Title: Vicissitude
Authoress: Hikaru R. Kudou
Ratings: PG
Chapter: 2/2
Genre: AU using Gravitation's background, Romance, General,
(mild) Humour
Pairings: Konzen/Goku, Kenren/Tenpou,
and insinuations of Dokugakuji/Kougaiji and Homura/Rinrei (A/N: Shocked you, didn't I?)
Warnings: Shounen-ai, Mild OOC (A/N:
Moderate OOC is good for you…err, right?), clichéd plotline, poor command of
English
Summary: Shounen ai Gaiden AU. Son Goku's a
successful singer, Konzen Douji's
a writer. Where's love in the equation? Especially for V-day.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine otherwise stated.
- = - = - = -
"Argh."
He really detested his job. While it was overwhelming to channel his anger, frustration and displeasure about everything in the world conductively—senseless vandalism seemed a bit too immature for a man with sky high dignity such as himself—in a form of hideously horrible words, he was hopeless when he was dealing with positive descriptive words. Grandiloquence was never his talent, and a book writer without one was almost as credible as a knight without a weapon—or a singer devoid of a beautiful voice.
Subsequently his thought fluttered away from his work, only to linger on a certain singer.
He was unsure what he was feeling, one of the reasons was that he had never felt such a thing before. As much as he wanted to see him again, he was too proud to admit it to anyone. Too proud to acknowledge that he was indeed capable of feeling love.
No, that did not mean he would consider writing romance now.
His doorbell rang, disrupting his thread of thoughts. Grunting, he got up slowly, hoping it was not his editor, or, Heaven forbid, his stupid brother.
Konzen despised his brother, Homura. The raven-haired man, in the blond's opinion, was nothing but trouble, therefore it was no wonder to see sibling rivalry blossoming between the two from the very start. Oh, yes, sibling rivalry at its best. It all began when a young Homura threw his milk bottle at a young Konzen. Afterwards, to put it simply, all hell broke loose, and it had been running around unchecked ever since.
Konzen unfastened the lock and opened the door. Noticing that he could see nothing when he stared straight ahead, his instinct told him to look a little below. Right, that should mean it was not his editor (the clock showed nine; rightfully it was ages after dinner so rightfully, she should be here already) nor was it Homura—unless he was squatting in front of his door for no sane reason other than to surprise him before crudely inviting him to spark a fight between them, be it orally or bodily.
Anyway, enough about that freak. Konzen gawked at the agitated teenager standing in front of him.
"What?" said he coldly, unintentionally.
"Ah, hm." Goku stole a look to his left, where Nataku was waiting for him down the corridor. "I, uh…"
Vexed, Konzen sighed. "What the **** are you trying to say?"
The young singer gulped, swallowing a lump in his throat that was hindering his speech. "I got your address from Kenren…"
'Figures.' Konzen glanced at where Goku did awhile ago, noting another youth, who was watching Goku. Konzen knew who he was—Nataku Taishi. "So?"
Goku scratched his head, not out of itchiness. "Sorry if I'm interrupting, but Nataku and I will be holding a concert tomorrow night. I'm just wondering if you'd like to see us perform." Goku stretched his arm, and Konzen observed he had a white slip of paper between his thumb and index finger. "I guess it's wrong to tell you on such a short notice. It's okay if you don't want to, but I—we would like to have you." A smile, in Konzen's perception, an imploring one.
The writer waited, as if trying to make up his mind. "I'm a busy man." There was a grain in truth in that, especially the final word.
A slow "Oh…"
"Hmm."
"I…I see.: Goku inhaled and forced a smile strenuously. "I'd better be on my way. It's getting late." Goku had put out his right foot when Konzen's next syllable stopped him.
"Oi."
"…Y-Yes?" 'Why can't I just stay calm? Why must my heart beat so rapidly?'
"The ticket?"
Goku collected enough boldness to look at him straight in his eyes. "You're—"
"I can't promise anything."
Goku nodded once, presenting the slightly wet ticket—he blamed his sweaty, trembling fingers for that—to the, in the singer's eyes, indifferent man. "T-The details are stated in the ticket," said he lamely. "I'm hoping you can make it, because it's our first concert, and we're making sure it'll be grand."
Konzen slid it into his pocket, and continued to play the staring game with his guest. 'If he were alone I would—might've asked him to step inside,' Konzen pondered. "Anything else?"
