Without You is How I Disappear - Chapter 5
Title: Without You is How I Disappear
Authors: superhero0008, carboncastel, cascadingmerrygoround @ Tumblr
Pairing: Akame, MaruDa, RyoDa (plus others)
Rating: NC-17
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama, Smut
Disclaimer: We own no one in this fic except some minor OC. We own the plot.
Summary: World of Johnny’s Entertainment is burning with glitz and glamour. At the very top is Crimson Glory, the famous pop duo made up of the incredibly charismatic Kamenashi Kazuya and the enthralling Ueda Tatsuya. They are alike in that they follow where their hearts take them. Akanishi Jin is a solo artist who just recently debuted, slowly working his way to the top. Nishikido Ryo is an actor, and he goes for what he wants. Nakamaru Yuichi is the agency’s official photographer, and he’s happy with what he has. And Johnny Kitagawa. He doesn't make it easy for any of them. Well, except for his favorites, Shirota Yuu and Taguchi Junnosuke, and most especially, Kamenashi. What is true and what is false in this industry of illusions? What will they hold onto and what should they let go of?
A/N: Hi gaiz xD We apologize for the mighty delay in this chapter. Real life has been getting in the way a lot recently. We hope you enjoy this chapter, though!
Without You is How I Disappear
Chapter 5
Although Kame had tried to cling onto the slight possibility that he was only being called to the president’s office for a friendly chat, the very moment that the idol entered the door, he knew that all was not well.
Johnny was sitting at his desk, not moving, not speaking and simply looking - no - glowering at Kame. The idol felt as if he would burst into flames at any moment from the intensity of the president’s gaze.
Kame averted his eyes and glanced to the side. Taguchi was sitting on one of the wooden chairs in front of the president’s desk, smiling his usual megawatt smile. Kame turned away in irritation, but had no choice but to proceed and sit down opposite the actor. Why the hell was the man always in such a good mood?
“Well, Taguchi, are you willing to accept this project even if it’s on short notice?” asked the president, his tone formal and business-like.
“Of course, Boss,” said the actor, nodding enthusiastically. Fake-looking, if Kame were to share his opinion on it.
“As you know very well, Kamenashi,” and here the boss looked at Kame pointedly. “ - this project was originally intended for you. But in light of the events that recently took place…” and Johnny’s voice trailed off, as if too dissatisfied to even put it into words.
Kame nodded nervously. He wasn’t even sure which “events that recently took place” Johnny was talking about, but he had a good guess. He only hoped Johnny wouldn’t discuss such rather sensitive things in front of Taguchi, who was still of course smiling.
“Those pictures with Akanishi Jin - ”
Kame almost fell off his chair as Johnny began. Taguchi’s smile faltered a bit, genuinely surprised, but he managed a remotely interested look, as if Kame didn’t know that the actor was hanging onto every word.
“They will not do your image any good - ”
“We’re just friends - ”
“I never implied otherwise.”
Kitagawa shot the Crimson Glory member a steely glare, and Kame wanted to kick himself for speaking. He practically dug his own grave with that one. Kame sat back in his chair, suddenly feeling tired so early in the morning.
“It doesn’t look good for an established artist as yourself to be making friends with newcomers with such an image,” Johnny continued, and it somehow shocked Kame that Johnny talked that way about a talent of the agency. “Akanishi is in a different league. He has a different market. No matter how much creativity you two generate while together, a collaboration would definitely never happen - ”
The president spoke as if he was declaring military rule over Kame’s life, though Kame knew Johnny always only had the idol’s best interest at heart.
“So your friendship is of no use to your career. To avoid further gossip, please refrain from going around together from now on.”
Kame felt his throat go dry as he stared at Johnny’s desk calendar. Something did not feel right with the president’s actions, but Kame didn’t know what or why.
“Do I make myself clear, Kazuya?”
“I - ”
Kame wanted to explain himself. He wanted to defend himself and Akanishi. But this was Johnny. Kame had no choice but to agree.
“Yes, Sir.”
It didn’t mean he had to rigorously comply, though.
Kame and Taguchi got up at the same time and bowed to the man behind the desk before turning to leave. As they reached the door, Johnny spoke again.
“Oh, before you go,” he searched for something in his desk drawer for a bit. “The detectives found this house in Okinawa - ”
Kame strode back to Johnny’s desk, somewhat annoyed that Taguchi was hanging around listening to his private business. Johnny handed Kame a slip of paper with an Okinawa address printed on it.
