A/N: Yes this story is quite old, I dunno I haven't updated for two months. But in my defense I had exams than summer school and now I'm leaving for vacation. So here's my little update, I don't know how many readers or reviewers I'm going to get seeing as how this chapter was somewhat rushed. Enjoy it if you can – WigglyJello
School Girl Crush
Chapter One: What would have been a beautiful day
It all started on what would have been a beautiful day. The sun was beaming in the sky without a cloud in sight. The breeze was blowing peacefully and the birds singing merrily. One Shuichi Shindou was oblivious to all of this as he staggered out of bed hazardously. He looked like shit to say the least. Pink hair: disheveled, bags underneath his eyes, yes he had the demeanor of one recovering from a bad hangover, however this was not the case. The cold hard truth was that this bundle of pink had been rejected. To make matters worse, he had been rejected by a guy. To multiply his agony further, he and his room mate had not finished unpacking yet so every thirty seconds or so, he found himself flat on his face, legs tangled between boxes and packing debris. Lovely, just freaken lovely.
For a few blessed moments Shuichi Shindou woke to find his memory blank. The kind of feeling where you just wake up and you're oblivious to absolutely everything. That is until the nagging feeling in the back of your mind pokes and prods at you and than it all comes crashing down on you, hitting you down like a tsunami. The memories of last nights blonde were still bitter in his mouth so he decided such thoughts were to be ignored and drowned out with music and breakfast.
The stereotypical thing to do when depressed, humiliated or angry is to eat. Well, Shuichi never did have normal eating habits. Placed in front of him was bowl of Lucky Charms but only the marshmallow portion, the alphabet bits had been taken out and thrown away without consideration. The bowl was than filled with milk and devoured by a not so pleasant vocalist.
"You were always a strange one. How can you possible eat that shit?" came a amused voice in his ear.
Shuichi batted away his friend in an attempt to be left in solitude.
No such luck.
"What's with you, you look like shit," Hiro persisted.
"Thank you, I try," came the disgruntled reply.
"What homesick already? You were fine last night," Hiro glanced at him inspecting the ragged figure.
"......"
Hiro stuck his nose within an inch of his friend and stared him down. "You know that old saying, misery loves company?"
"....."
"Fine, be that way." The guitarist sat down and buttered his toast, not uttering another word. He casually flipped open the newspaper as he started to munch on a toast.
Shuichi stared at him disbelievingly. He started to glare at him for a few moments. When no attention was given, Shuichi 'clinked' his spoon on the dishes. He pressed on further, clearing his throat every now and than. Shuichi glared and glared with all his might and finally he resorted to sulking. "Your not even going to try and get it out of me?"
"Why bother when you're just begging to tell me? Stop playing your cry baby games and just say what's on your mind."
Shuichi toyed with his cereal and set his spoon down gently. He laid his head into his arms before continuing, not wanting to meet his friend's eye. There was a muffled a reply.
"Last night, I was walking home from the store after you left. I was re reading my lyrics and making adjustments along the way. Well I dropped them and this guy picked them up and read them," Shuichi paused and sighed.
Hiro nodded, prompting him to continue. The guitarist helped himself to some of Shuichi's marshmallows.
"Any ways, he told me my lyrics were worth shit and that I had zero talent. He walked away as if it was nothing," Shuichi finished, unconsciously pouting.
"Is that all? You can't get wound up like this every time one person hates your lyrics. Grow up why don't you?"
"Well he didn't have to be so mean about it," Shuichi cried defensively. "I thought you would take my side! That's not it though, this isn't just the type of guy you see any where. He looked like a foreigner but he could speak perfect Japanese without an accent and everything. I mean, how many blonde haired, hazel eyed guys do you see walking around an elite Japanese school?"
Hiro looked up. "I think I know who you're talking about."
He clapped a hand onto Shuichi's shoulder. "My friend, you have been harassed by the infamous Eiri Uesegi."
Shuichi crinkled his nose in distaste. "You actually know the guy?"
"Well.. he's tall, dresses expensively and usually has a cigarette on him right?"
