This secret santa was so much fun! So many beautiful gifts <3 I just wanted to thank you for running it and say happy holidays to you!~
Thank you so much! I was worried about it since this was the first year and the first time I've ever run such a thing but I'm glad it was a big success! Everyone's gifts are so lovely that I'm hoping to do this again next year! I appreciate your kind words~ Happy holidays to you yourself!
This fanart is for mikazeliscious! She really likes Ai and Aine so I have drawn Aine within this mind during his comatose state. I drew 3 parts, as the first one is Aine inside is mind as he’s drowning in his thoughts and reaching up for someone to save him. Then the second image is him hearing Ai’s Winter Blossom as Ai is trying to sever the link between the two of them. Finally the last image portrays Aine accepting Ai’s wished and understanding his love for Haruka as he finally decides to let go despite his dependence on his counterpart.
I hope you enjoy it! I really wanted to focus on the angst and focus on the relationship of Ai and Aine through the mental state of Aine! :D
Merry UtaPrimas @mysoulfulmelody ! \o/ I’m really bad at writing het things but I wanted to try since Ren is your fav and you’re a huge Haruka supporter! I hope you like this silly little story and that you have a wonderful holiday season!
Title: Poinsettia
Pairing: Ren Jinguji/Haruka Nanami
Rating: It’s p general
Genre: Fluff!!!
In the twelve days leading up to Christmas, Haruka found herself wondering just how this predicament came about.
Every time she would open the door to leave her single bedroom and start her day, she would notice a little flower pot out of the corner of her eye. A lone poinsettia flower would be sitting there, and she would always slowly kneel down to get a better look and notice the same fancy note with the golden script.
For the cutest flower in the garden. Just a few more days to go~.
There was never a name on the card, and Haruka can’t exactly say she’s certain of the sender’s identity. She had asked around, holding up the card and saying it came with a poinsettia to as many people as she could spot on the Master Course grounds, but most shook their heads and ended up frowning as they said they were unsure.
“I’m just not sure who it is, Tomo-chan. And a few more days until what?” Five days before Christmas and the same thing had happened, so Haruka summoned Tomochika to see if she could shed any light on the subject.
The other girl hummed in a playfully dramatic way, pushing back from the table and leaning into her chair as she tried to think. Haruka was quietly stroking her teacup with her thumb. “It seems like something that Ren guy would pull. Have you asked him?”
“Y-Yes. He said he wasn’t sure who was sending them, but that I’d probably find out on Christmas Day. But the thing about Christmas–”
“Right, right. It’s for couples, so most of the idols have work that day, myself included.” Tomochika took a sip of her coffee as she contemplated that information. “So it’s not an idol…Maybe it’s another composer? There aren’t a lot of other options, seeing as…If it’s anyone else, they’d be way too old. You want me to leave early so I can fight them off?”
“Ah, no no, it’s no trouble really…!”
Tomochika looked doubtful as Haruka blushed and sank down into her chair. But she really was unsure of what to do with the situation. If she waited until Christmas, what exactly would she end up finding?
It didn’t take her long to find out.
Christmas Day she once again found a poinsettia, and the card now said something different while still keeping the elegant script.
Merry Christmas, my flower. Come to Shibuya Crossing near the blue Christmas tree at around 7pm. I look forward to this chance to finally meet.
Haruka took the pot into her room, setting it with the other eleven flowers and sighing as she looked over the note. Shibuya Crossing…At least they were willing to meet her in such a busy place. That much made her a lot more comfortable.
When evening came around, she layered up and took the train to Shibuya, coming to the crossing and glancing around to try and find the specified blue tree. The one she found was rather tall, so she thankfully didn’t get lost as she approached it and took a seat at one of the nearby benches as she slowly looked around at the crowds of people. All sorts of couples were out and about even on this cold December night, and she brought her gloved hands up to her mouth as she blew on them to keep warm.
The glow of the lights and the soft sounds of the holiday music intermingling with the crowd was making her a little overwhelmed, if only because she still struggles dealing with big cities, but a hand on her shoulder caused her to yelp in surprise as she spun to see a taller man in a beanie and black thick-framed glasses.
But she knew the blue of those eyes anywhere.
“J-Jinguji-san?”
“Shhh, little lamb. We might get caught if you say that too loudly.” He put a finger to his lips but he was smirking, and she quickly stood up from the bench to stare at him in shock. “How about we escape the cold, hm?”
“Ah, but I’m waiting for someone–”
“Oh? But it’s freezing out here…Come now little lamb, the least you can do is escape the cold for a short while.”
She frowned but ended up complying, following his lead as he took her to a cafe nestled not too far from the blue tree. He ordered for them, two warm cappuccinos and a slice of Christmas cake each, and when they sat down at a table and shed their layers Haruka finally managed to feel a lot warmer.
She felt nervous being alone with Ren, however, and she felt her face turn an embarrassed shade of pink when his eyes stared down at the top of her bowed head. Haruka wanted to apologize for the fact he was paying for the food, but he seemed to already know what was on her mind before he even ordered because he waved his hand at her before handing off a credit card to the barista.