Goku stalled for more time to converse. "I didn't…thank you for your autograph that day."
"Aa."
From afar, Nataku shook his head impatiently. Their talk was developing at a snail's pace that it might not be developing at all. Nataku fingered one stray hair and scrutinized it, thankful it had not turned white.
"And I'm sorry for…you know, stalking you," Goku went on.
"…Anything else?"
"Ah, Tenpou and Kenren might be coming, so you won't be alone there."
No answer, but Goku could tell Konzen heard him. Goku would love to talk more, but it was getting late and both he and Nataku needed to go now. Nataku was seen humming a song to keep him entertained. Not wanting to trouble either one of them, Goku bowed.
"I have to go now. I'm really, really looking forward to see you tomorrow." Goku straightened, smiling in gratitude and ran to Nataku's side, leaving the writer staring at his back until they were out of sight.
Without warning Konzen felt a flow of words running through his brain.
+ + +
"He might make it," apprised Goku, "then again maybe not."
"Look at the bright side!" urged Nataku optimistically. "At least he accepted the ticket! That must've meant something, don't you think?"
"I guess so…"
Nataku slapped Goku's back. "Cheer up! Now let's go back and get some well-deserved rest! We've been exerting ourselves all day, so if we don't get enough sleep tonight, we might screw tomorrow's show!"
"You're right! I would not want to look bad in front of Konzen!"
"That's the spirit! Hey, Goku…"
"Yeah?"
"Is there any white hair on my head?"
+ + +
Konzen had completely abandoned the real world, and it was only him with his story. The sudden gush of inspiration kept his fingers on the keyboard, typing with unbelievable speed. Just as the clock struck ten, he pulled back from his laptop. His duty was done. He saved it into a floppy disk, exited the programme and grabbed his last can of beer from the refrigerator.
He pulled the card out of his pocket to place it on his table under a heavy bronze paperweight. As he had nothing else to do, he lit a cigarette, congratulating himself for the coup as he stared out of his open window. Absent-mindedly his fingers caressed the ticket that was within his reach.
At that time his editor decided to make her appearance.
"Konzen-san! Tell me your story's finished!" said she urgently.
Konzen left the door open to retrieve his floppy disk. The editor took the liberty to come in and amble around the messy living room. Then she saw that paperweight, under it the concert ticket.
"Konzen-san, you're going to Heresy's concert tomorrow?" asked she.
"It belongs to my friend," lied Konzen, irked to have her nosing around his territory. No way was he telling anyone he would be attending a gig.
"Ah, is that so…" The woman slid the ticket back to its former place, though not completely under the paperweight. When she walked p to Konzen to acquire the much-awaited disk, the white ticket discreetly few away, following the current of the silent wind.
Once the editor was out of his accommodation and out of his hair, he rechecked his ticket, only to find it missing. Frantic, he looked out of the window and saw a thin white slip falling helplessly into the drainpipe behind the apartment.
Konzen Douji cursed ever so viciously.
+ + +
The big day came ultimately. Kanzeon Bosatsu was being extra bossy, ordering people around as if they were no more than her minions around the set. The stage was decorated handsomely, with the evident plethora of spotlights and the ostentatious backdrop. Nataku and Goku had almost passed out seeing the prismatic light show. They could only pray they would not commit any faux pas, and that excessive exposure to fluorescent, iridescent lights would not result in blindness.
Time was speeding like a bullet train, and soon they were donning their first set of apparel, and were fidgeting nervously backstage. Goku constantly was wiping his clammy palms on his black jeans while Nataku had unbuttoned his vest all the way down, unable to take the heat.
"Nataku?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you see the VIP row from here?"
Nataku craned his neck to peek. "I think that's the photographer from yesterday…"
"Really? Kenren's here?" Goku slid next to Nataku to take a look for himself. "And that's Tenpou beside him!"
From where they were, they saw Tenpou whispering quietly to Kenren, the latter nodding occasionally and grinning the whole time. Goku's eyes rested on the seat next to Tenpou, which was allocated for Goku's third ticket. It was empty.
"I…I can't see Konzen," declared Goku slowly. "He…is he not coming?"
+ + +
Konzen was pacing in his room restively. He would give anything to scream at his blundering editor, but the rational part of his brain inferred that would never get his ticket back. The ticket must be somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean right now, and taking a measly boat to search for it in a vast sea seemed a little to farfetched if not impossible.