The bundle of pink bobbed his head up and down signifying yes.
"I don't actually know him but I've definitely heard of him. He's quite a player actually. Quite the lady killer, he's majoring in literature/Japanese."
"Well whoever he is, he's definitely a jerk."
"Just forget him, let it go. But can I ask why your making such a big deal out of nothing? You crushin on the guy or what? Just.. yea.. let it go."
Three soggy marshmallows were launched into the air, hitting Hiro squarely on the cheek.
'I want to Hiro, I really do. It's just that, there's something about him. I'm not sure what it is but I think he's kind of cool, that's all.'
-7:30 PM Backstage-
(Hiro and Shuichi are in a band, so they get occasional jobs at random clubs)
All the equipment had been set in place and the two of them sat around nervously, Shuichi more than Hiro. The guitarist gently strummed a few chords on his guitar, practicing his movements and warming up more than anything. The vocalist tried to hum a few bars but found himself to nervous to continue.
Hiro looked up at his friend who was nervously clutching at the curtain and peering into the crowd. Chuckling slightly he went around the stage and ordered a beer from the bar. He placed the mug smack in front of Shuichi.
"Drink," he commanded. "You'll relax at least a little bit, not enough to make an ass out of yourself."
Shuichi obediently gulped it in one go and tossed the bottle aside. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve before tugging annoyingly at Hiro's. "It's not working," he whined.
"Honestly Shu, it's not your first time on stage."
The manager knocked on the door to find Shuichi desperately clinging to Hiro's feet. He sweat-dropped profusely.
"Hey guys, you're on in five, get into your places and wait for your cue."
The two willingly obliged. Shuichi adjusted his headset and Hiro plugged his guitar in. The speakers behind them and all over the bar boomed with a deep voice.
Not really listening to there introduction, Shuichi took a deep breath and readied himself for the new audience.
".. here's Bad Luck," with that, the manager hopped off stage.
The curtain parted to reveal the duo and the audience clapped, cheered and raised there drinks to the new band.
Shuichi smirked mischievously and flashed the audience a devastating grin.
"Welcome everybody. My name is Shuichi and this is my slave Hiroshi. You can call him Hiro, but enough about us. Who wants to hear some tunes?"
The audience clapped and egged him on.
"That attention whore," Hiro mumbled underneath his breath. He too waved alongside Shuichi at the ladies who were eyeing him.
They started up there warm up song on a fast beat. Hiro started them off slowly only to be harmonized with Shuichi on the synthesizer. Once the momentum got going, Shuichi started to belt out his lyrics. The crowd took them all in and they did considerably well. That is until the hit the third song, Shuichi glanced further into the audience where he stuck out like a sore thumb. Glaring back at him along the bar stool's, the blonde smirked almost as if he was taunting him. Shuichi froze as his eyes made way to his company. Clutched to the blonde's arm was a rather attractive, scantily clad woman. Shuichi gritted his teeth and squeezed the microphone with his fist.
'Don't freak out, don't freak out. Just don't let him get to you.'
The vocalist continued to sing and as the song came to an end, he lost all will power.
"Sorry folks, we'll be taking a very short break. I just wanted to change our line up a bit." Shuichi hit play on a techno tape for background music as he dragged Hiro backstage with him.
"Shuichi, what the hell are you doing?"
"I need you to play air guitar for this song, I hate the music on a tape, I just need to sing it."
"Sing what? What are you talking about? What happened to Spicy Marmalade (there song.. for people who don't know)?"
A gloved hand rummaged through a large pocket. "I'm going to sing these lyrics," he said carefully unfolding a crumpled piece of paper.
"Those would be the ones your lover pissed all over?"
"Shuichi, have you gone mad? You can't just improvise like that." Are you absolutely sure?"
"Please Hiro, I've never been so sure of anything." He glomped his buddy with determination wavering in his eyes. "Please."
"Don't give me that puppy look crap, it disgusts me." Hiro shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Fine, have it your way."
Shuichi brightened up and hugged him even harder. "Yay! You're the best Hiro-kun!!"