He played with his glasses then, lightly clearing his throat to break the silence. “So, little lamb…Ochibi-chan told me that you have a secret admirer problem.”
“Oh, it’s not really a problem…It’s just flowers. I admit I don’t know what to do with twelve poinsettias, but they’re very beautiful! And I am v-very flattered! I just wish I knew who they were from…”
He nodded. “Have you…Thought of any possibilities?”
The drinks and food were placed in front of them and Haruka immediately grabbed the cup of coffee, taking a little sip and letting out a soft and happy sigh as the warmth hit her stomach. “Tomo-chan and I were talking about it a little, but…I don’t have a lot of ideas.”
He made a sound to show he was listening, but when Haruka’s eyes glanced up at him she noticed he was looking out the window now, his fingers nervously tapping against the wood of the table.
“Do…You have someone you’d like it to have been?”
For once, the casanova Ren Jinguji sounded hesitant. Haruka blinked slowly, processing the tone behind his words and looking down at her coffee again. A heavy silence fell between them before she could finally speak up again.
“…Yes.” She had a small voice, and she wasn’t even sure Ren could hear her. But he seemed to have, as his fingers stopped tapping.
“Hoooh? Then who…?”
“I, um…I…Was…Hoping…It would…Be, umm…”
She made it this far, but she didn’t know how much farther to take it. She took a deep breath before blurting out, “I wanted it to be you, Jinguji-san!”
She squeezed her eyes shut after that, the poor girl squirming as she waited for the inevitable teasing comment she would receive in return. She hadn’t mentioned her wish for it to be so with Tomochika because she feared the same thing. Haruka knew loving idols would get in the way of their work, and she really wanted her idols to shine while they could still be idols.
But she was drawn to the fire in Ren’s heart, the flame in his eyes, the heat of his touch…
There was a small chuckle and she flinched. Haruka should have expected as much. But she soon felt a warm hand on top of hers, stroking there lightly with a thumb. At the same time, the hand was shaking. When she looked down, she saw the trembling for herself before glancing up to see Ren’s face had taken on a barely noticeable but bright hue.
“…I’m glad, little lamb. Or should I say…My flower?”
She smiled wide then, and with the tension finally breaking from that revelation they were able to enjoy a very peaceful date together.
A New Idol is Born! Secret Santa gift for OTOYANII!
I’m not super used to writing fluff so I started writing 4 different things and eventually ended up writing this! Because I ate up extra time decided what to write it’s on the short side, but I really hope you like it! Otoya is my fave too!
Description: Nanami and Otoya’s roles get reversed, now Nanami is the one who helped composer!Otoya when he arrived late for the entrance exams to Saotome Academy, Nanami has big dreams of becoming an idol, and paired together, they both aim to debut through the graduation concert/test! Otoya encourages Nanami backstage and now it’s up to her to do her best!
Pairing: Kind of gen, Nanami Haruka/Ittoki Otoya, friendship and admiration.
Word Count: 1082
“Ittoki-kun!!”
Haruka ran towards him the moment he walked into the dressing room. Her stage costume was absolutely perfect! He had seen it once before the fitting and tailoring but seeing it fully finished, it was absolutely amazing! He was certain that the slightly princely style on a girl like her would dazzle the world! Her facial expression, on the other hand, was one of complete distress.
“Nanami, you look amazing! What’s wro-”
“I’m scared!” Haruka cut him off, burying her face into his shoulder and making him blush furiously. “I’m too scared to go on stage!”
“Na-Nanami-chan! I know you’ll be amazing! You sing and dance so beautifully, I think you are perfect as an idol… and besides, th-there’s no one out there who could sing my songs better than you.” Otoya stumbled to offer encouraging words with the girl he liked the most so close in his personal space. “One thousand percent okay! I believe in you that much!”
Haruka leaned off of him and dashed over to the mirror. “I know!” A blush tinged her cheeks. “I know that so many people are believing in me right now!… It’s scary! It’s scary though…” She carefully adjusted her hat which had been knocked a little askew. “There are so many people in that audience, and there’s so much riding on this performance… What if my voice chokes up?”
Otoya let out a breath and smiled at her. It was time to give his inspirational speech. “Nanami-chan, you told me, after you had saved me at the entrance exams, that you wanted to be an idol so that you could keep saving people! To make them happy, to comfort them with your voice and with your smile, and to give them confidence the way idols have done for you!
“Out on that stage tonight, you have hundreds of people who you can make happy! Hundreds of opportunities to inspire confidence! You will also have me and Tomo-chan, and all of your friends and supporters there for you too! So you need to have confidence and do your best! Don’t worry about Saotome or the test, I’ll make sure that you get to debut someday, even if you don’t win today, because-” Otoya knelt down with his bag to get out the banner that he and Tomochika would be holding up in the audience soon. “I believe in your dream, Nanami!”
Otoya couldn’t quite hold the banner up right by himself, instead he had to roll it out across the floor. On it was written brightly in the cyan blue and peachy pink that suited Haruka the best “Believe ☆ Your ☆ Dream!”
Haruka stood looking wide eyed at the banner. “Ittoki-kun…” The few other performers in the dressing room were all watching the pair at that point.
