Nov 10, 2009 14:58
This, Masuda thought and threw Tegoshi a look, was bad. Worse, it was horrible.
“Ne, Tegoshi…”
Koyama gave Masuda a pitying look and then looked over at Tegoshi, who was looking into the other direction, not reacting at all.
They were going to be picked up from a van in a few minutes and all the time they had been waiting, they had kept silent.
Not even Koyama dared to say anything.
“Tegoshi…”, Masuda tried again and leaned over Koyama a bit, trying to make the youngest one listen to him.
“I’m not talking to you, Masuda.”
“Masuda…”, Koyama mumbled and gaped at the raven-haired at his left. “He called you Masuda.”
Sighing, Masuda leaned away again, gave Tegoshi a sorrowful look. “He’s been calling me that for the past days already.”
The oldest male patted his shoulder. “He must be very mad then.”
“Could you please not talk about me as if I was not around?”, Tegoshi snapped at them and then looked away again. “And I am mad.”
Koyama pulled a scared face and shifted a bit away from Tegoshi. Then he looked at Masuda again. “What the hell did you do to make that cute boy become so bitchy?”
“He’s bitchy by nature”, Masuda answered.
Now, Tegoshi looked at him for the first time, but the glare definitely wasn’t what Masuda wanted to see. “If you ever say I was bitchy again, you will get to know how bitchy I can actually get.”
Rolling his eyes, Masuda let go of a frustrated sigh, as soon as Tegoshi had turned away again. Then he shrugged his shoulders at Koyama. “You see what I mean?”
“Did he just say in one sentence that he’s not bitchy, but actually is at the same time?” Koyama looked puzzled.
Masuda found that Koyama’s presence didn’t help their situation at all and managed a nod. “I think so.”
They could hear Tegoshi’s teeth gnash and fell silent.
The car didn’t come, and Tegoshi was rubbing his arms, obviously cold by now; they were all just wearing shirts, since the staff had told them inside they just had to jump into the van in front of the building.
Now, they’ve been waiting for more than ten minutes already and it just didn’t come.
“Tegoshi, are you cold?” Masuda tried again and gave him a sorrowful look. “I could…”
“It’s none of your business.” Tegoshi just took a step away, as Masuda tried to approach him. “Don’t you dare touching me.”
The older boy let his hands fall and stepped back again. Tegoshi ignored him, and Masuda looked so lost and desperate, Koyama just had to interfere.
“Now, now…”, he said and took Tegoshi’s shoulder. “Don’t be like that when Massu worries for you, Tegoshi.”
Tegoshi shrugged his hand off. “Kei, really, this has nothing to do with you.”
“But…”
“No, I don’t want to talk to Masuda, so leave me alone.” Tegoshi clasped his arms to his chest again and stubbornly looked away.
Koyama frowned, then he gave Masuda a helpless shrug. “Just what did you do to make him that mad?”
The raven-haired looked at Tegoshi once more; saw him trembling from the cold. He wanted to hug Tegoshi now, like he used to do at times like that one.
But, right now, Tegoshi would only kick him and tell him to get lost instead of nuzzling to him and telling him how good it felt to be warmed with Massu’s body.
Looking at Koyama again, Masuda bit his lip, before he answered.
“I forgot his birthday.”
It had all started with Masuda being simply very busy.
Of course, he was aware of the day coming--- there was no way, he would forget Tegoshi’s birthday, after all.
He’d been actually thinking about what to get him for a while now, but nothing good would come to his mind. He had thought about soccer, but he knew Tegoshi’s team mates would already give him something related to that. So his thoughts had drifted off to Tinny. Something about Tinny would be good, probably, since Masuda knew Tegoshi adored his dog.
But when he had gone to the pet shop, he had found that inside that pet shop there had been dogs running around. Freely.
Nothing could have forced him inside.
So, after he had found that something about a dog was difficult for Masuda to do, he had thought about it again and finally, his thoughts had brought him to skulls.