The telephone gave a disruptive ring, to which Konzen snatched it off the hook roughly. "What?" He snapped crossly.
"Konzen," Tenpou's placid voice came from the other end. "Kenren and I are already here, at the concert. It hasn't started yet, so there's still time for you to make it if you leave right now."
"I can't," replied the writer tersely.
Tenpou gasped. "What do you mean? Are you saying you're not coming?" Hearing no answer from Konzen, Tenpou resumed. "Konzen, you mustn't do this to Goku! I can tell he's really waiting for your arrival! You can't do this to him!"
"I just can't."
"Konzen—"
The fuming blond, unwilling to listen further to Tenpou's argument, slammed the receiver down. He paced several more times, until he looked at the phone again. Sighing, he picked it up and began dialling. He heard his recipient's greeting of hello and forced himself to continue.
"…Hello?" It came out as a hoarse whisper.
+ + +
Tenpou frowned at his mobile phone before replacing it in his pocket. He shook his head to Kenren's enquiring look. "From his tone, I doubt if he'll make it."
"That's a pity. He doesn't know what he'd be missing," murmured Kenren, leaning back and draping an arm on Tenpou. "I feel sorry for Goku, though. I just hope he can concentrate on his show without Konzen's presence."
"I hope so too, for his sake."
"Did he say why he's not coming? It's not because he's not interested, is it?"
"I can't really say for sure. It's hard to decipher him nowadays."
"Nowadays? I never did understand that man from the beginning!" Kenren shrugged. "I'm just thankful he's not out for my blood when he learnt I gave Goku his address…"
+ + +
In the interim, amidst all the deafening commotion outside from the fan girls and a myriad of "I love you" screams as well as other supporting banners and whatnots being waved by the fanatical audience, Goku and Nataku were starting to get the jitters. They never knew they had stage fright, and what a bad time to find out.
"Are you ready?" Kanzeon approached them, a writing pad in her hands. "So far we've gotten everything under control, so when the clock strikes eight, go out there and do your thing!"
"K-san…" Goku stammered.
"No, I'm afraid it's too late to back out now." Here Nataku wondered what gift was Kanzeon bestowed with that she was able to pinpoint exactly what another person was thinking of and delivering the exact line her listeners were dreading to hear. "What is the problem?"
Goku opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. His eyes widened.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk…" Kanzeon rechecked her to do list, and was relieved to see all the checkboxes ticked. "We can't have that at all, Goku! Everything's well taken care of, and the rest is all up to you two. We can't have you losing your voice now! Lip-syncing is too obvious to be done in live performance, you know!"
"You're scaring us…" Nataku remarked.
"No, I'm encouraging you!"
The pop duo sweat dropped. Apparently their language varied completely from that of their manageress.
Jiroushin came up from behind, interrupting their dialogue. "I'm sorry, Kanzeon-sama, but there's a phone call for you."
"What, again!?" exasperated Kanzeon, tossing her clipboard to Jiroushin, who caught it in the nick of time without dropping the handset. "I've been getting so many calls since yesterday! What is it this time!? It had better not be from the management of this arena! They promised to rent us this place for the night!" Kanzeon seized her second hand-phone and went to find a quieter place to talk.
Heresy's producer examined his watch. "It's almost eight. You're on!" He pointed at the stage.
Nataku and Goku nodded in comprehension, and started their hike. Out of the blue their manageress had reappeared behind them, a hand clasped over the mouthpiece of her mobile phone.
"Break a leg, guys!" She gave a thumb-up signal. "Oh, Nataku, don't bother with your vest. Just leave it unbuttoned. The girls will love it."
They were on a mission to bring the house down.
+ + +
"Tenpou, it's starting!" said Kenren, excited.
Tenpou glanced at the empty seat. "I think I should give Konzen another call. Perhaps I'd be able to change his mind now…"
"Tenpou, you worry too much. You can't force the guy to do something against his will."
"But—"
"I don't mean to be a spoilsport. Trust me, he won't be listening to you."
The celebrated duo had emerged from the backstage, a cue for the audience to start yelling and clapping. Tenpou understood what Kenren was implying; it was virtually unfeasible for him to talk to Konzen with the wild mayhem in the background.