“Tomo-chan and I made it! Since she’s already performed tonight, we’ll both be out in the audience to hold it up with Syo-chan, Naachan, and even Tokiya! I came back here to wish you luck and to tell you that you are among friends at the academy now! You can to this!” Otoya gave her the biggest smile he could.
“Thank you!” Haruka said, doing her best not to get too emotional and mess up her makeup. She pulled Otoya up to give him a hug. “Thank you, again, for always standing by me! I’ll do my best, for you and for everyone else!” As she let go of him, she returned the smile.
Otoya couldn’t help but feel like it was the happiest day of his life, having a smile like that directed right at him, and knowing that his amazing best friend and the girl he liked best would be singing the song he’d written just for her. He felt energetic, he almost wished he could go on stage with her! “That’s the spirit, Nanami!” He cheered for her already and as he rolled the banner up to take it with him, the dressing room door opened.
“Nanami Haruka?” Asked a bespeckled woman in black clothes and a stage manager’s headset.
“Yes!” Haruka almost jumped hearing her name called and for a moment Otoya could see the nerves flash across her face again.
“You’re on deck! I’ll take you to the waiting area backstage.” The stage manager said.
“Okay!” Haruka answered, checking her hat in the mirror one last time and looking to Otoya.
Otoya nodded and held one hand up. She jumped to high five him on the way out and moments later he too scurried out of the dressing room to go take his seat.
-Every one to places! 1, 2, Go!-
The performance that she gave was dazzling, girls and boys alike adored and cheered for her. When they met up backstage towards the end of the show, she hugged him and Tomochika, she said that she couldn’t see the audience very well, but she could see the banner, she gave it the best that she could and she was so happy for everyone that showed up.
After the last performance of the night, all of the composer and idol pairs stood nervously, in a line on the stage. Otoya and Haruka stood packed in towards the center. There were bright lights circling everywhere as Shinning Saotome swept in from above
“And the winner! Of this year’s graduation showcase!! Who will make their debut immediately!!!”
The lights were all spinning inwards towards the stage and Nanami couldn’t help shutting her eyes tightly as they all came close.
“Is miss Nanami Haruka and Ittoki Otoya!!” The words were shouted loudly and Haruka nearly fell backwards. Otoya supported her with a hand to the back as they stepped forwards to take their bows and say thanks.
There were tears in her eyes as she thanked Shinning and the audience, even as she turned back to her fellow classmates, her competitors, they were clapping for her too. She took all the gratitude and happiness of that moment and stored in deeply within her heart, she already knew exactly what kind of lyrics she wanted to write next.
The evening came to a close, several other students including Tomo-chan, and Syo-chan had also been offered record contracts. Tomorrow she would pack up her room and move to the Master Course dorms.
With the talented young composer, Ittoki Otoya, at her side, Nanami Haruka set off towards her debut as the brilliant and confident kind of idol that she had always dreamed of becoming.
-End
Happy Holidays Otoyanii! I hope you enjoy this fic! I might still end up finished some of the other ideas I’d started, so if I get those posted, I’ll be sure to tag you!
Merry christmas @mitsukiizumii! Hope you enjoy, Keito!!
“Otoyan! Toki! Hurry up!" Reiji waved as he called out to his kouhais. "They’re going to open up soon, and I want to be first in line for all of the rides!”
“Coming!" Otoya half-jogged over to where his senpai was waiting. He grinned widely. "I can’t wait! This is going to be so much fun! Almost like a day off!”
“It’s not a day off." Tokiya reminded his roommate. "Even though we are at an amusement park, we are recording for a show.”
“But we can still have fun while recording!" Reiji slung his arms around Otoya and Tokiya’s shoulders. "Now come on, they’re about to open the gates!”
Tokiya let out a sigh. “Shouldn’t we wait for the cameramen to get here before we go running off?”
The eldest of the three pouted. “Yeah, you’re right. They better not take too long to get here, I don’t wanna wait in long lines all day.”
“Me neither!" Otoya agreed. "But they’ll probably get here soon, right!? I mean, they probably won’t want a lot of footage of us just waiting around either!”
“You have a point, Otoyan!" Reiji ruffled Otoya’s bright red hair affectionately.
A ringing sound came from Reiji’s pocket, interrupting the trio. "Hm? One second!" Reiji took his phone out of his pocket and answered it.
"Hello? Yeah, yeah we’re here. Mhm. Yeah." He nodded his head as he talked. "Yeah?" His eyes grew wide all of a sudden. "Seriously? Is everyone okay? They are? Okay. Okay yeah. Wait, so then what should we do? Mhm. Really? Wait, we can do that! Yay! Thank you! Bye bye!”
Reiji hung up the phone and turned to Otoya and Tokiya. “So, the cameramen aren’t going to be here. Their car broke down and it looks like they won’t be able to get here today. But the good news is, we now have a day off! And since we’re already here, looks like it’s a day off at the amusement park!”
Otoya’s eyes widened. “Seriously!? We can have a day off!?”
Tokiya turned around to leave. “Well, if we have a day off I’m heading back.”