“They gathered information that there was a husband and wife there who once had a son and somehow lost him. We don’t have enough background on it at the moment, but I thought I’d let you know anyway. It’s been a while since we made progress on this,” Johnny nodded somberly at Kame, as if apologetic that he hasn’t gone very far in helping Kame, but the younger man smiled back.
“Thank you, Sir,” Kame said, looking into Johnny’s eyes and meaning it.
No matter how harsh Johnny can be with his decisions and control, the fact was that Johnny had not only helped him with his career but also with his dream of finding his parents. And to be honest, it only made sense. When Johnny heard of Kame’s search attempts, the old man kindly offered to lend a hand, saying that hiring detectives would ensure that Kame focused on his work. Kame agreed to it because, well, Johnny had the resources for these kinds of things.
“I really appreciate it,” Kame added, and Johnny nodded again.
Upon leaving the office, Taguchi continued to hang around and smile nauseatingly at Kame.
“What are you smirking at?!” Kame snapped, tucking the slip of paper away.
“Nothing,” replied the actor. “I was going to tell you to take care. But then, it would seem that you actually don’t care. So why waste words?”
“Shut up,” Kame narrowed his eyes, hands curling into fists. “What the fuck do you know about me?”
“Enough to say that, perhaps,” Taguchi replied smoothly without batting an eyelash. “You care nothing for your career and care only for yourself.”
Kame took a step forward, glaring at the actor. The idol’s blood boiled at the sight of that smug smiling face.
“Watch what you say or - ”
“Or what?” asked Taguchi, infuriatingly unfazed. “I was just saying the truth. You don’t deserve your place here in this agency.”
Kame let out an angry growl, grabbing Taguchi by the collar violently.
“You’re one to talk,” the idol sneered. “What did you do to get where you are? I wonder just what kind of ‘talent’ let you get so many projects - ”
“Bastard - !” Taguchi swore, pulling back his fist, ready to punch Kame.
Down the hallway, the door to the boss’s office opened.
“Taguchi! Kamenashi!” called out Johnny authoritatively.
Taguchi stepped away from the idol and coolly adjusted his collar. Kame was mentally preparing himself for another lecture from Johnny, but the president was silent.
“Taguchi, may I have a word?” said Johnny, his face expressionless.
“Yes, Boss,” replied Taguchi with a taut face, obediently following Johnny back inside his office.
Kame stared after them, slightly confused. He was unwillingly reminded of the rumors about Taguchi and Johnny. Kame shuddered, not wanting to think more on that subject.
oOo
“Are you okay?” Ueda asked out of the blue during their water break.
The Crimson Glory duo had been practicing, dancing for a few hours now, and Kame was becoming tired more quickly than usual. Seated on the bench, Kame looked up at Ueda and smiled appreciatively at his partner. He chose not to divulge what happened with Taguchi earlier because, well, the actor sure as hell was not worth it.
“I’m fine, I guess,” said Kame, moodily picking at the name sticker on his water bottle. “There’s just been a lot on my mind lately.”
Ueda sat down beside Kame on the bench and sighed, “You and I both.”
“You want to talk about it?” Kame asked, concerned.
“Not really,” said Ueda candidly, slouching in his seat. “At least, not now. What about you?”
“Nah, I’m probably just overthinking.”
They sat together in companionable silence for some time. When the duo had first started their career, they frequently got into explosive fights, to the chagrin of their manager Okazaki. Both of them had very strong personalities, not to mention that they were very young at that time and very hot-headed. Okazaki often had to intervene and mediate between the two’s arguments. Over time however, as they grew up and became more mature and more understanding, they began to build a good relationship between them. They were good friends now who genuinely cared about each other.
“What do you say we take a break? Let’s go for a vacation this weekend.”
Kame thought about it a moment before saying, “You mean, just the two of us? Like… a date?”
“Hell, no!” replied Ueda, playfully smacking a grinning Kame on the head. “It’s going to be us two, then Yuichi, of course, and… Tanaka-san, I guess?” Ueda added, smirking.
Kame cringed at the statement.
“Koki and I are not - ”
“Oh yeah, it’s Akanishi,” said Ueda, laughing at the other’s facial expression.
Kame blinked, surprised that Ueda actually knew about him and Jin dating.
“Don’t worry,” Ueda smiled at his partner reassuringly. “Your secret is safe with me.”