But Koyama had told him he was going to buy a collar for Tinny with skulls on it together with Shige, just a day after Masuda had gotten that idea.
So, that was both not special enough anymore.
Soccer, Tinny, skulls--- Masuda didn’t want to give Tegoshi something he would get from anyone; it should have been something special.
Something Massu.
He couldn’t quite say what exactly Tegoshi was to him.
Tegoshi’s best friend was most likely Koyama; even so, Masuda knew, he was special to Tegoshi. Their relationship was friendship, but also, kind of different.
They occasionally held hands; Tegoshi put his head to Masuda’s shoulder at times, and the older one had already experienced what it was like to be held by Tegoshi.
Their relationship was special, and somehow, Masuda thought, he probably was even in love with Tegoshi.
Not in the common way, though. But whenever he thought of Tegoshi, saw him smiling, heard his voice, listened to his beautiful singing Masuda would realize once again that he loved everything about Tegoshi.
That’s why he wanted to give the younger one something special for his birthday; something that could only Masuda give him. Something, no one else would come up with.
But, thinking about it so hard, he hadn’t noticed the day coming closer and closer, until it actually was Tegoshi’s birthday.
He hadn’t seen Tegoshi for the whole day, since they all had done different things, and Masuda was just happy about that.
He didn’t have anything to give to Tegoshi, so he’d be okay with having another day to buy something for the younger one.
Still thinking of it, he entered their band room that night.
The day was just over for about two minutes and Masuda hadn‘t even called Tegoshi. Partly, because he had been so busy, and partly, because he’d been afraid of Tegoshi knowing with an instant Masuda didn’t have anything prepared.
He wasn’t sure if it was good he hadn’t done anything at all, but if he had met Tegoshi that day, things would have been awkward between them, Masuda was quite sure about that.
He simply had been unprepared and busy that day, so it would be fine if he’d give Tegoshi his belated birthday wishes another day.
Masuda had made up his mind about that, even though he still was insecure what exactly to give Tegoshi for his birthday, but he stuck with that plan--- until he wanted to leave.
He had just gripped his things, as the door flew open and Tegoshi rushed in.
They both froze for a moment and stared at each other.
“What are you doing here?”, Masuda finally asked then.
Tegoshi’s facial expression showed some distress and something Masuda couldn’t quite read, then he answered: “I am working.”
“That late at night?”
“We’ve been recording a radio show for next week.”
Masuda nodded, then he noticed the awkward atmosphere between them. “Ah, I see.”
They both winced, as Tegoshi’s mobile suddenly started ringing and excusing himself, the younger one turned and picked up. Masuda watched him, feeling terribly clumsy.
He had missed the moment to at least wish Tegoshi a happy belated birthday. How should he get to that point now?
“Ah, no, don’t worry. It’s fine”, Tegoshi said in a cheerful voice. “I know you were busy. I am happy you thought of it, though.” He kept silent for a moment, a huge smile in his face. “Thank you so much, Sakurai-san; that’s probably the nicest birthday-offer I got so far. I would love to have dinner with you sometime soon.”
Masuda watched him, as Tegoshi lowered his mobile again and put it away.
They kept silent again, then Masuda approached the brunette and ruffling his own hair slightly, he gave Tegoshi a shy smile. “Um, well… Happy belated birthday, Tegoshi!”
Tegoshi looked at him and his lips formed a pout. “That’s slightly late, isn’t it?”
“I’m sorry, I was busy today, and I couldn’t manage to call.” Masuda gave him an apologetic smile.
Tegoshi turned and got over to pick up his things. “You forgot it, didn’t you?”
“No, of course, I didn’t.”
Giving him an angry look, Tegoshi went over to Masuda again. “You just remembered when I got the call just now; so, of course you did.”
“That’s not true.” Masuda frowned. “I didn’t forget about it at all.”
Tegoshi snorted, apparently very disappointed. “So, that’s why you didn’t even say Happy Birthday when I just came in? As my birthday is already over, however.”
