Red: Well, sorry for the delayness/ Is it a word, hope it is./ School, homework and all, you know. Now don't let me waste your time...and a review is alway welcome.
Mixture By Redvind
"Boss?" Taichi asked, disbelieved.
"Boss." Yamato confirmed him.
"He looks like an old man…grandfather or something. I wouldn't have guessed he ran a musical company." He said, eyes following the sight of the man.
The blonde shrugged, but he was smiling. "Yeah. And he acts like one. It's a good thing though. It makes us feel like a family."
The band's members smiled at the blonde's speech. Warm and welcoming atmosphere made the brunet smile, too.
A growl of someone's stomach broke the peaceful silence awfully. Everyone turned his head to Akira.
"Not my fault! I'm hungry! I haven't eaten anything."
In agreement, Taichi's stomach growled audibly. He grinned sheepishly as the Wolves turned to him. They all laughed.
"I vote we find something to eat, then we can practice more." Yamato said, wiping his eye.
Takashi, still laughing a bit, got up from his spot. "I brought some sandwiches. Tuna, chicken and egg-salad. Who's up for them?"
Hands rose. They sat in circle, enjoying their breakfast.
"You know, maybe we should speed up the chorus of 'Something To Say'. It might sound better."
"We can try."
"What about putting solo guitar in 'God Bless You'?"
"You're getting me more work!"
"You have no problem with it, don't you?"
Taichi chewed his sandwich quite slow for his usual. He listened to the music professional conversation, looking at them warily, feeling out of place. What the hell was he doing here? They seemed to discuss about how to make songs better. He thought they were already great. Then again, who needed his opinion?
"Taichi!"
He was startled. "What?"
"What do you think about our songs? Are they good?"
They were looking at him, waiting.
"Why are you asking me?" the brunet didn't want to sound rude; he was just puzzled.
"We want to hear the outsiders' opinions and you're the first one who hears them. I told you they are new." Yutaka said.
Taichi couldn't help it as he felt a smile tugging on his lips.
"I think they're great."
"You like them?"
"Of course." He grinned good-naturally. The band seemed satisfied with his answer. They went on discussing more when the door opened. There was a man standing, looking like he just saw a miracle.
"I…I can't believe it…" he started, sounded close to tears. "Everyone's on time…even Akira-kun…my…"
He took out his handkerchief, blowing his nose. The man squeaked loudly. "I couldn't have been any happier! They've grown up!"
The brunet turned to look at the Wolves, an eyebrow rising. "What have you done to him to make him cry like that?"
They whistled, pretending not to hear him.
Taking a moment, the man calmed down a little. He then noticed the unfamiliar face of Taichi.
"Oh…sorry about my behavior before. I'm Matsushita Toshihiro, Teenage Wolves' manager. Everyone calls me Matsu- for short. You are?" he took his hand out to the brunet.
They shook hands. "I'm Yagami Taichi."
Matsu's eyes widened. He looked surprised and stared at Taichi like he's a god or something.
"You're Taichi?"
What's going on here? He looked at the manager uncertainly. This was almost like the same reaction he got from Boss…oh, this man knew him, too? Gradually tears were forming in those black eyes of him.
What the hell!
"You will never believe how grateful I am!" Matsu burst out crying, holding the tan hand tight. "They've told me how you've taken care of them and that really helps me a lot than you could have ever imaged! I was in lots and lots of troubles before they met you. Thank you, thank you!" he said through his cry, making Taichi feel like running out of there in a sudden. For heaven's sake, he didn't know what he was talking about!
"Ne, Matsu-san. I think you kinda scare him." Akira said, getting him out of the man's grasp.
"…oh, I'm sorry…" the manager said, letting go of him.
"What's up Matsu-san?" Yutaka asked.
"Oh…just want to check on you guys and remind you that the new band will come around eleven."
Taichi turned to Akira. "You got a new band?"
The guitarist shrugged. "Boss found them in Hokkaido. We're supposed to meet them today."
"Fine. There's plenty of time before that. Let's practice some more, shall we?" the Wolves went to their spots. Yutaka spun his drumsticks expertly with two fingers.
"Ready? One two three four!"
OOOO
Two hours passed.
"….please…need to…rest…I'm…dying…ORGG!" the very certain guitarist coughed, falling down dramatically before collapsed flatly on the floor, unmoving. His precious guitar was surely removed beforehand.
Yamato kicked him on his side lightly. "Oi, quit that, baka. We're taking a break."
Akira quickly recovered from his 'temporary' death, grinning.
"What are you made of, Akira? Jelly?" Yutaka asked tiredly, smiling. He didn't really expect an answer.
"I'm thirsty! Do we have some water left?" Akira continued whining.
Taichi just couldn't blame him. The Teenage Wolves was covered with sweats. All looked tired. Still, they seemed to have some energy saved to discuss about their music, Matsu joining them.
He looked over at the supply. There was only a half bottle of mineral water. He got up, saying. "I will get some more."