And once again, Kame was glad that his relationship with Ueda evolved into somewhat brotherly (and sometimes sisterly if the situation called for it) interaction. If Ueda was that good in reading other people and he hadn’t been okay with Kame, then Kame wouldn’t know what to do.
oOo
It was early Saturday morning, and Kame, upon the invitation of Ueda, rode with him in Nakamaru’s relatively new blue Suzuki Solio. The beach resort they were going to was roughly a two-hour drive from Tokyo. Now, Ueda usually enjoyed long trips, but this time, well, something was ticking him off. He endured it for about half the drive, and then finally snapped.
“Yuichi, can you change the music?” said Ueda irritably. “I’m tired of hearing Ultimate Wheels over and over again!”
“But it’s the Crimson Glory song for the Solio CM! So we have to play it while riding this Solio!” replied the photographer, who was their cheerful driver for the trip. “Don’t you like it, Kamenashi?”
From the backseat, Kame managed a weak laugh. In truth, Kame was also sick of the song, especially since they rehearsed and performed it so many times before, but he was too nice to complain about it to Nakamaru.
“Who knew you were such a fan of Crimson Glory?” commented Kame pleasantly. “By the way, thanks for letting me ride with you two.”
“It’s fine,” replied Ueda. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I did have second thoughts about joining you guys…” said Kame, a smirk spreading across his face. “I thought you two might want to have some private time together in the car.”
Ueda chuckled and broke into a grin much like Kame’s, “Well, we trust you enough so I think we can have private time even with you here.”
At that, Ueda suddenly reached over to the driver’s seat and placed his hand on Nakamaru’s thigh, causing the vehicle to violently swerve to the right.
“Woah, woah wait!” said Kame, backing up against his seat with a horrified expression. “That’s dangerous!”
“Yes, Tatsuya, that really is - ” Nakamaru agreed, pale in the face. From shock or embarrassment, Kame didn’t know.
“So will you please change the song now?” Ueda asked sweetly, keeping his hands to himself again and leaning his head against the window.
Nakamaru, afraid of any more threats (sexual or not), pressed the ‘next’ button on his player and the music changed to an upbeat pop track by a girl group.
“So… how are you and Akanishi?” the photographer suddenly asked, peering at Kame through the rearview mirror.
Kame sat there, rather defeated at how Nakamaru apparently knew about the relationship as well. Were he and Jin that obvious?
“I, er, told him,” Ueda then said, glancing back at Kame and observing the mortified expression on the younger man’s face. “We’re on this trip after all and…”
“Right…” Kame replied, telling himself to calm down, because his partner in the industry can never mean any harm. And Nakamaru has always been a nice guy.
“How far have you two gone anyway?” Ueda unexpectedly asked, and his boyfriend was the one to react violently.
“Tatsuya!” exclaimed the driver, his eyes on the road. “Why are you asking things like that?!”
“Oh, right,” Ueda slumped back in his seat, but not without a mischievous grin. “On second thought, I’d rather not know.”
Kame felt really good that morning, just having random conversation topics with Ueda and Nakamaru, occasionally opening a bag of chips or some other unhealthy food they brought for the trip. In truth, he felt that he needed just that amount of time to get away from it all. When they get back to work the following week, Crimson Glory would have to deal with more projects and their upcoming tour. Kame hadn’t called Jin before leaving. He wanted to surprise himself when he saw Jin later. The younger man felt like things had really been going too fast between them, so he needed to make himself miss Akanishi just a bit.
“How was it for the two of you in the beginning?” Kame asked aloud in the vehicle, addressing the couple vaguely. He realized that he was with the people perfect to ask about relationship stuff.
“At the start?” Nakamaru spoke, which sort of surprised Kame. He expected Ueda to be the one to answer him. The photographer’s ears steadily turned red as he seemed to construct his response in his mind. “I’ve already been in love with Tatsuya… but, I just got out of another relationship which ended up rather badly so - uhh - I suppose my hesitation made Tatsuya doubt my feelings for him - ”
“That time, I honestly thought maybe Yuichi was just some jerk,” Ueda supplied with a pleasant smile on him, side-glancing at Nakamaru who had the same amusing expression on his face. Kame felt that they really were happy with each other.
“I - I didn’t want to lose Tatsuya,” Nakamaru continued, his whole face blushing now. “So I decided to just go and take the risk. If I hesitated any further, I’d only end up hurting myself and Tatsuya.”
Now, Ueda was positively grinning as he spoke.