“Why are you mad at me being late with congratulating you, but not at Sakurai-kun?” Masuda didn’t get it. After hearing how relaxed Tegoshi had been about Sakurai being late in congratulating him, he had thought, the younger one wouldn’t be mad at him, too.
Tegoshi gave him an unbelieving look. “That’s a complete difference, Massu.”
“He was late in congratulating you, and so were I. So where is the difference in this?”
Tegoshi pouted at him. “Sakurai-kun calls. You usually call, write a mail and then give me something when we meet.” He got to the door. “You obviously forgot it, Massu.”
“I told you, I haven’t”, Masuda demanded and followed the younger one out of the room. “Just because I don’t have anything for you? I didn’t know I’d see you tonight.”
Tegoshi stopped and turned to Masuda. “Stop lying, really. You just make it worse that way.”
“I am not…”
“Massu”, Tegoshi interrupted his words and gave him an angry look. “I was mad at you for forgetting my birthday, but I get even madder when you won’t stop lying.”
Masuda swallowed. “But…”
“I know you well enough. You tend to prepare things for months at times, so if you hadn’t forgotten my birthday, then you’d have something, just the silliest idea, anything prepared.”
As Tegoshi turned and walked away, Masuda looked after him and released a sigh.
That hadn’t gone well. Of course, Tegoshi had misunderstood the whole situation and now he was mad.
Anything would have been fine, Masuda thought now and then made his way out of the building as well. Anything, but what he had actually done.
He had thought about it for too long, had been too insecure of all his ideas and now it had led him to this.
Now, he would have to think of something to calm Tegoshi again and make him see that Masuda would never forget about him.
He had wanted to give Tegoshi something special, but he had completely messed up.
Masuda better made up for it now.
What was easier said than done.
Since Tegoshi didn’t leave Masuda any chance to do so. He wasn’t talking to Masuda anymore, ignored him and if anything, he’s been like this morning when they had waited for the van.
He didn’t even want to sit next to Masuda anymore.
Short, Tegoshi acted like a spoiled brat. But, Masuda couldn’t help it finding that cute. And in a way, Tegoshi even had a right to be.
Masuda had stopped trying to convince Tegoshi that he had not forgotten about the brunette’s birthday, but had just been so unsure what to do for that day.
Tegoshi didn’t listen and wouldn’t believe him, however.
So, two days later, Masuda was still clueless about what to do.
“He’s going to calm down, eventually”, Kato told Masuda, as he asked him about it. “You know Tegoshi. If he’s not the centre of the world, he feels betrayed.”
Masuda nodded, but didn’t look satisfied with that. He wanted to actually do something about it.
Tegoshi and Ryo came in, joking around. Tegoshi was already ready for their TV appearance and Masuda noticed that his hair was curlier than usual, that Tegoshi actually looked as if he’d just fallen out of bed or got electrolyzed for a bit too long. And that he found it cute.
As soon as Tegoshi spotted Masuda, his smile changed into a glare, before he turned his head again and gave Yamashita a cheerful smile.
The others gave Masuda pitying looks.
So, as they were done with the recordings for the show, Masuda waited until everyone else was gone; then he left all alone and made his way to Tegoshi’s apartment.
He insecurely knocked the door and waited, but nothing happened. He tried the door bell, but still, no reaction.
Sighing, he wondered if Tegoshi knew it was him and didn’t open up on purpose. Masuda fumbled out his mobile and dialled Tegoshi’s number in.
He jumped a bit when he heard the familiar melody of some L’arc~en~Ciel song behind him and turned with huge eyes.
“Tegoshi”, he mumbled and lowered the phone again, pressing a button to stop the call and the melody faded, so that it got silent between them. “Have you been there all the time?”
Tegoshi shook his head and got over then, stood next to Masuda to lock up the door. “Why are you here?”
“I thought we could talk?” Masuda stayed in front of the door, as Tegoshi went inside.
“Tadaima”, the younger one said quietly and made a gesture to Masuda to follow him.
