Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Why Me?
By Angelwings Sorrow
Chapter 3 "The Lamb and the Wolf"
It was a bright sunny day, perfect weather for a picnic lunch. Onoda lead the taller teen to a little known spot near the Clubhouse it was a nice shaded area surround by flowers and bushes to allow for privacy. The area was just large enough to lay out a large blanket but small enough for two people to go unnoticed.
"Here we are Arakita-san." Onoda beamed.
"Not too bad, Onoda-chan."
"Here let me set up then we can eat." The tiny climber took the basket and quickly laid out the blanket and set up the lunch. Finally he could remove his shoes and rest on the blanket; he wasn't use to wear heels and his ankles hurt. He could also remove the ridiculous wig.
"You okay Onoda-chan?" Arakita asked as he removed his own shoes to sit next to his date.
"Oh, yes just my feet hurt from the shoes I don't know how girls can wear them all the time."
"Keh, that's a mystery that I don't care to solve. I'm glad you took that wig off; now you look like Onoda-chan. So what have we got to eat, I missed breakfast thanks to that Head Band idiot."
"I have traditional Sushi bentos both Spicy and plain, turkey and ham sandwiches, fried chicken, salad and Bottles of Bepsi and water and small cake for dessert." The Climber blushed as he unpacked the food. At first it felt that he didn't make enough food and now it looks like there was too much. There was no way they could eat it all.
"Looks good, Onoda-chan." Arakita was impressed. It was a huge feast that managed to fit in the lunch basket without damaging the cake. The Assist took a Bepsi and waited as Onoda set about making him a plate with a bit of everything. "So how did you end up on the bidding block?"
"Ahh… It's embarrassing to say but the truth is I can't say no when anyone asks me to do anything. I guess it's all because I love anime." The Otaku said quietly as he handed the older teen his plate before making one for himself.
"How is liking anime the reason you are in a dress? Although, it's not that bad of look on you Onoda chan." Arakita teased enjoying the blush that darkened on the tiny climbers cheeks.
"Arakita-san! I don't look that good, I mean compare to the others even Naruko-kun is pretty, I'm just plain old me."
"You need to work on that self-esteem Onoda-chan I think you left it at Inter-high. But you didn't answer my question how is Anime to blame for today?"
"I-I-I guess it started when I got my Mommy bike in the fourth Grade. Growing up I always wanted to go to Akihabara and get all the Anime stuff that I couldn't get here in Chiba. When I got my bike I rode all way to Akihabara and back because it was free. The money I would have spent on a train ticket could be spent on either models or DVDs."
"Akihabara! That's like 40 km from here!"
"45 km actually, but I didn't mind. I still go every week to see the latest stuff for Hime. Unfortunately my mom doesn't like me going, so she gives me a lot of chores to complete before I'm allowed to leave the house. She even altered my bike to try and keep me from riding my bike all the way to Akihabara. I didn't even notice until Kanzaki told me."
"Keh, you're something else Onoda-chan. So you did what ever you're told because you wanted to go get Anime."
"Yeah, basically. When I started riding for the team I did what I was told because I just wanted to help in anyway I could."
"That you did. You braved the teeth of the Wolf to get ahead and catch up to your team mates."
"Yes, you were very scary that day. Anyways I couldn't say 'no' when Kanzaki-san asked for my help. She has always been so nice to me and helping me with road racing. I'm still just a rookie but without her and Imaizumi-kun I don't think I ever would have joined the Road Racing Club."
"Now I know who to blame for our loss at Inter-High." Arakita smirked as he finished off the first bottle of Bepsi. "Seriously though, you did great at Inter-high. I saw how hard you worked over those three days. I wish I could have seen the end of the race but I was at my limit I couldn't go on. I confess I was mad a Manami for awhile because you took the win but Fuku-chan pointed out that the air-head pushed himself beyond his limits against you. You were just too unpredictable to battle."