Reiji pulled him by the back of his shirt. “Oh no you don’t! You’re going to spend some good quality time with Rei-chan and Otoyan!" He tightened the grip on Tokiya’s shirt, signaling that he wasn’t planning on letting Tokiya get away. "Understand?”
Tokiya sighed before giving a slight nod. His shirt was released and Reiji threw his hands up in the air. “Then let’s go!”
Otoya and Reiji happily strode into the park, Tokiya not too far behind them. The park had just opened, so the park wasn’t too crowded yet. Reiji immediately started to lead them towards the biggest roller coaster in the park. “Come on, let’s do this one first! Come on, come on!”
Otoya looked a bit unsure. “Um… I don’t know about this one. Maybe we should ride something else first and save this one for later?”
Reiji patted Otoya on the back. “It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine! Besides, if we save it for later, it’ll have a big line, won’t it!?”
“Yeah, you’re right but… Uh… I don’t think Tokiya really wants to ride it!" He looked towards his roommate, hoping that he would save him.
Tokiya shrugged. "It doesn’t really matter to me.”
Otoya slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
“Well, that settles that! Giant roller coaster, here we come!" He lead them to the front of the line. There were only about 10 people or so in front of them, so their wait time was really short.
"Otoyan, sit with me in the front! Toki can sit in the row behind us, come on!" Otoya shook his head at his senpai. "Eh?? Why not?”
Otoya looked a little bit shaken. “I think Tokiya should sit in the front row!”
“But Toki said he doesn’t care if we ride the coaster, so he probably doesn’t care that he’s in the front, right?”
Otoya let out a sigh of defeat and sat in the front seat next to his senpai. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. And then the coaster started. Otoya gripped onto his seat tightly as their car began to climb up to the top of the track. He shut his eyes as they were nearing the top, and he felt the car stop. He opened his eyes for a second and looked down. Woah, they were really high up. Really high up.
The car began to move again. Slowly for a second, before descending downward at a high speed. Reiji threw his hands up in the air and yelled out in amusement, while Otoya gripped his seat tightly and screamed in terror. Tokiya was completely silent behind the two of them.
After a few more large drops and 3 loops, the coaster came to an end.
“That was so much fun!" Reiji turned to face his kouhais. "We should do that again!" He tilted his head as he looked over Otoya’s shaking form. "Otoyan, you alright?”
“Y-yeah! I’m fine!” He took a deep breath. “I’m just… scared of heights.”
Reiji gave him a gentle pat on the back. “You should’ve told me that earlier! I wouldn’t have made you go on if I knew that!”
Otoya began to turn back to his usual self, giving a small smile. “I didn’t want to seem lame, and you really wanted to go on.”
Reiji smiled gently at his kouhai. “Don’t worry about it, Otoyan! I won’t make you go on any more big coasters, I promise." His smile turned mischievous "But now we need to look at the photo that the ride took.”
Tokiya spoke up “The ride took a photo of us?”
“Yep! And if it’s a good one I’m gonna buy it and frame it in our room!”
Reiji lead them to the photo booth where all of the photos were, and sure enough theirs was front and center. Reiji looked like he was having the best time in the world, hands up in the air with a huge smile on his face. Otoya, of course, looked like he was about to have a heart attack. Tokiya was behind the two of them, gripping the seat tightly with a mildly freaked out look on his face.
Reiji couldn’t hold back his laughter. “Oh man. Oh man this is great! I need it! It’s getting framed in our room!”
Otoya and Tokiya both let out a groan. They knew they wouldn’t be able to stop him. Their senpai bounced up to the counter and bought the photo immediately, examining it with a look of pride. “Yep, this’ll be the perfect decoration for our room! Come on guys, there’s still the whole day ahead of us!”
I drew you Tokiya since you really like him, koto-wari! I hope you enjoy it! I wanted to draw a D.Gray-man outfit for Tokiya but that was out of my capabilities, I apologize. Have a wonderful Christmas! - Rai @ indigolovesong
A very merry Christmas (and happy holidays) to @indigolovesong ! I had the pleasure of being your Secret Santa for the holiday season~
Your one gift request was for something featuring Aine Kisaragi, so I really hope I was able to do him some justice. I also hope that you like the gift :’D
Admittedly, I know very little about this character, so I wasn’t sure how to draw him– but over the past few weeks I’ve done a ton of research on Aine (whom I now adore after learning about him, so thank you for the request >u<), and your page was also really helpful with learning more about him~ After all that, I ended up deciding to sketch a scene where he’s sitting by the fire…which I hope that you’ll like? Backgrounds aren’t my strong suit, but I gave it my best shot! \ouo/
Also, a bonus chibi, because why not:
(I have a weakness for the Saotome uniforms~)
Merry Christmas, @poisonedfortunecookie, I’m your Utapri Secret Santa~ I’ve been dying to draw some fluff, so I jumped at the chance to draw some OtoHaru. The two of them are absolutely adorable together <33
I ended up having several ideas that I wanted to draw, but I ended up going with Otoya teaching her guitar one in the end because I liked how simple and peaceful it was.
Bonus::
((I couldn’t resist drawing them kiss >///<))
@mysoulfulmelody‘s gift to @poisonedfortunecookie!
