Disclaimer: When will disclaimers of my stories come to end? Never.
A/N: My story for x-lithium's challenge from the prompt, lamp posts. This is a very simple and short story, just fluff and a very simple analogy from the lamplighter scene on The Little Prince. I hope you will all enjoy~
Lamplighter
By Lachrymosa13blue
'When he lights his street lamp, it is as if he brought one more star to life, or one flower. When he puts out his lamp, he sends the flower, or the star, to sleep. This is a beautiful occupation. And since it is beautiful, it is truly useful.' – The Little Prince
It was night already. Tezuka and Fuji walked home together after Tezuka was done with his student council duties. Just a while ago, he scolded the tensai for not coming home earlier and waited for him when he had been already told that he would be late for council work. But Fuji just smiled like an innocent child and said he didn't mind waiting.
"I was reading, Tezuka, so stop lecturing me." For evidence, Fuji held up The Little Prince, the book he was rereading while waiting for the captain.
Tezuka eyed the book warily. "How many times have you read that book, Fuji?"
Fuji chuckled. "I lost count, Tezuka."
The captain suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. It was quiet, with the brightly lit lamp posts surrounding the pavement that they passed. Fuji was staring at every lamp post that they walked past. Tezuka, noticing this, couldn't resist asking him, "Why'd you keep staring at the lamp posts?"
Fuji turned to him, his steps slowing down, "It reminds me of the lamplighter and the little prince."
"Ah. Hurry up, Fuji or I'll leave you behind." Tezuka walked forward and realized Fuji had stood rooted on his spot. "Fuji." He called again.
The tensai was staring wistfully at the tall lamp whose light was flickering.
"What now, Fuji?" Tezuka marched back to his friend, who was still looking at the lamp.
"Tezuka, don't end up like the lamplighter, okay?" Fuji murmured softly, tearing his gaze from the lamp post and glued it to Tezuka's.
Puzzled, Tezuka answered impatiently, "I don't know what you're talking about, Fuji. Now let's go, it's already late."
"He used to have all the time to rest, but when the time in his planet makes a complete turn every minute, he only had a minute to turn the lights off and then on again, leaving him with no time at all to rest. It kind of reminds me of you, with all the things you have to do; you've been having no rest." Tezuka just stared at him and sighed. He had not read the book that Fuji had long treasured, but with that short explanation, he understood Fuji's point. He was concerned.
"Okay, Fuji. I get your point, could we head home now?"
Fuji was yet again staring at the lamp post, "…perhaps that is because he is thinking of something else besides himself…that's what the little prince thought." He smiled then at his captain, "It's like you, isn't it? Always thinking about others' welfare before your own."
Fuji felt Tezuka's hand took hold of his. He blinked.
"I'll borrow your book then. C'mon, it's freezing." Fuji beamed, flushing a little and flashed a last look on the flickering lamp and allowed Tezuka to lead the way, entwining their fingers together.
And off they went. The tall post that the brown haired took interest to now burned its light steadily.
'I always want to rest.' – Lamplighter, The Little Prince
A/N: I can't believe I wrote a fluffy oneshot! I'm sorry if it's really short. Thanks to x-lithium for urging me to think of a new story, continue your challenges! How was it? It was just simple, since I'm in no mood for writing complex ones, and I can't write any smutty things concerning lamp posts (hahaha, don't look at me. ^_^) I dunno if I could think of a story about rocking chairs and Pocky, but I'll try. Ah, well, thanks for reading. Leave some reviews, pretty please? XD