“I think, if, for you, what you’re feeling is real, then why not go ahead and take the risk?”
Kame looked out the window, digesting the conversation. What was he feeling, even? He enjoyed his time with Jin, but if he considered something deeper…
“That’s nice and all,” Kame finally replied, a smirk across his face. “But really, I was asking about when you went all the way - ”
Ueda looked like he wanted to clamber into the backseat and beat up Kame, but settled himself with yelling, “KAMENASHI!!!”
oOo
“Admit it, Jin, you just invited me so I can be your driver,” said Ryo irritably, maneuvering Jin’s car in the parking space.
There was no reply from the soloist. Ryo glanced to the side and saw that Jin was fast asleep in the passenger seat, with his mouth hanging open. Ryo leaned over and slapped Jin’s face with a little too much force to be considered playful.
“Oy, wake up, we’re here!”
Jin simply swatted away Ryo’s hand and went right back to sleep. Ryo smirked mischievously, an idea forming in his head.
“Jiiiiiiin…” whispered Ryo close to Jin’s ear. “Wake up, honey, it’s me Kazuya…”
“You’re here, Kazuya?” said Jin with his eyes still closed, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile.
“Yes, I’m here,” said Ryo, biting his lip for a moment to suppress his laughter. “If you wake up now, I’ll give you a kiss.”
Jin smiled (stupidly, in Ryo’s opinion), opened his eyes and turned to his side, ready to claim his kiss. What he saw however was Ryo, guffawing loudly in his face.
“You’re fucking creepy, you know that?” Jin muttered, burying his face in his hands for a moment. “Where are we?”
“I told you we’re here already,” Ryo said, checking his reflection in the rearview mirror as he put a pair of sunglasses on.
Jin dug in his jeans pocket and checked his phone. No message from Kame yet, so Akanishi got off the car and checked his reflection on his car window instead. This trip was only for the weekend, but he was sure grateful for it. It meant two full days without work stress and paranoia from crazy press people. It also meant two days of being with Kame day in and day out. To top it all off, he had managed to convince his friend to tag along. Okay, Ryo didn’t need convincing and seemed really excited - he also didn’t seem really shocked when Jin confessed that he and Kame were already in a relationship - but anyway…
“They’re here.”
Ryo cocked his head to the other side of the open parking lot where a blue Solio was pulled over and Kame was just getting off. Jin grinned.
“Let’s go.”
To say the very least, Nakamaru and Ueda were both pissed that Nishikido Ryo turned up. Kame had murmured inquiries at Jin, and his boyfriend mumbled replies, as to why the hell Ryo was there. Jin’s friend, though, didn’t appear daunted by the fact that Ueda and Nakamaru were acting awkwardly around him, and just kept on acting like Ueda was single.
“This tastes really weird. Try it.”
Ryo was holding a piece of unknown vegetable leaf with his chopsticks in front of Ueda’s face. Kame sat embarrassed at what was happening.
“No,” Ueda replied, his eyes on his plate.
“Just take a bite,” Ryo insisted, waving the food in front of Ueda. “I think the food’s rotten or something - ”
“Then why are you making me eat it?”
Everyone sat in silence, staring at Ryo. Even Akanishi watched him like he was insane. Just then, a small but sincere-sounding laugh broke the ice. Ryo didn’t know if he’d be relieved or annoyed that Kame laughed at him.
“It tastes fine.”
The next thing Ryo knew, Nakamaru was angrily munching away at the vegetable that he was trying to get Ueda to eat, and Kame laughed again, a bit louder this time, giving Ryo license to dismiss Kame as a shallow bloke instead of feeling gratitude toward him.
Ryo resisted the urge to groan at the amused expression on Akanishi’s face as the soloist watched Kame laugh. Damn. His friend really was in love.
oOo
The rest of the day went smoothly, if not a little bit awkward. Kame was constantly on his toes to keep Nakamaru and/or Ueda from bursting and beating up Nishikido, who seemed unconcerned for his own safety.
Kame thought this was his reward, tonight, drinking with his friends and sitting beside his lover, without concern for work or other matters. They were seated around a table as he and Ueda chatted about some tour adventure they had a year or so ago with Nakamaru listening amusedly between them.
As they laughed at a particular memory Ueda brought up, Kame felt Jin’s arm slowly snake around his waist, and it instantly made Kame feel warm. Maybe, just maybe, tonight was going to be Akanishi’s lucky night.