+ + +
The first song they performed was their first big fit, Make Me®. The duo danced as if they were full of energy, and before long beads of sweat were glistening on their faces, and in Nataku's case, including his unvested chest that was halfway revealed due to his low neckline. Kanzeon was right when she said the girls loved it, and Nataku found this slightly uncomfortable. He had tried to fasten his vest, but somehow some of the girls mistook this as an action to open his shirt inside. When they screamed louder, Nataku could do nothing but to just forget his intention. While attention was good, unwarranted, extreme attention was another story altogether.
Goku was having a hard time trying to push the absence of Konzen Douji out of his mind. The only way for him to achieve this was to focus entirely on singing and dancing. Probably the television station was doing a live coverage of their concert, so there was still a dim hope for him that the writer was watching the show on his television set. No, Goku could not afford to mess anything up! With this in mind, he persevered.
'Show them that you're having fun!' He recalled his choreographer's words, and followed his advice. The young singer replayed their practice in the recorder in his brain, while his muscles worked hard to reproduce the moves exactly as he remembered them unerringly.
The song ended, and before the audience could catch their breath, the duo already exploded with another hit, Shooting Star [1]. Nataku, who had the most solo in it, moved in front of Goku smoothly that he was almost sliding, while his partner continued to dance behind. Goku glided to Nataku's side to deliver the bridge, while the chorus was done together, as their voices, each beautiful on its own, entwined and blended in with each other to generate something better. They pumped their groovy moves, in a way pushing their fans to do the same.
The spotlights swayed on the stage, sporadically landing on the rabid audience. Kenren punched the air ardently when the blue light was on him and Tenpou, that Goku chuckled in the middle of the instrumental. Nataku punched him lightly, and they went on with the rhythm.
"Whew, I'm dead beat," Nataku said to Goku on the stage as the song faded. "I've never danced this vibrantly before."
"Me too!" admitted Goku, straightening his now sodden shirt. "I'm slightly dizzy with all the jumping."
"All for you guys, huh?" Nataku raised his arm, acknowledging their audience.
The crowd cheered exuberantly, relieving a somewhat shaken Goku.
"We'd like to wish you all Happy Valentine's Day," Nataku was saying breathlessly. "I know today's special for you lovers out there, so we're really aiming to make today a day you'll never forget!" He took this opportunity to button his vest, thinking the audience would never scream to see him doing it by then, unless they did not want to hear what Nataku had to say.
Backstage, Kanzeon and Jiroushin spied on them to keep everything going efficiently.
"They're pulling it off," commented Kanzeon. "Nataku's talk is going so naturally."
"But I'm a bit worried about Goku," whispered Jiroushin. "I don't know how to put it into words, but tonight he doesn't really look himself. It's like…he's not bouncy enough. That dance just now was a bit…stiff."
"I don't think anyone noticed. It has only been fifteen minutes. Two hours and forty-five minutes to go, and we're home free. Oh, damn, there goes my phone again."
+ + +
Konzen Douji hit his steering wheel furiously. If there was one thing he hated about driving, it was the abhorrent traffic jams Japan was known for. Tokyo was packed with people on the roadside, and crammed with cars on the road. Especially since it was Valentine, Konzen deduced they were making their way to restaurants to have their Valentine dinner, or maybe to catch a movie at cinemas.
He turned the dial of his radio to switch it on, hoping against hope there was something he could listen to without feeling sick of disgust. It was common to have radio stations having their listeners calling in and declare sappy things to their significant others, especially on the first few weeks before V-day.
"Hello?" wished the deejay. "Who's calling, please?"
A girl's voice rejoined. "I'm Yaone."
"Hi, Yaone, Happy Valentine's Day. Anything you'd like to say to your loved ones?"
"Yes. I'd like to wish Kougaiji-sama a Happy Valentine's Day."
"Are you with him at the moment?"
"Ah, no…you see, we haven't been…together. I'm not sure how he sees me…"
Konzen made a face and changed the station.
"Hi! Who's on the line?"
"I'm Kougaiji."
"Hello, Kougaiji-san! Any dedication for V-day?"
"I'd like to propose a song to my soulmate, Dokugakuji, who has been with me since…forever."
"I see! Where are you two celebrating V-day?"
"Well, uh, actually…we're off to Heresy's concert, but we're currently stuck in a traffic jam."