"Gomen, I know it was a race and that there is only one winner but I can't help but feel conflicted." Onoda confessed. "I both wanted win and lose at the same time because Manami-kun worked so hard and has been riding a lot longer than me. Manami-kun is my friend and I would do anything for him. Growing up I didn't really have friends, I didn't get any until I came to Sohoku. I guess that's another reason I'm so compliant, I don't want to lose any of my new friends."
"Come here Onoda-chan." Arakita set aside his empty plate and leaned back against the tree and motioned for the climber to come closer.
"Huh?" Onoda set the empty plate down and scooted a bit closer to the Hakone rider.
"Keh, I won't bite, yet." Arakita stretched out his long arm wrapping it around the tiny waist and pulled the climber to his side.
"Eep!" Onoda fell back against the taller teen and his head came to rest on a strong shoulder.
"Better. You need to relax more Onoda-chan." Yasutomo smirked but eventually felt the smaller boy relax in his hold. "I understand the need and want to not disappoint. Fuku-chan was my very first friend since I arrived at Hakone. I know you heard a bit of my sports past during Inter-High but that was just the tip of mountain. In Junior high I was the star baseball player. I won game after game and kids would hang out with me and all that shit. When I was injured it became clear that those friends were not friends at all. I guess that added to my anger and frustration. I ran away from it all found a school that didn't have a baseball program to burry my past. I hid all my loneliness and frustrations behind a bad attitude. When I met Fuku-chan I hated him with a passion because nothing seemed to phase that stone face of his. You better not tell anyone but the bastard even beat me riding his bike against my motor scooter. At that moment he got me to start moving forward instead of being stuck in the past. His face still pisses me off sometimes."
"He really means a lot to you."
"Yeah I guess. Fuku-chan is a stone face bastard that always asks too much, but I owe him. I try live up to his expectations but I know he'll still be my friend even if I fail. You have good friends, I'm sure they will stand by you no matter what. I know Manami feels the same way. He wouldn't have asked the team to come if he didn't care."
"Y-y-yeah, I'm glad he did." Onoda blushed.
"About auction sorry I called you out. I was just a bit surprise you were the one we came to bid on." Arakita's face became a dark red. "I'm not subtle I say what ever come to mind that's just how I am."
"I-I-I don't mind Arakita-san. I knew I couldn't really hide my identity because there are few girls in our class. Despite all my fears today has been nice."
"Keh, the food was great you're a good cook Onoda-chan. I can't wait to taste that cake."
"It's strawberry shortcake." Onoda sat up a bit so he could slice the cake for the Hakone Assistant. "Here you go."
"Man, I'm going to have to put in more time on the rollers after this. " 'Oh but it will be worth it.' The cake and cream seem to melt on his tongue. The blending of sugar and berries were bursting with flavor before he knew it the slice had been devoured.
"W-w-would you like another?" the climber was surprised on how fast the slice cake was gone.
"Hai. Where did you learn to cook like this Onoda-chan?" The Hakone assist asked holding his empty plate out for seconds.
"When I was little my father passed away and my mother went to work to support us. She would often leave me at my uncle's place. He owns a late night diner in Tokyo. During the day he would taking me shopping for ingredients and had me help to prep some of the meals before we cleaned the diner for service. By the time we finished my mother would pick me up and we would ride the train home. As I got older my uncle taught me more and more about cooking and his secret recipes. Now that I'm in High School I go visit and work at the diner every other weekend after practice." Onoda smiled proudly plating another slice for his date.
"You're just full of surprises aren't you?"
"I'm glad you like my food."
"You know when Toudou showed up at my house this morning I wasn't too happy." Arakita stated finishing the slice and setting the now empty plate aside.
"And now?" once again the climber was being pulled back to the third year's side. His head landing once again on that strong chest
"Now I don't mind so much. Your company is not annoying like those guys back there." The wolf snorted referring to his team mates. "I think I might like to do it again some time, preferably without our teams near by." 'Especially that Mama Spider.'
"I-I-I would really like that; maybe we can even go for I ride."