~end of Chapter 5~
Chapter 6
Back to Chapter 4
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Authors: superhero0008, carboncastel, cascadingmerrygoround @ Tumblr
Pairing: Akame, MaruDa, RyoDa (plus others)
Rating: NC-17
Genre: AU, Romance, Drama, Smut
Disclaimer: We own no one in this fic except some minor OC. We own the plot.
Summary: World of Johnny’s Entertainment is burning with glitz and glamour. At the very top is Crimson Glory, the famous pop duo made up of the incredibly charismatic Kamenashi Kazuya and the enthralling Ueda Tatsuya. They are alike in that they follow where their hearts take them. Akanishi Jin is a solo artist who just recently debuted, slowly working his way to the top. Nishikido Ryo is an actor, and he goes for what he wants. Nakamaru Yuichi is the agency’s official photographer, and he’s happy with what he has. And Johnny Kitagawa. He doesn't make it easy for any of them. Well, except for his favorites, Shirota Yuu and Taguchi Junnosuke, and most especially, Kamenashi. What is true and what is false in this industry of illusions? What will they hold onto and what should they let go of?
A/N: Hi gaiz xD We apologize for the mighty delay in this chapter. Real life has been getting in the way a lot recently. We hope you enjoy this chapter, though!
Without You is How I Disappear
Chapter 5
Although Kame had tried to cling onto the slight possibility that he was only being called to the president’s office for a friendly chat, the very moment that the idol entered the door, he knew that all was not well.
Johnny was sitting at his desk, not moving, not speaking and simply looking - no - glowering at Kame. The idol felt as if he would burst into flames at any moment from the intensity of the president’s gaze.
Kame averted his eyes and glanced to the side. Taguchi was sitting on one of the wooden chairs in front of the president’s desk, smiling his usual megawatt smile. Kame turned away in irritation, but had no choice but to proceed and sit down opposite the actor. Why the hell was the man always in such a good mood?
“Well, Taguchi, are you willing to accept this project even if it’s on short notice?” asked the president, his tone formal and business-like.
“Of course, Boss,” said the actor, nodding enthusiastically. Fake-looking, if Kame were to share his opinion on it.
“As you know very well, Kamenashi,” and here the boss looked at Kame pointedly. “ - this project was originally intended for you. But in light of the events that recently took place…” and Johnny’s voice trailed off, as if too dissatisfied to even put it into words.
Kame nodded nervously. He wasn’t even sure which “events that recently took place” Johnny was talking about, but he had a good guess. He only hoped Johnny wouldn’t discuss such rather sensitive things in front of Taguchi, who was still of course smiling.
“Those pictures with Akanishi Jin - ”
Kame almost fell off his chair as Johnny began. Taguchi’s smile faltered a bit, genuinely surprised, but he managed a remotely interested look, as if Kame didn’t know that the actor was hanging onto every word.
“They will not do your image any good - ”
“We’re just friends - ”
“I never implied otherwise.”
Kitagawa shot the Crimson Glory member a steely glare, and Kame wanted to kick himself for speaking. He practically dug his own grave with that one. Kame sat back in his chair, suddenly feeling tired so early in the morning.
“It doesn’t look good for an established artist as yourself to be making friends with newcomers with such an image,” Johnny continued, and it somehow shocked Kame that Johnny talked that way about a talent of the agency. “Akanishi is in a different league. He has a different market. No matter how much creativity you two generate while together, a collaboration would definitely never happen - ”
The president spoke as if he was declaring military rule over Kame’s life, though Kame knew Johnny always only had the idol’s best interest at heart.
“So your friendship is of no use to your career. To avoid further gossip, please refrain from going around together from now on.”
Kame felt his throat go dry as he stared at Johnny’s desk calendar. Something did not feel right with the president’s actions, but Kame didn’t know what or why.
“Do I make myself clear, Kazuya?”
“I - ”
Kame wanted to explain himself. He wanted to defend himself and Akanishi. But this was Johnny. Kame had no choice but to agree.
“Yes, Sir.”
It didn’t mean he had to rigorously comply, though.
Kame and Taguchi got up at the same time and bowed to the man behind the desk before turning to leave. As they reached the door, Johnny spoke again.
“Oh, before you go,” he searched for something in his desk drawer for a bit. “The detectives found this house in Okinawa - ”
Kame strode back to Johnny’s desk, somewhat annoyed that Taguchi was hanging around listening to his private business. Johnny handed Kame a slip of paper with an Okinawa address printed on it.