Sorry it’s not something grand for someone as special as you but I hope you like it!! Have a Masato inviting you to… where? It’s up to your imagination :^)
“Hmmm,” Reiji hummed his brow creased in concentration as he stared intently ahead.
“Rei-chan?” Otoya hovered beside him making a futile effort to catch the brunette’s attention. Reiji did not hear him.
“Hmmm,” he hummed again his eyes narrow, the crease along his brow deepening. He looked very serious and troubled and Otoya was worried. Add that to the fact Reiji was currently crouched behind a bush and the red head was beyond concerned.
“Rei-chan!” he yelled a little louder waving a hand frantically in front of Reiji’s face.
“Ah! Otoyan!” Reiji yelped finally turning to face the other boy. He looked surprised for only a moment and then he panicked.
“Ssh shh he’ll hear you!” he said urgently grabbing Otoya by the arm he yanked the other down next to him. Wrapping an arm around Otoya’s shoulders Reiji pulled him close in an effort to become as small as possible so they were hidden.
“Rei-chan what are you doing?” Otoya whispered caught up in the apparent urgency of the moment he kept as still and as quiet as he could.
“I’m observing,” Reiji said seriously his gaze already fixed ahead once more.
“Observing? Observing what?” Otoya asked craning his neck his eyes scanning the area quickly wondering what it was that had caught Reiji’s attention.
“I’m observing Toki of course,” Reiji said as if that were obvious.
Otoya’s eyes landed on Tokiya who was innocently sitting a short distance away a script open on his lap. He wore his glasses and a deep frown that suggested he already knew they were there but was trying to ignore them.
Otoya had already seen Tokiya of course but he hadn’t expected his fellow team mate to be the object of Reiji’s scrutiny. Tokiya was simply sitting there working quietly, nothing out of the ordinary. Otoya was suddenly very wary of incurring Tokiya’s wrath. It would probably be best if he pulled Reiji away as soon as possible.
“Umm…Rei-chan why are you watching Tokiya?” he asked carefully his voice still low hoping that Tokiya wouldn’t be able to hear.
“I have to confirm something…” Reiji answered his expression still very serious.
“I can hear you,” Tokiya finally snapped the last of his patience gone. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his glasses pushed up and skewed by his fingers. He was not happy, the voices from the nearby shrubbery were too distracting and annoying.
“Eek quick Otoyan!” Reiji grabbed Otoya’s hand and yanked him up. He took off at full speed dragging Otoya behind him.
Once they were a safe distance away Reiji stopped to catch his breath and finally released his hold on Otoya.
“Ahha Toki got mad,” he laughed with his usual carefree smile now not looking at all concerned.
Otoya couldn’t help but laugh too. Reiji’s smile was infectious and bright and it was hard to stay gloomy around the other for too long. He bent forward his hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath and stop laughing.
“Tokiya did seem pretty angry huh?” he chuckled, “but why were you watching him Rei-chan?”
“I was observing Toki. We haven’t seen much of him lately and it doesn’t seem to be sleeping well. I’m worried he might be overworking himself,” Reiji frowned crossing his arms over his chest suddenly serious.
Sensing the change in the mood Otoya quickly straighten up his giggles forgotten.
“Now that you mention it I haven’t seen much of Tokiya since he got that role…” Otoya hummed mirroring Reiji’s thoughtful pose by crossing his arms over his chest.
“Right! And whenever I do see Toki he always has his nose buried in that script it can’t be healthy. Is he eating properly? Is he getting enough sleep? Rei-chan’s worried.”
“Actually yesterday I only saw him eat a salad for lunch. A salad!” Otoya said emphatically sounding almost offended. A salad was not a proper meal.
“Toki is definitely pushing himself too hard. We have to do something,” Reiji said with a firm nod.
“What can we do?”
“Don’t worry Otoyan I have a plan,” Reiji winked.
- -
Stage one of Reiji’s plan was simple. First he needed to get Tokiya to relax. No matter how well the stoic man tried to hide it it was obvious to Reiji that Tokiya was under a lot of stress and pressure, no doubt the majority of it self inflicted.
So the most important thing to do was to help Tokiya relax without it looking like he was trying to interferer. If Tokiya knew Reiji was trying to ‘help’ it would only put him even more on edge. Reiji spent and entire night researching various methods of relaxation, trying to find one that he could easily trick Tokiya into doing.
Eventually he settled on one that seemed relatively easy and even if Tokiya did suspect something he would likely only pass it off as one of Reiji’s eccentricities. It was perfect.
The next day he found Tokiya enjoying a peaceful cup of tea in one of the spacious lounges. The script again was open on his lap and there was a faint crease on his brow as he read.
“Toki have you seen Ringo-chan!” Reiji burst into the room without knocking throwing the door open with his free hand. Toki flinched, tensed, and slowly turned around to face Reiji a scowl on his face.
“Kotobuki-senpai could you at least knock?” he grumbled silently thankful he hadn’t be holding a cup of tea at that moment or else he would have spilt the whole thing over his lap. The script would have been ruined!
