Shinishu: Bonjour mes Amis! It's us again! Uesugi-Productions© is finally back with the new Chapter Two in tow! claps hands
Eiri: Good to hear. Now I finally get some text. Don't make me OOC or I'll kill you.
Shinishu: Who do you not want to kill? -.-y
Eiri: Let me see...
Shinishu: Well?
Eiri: Okay. You won. I'd even kill myself if I had the chance...
Shinishu: Sighs My Repli-Eiri is just too much like the original. He's such a suicidal!
Eiri: stealing freshly baked shortbread from her plate What did you say?
Shinishu: Nothin' luv... Anyway... I'm addicted again!
Eiri: What is it this time?
Shinishu: Dates! (the fruit) munch munch They're just sooooo delicious! I could eat thousands of them! Maybe I'll rewrite this chapter on a date-high?
Summary: x-over with FF X, but it's not necessary to know it Shindou Shuichi is not just a random new kid at school, he's none other than the little brother of Tidus, star Blitz Ball player and everybody's idol. Through a few circumstances he gets to meet Uesugi Eiri, coolest guy in school. Originally he and Tidus don't really like each other but when Eiri has to give Tidus extra tuition, things begin to change for Shuichi. If it at least wasn't for his strange dreams and this nasty voice in his head...
Warnings: Hmm, some uncommon pairings?
Rating: For now it's T, but could move up later on...
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine, except the storyline and the lyrics of Shuichi's song Darling. The song he sings in the choir is called Falling at your feed and belongs to the wonderful, tremendous Darren Hayes! (Love you, Darren)
Amor Fati
Chapter Two: He's Not Everybody's Darling
Days had passed and Shuichi spent most of his time with his new friend Hiro. As he found out Hiro was quite a smart guy. He seemed to have no problems in school at all, just what Shuichi needed when the tests would come up. He wasn't really bad in school, no unlike his lazy brother he was quite good, but sometimes there was this stupid barrier in his head that stopped him from remembering the learned. He was glad that Hiro had offered to help him when required.
For the last few days he had found himself avoiding Rikku to all costs. She seemed to be liking him... too much as he thought. It wasn't as he didn't like her, he did, but there was something about her… that made him feel weird. Did that mean he was afraid of girls? But that couldn't be for he got along with Yuna very well for what must have been eternity and three days. But with Rikku it was completely another matter. Tidus had stated she had a crush on him. He didn't like the idea of that very much.
Not that he complained… But she was Hiro's sister after all! That simple fact made her untouchable for him. And it wasn't that he really fell for her. Although she was a cute girl, his mind was still focused on something else, as to say on someone else…
He just couldn't get his thoughts off of that special someone else. In fact he had tried to think about something else very hard... but all his efforts failed. The beautiful stranger from the cafeteria still hunted his thoughts, notwithstanding he didn't even know his name…
O
PE was not a very period. Not even the sport freaks really liked it. Why? Oh, after three periods of trekking, running, trekking and running again one could easily grow to hate it. There's only so much one can take. Nevertheless every lesson has to come to an end sometime. And a certain Shindou Shuichi and Nakano Hiroshi were enjoying that very end very, very, very much right now. Completely exhausted the two of them were sitting in the cafeteria, not to say hanging like wet sacks in their seats.
"So? Have you already chosen one association?" the red haired asked as he fanned himself with his makeshift fan he previously used to refer to as music magazine.
"Whaayaing?" the originally hyper but now tired boy asked with a full mouth. Though he had been complaining for the last two hours at how he just wanted to die or at least the teacher to drop dead he was now munching on a rather large sandwich with only god knows in it. Hiro felt his stomach turn at the very thought of food. He didn't understand how Shuichi managed to get something down his throat but chose not to comment on this.
"What?" he asked blinking. Sometimes he just wanted to smack his friend's head.
"Whaayaing?" the shorter repeated. Hiro still didn't get what the pink haired was trying to say. Couldn't he speak properly? How was he supposed to understand him?
"Damn it, Shuichi! Speak plainly! First swallow your fucked food and THEN speak!" Hiro almost shouted. Hey, someone had to teach Shuichi what he should have learned years ago! It wasn't his fault the other youth didn't seem to have had a proper education.
Shuichi didn't argue back. He just did as Hiro said. After five minutes of chewing and swallowing, he spoke again.
"What. Association. Are. You. In."
Hiro smiled. "You see. Much better, isn't it? I'm in the choir. I play the guitar."
Shuichi's mouth plopped open.
"Play... the... guitar? You... Argh! You Meanie! You didn't tell me you're playing the guitar!" he whined. How dare Hiro tonot tell him something so important? How dare he keep this from him? Wasn't he his friend after all!
Hiro sweat dropped. "You... didn't ask..."