The guitarist patted him affectionately and than without missing a beat, he shoved him on stage.
Shuichi flushed nervously and he picked himself up and grabbed the mic.
"Heh.. I'm all right folks." He grinned stupidly as he shoved Hiro on stage as well. Hiro never once stumbled as he gripped his guitar.
"This song is dedicated to some jack ass punk I just met. So here's to me proving him wrong hmm?"
His eyes sparkled with excitement as he grinned devilishly.
The crowd applauded awkwardly as Shuichi started to sing. He gazed into the audience once again only to find the blonde staring back at him, absent mindedly ignoring his date. His long golden locks framed his flawless face and his eyes seemed to drill into the young singer. The curly haired woman took back another drink and looked quite put out.
The song came to an end and that was that. "Thanks for being such a great audience everybody. Shuichi and Hiro summoned themselves to grin one last time and left the stage.
"That wasn't so bad ne Shuichi?"
Shuichi mumbled as he quickly discarded his stage outfit and slipped into his usual clothes. He dashed for the door which was blocked by Hiro. "Listen buddy, I know what your thinking. You've got the hots for this guy don't you?"
Without replying Shuichi tried to go around him but the guitarist grabbed him by the scruff of his neck. "I'll let you go if you admit to liking him."
"You bastard! You think I'm going to fall in love with some guy who has nothing going for him but to tell others how much they suck? Some blonde pretty boy who knows how to write?"
"Do you deny it?"
"Ch..." Shuichi paused for a bit and crouched down to the floor looking away.
"No," he choked out.
"Glad to hear it." Hiro stepped aside and let him have access to the door.
Just as Shuichi was dashing out Hiro called after him. "Glad to hear that you're in loooove."
"Aww geez, knock it off asshole!"
"Don't worry, I won't wait up," Hiro said waving furiously. "Wait!!"
Shuichi's turned around angrily. "What the he-"He blinked and picked up whatever it was that Hiro tossed at him.
"It might come in handy," was all Hiro said with a wink. He strides past Shuichi and into a group of adoring fans.
'Tch.. what this guy playing at. I'm not some filthy slut.' Shuichi couldn't help but smirk in spite of himself. He pocketed the condom and went in search of Eiri.
-11:15PM At the club-
"Damn it!" Shuichi started pounding the wall. 'Where the hell could he be?' Shuichi sighed in dismay and went out back for some air.
There gig had actually closed forty five minutes ago and since than Shuichi's been harassing the bartender and just about everyone he could find. The stoic blonde could not be found. Long thin legs soon grew weary and he collapsed just outside the back entrance of the club.
"Damn him! Damn myself for caring so much!"
Shuichi crouched down and buried his head smelling the strong leather smell of his jacket.
"Who the hell cares about that bastard anyways?"
The corner of his eye caught a spark.
Leaning against the brick wall, the blonde light his cigarette and took a deep drag.
"From what you're crying out, I take it you care about that bastard. From your expression, I can only assume that you're referring to me."
It was a question, not a statement. Shuichi weakly offered a smile.
"So tell me punk, what interest do you have in me. Cuz I gotta tell you, I'm not into guys," he said taking a swig of beer.
"Don't flatter yourself," Shuichi countered. "I just wanted to know what you have against me."
Eiri stared at him with a blank look. "Dunno what your talking about," and he took another sip of his beer.
"Come on, it was just the other night. We were in the dorm hallways and.."
"Sorry, I don't think so.."
"You don't remember? How many guys with pink hair do you meet?? It was such a big deal for me.." Shuichi trailed off. He sighed and turned to go. The deep voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Man, you really hung up on me aren't you. Poor pitiful pop star."
"I thought you said you didn't –"
"I lied, baka."
"So why?"
"If you suck you suck that's not my problem."
"What's it to you? Do you go around screwing with everyone you meet?"
"Hey it's not like I get a charge out if. Someone's gotta tell you the truth."
Shuichi growled at him furiously.
"Is that all you can manage? On stage, it was different than what I originally thought, I'll give you that much."