“Toki you almost sound like you’re unhappy to see me,” Reiji whined shooting the other man a pitiful look that he hoped would get him off the hook. Tokiya’s silence spoke volumes and his scowl was still in place. Perhaps it was best not to push his luck too far. He only needed to put his plan into action then flee.
“Anyway have you seen Ringo-chan?” he repeated walking around the plush sofa so that he was standing in front of Tokiya.
“No,” the other answered simply his attention back on the script. He did not look up as he spoke. Reiji frowned, what happened from now on would serve Tokiya right for ignoring him.
“Ah I really need to find him,” Reiji sighed shuffling a bit closer. Still Tokiya did not look at him.
“I can’t carry Usa-chan around with me everywhere while I look for Ringo-chan….” Reiji sighed.
“I know Toki you can look after him for me!” He said brightly and before Tokiya could even ask who ‘Usa’ was Reiji had carefully deposited a fluffy white rabbit on Tokiya’s lap, right on top of the script he was reading.
“…Kotobuki-senpai what is this?” Tokiya demanded his tone a somewhat startled and panicked.
“Rei-chan needs to go find Ringo-chan. Rei-chan can’t carry Usa-chan around everywhere. Rei-chan needs help. Please look after Usa-chan.” Reiji said, putting extra emphasis on every ‘Rei-chan’. Honestly when would Tokiya learn to call him by name?
Tokiya tensed sensing Reiji’s irritation. But calling him 'Rei-chan’ was far too familiar. Why couldn’t Reiji just accept that?
Sighing, and knowing that for now he’d lost Tokiya turned his attention to the rabbit who was sitting surprisingly still on his lap. Now what?
“Umm…I need that..” Tokiya said smartly giving the script a gentle tug hoping he could pull it out from beneath the animal. The rabbit did not move it only turned its head slowly towards Tokiya looking up at him with big, accusing eyes that stopped him in his tracks.
Tokiya released his grip on the script his arms falling stiffly at his sides as he looked down at the rabbit. It was still looking at him, its nose wiggling so quickly and urgently Tokiya wondered if something was wrong. Was that normal behaviour for a rabbit?
After a few still moments the rabbit began to move. Lifting its front legs it rested small, soft paws on Tokiya’s chest and pushed itself up on its hind legs to get closer. Tokiya leaned back, tilting his head back as far as it would go but the curious animal only drew closer its nose still twitching.
It was fairly big for a rabbit, it’s body stretched out so that it was as long as Tokiya’s torso. It’s head was now eye level with Tokiya and it moved it’s head about quickly as if it were studying the dark haired man’s face.
“.. Hello…?” Tokiya said uncertainly feeling quite foolish talking to a rabbit. But no one else was here. No one was there to see him.
The rabbit lifted it’s head a little higher, it’s ears twitching at the sound of his voice. It fixed him with a steady stare, still studying him but eventually it seemed satisfied and settled back down. Usa curled up on Tokiya’s lap again making itself comfortable on the crumpled script.
Now that the rabbit was no longer climbing up him Tokiya relaxed a little sitting normally again. He was still rather stiff and a little nervous about the animals presence but he couldn’t move. He was trapped.
And there was still the problem of the script to deal with. Usa was curled up tightly, apparently quite happy on Tokiya’s lap and not planning to move any time soon. The rabbits body covered the script completely there was no way Tokiya could rescue it without disturbing Usa.
“Fine you can keep it,” Tokiya sighed in defeat. Well it was probably time for a break he’d been reading it since he woke up.
Eyeing the tea on the table Tokiya wondered if he could reach it without disturbing Usa but quickly decided against it. He didn’t want to risk tipping any of the tea on the innocent animal or having Usa run off. He only hopped Reiji would find Ringo and return quickly.
Several long minutes passed and still Reiji did not return, and still Usa had not moved. Tokiya was beginning to get anxious. He really needed to get on with work but what was he supposed to do with the rabbit?
“I don’t suppose you’d want to move now?” he said looking down at the animal. Usa lifted his head looking at Tokiya again it’s nose still twitching quickly. Usa stared at him for a moment then lowered his head again.
“I thought not,” Tokiya sighed. He paused for a moment still looking at the animal. He could just pick the rabbit up of course but what if that made it panic? What if he dropped Usa?
Slowly, carefully Tokiya lifted a hand. He move cautiously not wanting to make any sudden movement and startle the animal. Usa remained perfectly calm even as Tokiya moved his hand slowly towards him. Almost as if he sensed Tokiya’s nervousness Usa didn’t even flinch as the young man’s hand finally rested carefully on his back.
The rabbit was clearly used to people and with the hurdle of touching the rabbit overcome Tokiya seemed a little more at ease.
“Ok, that’s good,” Tokiya said softly not entirely sure if he was talking to himself or to Usa. Slowly, gently he began to run his long fingers along Usa’s back stroking in the direction of the soft fur.
Tokiya was surprised at just how soft and warm the rabbit was. Despite the size of the animal it suddenly felt so small under his hand. Tokiya carefully curled his fingers around Usa’s small body still stroking him as slowly and carefully as if he were handling delicate glass.