“They gathered information that there was a husband and wife there who once had a son and somehow lost him. We don’t have enough background on it at the moment, but I thought I’d let you know anyway. It’s been a while since we made progress on this,” Johnny nodded somberly at Kame, as if apologetic that he hasn’t gone very far in helping Kame, but the younger man smiled back.
“Thank you, Sir,” Kame said, looking into Johnny’s eyes and meaning it.
No matter how harsh Johnny can be with his decisions and control, the fact was that Johnny had not only helped him with his career but also with his dream of finding his parents. And to be honest, it only made sense. When Johnny heard of Kame’s search attempts, the old man kindly offered to lend a hand, saying that hiring detectives would ensure that Kame focused on his work. Kame agreed to it because, well, Johnny had the resources for these kinds of things.
“I really appreciate it,” Kame added, and Johnny nodded again.
Upon leaving the office, Taguchi continued to hang around and smile nauseatingly at Kame.
“What are you smirking at?!” Kame snapped, tucking the slip of paper away.
“Nothing,” replied the actor. “I was going to tell you to take care. But then, it would seem that you actually don’t care. So why waste words?”
“Shut up,” Kame narrowed his eyes, hands curling into fists. “What the fuck do you know about me?”
“Enough to say that, perhaps,” Taguchi replied smoothly without batting an eyelash. “You care nothing for your career and care only for yourself.”
Kame took a step forward, glaring at the actor. The idol’s blood boiled at the sight of that smug smiling face.
“Watch what you say or - ”
“Or what?” asked Taguchi, infuriatingly unfazed. “I was just saying the truth. You don’t deserve your place here in this agency.”
Kame let out an angry growl, grabbing Taguchi by the collar violently.
“You’re one to talk,” the idol sneered. “What did you do to get where you are? I wonder just what kind of ‘talent’ let you get so many projects - ”
“Bastard - !” Taguchi swore, pulling back his fist, ready to punch Kame.
Down the hallway, the door to the boss’s office opened.
“Taguchi! Kamenashi!” called out Johnny authoritatively.
Taguchi stepped away from the idol and coolly adjusted his collar. Kame was mentally preparing himself for another lecture from Johnny, but the president was silent.
“Taguchi, may I have a word?” said Johnny, his face expressionless.
“Yes, Boss,” replied Taguchi with a taut face, obediently following Johnny back inside his office.
Kame stared after them, slightly confused. He was unwillingly reminded of the rumors about Taguchi and Johnny. Kame shuddered, not wanting to think more on that subject.
oOo
“Are you okay?” Ueda asked out of the blue during their water break.
The Crimson Glory duo had been practicing, dancing for a few hours now, and Kame was becoming tired more quickly than usual. Seated on the bench, Kame looked up at Ueda and smiled appreciatively at his partner. He chose not to divulge what happened with Taguchi earlier because, well, the actor sure as hell was not worth it.
“I’m fine, I guess,” said Kame, moodily picking at the name sticker on his water bottle. “There’s just been a lot on my mind lately.”
Ueda sat down beside Kame on the bench and sighed, “You and I both.”
“You want to talk about it?” Kame asked, concerned.
“Not really,” said Ueda candidly, slouching in his seat. “At least, not now. What about you?”
“Nah, I’m probably just overthinking.”
They sat together in companionable silence for some time. When the duo had first started their career, they frequently got into explosive fights, to the chagrin of their manager Okazaki. Both of them had very strong personalities, not to mention that they were very young at that time and very hot-headed. Okazaki often had to intervene and mediate between the two’s arguments. Over time however, as they grew up and became more mature and more understanding, they began to build a good relationship between them. They were good friends now who genuinely cared about each other.
“What do you say we take a break? Let’s go for a vacation this weekend.”
Kame thought about it a moment before saying, “You mean, just the two of us? Like… a date?”
“Hell, no!” replied Ueda, playfully smacking a grinning Kame on the head. “It’s going to be us two, then Yuichi, of course, and… Tanaka-san, I guess?” Ueda added, smirking.
Kame cringed at the statement.
“Koki and I are not - ”
“Oh yeah, it’s Akanishi,” said Ueda, laughing at the other’s facial expression.
Kame blinked, surprised that Ueda actually knew about him and Jin dating.
“Don’t worry,” Ueda smiled at his partner reassuringly. “Your secret is safe with me.”
