Written: 11.11.o6
(a/n) The PREVIOUS chapter has been REWRITTEN on the o7.11.o6. So if you haven't read the newer version, please read back then proceed in reading this chapter to avoid confusion.
Again, another thanks to all the people who have read (and even reviewed twice) the previous chapter and have coped with my major infrequent updates. Hope you like this one…
NOTE: This chapter has not been edited yet, so please avoid idiotic careless mistakes. Thank-you!
- X -
My Funny Valentine
Chapter Five
To a certain extent, he felt quite refreshed that Thursday afternoon. The Teen-Age Wolves' manager had thankfully let the whole crew take that day off. For a week they had been extremely busy with recording for their new uprising album. All the days seemed connected since Yamato had tiredly venture actively in and out of the studio for that past week.
It was time to take a breather, and this time he really needed it and certainly earned it. Especially when the atmosphere in the studio was still heavy from the aftermath of his argument with Yutaka. For Yamato, being with such a hotheaded man with a week was very strenuous. Takahashi – the peacemaker – tried his best to get Yutaka to talk and at least compromise with the lead singer again, but there wasn't any sign of success. Both Yutaka and Yamato had been too stubborn, in their own ways, to let their little disagreement go by that easily.
Yamato thought of it as pride; Yutaka thought of it as stupidity.
Meanwhile, it wasn't helpful that Akira remained his stoned self as usual. The band had almost run out of excuses to deliver the manager with Akira's actions. It wasn't that Akira's performance was terrible (if they asked him to play Beethoven, he could easily whiz through it on his keyboard. Whether he be stoned or not, Akira's talent surpassed the believable with his skill and godly perfection). The remaining members had always pleased about Akira's performance – they were all just afraid of sanity and how long Akira could withstand everything.
With so much going on with the band he hadn't even put aside any time to meet up with Sora. It was nerve-racking when he also had to take into account that his grandparents would fly from France to Japan anytime soon (next week, in fact). Not that he was scared of his grandfather – more his grandmother…which, particularly, was another terrifying story.
He was meant to have discussed to his manager if he could take a short holiday for two weeks during his grandparents' stay – he hadn't been able to mention it yet because he was rather cautious that the manager would crack it. Either way, he'd have to fish out of the studio someway or another. The Teen-Age Wolves' manager knew that even though the popularity and commercialism may have gotten into his head – Yamato still valued his family first. From secondhand experience behind his parents' divorce he knew to never let his career interfere with his personal life, exceptionally when it came to his family and close friends. He'd have to worry about telling the news to his manager later…right now he was going to spend his few solitary hours to himself peacefully and treat himself with something good.
Later on that day he had made arrangements and plants to meet up with his best friend, whom had finally returned from his overseas trip with his girlfriend a couple of days ago. Lucky bastard. He was dying for a holiday like that. Despite going on tours overseas, he had never really had a 'holiday.'
Yamato felt a bit culpable for downright lying to Sora that he was also going to busy on that particular day – but then again she had told him that she would also be busy that day as well. After all, they were going to meet up again that Saturday afternoon. So it didn't really matter. Besides, catching up with his best friend was presently on the top of his priorities that moment.
He scoffed to himself. Off course he'd catch up with Taichi…right after he did something for himself.
The street that he had been walking was typically crowded, but he luckily could effortlessly thread himself along. It was most likely the advantage of having his electric guitar strapped over his shoulder. With a grateful sigh, he glanced up at the store, glad he had reached his destination. Luckily, the store wasn't as crowded as it was on the Tokyo streets outside.
As soon as he had walked in he neared the compartment filled with new guitar covers. He silently picked up a black new leather case and put it over his vacant shoulder. While chocolate was the source of happiness and ecstasy for women, he knew that purchasing anything related to music was his own source of contentment. Hell, he was glad that he'd finally get the opportunity to dunk his old battered guitar case in the trash.
His eyes dashed about the store, curious if he required anything else. It then came to him how the manager had told his band that they were in need of a new name considering they had out-grown their teenage years. Thus, Teen-Age Wolves, didn't suit their appearance at all. He pivoted on his feet towards the rock collections of CDs. He found an Elvis album, and took one of the copies while thinking of his mother who was an avid fan for the King of Rock n' Roll. He scanned through the random names in that specific section.
Taking Back Sunday…Sex Pistols…KISS…Lenny Kravitz…Franz Ferdinand…Jet…Fall Out Boy…Dashboard Confessional…Jack's Mannequin…
The names were all unique, yet he couldn't help but feel intrigued to why someone could name their band 'Jack's Mannequin.' He shrugged, and took a copy of the album. Whatever…he'd try and find a new band name later. He knew that it was more better that his band 'work as a group' in selecting a new band name, not him just choosing one for all of them.