“No one’s greeting you back today?”, Masuda asked, more out of habit.
Tegoshi didn’t turn to him, but then said in a high-pitched voice: “Okaeri.” It was what he called his doll-voice and he used to do that little joke when he came home; Masuda knew that.
A smile traced the older boy’s lips as he followed Tegoshi to the kitchen. He remained at the door there, though, watching the brunette getting some juice.
“Tegoshi…”, he started then and as the younger one didn’t react, Masuda added: “I am sorry.”
“It’s okay now”, Tegoshi answered and shrugged his shoulders, but still not turning to the other boy. “It’s over, however.”
“I didn’t mean to forget it.”
“But you did.”
Masuda folded his arms. “That’s what you say.”
“Well, I can’t remember you mailed or called me.” Tegoshi put the bottle away and turned to Masuda now. “I don’t know how to say it…”
“What?”, the older one wanted to know. “That you hate me now? You made it quite obvious already; I got it.”
Tegoshi flashed him another angry look. “It hurt, Massu”, he said then.
Being puzzled, Masuda stared at Tegoshi for a moment. He had thought the younger one was acting childish; but seeing him looking like this now, Masuda felt that there was more to it.
“I’m sorry”, he could only repeat for the what-not-millionth time, as it felt to Masuda.
“You don’t understand that, Massu”, Tegoshi claimed, though, making another step toward him. “It’s not like you’re just anyone. I wouldn’t have reacted like that if anyone else had forgotten it.”
Masuda noticed his heart starting to pound wildly.
“It’s just different if the one you… the one you…” Tegoshi stumbled over his own words, looking away and blushing.
Masuda remained staring at him.
After a moment, Tegoshi lifted his head and pouted again, releasing a slight curse. “Really, Massu, it’s your turn now.”
“Eh?” Masuda looked surprised, not getting what Tegoshi wanted to say. “What am I supposed to do?”
The pout changed into an angry one and Tegoshi walked past Masuda, leaving the room. “Forget it.”
“Hey, wait”, Masuda said and gripped Tegoshi’s wrist, making him stop and turn again. “I really don’t get you.”
Tegoshi was about to answer, but in the next moment, Masuda had pulled him close and embraced him in a warm hug.
Unable to resist, Tegoshi returned it, held Masuda close and put his head to the older one’s shoulder.
“I couldn’t do something special”, Masuda said then, quietly; his voice muffled by Tegoshi’s hair.
“It would have been special enough to not just ignore me”, Tegoshi answered.
Closing his eyes, Masuda pulled him even closer. “Because I am special?”
“The most special one.”
The answer was low, almost not audible for Masuda, but he still heard it. It flattered his heart to hear those words, to feel in Tegoshi’s hug that he meant it.
“I probably really like you, Yuya.”
It remained silent, Tegoshi was not moving at all, then he drew back from Masuda and smiled at him, gently and reassuring.
“Probably?”
Masuda shook his head. “Most likely.”
Tegoshi lifted a hand to hold the back of Masuda’s neck and pulled him in to place a kiss to his lips. It was a light one, without any heat or passion; but affection and gentleness. And it ended, before Masuda could even react to it.
“You really like me?”, Tegoshi asked then.
Masuda swallowed thickly, managed a nod.
“Do you think you can also love me?”
Masuda felt the awkwardness falling from him finally and he managed a smile, his hands finally coming up to draw Tegoshi near again. “I already do.”
Tegoshi nuzzled close, buried his fingers in the fabric of Masuda’s pullover. The smile on his lips was cheeky, but he still looked happy.
“It’s even worse then, that you forgot my birthday.”
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Thanks so very much for reading! ^^ I hope you liked it. I am not sooooo very fond of all this, but I posted it, anyways. Need to go to the doctor now~~~~ *runs off*
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A/N#2:
Kamen is hopefully not being delayed due to this. I will start typing out the new chap as soon as I can. I hope it'll come within the weekend again :)
tegomass,
type: one-shot