And once again, Kame was glad that his relationship with Ueda evolved into somewhat brotherly (and sometimes sisterly if the situation called for it) interaction. If Ueda was that good in reading other people and he hadn’t been okay with Kame, then Kame wouldn’t know what to do.
oOo
It was early Saturday morning, and Kame, upon the invitation of Ueda, rode with him in Nakamaru’s relatively new blue Suzuki Solio. The beach resort they were going to was roughly a two-hour drive from Tokyo. Now, Ueda usually enjoyed long trips, but this time, well, something was ticking him off. He endured it for about half the drive, and then finally snapped.
“Yuichi, can you change the music?” said Ueda irritably. “I’m tired of hearing Ultimate Wheels over and over again!”
“But it’s the Crimson Glory song for the Solio CM! So we have to play it while riding this Solio!” replied the photographer, who was their cheerful driver for the trip. “Don’t you like it, Kamenashi?”
From the backseat, Kame managed a weak laugh. In truth, Kame was also sick of the song, especially since they rehearsed and performed it so many times before, but he was too nice to complain about it to Nakamaru.
“Who knew you were such a fan of Crimson Glory?” commented Kame pleasantly. “By the way, thanks for letting me ride with you two.”
“It’s fine,” replied Ueda. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I did have second thoughts about joining you guys…” said Kame, a smirk spreading across his face. “I thought you two might want to have some private time together in the car.”
Ueda chuckled and broke into a grin much like Kame’s, “Well, we trust you enough so I think we can have private time even with you here.”
At that, Ueda suddenly reached over to the driver’s seat and placed his hand on Nakamaru’s thigh, causing the vehicle to violently swerve to the right.
“Woah, woah wait!” said Kame, backing up against his seat with a horrified expression. “That’s dangerous!”
“Yes, Tatsuya, that really is - ” Nakamaru agreed, pale in the face. From shock or embarrassment, Kame didn’t know.
“So will you please change the song now?” Ueda asked sweetly, keeping his hands to himself again and leaning his head against the window.
Nakamaru, afraid of any more threats (sexual or not), pressed the ‘next’ button on his player and the music changed to an upbeat pop track by a girl group.
“So… how are you and Akanishi?” the photographer suddenly asked, peering at Kame through the rearview mirror.
Kame sat there, rather defeated at how Nakamaru apparently knew about the relationship as well. Were he and Jin that obvious?
“I, er, told him,” Ueda then said, glancing back at Kame and observing the mortified expression on the younger man’s face. “We’re on this trip after all and…”
“Right…” Kame replied, telling himself to calm down, because his partner in the industry can never mean any harm. And Nakamaru has always been a nice guy.
“How far have you two gone anyway?” Ueda unexpectedly asked, and his boyfriend was the one to react violently.
“Tatsuya!” exclaimed the driver, his eyes on the road. “Why are you asking things like that?!”
“Oh, right,” Ueda slumped back in his seat, but not without a mischievous grin. “On second thought, I’d rather not know.”
Kame felt really good that morning, just having random conversation topics with Ueda and Nakamaru, occasionally opening a bag of chips or some other unhealthy food they brought for the trip. In truth, he felt that he needed just that amount of time to get away from it all. When they get back to work the following week, Crimson Glory would have to deal with more projects and their upcoming tour. Kame hadn’t called Jin before leaving. He wanted to surprise himself when he saw Jin later. The younger man felt like things had really been going too fast between them, so he needed to make himself miss Akanishi just a bit.
“How was it for the two of you in the beginning?” Kame asked aloud in the vehicle, addressing the couple vaguely. He realized that he was with the people perfect to ask about relationship stuff.
“At the start?” Nakamaru spoke, which sort of surprised Kame. He expected Ueda to be the one to answer him. The photographer’s ears steadily turned red as he seemed to construct his response in his mind. “I’ve already been in love with Tatsuya… but, I just got out of another relationship which ended up rather badly so - uhh - I suppose my hesitation made Tatsuya doubt my feelings for him - ”
“That time, I honestly thought maybe Yuichi was just some jerk,” Ueda supplied with a pleasant smile on him, side-glancing at Nakamaru who had the same amusing expression on his face. Kame felt that they really were happy with each other.
“I - I didn’t want to lose Tatsuya,” Nakamaru continued, his whole face blushing now. “So I decided to just go and take the risk. If I hesitated any further, I’d only end up hurting myself and Tatsuya.”
Now, Ueda was positively grinning as he spoke.
