada’s family left the hospital.
“Dai-Chan…. The doctor said that Yama-chan would be able to leave tomorrow… We’ll stay here…. If you want to have some time to yourse-“
“I’ll stay.”
“But-“
“I’ll stay….but thank you….. all of you.” Daiki watched as the members merely nodded and walked out with worried looks on their faces.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
Once again, Daiki entered the room, he forced his smile and walked toward the hospital bed.
“Hi again.. I’m sorry….. what is your name?”
“Daiki…. Arioka Daiki.”
“Hello Arioka-san” Yamada smiled politely as Daiki chuckled
“You don't have to call me that… you used to call me “Dai-Chan…. Or just Daiki” The older boy smiled, even though his heart was being torn in two.
“Were we……”
“We were close friends.” Daiki quickly answered.
“Is that so……I’m sorry… that I don't remem-“
“Don’t be sorry…. Some people would pay to forget their lives…. it seems that you’ve actually done it.”
“Was….. my life before this…. one that I would want to forget?”
“I don't know…. But to me…. You were always happy….. you were always….. nice…. Gentle…… kind….you were… wonderful.” Daiki fought back his tears again.
“I see….”Yamada yawned as he nodded his head.
“Go to sleep…. You’ve been though quite a bit…tomorrow, maybe things will come back to you.” Daiki pulled the blankets over Yamada’s body and walked to dim the lights.
“Arigatou…” Yamada smiled drowsily, as his eyes closed, and his fell asleep.
“Good night…” Daiki whispered as he sat down in the chair opposite the bed. As he gazed at Yamada, in the lightly lit room, he put his head in his hands and silently cried himself to sleep.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
“Daiki? Daiki….?"
Arioka felt someone shaking him and he raised his head out of his hands and blinked, his vision will blurry with sleep. A young boy’s face greeted him, his brown eyes… his soft cheeks…. All slowly came into focus, and Daiki quickly stood up.
“Yamada!” He quickly stood up and rubbed his eyes.
“The doctors said that I can go home now….”
“Oh! That's great!”
“Um…. I… just….”
“Whats wrong?”
“I just… I don't want to go directly home…. After being here for so long… I want to go out somewhere, anywhere. Would you…. Maybe show me some places that I used to like?”
“S-Sure!” Daiki nodded
As soon as they left the hospital, they walked slowly towards Yamada’s home.
“So… you really don't remember anything?” Daiki asked, unsure about what to talk about.
“I remember…. Bits and pieces…. A dance…. A song….. a face that I cant quite make out… but really nothing beyond that..”
“Oh…”
“B-But, I hope it will all come back to me soon…the doctors said that amnesia can be cured if I’m exposed to familiar things.”
Daiki could only nod as he listened to the boy he loved talk about everything he could remember, everything but him. The two spent the next few hours wandering the small shops around Yamada’s house. They visited the small ice cream shop that they had shared their first plate as a couple at. Daiki ordered a large cup of the flavor that he knew Yamada liked.
“Oh! Arioka-Chan! You’re back with Ryosuke-Kun! It’s been a while hasn't it, and you two are still just as cute together!” The cashier at the front smiled as she rang them up.
“Uh… Thank you!” Daiki quickly responded, noticing how the girl’s comments made Yamada feel uneasy. He felt so bad, knowing how awkward it must be to have everyone know everything about you, when you know little more than your own name.
“This…. place is familiar….” Yamada said, his voice trailing off as he sat down in one of the small booths in the back of the ice cream shop.
“It’s your favorite place…. You used to drag me here every weekend to have some of this…” Daiki smiled as he held a spoonful of the ice cream, feeding it to Yamada.
“Eh?” Yamada looked at the spoon with a puzzled look.
“O-Oh! Sorry….” Daiki shyly put down the spoon, he was used to feeding Yamada as they would talk and listen to music, often cuddling, and even fall asleep in the little booth.
“It’s okay…..” the younger boy gave a small pat before gingerly picking up the spoon himself.
“It’s familiar…..” Yamada said again as the coolness of the ice cream slipped down his throat.
“It’s also your favorite….”
“You…. Seem to know a lot about me…. Were we very close childhood friends?”
“We were…. The closest of friends… “ Daiki’s heart ached to even say that they were little more than friends at this point. Still, he couldn't force theses feelings onto him if he couldn't remember them…
“Lets go somewhere else ne?” Daiki said as Yamada finished the last of the ice cream.
“Sure!”
The next destination they went to was a small coffee shop that was on the corner in front of Yamada’s house. They had often met here to talk, and to share a cup of hot chocolate during the winter.
“Mmmh…. It’s so fragrant…..” Yamada remarked as they entered
“Ah! Yama-chan, Dai-Chan! Please come in! I’ll make your usual.” The store owner nodded to them as he set about, opening the chocolate kept in a tin.