Usa’s body seemed to be trembling slightly under Tokiya’s hand, shaking ever so slightly in time with the twitching of his nose. For a moment Tokiya worried that he might have frightened Usa but after a few moments of careful observation Tokiya realised that Usa was still perfectly calm.
Soon Tokiya grew braver stroking Usa’s ears as well as his back. Usa was enjoying the attention by now the twitching of his nose had slowed down and seemed almost calm and his eyes were half closed as if he were about to go to sleep.
Tokiya had forgotten about the script lulled into a sense of peace and calm by the warm, soft creature on his lap. The tension had left hid body, his shoulders no longer stiiff and straight. He sat with a far more relaxed stance now and wore a calm smile. For a moment he’d completely forgotten the script and the role he was agonizing over.
“Tokiya where did you get that rabbit?” Otoya appeared suddenly having entered the room soundlessly. At least Tokiya hadn’t heard him at all. Again Tokiya jumped and even Usa seemed unhappy at the interruption. He lifted himself up on his hind legs again looking around quickly then made to hop off Tokiya’s lap. Both boys moved to catch the rabbit but Otoya was the one to catch him just in time.
“Woah! Ah sorry I startled you,” Otoya quickly bundled the rabbit against his chest, holding him firmly until he’d calmed down.
Tokiya looked worried for a moment, his gaze fixed on Usa looking for any sign of injury. Quickly realising how worried he looked, and that there really wasn’t anything to worry about Tokiya hurriedly pulled himself together his face assuming it’s usual neutral expression.
“It’s fine. I was only watching him for Kotobuki-senpai.”
“Rei-chan has a rabbit?” Otoya blinked, looking down at the rabbit with wide questioning eyes. Usa of course had no answers. He looked up at Otoya his nose twitching quickly again and Otoya smiled.
“There there,” he said soothingly stroking the rabbits ears gently in an effort to keep him calm.
“I don’t know where he got it from but I’m busy, please take care of it for me,” Tokiya said briskly his eyes lingering on the rabbit cradled in Otoya’s arms for a moment before he gathered up the scrumpled script and left.
“Huh?” Otoya looked blankly at the sofa Tokiya had just vacated for a moment before his gaze quickly flicked towards the door. But it was too late. Tokiya was gone.
“Don’t just leave. What am I supposed to do?”
“Otoyan why did you do that,” Reiji appeared suddenly looking thoroughly disappointed and leaving Otoya feeling ever more confused.
“Rei-chan?”
“I gave that bunny to Tokiya hoping it would help him relax a bit but you interrupted,” Reiji sounded stern almost as if he was scolding Otoya.
“Sorry.”
“Ah don’t worry about it,” Reiji laughed patting Otoya on the shoulder.
“It’s going to take more than a cute bunny to make Toki relax. But it was a good start,” he grinned proudly.
“Now for the next part of the plan I’m going to need your help Otoyan,” Reiji grinned locking his arm around Otoya’s shoulders he drew him closer.
- - -
The next stage of Reiji’s plan was trying to fix Tokiya’s broken schedule. He knew that the other wasn’t eating meals at regular times and that his sleeping pattern was completely thrown off.
“Otoyan is it almost ready?” Reiji buzzed around the red head trying to look over his shoulder while not getting in the way.
“It is almost done but I’m not sure if I made enough,” Otoya mused looking down at the large pot that was bubbling on the stove. The contents could have easily fed all of Starish and Quartet night but tonight it would only feed Reiji, Otoya and Tokiya.
“I think that’s plenty Otoyan,” Reiji laughed patting the other on the back. Even with Otoya’s large appetite he was sure it would be more than enough.
“Hmmm,” Otoya still looked a little uncertain, wondering if he had enough time to add a little more to the pot to bulk it up.
“Well come on we better serve it up now before Toki runs away.”
“Right!” Otoya responded quickly serious now as he dished out the curry onto three plates. He heaped on generous helpings of rice and topped it off with as much curry from the pot as the plates could hold.
Reiji quickly whipped away one of the plates when Otoya was done leaving the other to carry the other two.
Reiji made straight for their shared room with Otoya trotting along behind him. Both men wore a steely look of determination and the moment Tokiya saw them hurrying towards him up the corridor he knew he was in trouble.
“Toki perfect timing. Come eat with us!” Reiji enthusiastically catching Tokiya’s arm with his free hand before the other could make his escape.
“Kotobuki-senpai I have work to do I can’t…”
“But Tokiya dinner in an important meal and you need to have a balance diet,” Otoya chimed in firmly.
Tokiya glared at him for a moment feeling a little betrayed. Since when had Otoya been in league with Reiji and his foolishness.
“I really need to work,” he tried to plead with them but they were having none of it.
“You can do all the work you want AFTER dinner,” Reiji said firmly his grip on Tokiya’s arm tightening as he turned around and marched him along the corridor.
Reiji lead them to one of the dinning rooms where the plates were carefully set down on the table and Tokiya was firmly pushed into one of the chairs.
“Curry is hardly a balanced meal. And why is there so much of it I can’t eat all that,” Tokiya complained as he glared down at his meal.