Konzen turned to look at the car on his right, and blinked to find two guys in a white Hyundai. The one in the passenger seat was talking in his cell phone, with his companion looking at him thoughtfully. Coincidence? Hell, yeah. Konzen changed stations again.
"Hello, I'm Homura."
Konzen nearly choked to hear his brother's voice from his radio. He wondered what he could possibly want be saying and to have everybody in Japan listening to what he had to crap about.
"I'd like to wish my dearest Rinrei a Happy V-day, and I hope we'll always be together." He paused, and Konzen could faintly hear a light peck.
"Oh, that's so sweet!" said the deejay. "Anything else you'd like to add?"
"Um, yeah. To my brother, Konzen Douji, who probably is sulking in his living room alone, I'd like to say 'Ha! I told you I'm a much better person than you are, and that I can find my soul mate earlier than you can!' " He laughed in amusement.
Konzen was irritated out of his mind, and he could have sworn he heard the deejay sweat drop from where he was hosting his radio show through the radio. Konzen gripped his steering wheel, for a moment imagining it was Homura's neck he was throttling. Konzen mumbled a curse, and proceeded to another station. Finally he gave up, and just shoved his Heresy CD to listen to the soothing voice of Son Goku, in the process eradicating Homura's.
For once in his life, he thanked the powers that be when the cars in front of him moved in the end.
+ + +
Nine o'clock, and it indicated the duo's first break was about to come. Having sang and danced for seven songs straight, they were exhausted beyond words. But they still had to compile their eighth song of the night before they could retire for a short recess and a change of costumes.
"We wrote a new song," explained Goku. "And it's to be in our next album, scheduled to be out sometime in May."
The silence from the stadium was a refreshing change from all the screaming. The fans were eager to know more about the duo's latest album that they did not want to interrupt.
"Nataku and I thought we should, you know…" Goku grinned. "…save you from your curiosity. It's only right to thank you for all your support!"
"So!" Nataku rejoined, halting the initial outbreak of cheers from the fans. "Our next song is from our future album. If you like it, wait for our album!"
They squealed a positive assertion in unison.
"Excellent!" Nataku chortled. "Well, Goku, we owe them."
"Right. Here's My Day®."
For a song with My Day as its title, many would've expected it to be a slow-paced song. Nevertheless it was a general knowledge that Heresy rarely recorded a slow song, and the slowest song they ever came up with was Infinity[2]. So it came as no surprise that the heavy strumming of not one but two guitars marked the beginning of their most recent song. Nodding to the drumming, Goku held the mini-microphone that was hanging obstinately from his left ear, and again, the naïve Son Goku transformed drastically to the music.
Saw you for the first time
Left
me gaping like a mime
For
you, I wrote this hymn
Is
love at first sight a crime?
Nataku took his cue, and carried on;
Never got your attention
I
can feel the tension
But
this is a mission
Where
failure ain't no option
Goku was back to his solo, fortitude burning in his eyes to show he really meant what he was singing;
This coming Valentine
I'm
gonna make you mine
Now
keep that in your mind
The drummers stroke their instruments with more gusto, starting the chorus, which both of them sang;
Whether the sky is grey
Even
if the sun doesn't play
I
don't care what they say
Today
will be my day
After the short instrumental, Goku's endearing yet powerful voice reigned over his listeners again;
You think I'm not that sane
And
I don't have enough brains
You
give me only pain
But
without it, there's no gain
Oblivious to the screams, Nataku proceeded with the second bridge;
I want you to notice
Because
I want your kiss
Please
shower me with bliss
Goku timely joined his partner for the second chorus;
So I can't sing like Glay[3]
So
what if my voice sounds like bray
I
don't care what they say
Today
will be my day
For the middle instrumental point in time, they danced slickly, each mirroring the other's steps until it came to the third bridge, in which Goku took the first line and Nataku the second, ending with the third together;
You will lead me astray
But
next to you, I'll stay
I'm
gonna have my way
It was back to the choruses, and the fans shouted louder;
You can try to pray
You
can attempt running away
But
I will find a way
Because
today's my day
Like a needle in hay
But
I'll find you in the end, hey!
Later
I'll make you say
Today,
and every other day,
is
our day
The guitar went on for a few minutes, replaying the upbeat tune of the chorus. Nataku and Goku, out of breath, held each other's hand and bowed, saluting their loyal adherents. They straightened and ran backstage.
The fans cheered again. Tenpou marveled at the amazing strength of their voice boxes and lungs.