“I think, if, for you, what you’re feeling is real, then why not go ahead and take the risk?”
Kame looked out the window, digesting the conversation. What was he feeling, even? He enjoyed his time with Jin, but if he considered something deeper…
“That’s nice and all,” Kame finally replied, a smirk across his face. “But really, I was asking about when you went all the way - ”
Ueda looked like he wanted to clamber into the backseat and beat up Kame, but settled himself with yelling, “KAMENASHI!!!”
oOo
“Admit it, Jin, you just invited me so I can be your driver,” said Ryo irritably, maneuvering Jin’s car in the parking space.
There was no reply from the soloist. Ryo glanced to the side and saw that Jin was fast asleep in the passenger seat, with his mouth hanging open. Ryo leaned over and slapped Jin’s face with a little too much force to be considered playful.
“Oy, wake up, we’re here!”
Jin simply swatted away Ryo’s hand and went right back to sleep. Ryo smirked mischievously, an idea forming in his head.
“Jiiiiiiin…” whispered Ryo close to Jin’s ear. “Wake up, honey, it’s me Kazuya…”
“You’re here, Kazuya?” said Jin with his eyes still closed, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile.
“Yes, I’m here,” said Ryo, biting his lip for a moment to suppress his laughter. “If you wake up now, I’ll give you a kiss.”
Jin smiled (stupidly, in Ryo’s opinion), opened his eyes and turned to his side, ready to claim his kiss. What he saw however was Ryo, guffawing loudly in his face.
“You’re fucking creepy, you know that?” Jin muttered, burying his face in his hands for a moment. “Where are we?”
“I told you we’re here already,” Ryo said, checking his reflection in the rearview mirror as he put a pair of sunglasses on.
Jin dug in his jeans pocket and checked his phone. No message from Kame yet, so Akanishi got off the car and checked his reflection on his car window instead. This trip was only for the weekend, but he was sure grateful for it. It meant two full days without work stress and paranoia from crazy press people. It also meant two days of being with Kame day in and day out. To top it all off, he had managed to convince his friend to tag along. Okay, Ryo didn’t need convincing and seemed really excited - he also didn’t seem really shocked when Jin confessed that he and Kame were already in a relationship - but anyway…
“They’re here.”
Ryo cocked his head to the other side of the open parking lot where a blue Solio was pulled over and Kame was just getting off. Jin grinned.
“Let’s go.”
To say the very least, Nakamaru and Ueda were both pissed that Nishikido Ryo turned up. Kame had murmured inquiries at Jin, and his boyfriend mumbled replies, as to why the hell Ryo was there. Jin’s friend, though, didn’t appear daunted by the fact that Ueda and Nakamaru were acting awkwardly around him, and just kept on acting like Ueda was single.
“This tastes really weird. Try it.”
Ryo was holding a piece of unknown vegetable leaf with his chopsticks in front of Ueda’s face. Kame sat embarrassed at what was happening.
“No,” Ueda replied, his eyes on his plate.
“Just take a bite,” Ryo insisted, waving the food in front of Ueda. “I think the food’s rotten or something - ”
“Then why are you making me eat it?”
Everyone sat in silence, staring at Ryo. Even Akanishi watched him like he was insane. Just then, a small but sincere-sounding laugh broke the ice. Ryo didn’t know if he’d be relieved or annoyed that Kame laughed at him.
“It tastes fine.”
The next thing Ryo knew, Nakamaru was angrily munching away at the vegetable that he was trying to get Ueda to eat, and Kame laughed again, a bit louder this time, giving Ryo license to dismiss Kame as a shallow bloke instead of feeling gratitude toward him.
Ryo resisted the urge to groan at the amused expression on Akanishi’s face as the soloist watched Kame laugh. Damn. His friend really was in love.
oOo
The rest of the day went smoothly, if not a little bit awkward. Kame was constantly on his toes to keep Nakamaru and/or Ueda from bursting and beating up Nishikido, who seemed unconcerned for his own safety.
Kame thought this was his reward, tonight, drinking with his friends and sitting beside his lover, without concern for work or other matters. They were seated around a table as he and Ueda chatted about some tour adventure they had a year or so ago with Nakamaru listening amusedly between them.
As they laughed at a particular memory Ueda brought up, Kame felt Jin’s arm slowly snake around his waist, and it instantly made Kame feel warm. Maybe, just maybe, tonight was going to be Akanishi’s lucky night.
~end of Chapter 5~
Chapter 6
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