"I'll go with you." Yamato volunteered. Taichi shook his head.
"No. it's your break. Just rest. It's not like I've done much of work. Be back a minute." He walked out of the room…
…and returned in a second. "…umm…Can you tell me where I can get some drinks?" he asked sheepishly.
OOOO
"Alright. Two green tea, two mineral water, a cola and milk. Got it!" Taichi said cheerfully. The band told him to go to the vending machines standing by the lifts. It's not hard to find and also had all kind of liquid they wanted. While the brunet was waiting for the items, he totally unnoticed one of the lifts was containing people up to his floor. He turned his back when the metal door opened.
He sworn if he had, he would go find a place to hide forever.
One of the new comers saw him, recognizing the certain brunet.
Instantly Taichi gained the extra weight of someone jumping on him and heard a happy exclamation of "Taiiiiiiiiiiichiiiiiiiiiii-sannnnnnnnnn!"
"OGG!"
"I've never thought I would see you here! What are you doing anyway?"
This guy's voice sounded familiar… "A-a-ii?"
"Hai! It's me. You sound strange, Taichi-san."
"…I…an't…breath…ed..oo.."
"Oops." the younger boy grinned sheepishly before letting go of his neck. Taichi coughed a little. Arashi helped patting his back. "Sorry, sorry."
"It's okay." He calmed down, turning to the younger boy. "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't I ask you first?" the guitarist's smile grew wider.
Taichi rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm getting some water."
"I see. I'm here for an introduction."
"Introduction?"
"Yeah. My band has sighed up for this company. An old man told us to come here today. We met in Hokkaido. You worked here?"
"No, I'm here with a friend." He saw Arashi raise an eyebrow. "Long story. The old man might be Boss. So you guys are the new band…" then he realized something. "Wait a minute…does it mean…"
His question didn't need to be asked. The elevator dinged. The answer popped up right away.
"Hey Arashi! Didn't you even listen to me? I told you to…"
His nightmare came true…
"…Oh see whom we got here. What are you doing?" Koki walked confidently to him.
"He's getting some drinks." Arashi replied, somehow annoyed.
The band leader looked at Taichi's armful drinks he's hugging around his chest. "I see. Tell me when did you transfer your workplace?"
The brunet didn't like the drummer's sneer. "I didn't. These are for my friends. So excuse me…" he tried to walk pass the bigger man.
Koki blocked his way, sticking an arm out. Taichi glared at him. Instead of moving out of ways, he stared back.
Arashi bit his arm. Rather hard.
"OUGH! Arashi! What the hell!"
The dark haired boy stepped in front of Taichi, protecting him. "Stop scaring him already. Taichi-san doesn't need it."
Before the argument could go farther, there came three lifesavers as the metal door 'ding' again.
"What on earth are you two doing! We're almost late! No time for any fight!" Yuraba yelled.
"Not my fault!" the two chorused.
He buried his face in his hands. "Not again. Can't you two just stop for once?"
Taichi stood by Tokio who, at some point, saw whatever-thing amusing. "I've heard you guys are here for an introduction. Matsu-san's waiting for you."
"Yes. I guess you can show us the way." He said kindly, taking a few cans from the brunet without asking. Taichi smiled.
"Yeah. This way." He pointed, leading. Tokio and Yuraba, who still didn't look up, started to follow. Walking away, Arashi stuck his tongue out at his band leader.
"Hey wait!" the red hair called out. Someone immediately rode on his back.
"If you want to help carrying something. You can carry me to the meeting room." The sleepy voice said.
"Hajime! Get off!"
Everybody ignored him.
OOOO
If meeting Koki was nearly nightmare to him, to Akira it must be hell.
The Wolves' guitarist stared, eyes widened, pointing disbelievingly at the other's band leader. "Why the hell is he here?"
Koki stared back at the same rage. "Well, such nice greeting for the junior band you got."
They were about to throw at each other. Both musical teams forced them apart.
"What's wrong with them?" Matsu asked worriedly, looking back and forth between them.
Yuraba mentioned his riding-on –the-back singer to shut their leader up. He did obediently. "Just ignore him. We're terribly sorry about his behavior."
Yamato nodded in understanding. "Same here."
"Why do I feel like if we don't keep eyes on them, they will kill each other?" Yutaka murmured uncertainly. Taichi could only nod.
"Okay! I see you already know each other!" the only manager in the meeting room attempted to break the tension.
"And already dislike each other!" Akira remarked. Everyone sweat dropped.
OOOO
After the very hard time to part the guitarist of the Wolves and the drummer of the Spider Web away, the Spider agreed to show a little performance of their ability….although the most past of the reason was to silent those two. Akira huffed annoyingly, but he said nothing.
Meanwhile Taichi was watching though wonderingly the second time today what he was doing here, he was great he had a unique chance to watch two famous bands playing in one day.
"You ready?" Koki asked in the way Taichi had to admit that he's great at being the band leader. His members nodded. He banged his drumsticks in rhythm. "Alright one two three!"