+ + +
Nataku dropped himself on a chair as the make-up people quickly began their work, first by wiping away all the sweat. "I can't feel my legs…" He moaned weakly.
Goku, who was in the same boat as Nataku, sighed in dissatisfaction. He kept quiet to let them press the rejuvenating, damp cloth on his face, appreciating the pleasing coolness it brought. As he got out of his outfit, he murmured in dissatisfaction. "I—wish he was here to listen to My Day®…"
Nataku waited for them to be alone again to resume their tête-à-tête. As soon as they were in their next set of costumes, Nataku placed a hand on Goku's shoulder. "I understand. You did write the song for him…"
Goku inhaled deeply, to reassure himself. "Thanks, Nataku, I needed that."
Kanzeon cleared her throat. "Hey, it seems we're having a problem…"
Goku and Nataku deadpanned. "A problem?" They said, now paranoid.
"Yeah…" Kanzeon moved aside, and the duo became cognizant of the person she was hiding behind her.
Goku gasped when he recognized the man instantly, while Nataku just blinked, trying to make sure his eyes were not playing tricks on him.
"K-Konzen!?" Goku exclaimed.
For a moment Konzen looked slightly embarrassed. Kanzeon nudged him before leaving to "check on a few things". But truth be told, she was actually going into hiding to eavesdrop on them.
"H-How long have you been here?" asked Goku, driving himself to talk despite his ineloquence from his shock.
"Long enough to hear that song." Konzen shrugged, trying to act natural but somehow failing miserably.
"R-Really?"
"Aa."
"So…what do you think of it?"
Konzen wrinkled his forehead. "Your rhyming is atrocious. Trying to make 'hey' rhyme with 'hay', 'say' and 'day' is so unprofessional…"
Goku flushed a little. "But I really tried hard to write that song!"
"…But all in all, it's all right."
Goku laughed, touched to hear much less see the writer complimenting him.
In the meantime, Nataku, who knew their break was up, shook his head, smiling. What was he to do when his co-star was still unprepared? Their producer was already frantically gesturing at Nataku to go out.
"But Goku's busy…" Nataku rationalized.
"I know, but it's time!" insisted Jiroushin, tapping his watch frenetically.
Nataku nodded. "I know what to do."
"What?"
Nataku stepped out. It was all up to him to cover for Goku. "Hey," he said into his microphone. "Goku's still changing, so I'd like to take this chance to ask…How has your Valentine Day been?"
Jiroushin slapped a hand over his face, thankful Nataku was out there to talk, thus avoiding the spectators from feeling bored. He knew they loved to have their heartthrob conversing with them as much as they loved their songs.
+ + +
"Thanks for making it." Goku grinned, showing all his front teeth. "I was afraid you—"
"Traffic jam," explained Konzen. "That's one of the reasons I'm late."
"What's the second?" questioned Goku. "And where did you get that backstage pass?" He held the laminated card that was hanging languidly around Konzen's neck.
"I got it from—her."
"Her? K-san?"
"Aa." Konzen ran a hand through his silky tresses. "You'd better go. They're all waiting for you." The writer snorted. "And will you please stop eavesdropping on me, kuso baba!?"
Goku was stumped when Konzen raised his voice, and when Kanzeon revealed herself from her hiding place, a sly smile on her lips.
"Kuso baba?" repeated Goku, confused at the name-calling. "You know each other?"
"Know each other?" echoed Kanzeon, chuckling at Goku's unawareness. "Goku, he's my nephew!"
Goku blanched. Konzen snorted louder.
+ + +
"Sorry to be late!" Goku ran up to Nataku, apologizing to his spectators. "I got a little…caught up just now."
"Okay! People, are you ready to bring the roof down?" Nataku pointed at the roof.
They screamed shrilly again.
"You ready, Goku? The show's far from over."
Goku grinned genially, sensing a new energy within him stimulating his muscles. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's do it!"
They each grabbed a guitar, and began plucking them to carry on with their show. They presented another hit, and this went on until the end of the night. And the spectators screamed all night, even after the concert was over.
+ + +
"We did it! It's a great success!" Goku pulled Nataku for a hug and jumped joyously once they were behind stage.
"The best part is, we didn't screw up!" added Nataku, laughing.