Shuichi turned mute. His friend was right! He didn't ask if he played the guitar, so he barely was the one to blame him. So he stood silent a while. What was he supposed to say now? He didn't know.
Well you see Shuichi? Think first before you speak! Idiot! He snapped at himself. He could be such a damn idiot at times...
But instead of going all whiny in front of Hiro he decided to be the little idiot again. He had to change the topic.
"This... this school really has a choir? I... I didn't know that..."
Hiro's face was completely expressionless. "I know. There are many things you don't know." he stated coolly. A cool breeze seemed to sweep by and an imaginary newspaper hit Shuichi in the face.
"You're such a jerk!" he finally cried showing his teeth. He had to suppress a big grin. Operation Change-the-topic easily worked!
Oh, I'm so genius!
"Yeah, yeah, yeah... bla, bla, bla..." Hiro played along. He knew Shuichi liked playing the idiot, though... he probably was an idiot? But before he could sink any deeper into the ocean of thoughts about his friend Shuichi pulled him back to reality by leaning forward and giving him an absolutely adorable pout. Hiro had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.
"Do you think I could join the choir?" The pink haired boy asked sincerely. Hiroshi was a little surprised at how serious the younger teen looked right now. He had known Shuichi only for a couple weeks but he could tell that he wasn't one to take things serious. At least not what others might have called 'hobbies':
"Sure you could... Wait! Why are you so interested in joining the choir? Is there something I should know?" Hiro asked with raised eyebrows. He couldn't imagine why the little pink fluff head would want to join the choir. Maybe there was a special girl he wanted to be near? That was the most regular reason boys joined the choir.
"Sing."
Hiro was about to guide a peace of chocolate to his mouth. He stopped it halfway. "Huh?" He asked taken aback. He hadn't expected that answer in any way.
"I want to sing." Shuichi repeated, still serious.
"Really now." The long haired eyed him suspiciously.
He didn't know what to say. Right here in front of him Shuichi metamorphosed. The look on his face became dreamy and an absent smile adorned his features.
"Yeah, really. I love singing, and besides it was my biggest dream to become a famous singer." Shuichi let the other teen know. He let out a dreamily sigh and closed his eyes.
"And why did you say 'it was'?" Hiro wanted to know. Had Shuichi already given up on that dream?
Shuichi's eyes saddened a bit "Well... my father wouldn't allow that... he wants me to become a Blitz Ball player... just as he is. But never mind! I'll sing as a hobby then!" he said smiling pathetically.
Hiro just said nothing. He got off of his chair, grabbed Shuichi by his wrist and took him with him.
"Where... where are we going to? The 15-year-old asked when Hiro showed no intention in whatsoever in forming him where he was taking him on his own account.
"We're going to the choir practice. I remember you told me you wanted to join?"
"Wha…?"
But before he could even count to five, they where in front of a door signed Choir. Hiro knocked on said door before sliding in, his hand still wrapped around Shuichi's wrist.
"Yo!" he smiled to the circle of people sitting on comfort looking chairs. They cocked their heads looking interested at the newly arrived pair.
"This is our new member, Shindou Shuichi, he wants to join us." The guitarist proclaimed. Soon the first muffled whispers went through around the teenagers.
"And... he is my friend." Hiro added.
A tense silence followed the redhead's comment and Shuichi wondered briefly whether Hiro really was such a daunting guy like it seemed at that very moment. Evidently nobody wanted him as an enemy.
Several moments later a black haired guy made himself to Shuichi. He offered him his hand and smiled politely.
"Nice to meet you, Shindou-kun. I'm Aizawa Taki. I'm the responsible for the choir. And I'm also the person to speak to if you have any problems or troubles that concern the choir." He said friendly as he lightly shook the youth's hand.
Shuichi couldn't help it. He didn't like that guy for some reason. Normally he didn't judge others by his first impression and he really wasn't a friend of prejudices but those goose-bumps that chilled down his spine weren't very comfortable and didn't feel fine in any way.
It wasn't like when he looked in the eyes of the blond haired stranger he had seen in the cafeteria, it was...
Different. It was completely different, yet awkward. Had that Aizawa-guy just glared at him?
Calm down Shuichi. You're seeing things. This guy is smiling at you and asking you kindly about your singing, so will you just calm down! He tried to reassure himself. It didn't help too much. He still had that unpleasant feeling in his gut when he looked at this Aizawa-kun.
"Well then Shindou-kun..." he said guiding Shuichi into another room. "Would you mind singing a little song for me so I can sort out your skills?"
"Uh... no..." Shuichi replied shyly. Though he loved singing, being alone with this scary guy and sing a song would be kind of challenging.
Aizawa gave him a friendly smile. "Then start please. It's your turn!"