“Everyone seems to know us….”
“Y-Yeah..”
“Did we come here a lot?”
“We came here during the winter…. We would share a hot chocolate, and sometimes we’d just talk. There was one time that we sat together here for quite a while, just talking about…….” Daiki trailed off, he couldn’t tell this Yama-chan about how they had spent the hours talking about their relationship, talking about each other.
“Talking about what…. Daiki?” Yamada asked as he took a sip of the drink the owner set down, wincing slightly at the temperature.
“N-Nothing, just a lot of things…. I don't remember really. You got mad at me at the end of it though, because I didn't tell you…. That you had a mustache from drinking the hot chocolate.” Daiki said as he looked at Yamada. He nearly laughed as when the drink found its way onto the table again, Yamada had suddenly gained another hot chocolate mustache.
“I..did?”
“Yeah…. But I thought….. that you were cuter that way….” Daiki said, as he used his finger to trace along Yamada’s upper lip and wipe away the mustache before licking his finger. His eyes widened as he suddenly realized what he had just done.
“U-uh… let’s go now….” Daiki quickly stood up, as Yamada sat there, still confused as to what happened.
A flurry of images came into Yamada’s mind, as if brought about by Daiki’s actions, he could remember more bits and pieces, but not enough to make sense of them. It seemed as if all the images in his head were twisted, garbled. He held his head as a sudden pain shook his body.
“Unhh.”
“Are you okay!?” Daiki rushed over, putting his arms around the younger boy.
“I just….felt a little dizzy.. that's all.” Yamada stood up, his still-shaking hand bracing him against the chair in the booth.
“Maybe…. I should take you home…” Daiki offered his hand, and as Yamada took it, he could feel yet another familiar feeling wash over his body, the warmth that Arioka’s hand provided seemed to wash away the pain in his head,
“Thank you….”
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
The two finally arrived at Yamada’s house, and together, they entered.
“Can you…. Tell me which one is my room?” Yamada asked as they walked down the hallway.
“Well, this one…. Is your room, but most of the time you spent your days in here….” Daiki gestured to the room before them, and then to the study room.
“Oh….” Yamada walked into the room to find the grand piano that he had written so many melodies on. He sat at the bench, and yet another familiar feeling overtook him. Pages upon pages of his own handwriting, his own signatures and notations greeted his eyes. Gently, he laid his hands upon the keys, and played the soft melody that sat before him on the piano. Daiki took his usual seat. He signed and closed his eyes, he sat silently and listened to the song that was playing, despite all that had happened, it seemed that even now, Yamada’s songs could still calm his heart. He felt, strangely at peace, and yet, so troubled at the same time. Finally, the song ended, and he opened his eyes to find a pure angelic look upon Ryosuke’s face. The gentleness of the song had served to calm both the boys down.
“That was beautiful” Daiki said
“Thank you….” Yamada replied as he looked through the papers on the piano.
“You wrote it you know…..? You loved writing all these songs, you said that each one represented how you were feeling on that day.” Daiki said, as he stood up to leave.
“W-Wait… this song…. I want to …. Play this song…” Yamada set the music on the reading stand and began to hit the keys again. Just as Daiki heard the first two notes of the song, he stopped and closed his eyes, he sighed as he sat down and he listened to a familiar song play, feelings of frustration and yearning causing his eyes to water again. The melody danced happily and joyfully, and both boys could feel a sense of comfort as Yamada’s fingers ever so gingerly hit each key. Finally, the song ended, and both boys opened their eyes again to look at each other.
“I… can’t believe I wrote that… it was so beautiful…. I wonder…… what I was feeling…” Yamada sighed as he brushed a lock of his hair back.
“You… wrote that song for me…..” Daiki said.
“Huh?”
“You wrote that song… for me… six months ago. It was when we …. Officially became a couple…. you said that… you felt so happy, so free…. and so you wrote that song…. for us to celebrate the day that we had our first official date.” Daiki couldn’t hold the tears back any longer, as they streamed down his face. He slumped against the wall and slid down to the floor.
“I-I’m sorry..” Yamada quickly rushed over to the boy, using his sleeves to wipe away the tears.
“N-No…. it’s n-not your f-fault.” Daiki sniffled as he tried to clean himself up.
“We…. Were… a couple?” Yamada asked.
“Yes… yesterday… was our one year anniversary….” Daiki nodded as he was still losing the battle against his emotions.
“We……. Were in love?”
“Yes……” Daiki nodded again.
“I wrote this ….. song…. because…. I loved you….. because I….” A flood of memories tempted Yamada, revealing barely anything about Daiki, but just as soon as he had a grasp on any of them, they vanished again.