Konzen, who was leaning against a wall and smoking – nobody dared to point out to him that it was a non-smoking area – watched them from afar. He felt a tingling sensation when he saw how happy the singer was, and even more so when he was singing. As he was busy musing about Goku, Kanzeon touched him lightly on his back.
"What do you want?" Konzen shot.
"Oh, nothing." Kanzeon eyed Goku, who was exhilaratingly recollecting the happenings in his concert to an attentive Nataku. "He's cute, isn't he?"
"…Who?" The blond feigned ignorance.
"You, of all people, should know who I'm talking about." Kanzeon laughed. "How about asking him to move into your apartment? I know how lonely you are…"
"I am not," Konzen lied. "Why don't you mind your own business, hag? Or, better still, go bother Homura and his girlfriend?" He stubbornly flung his cigarette end aside before making his way to the exit.
"Homura? Really?" Kanzeon stared after him until he disappeared. She chortled, remembering that he still owed her for the backstage pass.
"Where'd Konzen go?" asked Goku, who was now in front of her.
"Oh, him? Probably in his car." The manageress grinned. "Now go enjoy yourself with him. You deserve it."
Goku nodded in agreement, and right after he bid her and Nataku farewell, he darted towards the door.
+ + +
"I'm officially shocked I'm not deaf yet," announced Kenren, tugging his ears. "I need an ear check-up."
They were walking to Kenren's car in the parking area. Tenpou gave a chuckle and whispered a barely perceptible, "Aishiteru, Kenren…"
"Yup! All fine!" Kenren held Tenpou's arm . "I love you too." He was about to claim Tenpou's lips when Tenpou turned away, noticing something. Kenren grunted.
"Isn't that Konzen's car?" Tenpou flicked a finger, bringing Kenren's attention on a black Honda Accord, and a tall, gaunt blond sitting behind the wheels, lighting a cigarette.
"He's here?" asked Kenren, surprised.
At that moment they saw a bespectacled boy in a cap running towards the car. He rapped lightly on the window, and after a nod of permission from Konzen, Goku opened the door and settled on the passenger seat. The next minute, the blond leaned over the shorter lad for a kiss before revving the car up and driving away.
"He's here," Tenpou confirmed. "I guess I worried for nothing."
"I told you so!" Kenren emphasized in triumph.
+ + +
The next morning was greeted by the merry chirping of the birds on Konzen's window panes. Upon waking up, Konzen groaned inwardly, blinked a couple of times to clear the mists in his eyes away, and sat up slowly. He ogled at the teen who was sharing his bed, and was still asleep, curled under the white covers, with a happy smile. He breathed "Konzen…" once in awhile, and that was when Konzen knew he was thinking, dreaming about him.
"Daisuki…" Goku giggled to himself, and fell back to sleep, clutching the white sheet closely to his chest, no doubt in reminiscence of Konzen.
Konzen's facial expression allayed, and he never gave it a second thought to give Goku another chaste peck on his cheek. Goku giggled again in response, the spot where Konzen had stamped his ownership on the singer turning red. Knowing he was already full of inspirations for his next story, the writer reached out for his laptop on the side table and plugged it in.
Perhaps it was high time for him to start writing romance novels instead.
+ + + [owari] + + +
[1]
– If I am not mistaken, this is Nataku's image
song…Note the if.
[2] – Another one of Goku's image
songs, also by Hoshi Souichirou. I guess you already
know that, ne?
[3] – Glay, one of the most
popular J-rock (and J-pop?) band in Japan.
Authoress'
Notes: In my humble opinion, I don't think it's that weird if Konzen ever takes up writing romance. Besides, Yuki Eiri, the stoic writer in Gravitation was a romance writer
himself. And the Homura/Rinrei bit…well, I feel kind
of sorry for Homura, so since this is an AU, I just
thought of giving him someone to have around for V-day because I pity him…
*snicker* I know it does sound preposterous for Homura
to be Konzen's brother (yes, yes, the different
second names, I know…) but in this AU, I made Homura
take Tatsuha's, of Gravitation, place, who is Yuki's
younger brother. Tatsuha looked exactly like Yuki
except for the hair, and we all know that it's the same case as Homura and Konzen. Case closed.
Oh, the song
My Day belongs to me. This is the first time I wrote a fluffy song lyric
although I haven't composed a tune for it. Not that I can compose music…
*sighs*
Last but not least, thank you
for reading! *bows*