Shuichi blushed. What was he supposed to do? What song should he sing? He was worried if he started his voice wouldn't play along and he wouldn't be able to hit a single note.
"Any specific song?" he asked nervously.
Aizawa smiled. "No. Sing whatever you like. Anything is fine as long as it includes lyrics."
"Uh... Okay..."
Shuichi thought. Any song was good... So he sang the first that came into his mind.
/ And when you walk into the room
I feel the world dissolve
I fall at your feet
And when you look at me
I swear the beating of my heart is
About to cease /
That was one of his favourite songs. It was a very sweet love song and although it was sung by a man there were very high notes. His brother always complained when he listened to it or worse: sung along.
/ Ooh you make me wanna
Deny the world, deny the man
Deny the oxygen that moves inside of me
Deny my friends, deny my sensibilities /
Shuichi continued to sing unaware that he still was with Taki. He closed his eyes and there was nothing except him and his singing. He literally felt the world dissolve. He didn't even notice the door was jerked open and he was surrounded by many pairs of eyes starring at him.
He kept going on singing.
/ I am surrounded now I only wonder how
Sparks fly
When our worlds collide and
I am falling at your feet
And stars shine
So much brighter
You make me wanna sit right back
And watch the world
Falling at your feet /
As his voice died away and he came to his senses again he blinked. He found himself starring into a familiar pair of dark eyes.
Hiro didn't say a word. And so did no one else.
Shuichi looked around and spotted the group of people around him. Nobody said a word. Everyone kept silent.
Okay, now Shuichi felt rather uncomfortable. "Uh... it wasn't really that bad, was it?" he asked unsure of what to do.
Then Hiro finally spoke. "Are you kidding? It was terrific... the best I ever heard! Your singing skills are fantastic! I didn't know you actually had such a beautiful voice! And you dare to ask if it wasn't that bad!"
Then the others did also raise there voices.
"Shindou-kun you're very good!"
"Good! It was amazing you moron! Don't you see if there is talent even when it is smacking you right onto your dumb head!"
Aizawa just smiled. "So Shindou-kun, you already heard it. Welcome to the choir. Practice is each Tuesday and Wednesday. But we can discuss the details next time, alright?"
Shuichi nodded. "Sure we can. Thank you Aizawa-kun." He said quietly.
Aizawa laughed. "No need to Shindou-kun. But anyway... you're welcome."
O
It had been three weeks now. Tree weeks had gone by since Shuichi's first day at Zarnakand High.
Shuichi had done very well so far. He had joined the choir and even found himself slowly warming up with Aizawa.
The guy sure seemed a little... creepy, but Shuichi was certain that he himself seemed a little... idiotic, too. Knowing that he wasn't an idiot, after all, he was quite sure Aizawa wasn't that creepy either.
Also things with Rikku became better- she wasn't after him the whole time anymore- and Shuichi had relaxed a little. Without having to hide from her admiring glances she was a rather cool girl to speak with. During the lunch break he had made it a habit to hang out with either her or (most of the time) with Hiro.
He got used to his new life and he also got used to his new friends. Soon Hiro had found out how to tease Shuichi the right way to send him pouting into a corner or pummelling against his chest. And to Shuichi's misfortune he seemed to enjoy that quite well.
Right now Shindou Shuichi found himself leaning out of the window of the choir's room. Practice was over for today and everyone had already left. Even Hiro had hectically grabbed his guitar and his bag and went off to date a girl he hadn't named.
Shuichi had known better than to question Hiro about his secret love, so he had kept silent and gave him a knowingly smile and let him be.
So now the pink haired boy was looking at the light blue sky, which was way too clear for a late autumn day like that, in his hands a paper with his newest lyrics.
/ Darling, I'm tired
Please let me sleep,
Because I don't want
To stay awake anymore
Darling, I want to close my eyes
Please, don't try to keep them open,
Because my eyelids are burning
I can't even see your face/
Shuichi enjoyed writing songs and could spent days on adding a melody. He loved singing his own songs, giving all of his secrete thoughts finally a voice. Sometimes he ended up in front of his computer for days without any food or sleep, mixing his materials, re-recording them several times, never satisfied completely.
Never had anyone seen one of his songs, even not his brother. Maybe Tidus didn't even know his little brother was writing songs, but Shuichi didn't mind.
When Shuichi finally let his gaze drift over the heads of the people on the ground, his heartbeat fastened. He almost stopped breathing.
Even from the fourth floor he could identify the blond head that sure as hell didn't belong to his brother. Ever since that fateful day in the cafeteria he couldn't stop thinking about the other boy though he really had tried his hardest. But that unknown face had found a way to creep up into his very thoughts... Shuichi sighed. How was he supposed to make it through the first weeks on the new school when he already discovered some (until now) secret weirdness of his? Two days at Zarnakand High and his life seemed to be upside down and inside out and the other way around!