OOOO
To be honest to himself, he was amazed at their music. With the hard and strong rhythm and the marvel voice of Hajime, who was totally changed from a drowsy person to a surprisingly great singer when he had a mice in his hand, Spider Web was nothing but unbelievable. The Wolves listened with professional estimation. Even Akira hadn't complained since the other band started performing, just only 'could have been better if he zipped his mouth shut' mumble. He secretly agreed.
"Excellent!" Matsu-san clapped excitedly. "What do you say?"
"No objection." They chorused in unison and ignored Akira's little comment of 'if only they could disperse that loudmouth drummer'.
Matsu nearly cried out of joy and did the monkey dance. "Great! No problem then!" then he began explaining about the company, the record, the contract and so on.
Taichi helped handing drinks and towels to Spider's members. Koki walked to him, sticking his /another/ hand out, waiting for the brunet to put his towel in.
"You know I won't say no to a compliment." he smirked.
If only he wasn't such arrogant… "Aren't you overconfident, Koki-san?"
"Who? Me?" Taichi nodded. "You mean you don't like…."
That was the first time Taichi had ever heard him sound meek and precarious. He looked up. When he saw the taller man's face, he decided to do something he at least could…compliment. "If it's not great, the Teenage Wolves wouldn't let you join the company…"
"But what do you think?"
The brunet blinked, puzzled. "I think it's amazing."
The band leader looked relieved and a lot happier. Taichi didn't think he realized it…it made him wonder more about this guy. Maybe he wasn't so bad at all…
Arashi cut through between them, pouting skeptically. "What are you threatening him again?"
Koki blasted. "I didn't do anything!"
"Oh?" the younger boy turned to Taichi. "Really?"
Taichi shrugged.
"Oh…good…then come on. We're moving to another room." He began to drug his leader.
"Don't you have something to say?" he demanded.
"Alright, alright. I'm soooooo sorry." Koki didn't believe him. Neither did Taichi.
The brunet didn't want to sit and listen to all explanation of musical company. He might feel bored as he had nothing to do with it. He decided to leave.
"Umm, Yamato?" he pricked the blonde's arm gently. "If it's okay, I want to leave…"
The guy looked alarmed. "Why? What's wrong?"
"No! Nothing's wrong." He quickly assured. "I just want to…you know, spear the news. I bet no one knows about the Spider's yet. Besides…you may have a lot of work to do now…"
"Oh…right. I'm sorry for…"
"Hey! Not your fault. I should thank you for today. I have lots of fun."
Yamato smiled. "Really?"
"YUP!" Taichi grinned. "See you!" he bawled, louder enough for everyone to hear. Before he went though, Yamato grasped his arm.
"Taichi…"
"Hmm?"
The next thing he knew was the feeling of the warm, soft lips on his. He froze, eyes widened largely…
…but they were considered much, much smaller than those that were watching him and Yamato, especially Koki's.
OOOO
He was walking, he knew he was, but he didn't feel like really walking…more like floating…how did he manage to get out again?
Why being with Yamato made him lose his mind too many times?
He lined his finger on his lips, blushing madly when he remembered what had happened to them.
Taichi did kiss Yamato…or more likely, Yamato kissed him.
The brunet couldn't place this feeling, as he had never felt it before. He also couldn't help but smiled. Oops…he needed to stop looking like an idiot. People were staring. To hide his embarrassment, he tugged his hands in his pocket. Hmm?...where was his wallet?
Might leave it at the vending machines. He started to head back to the building.
OOOO
It wasn't there. He should go ask if anyone had seen it…he turned around and saw the wolves coming his way, including Yamato. He quickly hid behind the machines.
The brunet snapped; why was he hiding? Was it because of the certain blonde?
Yes…
Come on. There's no need to hide. He was able to face him and ask about his wallet. He was about to come out when he heard the Wolves talking…about him.
"Did you see his face!" Akira exclaimed cheerfully. "He looked like ghost. Could you really believe it?"
"I noticed…" Yutaka spoke up. "Why do you think it is?"
"Maybe he has a feeling for Taichi, too…" Yamato assumed lowly.
Taichi slid to the ground, heart quickening. Did Koki really…?
"He seems sad…he did ask us to return Taichi's wallet…"
"Oi! Oi! Like we should care! That gives us a chance to see Taichi early." Akira laughed blatantly, obviously amused. "That will teach him not to be a dandy at times."
The Wolves chuckled.
Something inside of him torn up. Before the brunette knew it, he was walking, facing up to them. Their eyes widened in surprise and terror. How long had he been standing there?
Taichi looked at Takashi's hand. It was his wallet.
"That must be mine. Thank you for keeping it for me." He said emotionlessly, giving out a hand. Takashi put it in hestitantly. "Then I guess you don't have a chance to see me early anymore. Good bye." He left without looking back.
The elevator's door closed, it's the only sound in that moment. Taichi's gone.
Yamato's face was paler than his usual. Words failed.
The trio looked at each other. "Oh, crap!"