"Sounds like a plan Onoda-chan." Arakita didn't know why but the blush on the tiny climber just made him want to hug the Otaku but for now he would settle for just holding him. With full bellies and a soft summer breeze the Assist and Climber fell asleep in the secluded hideaway.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Put me down Jinpachi!"
"Ah, Maki-chan is that anyway to treat your prince?"
"The Play is over Toudou you can let go now." Makishima finally managed to escape the strong grip of the Hakone climber and hopped off his bike. As he straightens out his dress making sure there was no damage he noticed something he didn't have time to before. "Is that my bike?!"
"Hai! I found it close by and I needed a mighty stead to rescue my Maki-chan."
"Toudou, what on earth are you doing here and where did you get the costume?" Yuusuke glared crossing his arms over his chest.
"As I said before Manami called me and asked for the team to come bid on Magane-kun at the Date Auction. So I signed out a Van from My family's retreat and shuttled the whole team here. Once we were here I had to see my Maki-chan and let you know I was here since you were answering your phone. Well as I looked for you I happened to over hear your classmate saying that's you were playing Sleeping Beauty and he was going to be your prince. That was an unforgivable Offense! I am the Sleeping beauty climber but if I had to give up the title I would be happy to give it up to you Maki-chan,"
"No one calls you that Toudou they call you the Ninja climber behind your back."
"No they don't!" Violet eyes glared back at the indifferent Blue ones. "Anyways I couldn't allow that second rate actor be your prince, so I took it upon myself to take his place."
"What did you do to Kantaro?"
"Oh, nothing just caught him as he left the bathroom. I explained to him the error of his part in the play and made him see reason." Toudou left the part out that he knocked the third year out with a well place fist to the gut and stripped the boy of his costume before leaving him locked up in the supply closet.
"You're insane. Now I have to get back to my class room and get out of this dress and back into my normal clothes. Then I can go find Onoda and execute that wolf and use his fur as a rug!" Makishima turned on his heel and began marching in his sensible heels to the A-3 classroom with Toudou right behind him.
"Maki-chan! Onoda-kun is alright! Arakita wouldn't do anything to hurt your Kohai! Seriously his bark is worst then his bite."
"I don't care! That beast has no business buying Sakimichi's basket. He was scared to death of your #2 during all of inter-high."
"Makishima-san, I figured you would be here. I saw the play, very well done." Asumi Giggled. "Step behind the screen and I'll help you out of your costume. And you must be the Laughing demon I heard about. Kantaro was found by Teshima-kun and Aoyagi-kun as well as your clothes after the play had begun. You can take them and go change in the bathroom down the hall."
"But Maki-chan might need my help."
"Don't worry I will assist him, you go change." Asumi pushed the Hakone climber out of the room and slid the door shut.
"Sho, you sure told him, Asumi-san."
"I hate pushy people like that, but he doesn't seem like that bad of a guy. He likes you a lot. I also figured you weren't really ready to see you in such an undressed state." Asumi began to undo the intricate laces of the dress allowing the climber to breath normally again.
"Sho, that feels better. Thank you, Asumi-san. Do you have anything to move the make-up; it's making my skin itch a bit."
"Sure, carefully step out of the dress your clothes are to the left. I'll hang this up and be right back. When you remove the stockings gently roll them down to avoid tearing them."
"Hai," Once alone Yuusuke sat and let his head fall into his hands. Would this nightmare ever end? First Onoda bought by that wolf, then Toudou high jacking the play making the plot never ending. He quickly removed the stockings as told and was back into his comfortable yet odd sense of fashion.
"Are you ready Makishima-san?"
"Sho," Yuusuke came out behind the screen and sat in the chair facing Asumi. She gently removed the make-up then towel washed his face before lightly applying lotion to prevent dryness and protection from UV-rays.
"There we are back to your handsome self. Now before you go racing off to Onoda-kun's rescue, I don't think that your prince charming is going to let you go anywhere without him. That being said here take this; one Onoda special basket to go." Asumi smiled handing over a large picnic basket.