Seeing the stranger again excited the boy – to his own dismay. A slight breeze let his hair tickle his nose, Shuichi sneezed.
Shocked he watched his lyrics fly off.
"Shit!" he cursed loudly. "Damn it, those were new! I don't have a copy!"
He turned to chase after the paper. It wasn't too late, was it? There was always the chance that he would find it in time. Not even slowing down on the stairs he nearly tripped, but kept his way as he rushed through the hall. He had to get his lyrics back!
/ Darling, I'm worn out
Please, let me find relief,
Because I'm scared of
The hectic world out there/
Somehow he succeeded in making it in one piece to the first floor. He grabbed the railing and used it to swing himself around the stairs...
And bump right into a rather solid chest.
"S... sorry!" he mumbled and was about to fly down the remaining stairs, when he looked up.
SHIT, He thought, starring right into a pair of wonderful amber eyes. The pink haired boy gulped. Why in ninth hell had he happen to crash into him of all people! Could fate be any crueller?
"Hn" was the extraordinarily detailed reply from the blonde. His face showed no emotion as he seemed to be staring right through Shuichi, not having the slightest interest in what he was saying. The amber eyes bored into him. Suddenly the expression of the blonde changed. In fact it changed drastically; he began to smirk.
As he eyed Shuichi from head to toes, only to stare into his face once again, Shuichi froze. He couldn't move. He couldn't breath. He couldn't even blink. The only thing he was left to do was to shiver.
What else was he to do with that gorgeous stranger staring at him? He didn't even know his name but still that boy seemed to be enjoying giving him creeps. Uwah.
It appeared the blonde wouldn't change his current activity anytime soon. Another thing that scared Shuichi. What was with that weirdo? Didn't he have hobbies that he seemed to find so much pleasure in creeping the hell out of poor, helpless little boys? Hadn't the other made Shuichi so nervous, he would have yelled some random comment at him.
"Is this supposed to be yours?" a deep male voice asked monotonously and it took Shuichi quite a few moments before he realized the other had spoken. Blushing furiously he looked at the sheet of paper the obviously older boy held out to him, knowing all too well what it was.
Damn! Why, of all the students at this school, why had it to be HIM! Couldn't anyone else have found it? Did it really have to be him? What had he done to deserve such a cruel and embarrassing fate?
Slowly he reached out an uncertain shaky hand. He just wanted his lyrics back...
Please god... I beg you... make him not having read it... PLEASE!
That would be Shuichi's thoughts at this moment in case he still was able too think despite all his desperation and embarrassment. Giving the other a small nod he clasped his hand around the paper.
"It's awful. How old are you, six? No obliviously not, because even a six-year-old would write better stuff. The theme is terrible, the word-choice is even worse and the expression sucks. All in all these are the most horrible lyrics I've ever read. Is this really meant to be a song? Well, it sounds like shit. Give it up, you don't have any talent." (1)
With that the blonde let go his hold on the paper the paper and walked away, leaving a nearly broken and very angry-but-too-stunned-to-say-something Shuichi alone in the hall.
What the…? Was all he could think.
/Darling, I just want to fall asleep
Please, don't be sad,
Because I know you don't want
To let go of me but you must
Darling, I'm happy now
Please, don't cry for me,
Because you know I love you
And we will met again – one day/
TBC...
(1) That sounds very much like Yuki, doesn't it? Haaaa... I love him...
Shinishu: So? Loved it? Liked it? Hated it? Please! R/R!... Uhm... Eiri-chan?
Eiri: Don't chan me, baka.
Shinishu: Oooooohhhhh... haertsfloadingaround you called me Baka! I just knew you loved me too!
Eiri: I never ever said that!
Shinishu: Yeah... sure... But that's NO excuse!
Eiri: For what!
Shinishu: FOR CRITICIZING MY BEAUTIFUL LYRICS YOU SELFISH BASTARD!
Eiri: YOU GODDAMNED MADE ME TO! REMEMBER: YOU ARE THE AUTHOR!
Shinishu: Oh. I just think I forgot that. Hehe... sorry. But wait! Then you don't think they're that terrible?
Eiri: They suck.
Shinishu: BIG MEANY!
Eiri: Just as crappy as Shuichi's.
Shinishu: Hey! Don't dare you to say anything bad about Shuichi!
Eiri: Oh? I thought you owned ME? What would you make like that Brat?
Shinishu: Cuz I want to be like him! I love you and I want to annoy you and make you angry at me! It's fun!
Eiri: I say it again; HELP! THAT GIRL IS CRAZY!
Shinishu: cough See ya in the next chappy, I hope.