Feeling fulfilled, he proceeded towards the service desk and carefully placed the leather guitar case and the two CDs onto the counter. The salesperson scanned the items into her computer. Her dark auburn hair (much darker than Sora's) was gelled up in her usual spikes, giving her style and flare – just like her bright personality.
"Afternoon, Matt," she greeted her usual customer.
"Hey," he replied tersely with a grin. "How are you, Jun?"
"Fine. Yourself, Matt?"
"Well, thanks."
He didn't worry about getting caught by any paparazzi or fans that day because he had his customary disguise on (a beanie and shades). Jun knew his real identity, but wasn't foolish enough to say his real name out loud in public. Bearing in mind, back in high school Jun Motomiya was his first fan. Even though it sounded corny and cheesy, perhaps without her effort in making a own fan club or screaming her lungs out when she saw him in Odaiba High's corridors', he wouldn't have made it big time with his band. For that, he owed her. But in their period of time back in high school, he didn't want to acknowledge her at all…but to run away…really far away.
Now, it was different. They were good friends. He was glad that her infatuation and fixation over him and his band had shriveled away. Nowadays they pretty much shared suitable rivalries when it came to having debates concerning music. He wondered that he could of chose Jun, instead of Sora, to take part in his 'Project Wife.' Then he remembered that Jun had a steady boyfriend and that it would just be all to weird to be pretend-dating his former number one fan.
Plus, he had a hunch that he still would of chosen Sora regardless if Jun was available or taken. He was just all too suspicious in finding out who Sora really was and that she had been the first option that had popped into mind, taking note that Takeru had forced him to do chose her anyway.
Coming back to his senses, he watched Jun put the CDs into a plastic bag. He handed her his card.
"Credit?"
"Yes."
As soon as she was about to swipe the plastic credit card through, he stopped her.
"Wait!"
Her eyebrow arched.
"You wouldn't have another CD rack I could buy?"
"Hold up," she laughed, going to the storeroom behind the counter.
Seconds later she came out of the room holding a wooden CD rack, identical to the many more racks he had at home. Jun didn't need to be told which type of CD he was after considering he was constantly buying a new one almost each month.
"Can't believe you already ran out of space for your CDs. You're crazy," she commented, shaking her head as she scanned the rack into the computer also. "You've clearly got a huge collection of music by now."
"Trust me…it's still growing."
Yamato had always preferred buying the actual albums from stores rather than downloading them from the Internet. He just liked the feeling of having a solid copy of every artist he admired. Though, he knew, that if he didn't earn much money he would of probably downloaded them. Sometimes, being rich and famous was advantageous.
When Jun had finished serving him, he took his purchased items, thanked her then departed out of the music store.
- X -
He was already there. His brown messy hair fought against the spirited lively breeze. His back was facing him, body stance preparing to kick the ball into the soccer net. It was so predictable about him. The place where they were going to convene was predictable. What he was doing was predictable.
But what wasn't predictable was that his best friend, for once, wasn't tardy and arrived at their high school's soccer field earlier than he did. Now that surely was a shock to the system.
Yamato didn't need him to turn around to not know that it was Taichi Kamiya. He closed his eyes, ready for the brunette to give the final blow. In seconds, he heard the sound of the soccer-ball become powerfully foisted into the net. Even that was predictable. Taichi always got a goal.
"And Odaiba High wins! 2 to 0!" Yamato whooped, jogging onto the lush green soccer field towards his friend.
His friend spun on the ball of his feet and caught a glimpse of him. His hazel eyes sparkled with familiarity and joy with his lips breaking into his traditional goofy beam.
"Well, well, well…if it isn't my Rockstar," he batted his eyelashes and pressed his hands together. "Oh, how I've missed you."
From the gray suit he was attired in, Yamato guessed that he was at working beforehand. It was really strange watching a grown man playing soccer while being clad in something formally professional.
He had expected Taichi to go pro, but against all odds he became a businessman, surprising the hell out of everyone that was very un-Taichi like. But when everyone had found out that he was behind the business of CNN sports, it was understandable.
Yamato energetically kicked the soccer ball towards the net, not t bothering to aim. And, off course, the ball flew onto the side of the net, rebounding and rolling back to where he was standing.
"You may have perfected the art of music, but you're still awful at soccer as ever."