"How is that possible? I thought Arakita bought his basket."
"Oh he did, but it seems Onoda is quite the over-achiever. He made enough food to fill two baskets. We had to help his sort to food to have even baskets. He gave me the extra one as thank you for my help with their dresses and make-up. There is no way I can eat all this so maybe you boys could."
"Maki-chan! Are you done yet?!"
"It seems like Mr. Prince out there really wants to talk to you alone." Asumi laughed.
"Sho, he's so loud. Thank you again Asumi-san." Makishima took the basket almost dropping it not expecting it to be so heavy. "How did Sakamichi carry these baskets to school? It's really heavy."
"Contemplate it later your Prince is becoming impatient."
"Hai." Opening the door he came face to face with an angry Toudou. "I hope you didn't ruin the costume you stole."
"I didn't steal it, I borrowed it. I ran into one of those 2nd years from the cycle club and had them deal with it. Now Maki-chan let go get a bite to eat and talk about letting Arakita live." Toudou took the Sohoku climber's free hand began to pull him into the hallway.
"Sho, I have a lunch basket we can eat after we save Sakamichi. That wolf is getting executed no matter what."
"Oh Maki-chan; why so serious? Magane-kun is fine and I'll prove it to you. Now where would that Anti-social mongrel be?"
"Anti-social?"
"Hai. Arakita hates crowds and interacting with people in general. Fuku can barely restrain him from fighting with the younger club members."
"Sho, and you think that he is okay to date my Kohai?" Yuusuke's pace increased as they made their way out side. If the beast hated crowds then Onoda would take him to a secluded spot. Onoda was always trying to be accommodating for everyone he meets so he knew exactly where the two would be hiding. More then once did he find the climber napping in the shady spot after a hard practice.
"Maki-chan, you are being ridiculous. Arakita maybe a loud mouth brute but he really has a soft heart. He doesn't want us to know about this but he has a cat at school that he feeds. I should say over feeds as the thing is now a huge fat lump of lard. Anyways Arakita likes the tiny climber and even calls him 'Chan' he only gives that to people he likes and respects. Onoda-kun is fine in his care; in fact I think he's sweet on the wolf."
"What are you talking about? Onoda was frightened by that beast he was shaking when we caught up to the front." Yuusuke stopped and turned to his rival.
"Maki-chan, they had just raced and beaten Hiroshima Tech, of course they all were shaking. When Arakita had to drop out Magane-kun was the only one to call out in distress for a fallen cyclist from a team not his own! They bonded riding together in Inter-High I really think they could be good together. Let's leave the Lamb to tame the Wolf and enjoy our afternoon."
"NO! I have to at least check on Onoda it would be irresponsible for me as his Climber Senpai to do otherwise. If you're wrong then I get to execute the wolf. Here you carry the basket." Makishima thrust the basket on to his rival and resumed walking to his destination.
"What's in here Maki-chan; it is really heavy."
"I don't know Sakamichi made it. Don't worry its good; my Kohai is very talented even if he is too modest to admit it. Now hurry up it's already been about forty-five minuets!" The spider increased his pace putting his long legs to their maximum use.
"Maki-Chan! Wait up!" Toudou ran after the long legged spider down to the courtyard across campus to the clubhouse. He was by now hot, sweaty and exhausted. "Are we there yet?"
"Almost, Sakamichi sometimes hides around here after a hard practice. It's usually when he over works himself trying not let the team down. In other words Kinjou makes one little criticism and Onoda takes it to heart and raises his cadence another 30rpm." Makishima sighed as he thought of yesterday's practice. Shaking off those thoughts he found the secluded area that his kohai tended to nap in.
"See Maki-chan nothing to worry about." Toudou came to stand next to the Sohoku climber. There before them were their missing team mates asleep in each others arms.