“You wrote this song…. because you said you were happy….. you were so glad that it was finally out, so that we could finally be together…” Daiki finished for him
“I want to remember!” Yamada cried out into the study room, his yells vibrating even the strings in the piano. The younger boy collapsed to the ground on his hands and knees as tears welled up in his eyes.
“I want to remember! I want to remember everything! B-But I cant! I cant! I just…. I just cant!” Yamada cried as the tears left his eyes and hit the floor beneath him. He banged his fist against the hardwood floors.
“Oh… Yama-chan….” Daiki crawled over to the boy and held him in his arms. He leaned them against the couch in the room and for the next hour, he held Yamada, the boy he loved with all his heart, and listened to him cry, feeling absolutely powerless to do anything about it.
“Ryosuke…. It’ll be alright…..” Daiki held him, and let Yamada’s head rest on his shoulders, Yamada’s head nuzzled against his neck and again, he held back tears.
The two sat there, one crying, the other torn up on the inside, just listening to the silence that had become them.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
When the two had finally dried their eyes out, Daiki helped Yamada stand up and led him to his room.
“W-Wait…. You know…. There’s one…. Just one more familiar place… that I’d like to take you….is…. that okay?” Daiki asked, and received a nod in response.
Daiki led Yamada out of his house, and into the darkness of the night, they walked towards the small park that housed the fountain, their fountain. The two of them arrived at their beloved fountain, and heard the gentle fall of the water.
“I remember….. this place….. it’s blurry… but I remember this place.”
“It’s the place where we had our first kiss….it’s the place where we spent our time as a couple.” Daiki said, as he cleared the leaves from the bench across from the fountain.
“Why… didn't you tell me we were a couple?”
“I didn’t want to put that pressure on you…. I ju-“
“It’s must have been hard on you… I’m… sorry…” Yamada cut Daiki off, as he absent mindedly dragged his hand in the waters.
“I remember……. This fountain…. That bench…..”
“We came here often…..”
“Daiki….. um…. Dai-Chan…. Did…. You love me?”
“Yes….. with all my heart”
“Did….. I love you?”
“I hope you did…..” Daiki smiled and watched as Yamada walked over to him and sat down on the bench next to him.
“I….. know….. that I did….. I had to….. that song… I remember some of it….. and…. And I …. Remember thinking about you….but…. even now…. It must be hard on you…I’m sorry….” Yamada kept bowing in apology.
“N-No…. its not your fault…. I’m strong… see? I’ll be fine.” Daiki lifted the younger boy’s chin and looked into his eyes.
“I’m….. sorry….” Yamada repeated..
“Even if you don't remember me…. I…. still love you.” Daiki said, as he leaned in, and kissed Yamada again. Just as suddenly, the images flew back into Yamada’s head. The fountain…. the song…. their first kiss, the ice cream….. everything. Reality seemed to have restored itself in his mind.
“Dai-Chan……”
“Yes? Ryosuke?”
“I remember….. everything…….. everything….. and don’t call me that….” Yamada gave Daiki a quick swat with his hand and chuckled, as he felt so happy he could finally remember everything that had happened between them.
“Y-Yama…..Chan?”
“Dai-Chan…. I'm so sorry… I’m so so sorry….. you helped me…. Get my memories back… even though going through all this with me … couldn’t have been easy.”
“n-no, it’s fine… I’m fine…” Daiki was wiping away tears from his eyes as his smile revealed itself.
“Ahah….You’re a mess…..” Yamada laughed as he hugged his boyfriend and held onto him tight.
“And whether YOU remember it or not….. I love you too…. Arioka Daiki.” Yamada whispered into the older boy’s ear. Daiki merely nodded, the tears of joy streaming down his eyes and wetting Yamada’s shirt.
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
“I’m sorry we didn't get to celebrate our anniversary yesterday….” Yamada said as the two stood before the fountain, bathed in the gentle glow of the lights around the waters.
“It’s okay…. “
“I had the best present picked out for you…. It was this little penguin with your name sewn onto it…. And it had another smaller penguin… with my name sewn onto it… I poked my fingers a bit making it….” Yamada laughed as he looked at his pale white fingers.
“I got the best present today…” Daiki said as he put his arms around Yamada’s waist and rested his head on the younger boy’s shoulders.
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“I got YOU back…..”
“You’re so corny….” Yamada laughed as he turned around and kissed his boyfriend again.
“But you love me for it right?” Daiki asked, putting on his fake pout
“Yeah Yeah…. I love you…. Haha” Yamada laughed as he gave Daiki another quick kiss, turning the pout into a smile. He giggled and turned to watch the fountain again.
“I’ll always love you…”
(>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<) (>’_’)><(‘_’<)
Sorry it took so long Minna! I hope you enjoyed the story! Once again, Comments are ALWAYS welcome, as I love hearing from you! The more the better the longer the better!
~Emmie