“Now now Toki Otoyan made this meal especially for you so don’t be ungrateful,” Reiji scolded and for a moment Otoya looked slightly bashful.
Well that did explain why there was so much of it. The amount of food Otoya could put away was rather frightening but the red head had gone to all the trouble of cooking this for him, even though he had probably been coerced by Reiji, he couldn’t allow his friends efforts to go to waste.
“Very well,” Tokiya sighed picking up his spoon. The sooner he ate and finished his meal the sooner he could leave.
“Good, it’s been too long since we all ate together!” Reiji said brightly as he took his seat next to Otoya.
“It really has been so long. Tokiya you’re so busy lately it must be tough,” Otoya said sympathetically. Tokiya didn’t have the heart to say that he may be a lot less busy if the two of them didn’t interfere so much.
“This new role is quite demanding,” he said simply. Reluctant to complain or share his worries. His worries were his own and he could not burden his friends with them. The fact that he was having so much trouble with this new role only showed that he still had a lot to learn.
“Then do you want me to help you practice? I may not be very experienced but I can at least help you run lines.” Otoya said with such a sincere look of determination Tokiya couldn’t help but smile.
“And don’t forget about Rei-chan. I have a lot more experience in these things so I can help you!”
Tokiya resisted the urge to sigh. While he appreciated the though their help would more than likely be more of a hindrance.
“Kotobuki-senpai this role calls for….seriousness,” he said carefully, “and requires me to act the villain. It’s not the part I’ve played before.”
“Rei-chan can be serious!” Reiji frowned his cheeks puffing out in a childish pout.
“So Tokiya has to play the bad guy. Hmm it’s true Tokiya isn’t really a bad guy.”
“That’s right Tokiya is a really nice person huh,” Reiji agreed with a laugh and Tokiya felt his face flush.
“But if it’s a bad guy you want then maybe you should talk to Myu-chan.” Reiji suggested.
“Camus-senpai?” Tokiya said thoughtfully. He hadn’t considered even talking to his close team mates let alone one of the other members of Quartet Night.
“Yup, Myu-chan has the bad guy act down to a ’T’. He seems like a real jerk most of the time but he does have his soft side. Maybe if you talk to him you can get some tips on how to act like a big meanie.” Reiji grinned and Otoya gave a small nod of agreement.
It was true Camus was quite a formidable person even Tokiya was a little wary of him and from the stories Cecil told them he was not a person to be dealt with lightly.
“I suppose it is worth a try.”
The rest of the meal passed pleasantly the conversation moving on to more general, easy topics. It gave Tokiya a moment to relax and helped him realise that he hadn’t really been eating properly. Another important part of his job was to take care of himself.. Although they really could be quite challenging he was lucky to have such good friends.
- - - -
Tokiya found Camus to be surprisingly accommodating .As soon as he realised Tokiya needed some advise he was more than happy to share his wisdom. The two got along surprisingly well and were able to discuss the difficult role together over a nice, peaceful afternoon tea.
“Do you think Tokiya will be ok now?” Otoya asked as he and Reiji watched the two of them from the doorway. Reiji hummed thoughtfully for a moment then nodded.
“Yeah I think he’ll be ok. I’m glad Camus could help him.”
- - - - -
“Kotobuki-senpai what is this?” Tokiya asked as he held up the brightly wrapped package suspiciously. He’d walked into the room to find it lying on his bed. Waiting. And Reiji was smiling expectantly.
“Well if you open it you’ll find out won’t you,” Reiji said cryptically. Tokiya was not going to get any answers unless he opened it. So he tore at the paper, folding it up neatly as he removed it from the box. Setting the paper to one side he opened the box and pulled out what lay inside.
It was a small, white plush rabbit.
“What is this?” he asked again. Reiji’s grin grew bigger.
“It’s Usa-2. I know you liked petting Usa-chan a lot so I thought this might be a good substitute since we can’t really keep a real pet rabbit here.”
“I think I’m a bit old for these toys don’t you?” Tokiya said a little flustered. So Reiji had been watching with that time with the rabbit? Had it been one of Reiji’s silly plans all along?
“You’re only too old if you think you’re too old. Loosen up a little Toki,” Reiji said gently. His tone was a little softer than normal, still with its usual air of gaiety but with a hint of seriousness Tokiya rarely heard.
“I suppose just one wouldn’t hurt,” he mused softly running his fingers along the fluffy soft toy. It wasn’t as soft and warm as Usa had been but it was cute, and fluffy. He set the plush rabbit own by his pillow then gathered up his things. He’d only come back to the room to pick up something he’d forgotten.
“Thank you for the gift. I’ll see you later,” he said with a polite nod.
“Bye-bye Toki, don’t work too hard.” Reiji called after him.
-
The small rabbit plushie stayed on Tokiya’s bed from then on, tucked up safely by his pillow, a constant reminder that he had friends there for him always even if they were a little more of hindrance than a help sometimes.
This is my drawing for the Uta no Prince-sama Secret Santa blog. Even though I’m running it and did not participate in entries, I was inspired to draw this by the people who participated. Thank you guys for joining in for the first year this was done. I hope to do it again next year! ♥