"Arakita may be an uncultured bastard but he does have a heart as much as he would like us to believe otherwise. I think Magane-kun has climbed his way over that stonewall that surround's the wolf's heart. Arakita will take real good care the tiny climber."
As much as he wanted to rush over and pull his Kohai away from the older boy's arms he couldn't deny how calm and content Onoda was. "They are okay for now but I'll wait to see if Arakita can make Sakamichi happy. Let's leave them be but I still want to stay close by just in case."
"That's fine Maki-chan how about the shaded tables near the club house. We'll be close enough to hear them if something happens yet far enough to give them privacy."
"That's fine." Yuusuke followed Toudou to the picnic tables losing himself in thoughts of the latest developments. He didn't realize that his rival had not only covered the table with the checked blanket but had set out the huge lunch and dessert ready for them to eat.
"Maki-chan are you okay? You seem to be far away today." Violet eyes softened with concern for his rival/crush.
"Sho, you're not the first one to tell me that today. I seem I have a lot on my mind lately." The spider was hesitant to tell Toudou about leaving not just Chiba but Japan as well. Instead he tried to focus on the food set before him. "Sho, did Onoda think he was feeding an army?"
"I thought you said he was only good at one thing?"
"Yeah, when he's riding a bike, he breaks his limits. It seems it has flowed over to his cooking skills." Both climbers enjoyed the lunch and each other's quite company. They say all good things come to an end, but whether it was good or bad was another story. Makishima took a deep breath and decided to climb the mountain hopping it was worth it. "Eh, Toudou, do you ever wonder about the future?"
"Of course Maki-chan. We all do, since we are all now in our final year. Why do you ask?"
"I fear the future is coming faster than expected and I worry about Sakamichi when I graduate. He was alone for a very long time before he came here. Once he found his place here on the team he latched on to me, I mean us, needing guidance. I don't want him to go back to being alone again." The spider pushed his plate away as he appetite was now gone.
"Yuusuke, I can see you care deeply for Onoda-kun but he won't be completely alone once you and the others graduate. He'll have his other first year friends to take the next step with him. Next year he'll get his own Kohai to teach and guide, passing on the knowledge he gained under your care. He might struggle a little at first trying to find his rhythm without you there but he'll do it his own way. Also if I read the scene right he will have Arakita to keep him steady and moving forward."
"You really think that Wolf is what is best for Sakamichi?" a little bit of hope was budding in his heart for the future but he wouldn't acknowledge yet.
"Of course, now stop doubting me. Let's enjoy our time before I have to drive two hours back to home. You are not only my rival but in my heart something more." Toudou gently took the thin elegant hand in his. "I know you are hiding something but I won't ask. I will say that I will always be here for you."
"I know Jinpachi. You always tell me in many ways. My phone is proof of that."
"I just want to make sure you are taking good care of yourself Maki-chan. You can be soon neglectful of your health."
"Who are you my Mother?"
"No, I hope I have a place closer in your heart."
"Sho," Yuusuke smiled and laid a soft kiss upon the Hakone climber's cheek. Maybe he was over thinking things he still had time before he moved to England. He should focus on the here and now or he'll have missed out on time with the people he truly cared about. "Of course you do Jinpachi. I guess worries of tomorrow can wait for now. Let's go enjoy the rest of the festival; Sakamichi will call me if he needs me."
"That's the Spirit Maki-chan! Now come on I want to experience everything with you!" Toudou pulled Yuusuke to his feet and began to pull him back to the festival.
"What about the picnic we have to clean it up!"
"Fine, we'll clean first and then go to the festival." Toudou conceded giving his love a peck on the lips. "Let's hurry!"
"What ever you say my Prince, whatever you say."
The End
A/N: (Sniff, Sniff) This Story has come to an End. Sorry It wasn't Posted Sooner. Right after I posted the last Chapter I came down with Strep throat and then My Family Came to town and Real Life slammed into me hard. But here it is! Finished and done Hope you enjoyed reading it as Much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for Reading and Keep Reviewing. Remember Reviews feed the Muses!