Shuichi tried to resist but he smiled, if just a little bit.
"But I've gotta say, it's still crap."
"Well do you have to be so mean about it?"
"Look at you, you're so caught up in your own trip. You think you're so great, no wonder you wrote such shitty drivel."
"Well we can't all be writers can we?"
"Oh what's that? You've done you're research? Yes I'm studying literature, I'm going to become a novelist. You think that would have some sort of impact on you but no, you just keep trying to fight back with nothing but shit lyrics at your defense."
"How can you say that type of thing so calmly?"
"Give it up kid, what's the real reason you came looking for me?"
Shuichi didn't reply.
"Just as I thought." Eiri turned his back and walked away.
Large violet eyes brimmed with water as he watched him go.
'Why am I crying over such stupid things?'
-The Next Morning-
A familiar scene arose over the university students this lovely morning. The sun radiated happiness and the morning air was filled with anticipation and happiness from young friends and lovers alike. Children walked by with ice cream cones while others drank coffee by the park. It was a cheery, delightful type of morning, one where even video game addicts and rabid fan girls could walk outside and bask in the sunshine. It was a perfect Sunday morning, save for the Nakano/Shindou residence.
Poke.
Poke.
Poke.
"Ngghh.. go away."
"My dear Shuichi, have you had one to many drinks last night? If I remember correctly, you were suppose to woo the blonde and have hot, sweaty monkey sex."
The raggedy vocalist snuggled into the covers and placed his pillow over his head.
"Go away, far far away. And stop poking me with my pocky."
"I know you blew your chances yesterday but I have something that might get you going again."
Shove.
"Damn you to hell Hiro!"
"I can see your underwear buddy-o. Any ways, this is the student directory. The location of every student on campus, including attractive blonde boys. Now what you do with it is up to you but I'm just going to leave it he-"
Shuichi grabbed it in mid-sentence. He flipped through page after page until he finally found it.
"A-hah! Room 517 Section D. Wait a second, Hiro what room are we? How did you get this anyways? Isn't it confidential?"
"Secretary likes me. University chicks don't see too many good looking guys like me around. And yes we're in room 508 also Section D."
"Meaning.."
"You're not as slow as they say Shu."
"You're being hit on bye forty year old secretaries?"
"Baka! Guess you don't want Eiri's address."
"Noo wait stop! Stop! 517 right?"
Hiro smiled and pelted him with clothing. "Get dressed and go over, he'll be gone sooner than you think. I mean some people actually have lives."
Shuichi nodded and took the clothes. As Hiro left the room, he grinned into the mirror despite the hangover. "Get ready Eiri Uesegi, Shuichi Shindou is coming for you." He groomed himself furiously humming the melody of last nights song.
-Thirty Minutes later, Outside Eiri's door-
Knock knock.
Knock knock.
KNOCK KNOCK.BAM BAM BAM!
"Hey jack ass, open the friggen door! Or are you to good for that as well?"
"You little punk, shut the fuck up before I bash open your skull."
'That voice.. it sounded feminine?'
The door swung open to reveal a tall figure clad in expensive clothes complete with a set of heels.
'Could it be.. his girlfriend?'
Shuichi's large eyes met hers a tall Japanese beauty, far older than Shuichi or Eiri for that matter. Long brown hair, good figure, pretty face.
"You are?"
"I think it's you who answers me kid. What the hell do you think your doing here so early?"
"Mika!" A deep voice called from behind. "Who is it?"
"I'm not so sure, some pink haire-"
Eiri Uesegi appeared at the door.
"He's gone," Mika said, astonished.
Shuichi ran down the long hallway, not pausing until he was safely within the confines of his room. He slammed the door angrily and went back to bed.
Owari
A/N: Shitty no? sigh Well I did want to get at least one chapter out of me before I left for Toronto. Any ways feel free to send criticism, I know I deserve it. In any case, please read and review feed back is always appreciated. This chapter was rushed and checked over not so carefully so I don't blame you for any grammar mistakes or what not that have irritated the hell out of you. I'll try and come back and edit this later on..
WigglyJello