The inexperienced player picked up the soccer ball from the ground and threw it at him, narrowly missing his nest of a head. Taichi still had good reflexes.
"Hasn't anyone told you that you don't throw a soccer-ball? You're supposed to kick it, Matt!" Taichi patronized, concealing a snicker.
"Not when I play," he responded automatically.
Taichi kicked the ball along; shifting it equally between his two feet as the pair exited the soccer field. Like planned, they were going to catch up over a worthy amount of food at a nearby noodle restaurant. Mimi was going to join them later.
When they reached the parking lot, Taichi put the ball into his car and they both hopped into Yamato's convertible. Once the engine had started, music exploded out of the speakers. Immediately, the man disguised his blond hair with a dark blue beanie switched of the volume.
Throughout the ride, Taichi filled Yamato in with his holiday. Mimi. The beaches. Mimi. The luggage. Mimi. The souvenirs. Mimi. That is, until he directed his attention back to the lead singer.
"Nuh, man…I've seriously missed you," Taichi chuckled. "What have you been up to lately? How are you?"
"Dreadful."
"Not the band, I meant you."
He gave a deep sigh, gazing at Taichi. "Fine-"
"That bad, huh?"
The brunette's smile turned into a frown. He was his best friend; he couldn't lie to him when Taichi could read him like a book. He was one of the few people that could do so. Regardless with or without his guard up, Taichi could see what he was feeling so unambiguously that it was embarrassing.
"I don't know why you have to continue with this if your heart's not into it anymore. This is what I've been concerned with ever since you went all godly on us."
"I breathe on music, Tai."
"I know that. But you certainly are choking on what you're playing now. This is not your style and type of music…especially when someone composes the songs for you. You should just quit the band altogether, save you the hassle of worrying over those bitches."
Yamato glared at him. Taichi said calmly, "Just telling you the truth how I see it, man."
The musician breathed deeply, fingers tightening around the steering wheel, "I know, Tai."
Deciding to change the subject, he questioned. "So…what's up with your suit?"
"Ah…well…I would of caught up with you earlier…since we only came back two days ago, but you were busy. So I practically begged my boss to let me leave work early today."
"Thanks."
"Just for you," Taichi laughed. "I knew you were busy, don't worry about it. I'm just glad we're still talking and that you haven't forgotten about us. It's been almost two months since I haven't seen you. You've gone paler."
"While you've gone darker," Yamato remarked, referring to his friend's new tan. Then he remembered he really needed to tell Taichi about 'Project Wife.'
By that time, they had already surfaced at the noodle restaurant. After securing that his vehicle was locked, the pair slowly made their way into the restaurant.
They took a seat, told the waiter what they wanted and observed him leave.
"Why didn't we get a female waitress?" Taichi groaned. "That waiter was boring!"
"Sometimes, I wonder how Mimi can bother having a long-term relationship with you," Yamato teased, loosening up a bit.
He felt quite happy with how their catch up was going…he had missed his friend's company a lot, even though he hated to divulge it.
"And there's still something you're not telling me…spill it. At least tell me before Mimi comes!"
"Fine, fine!" Yamato gave up, waving his hands in the air.
It took only minutes to uncover the story (because Yamato made his friend to swear to not interfere him when he was explaining).
"…which is why I'm pretending to date her."
Taichi stared at him, mouth gaping, "That's beyond insane. But I've met your grandmother before…and I guess I know why you went all frantic over this to produce such a ridiculous idea."
"Tell me about it!"
"To who?" Taichi questioned. "Do I know her? Who is she?"
In timing the chimes of the restaurant's door shimmered as two females walked in, heading towards their table. Taichi's back straightened when he heard his girlfriend's bubbly voice replace their silent atmosphere.
"I don't understand! I can't believe you're married…and you didn't tell me? What on earth are you -"
"Really, Mimi. I am not married!"
"Then explain that ring!"
"I would explain to you if you would stop talki-"
Yamato stared at the other woman besides Mimi, alarmed. The woman looked at him as well, completely bemused.
"No way…" Taichi's eyes widened in disbelief when he recognized them both exchanging looks of familiarity.
So much for the bartender being busy that day…
- X -
As promised, I updated this story first before updating both Paparazzi & LimitZ II.
It was really tiring to write because there was so much description I had to include in the first part of this chapter. Sorry for not including Sora in this chapter. But from the little cliffhanger, it's obvious that she'll be included in the next chapter…so do not fear.
I'm glad that Taichi has finally made an appearance in this story. Well…I hoped you like this chapter. Cheers. (& take care!)
Heart flipstahhz