Inspired by various Christmas songs, I finally decided to do another Band of Princes fic. However, this one will have more chapters depending on how many songs I feel they should do for their holiday CD.
This first chapter I wrote after coming across Rascal Flatts' version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" on youtube. It just fit for what I wanted to do, so here we go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis, Band of Princes, any of the names thereof, Rascal Flatts or "I'll Be Home for Christmas." They all belong to their respectful creators and/or selves. Do not ask if I know Rascal Flatts personally, I do not.
Enjoy the story!
"blah blah" – talking
"blah blah" – singing
"blah blah (blah blah)" – singing w/ echo
Band of Princes: Holiday CD Special
Chapter 1: I'll Be Home For Christmas
Eiji came into the studio to record, pages of sheet music in his hand. He was in the Christmas spirit and wanted to do something for the holiday's sake. They hadn't been home in over 3 weeks and all of them were longing to be there. Both groups of Aozu and Cap-To-Bin wanted to be in their nice warm beds. Especially with the holiday season so close, they longed to be with their families.
"Kikumaru-san," the studio receptionist waved. Eiji gave her a tired smile before making his way to the back. He had a plan and he was sure that some of the others would be interested. He also knew that the one band from the different schools would be there.
"Kikumaru, where have you been?" a solid voice came. The redhead turned to see his former tennis captain standing there.
"Oh, just around, nyah. Actually, I know I'm early," he grinned before going into the recording booth, setting up some music. He put up three stands so that people could read the music. He then put up microphones and connected everything.
"Eiji, what are you doing?" Ooishi's voice came over the speaker from the studio.
"Oh… Nothing really, Ooishi. I just have plans for something, nyah."
"Eiji…"
"Nyah, Ryuuzaki-sensei, is everything ready in there?"
The former captain and vice-captain turned to see their former coach standing in the doorway. She knew what the acrobat was planning and had completely agreed to it. She had actually been the one to request that all the members of the bands be there. The plan had been for this and it would be pulled off with a hitch.
"Everything is ready, Kikumaru-kun. Just let me know when to start," Sumire spoke as soon as she got to the mic in the studio. Tezuka and Ooishi stood there as she turned to them. "Go into the studio with him. The others will be able to join you. Silence has been requested throughout the entire studio so that people can come in if they feel like it."
The two just nodded and went quietly into the studio, removing their shoes to make less noise. As they did this, Eiji put on his headset and looked into the one-way mirror.
"Okay, Ryuuzaki-sensei. I'm ready, nyah."
"Alright, start at the end of the beeps." At the end of three beeps, Tezuka and Ooishi were blown away by the young redhead's singing. No music, no drum beat, nothing. Just Eiji and his own voice.
"I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me…"
Ooishi watched as Tezuka stood and joined his doubles partner. This was going to be a good duet. At the same time, he noticed Fuji, Sanada and Yukimura poked their heads in.
"Please have snow
And mistletoe…"
Yukimura soon joined the two, surprising everyone.
"And presents under the tree…"
The two at the door soon joined in, keeping soft, letting Eiji have the main part. When called for, they would harmonize more with the redhead.
"Chirstmas Eve will find me
Where the love light-gleams…
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams…"
As they continued more people showed up, sitting down around the recording booth or taking spots standing. Ooishi soon joined his partner at the middle microphone. The two smiled at each other. They knew how each other sang and how they could make this work.
"I'll be home (I'll be home)
I'll be home (I'll be home)
If only in my dreams…
I'll be home (I'll be home)
I'll be home (I'll be home)
If only in my dreams…"
Oishi smiled and took the next part. Yukimura would end up being a quiet echo at one point, but it gave more effect.
"I'm dreaming tonight
Of a place I love
Even more than I usually do (usually do)
And although I know
It's a long road back
I promise you…"
They harmonized once again. Fuji took the lead singer first, letting Yukimura take it second time around. The door to the hallway was crowded by the group members of each band that had been asked to come to the studio that day. It was an amazing sight to see. The members of different bands coming together in a single holiday recording session.
"I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow
And mistletoe
And presents under the tree…
Christmas Eve will find me (find me)
Where the love-light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams…
I'll be home (I'll be home)
I'll be home (I'll be home)
If only in my dreams."
Ryuuzaki shut off the sound to the recording booth as soon as they finished. All was silent as everyone was standing and sitting around the recording booth. Tears had filled their eyes. Everyone there had wet cheeks and teary eyes.
How they missed their homes. How many times had they promised they'd be there since they all graduated from middle school and became what they were now. How many times had they had to cancel their plans to go on tour, they already were on tour or go into the recording studio because "it had to be done." The times were too numerous to count.
Eiji, who had brought the song in, had requested this version from the band Rascal Flatts. They gave him permission, asking him to give them a call at some point after it was recorded. He had agreed to it, and told them that if it made it onto an album they would get credit for it. It was the most emotional version he had heard out of all of them. He had wanted to use it.
The redhead fell to his knees, tears rolling down his cheeks. Ooishi knelt down beside him, holding his doubles partner in his arms. No one said a word about it. They all stayed close to those they had gotten close to.
"Good job… G-good job everyone, nyah," the acrobat finally managed to say through his tears. "Thank you… Thank you so much, nyah."
"Eiji…" Ooishi uttered.
"Wonderful… Ore-sama approves," Atobe spoke quietly.
"That's it… We're going home this year," Ryuuzaki spoke, "After recording this holiday cd, we're all going home."