NEW CHAPTER TIME! La la la! Okay so it's another time skip like a warned you guys. Probably from now on, there'll be time skips almost every chapter. It's my own private prediction (because I'm almost NEVER right XD) but I'm thinking this fic will probably end with 30 chapters. Just guessing, not saying it will but uh… like my English teacher says 'speculating' XP
And before I forget, I'll congratulate Ahotep on being my 222nd reviewer :) I know I didn't celebrate the 200th but 222 is too funkilicious not to XD
With cooking breakfast, chasing after his mother's parakeet, and being yelled at for being 'annoying', it was a wonder Eiji had any time to be bored. But this freezing January day was an exception. Most of it having to do with the fact that it was a long weekend.
He tossed around his bunk bed with frustrated boredom, not suspecting that his carefully sculpted hair would get ruined in the process. He sighed. Days like these were always so boring! Sure there was homework to be done but who wanted to do anything on the weekend? His brothers and sisters were all doing their own thing so there wouldn't be any fun family events. Of course they never really wanted to hang out with him either. Too dull! Finished flailing around in his crumpled sheets, he turned his attention to the foggy window above his nii-san's desk.
With a delicacy only found in nature each snow flake fell gently from the gray sky, gradually clumping together to form masses of white flakes big enough to catch with one's hand. Each snowfall made Eiji's eyes grow brighter with a mixed wonder and delight; it was the first snow of January.
Newly invigorated by the snow, he quickly jumped down from the upper bed (while producing a rather loud 'boom' with his landing) as he reached for his flamboyantly red cell phone. Ignoring the exasperated cries of 'Eiji!' from downstairs, he fumbled for a moment on finding the right number before pressing speed dial.
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"Right now?"
"Sou sou! It's snowing! It means it's the perfect the time to go meet people nya!"
"Uh… well…"
Momoshiro looked down at his younger siblings who were currently pulling at his pant leg, begging for another piece of candy. Trying to ignore them, he shook both of his legs to no avail.
"It's kind of cold right now Eiji-senpai. We might catch a cold."
"Muu! Momo, you're just like an old lady! Just dress warmly than!"
He pushed back the desire to sigh as it would appear rude. Giving his siblings another threatening look, he shook his legs again: failure. Looking down in defeat, he tossed two pieces of candy at his brother and sister.
"Where are we going?"
Momoshiro pulled the phone away from his ear when deafening sounds of joy exploded from the other line. Just as rapidly he placed it besides his ear; he didn't want to miss anything he said.
"Yatta! I was getting so bored! There's a festival in an hour or so near downtown. Let's meet in front of that fast food restaurant at the intersection. We'll be waiting for you. Okay nya? Bye bye!"
There was a mechanical click when the conversation ended. Momoshiro sighed as a sign of surrender while he climbed the staircase up to his room. Really, wasn't it too cold to go outside? However, he paused at the top of the stairs.
Which restaurant at which intersection? And who?
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"Momo! You're late!"
"Gomen nasai Eiji-senpai! But you didn't tell me which restaurant!"
The older of the two's mouth opened to form a perfect 'o' before molding it into a rather rueful smile.
"Nya sorry! I guess I was too excited."
"Mah Eiji, you should be more careful."
Momoshiro looked down and gaped at the person he had noticed for the first time. Fuji.
"F-Fuji-senpai? A-ano…"
He was sitting contentedly beside Kikumaru in a sturdy wheel chair that was beginning to turn white from the snow. It actually looked comfortable but overwhelming compared to his senpai's actual size. A blanket was placed on his lap and a scarf wrapped tightly around his neck. The usual smile was in place with eyes half-open above cheeks that had gone pale from the cold. Momoshiro couldn't quite place whether it was the scarf or the startling loss of fat from the face that made him look so small.
"I hope you didn't have too much trouble Momo."
The middle school junior immediately gushed out an overdone apology; it was clear he was nervous in the presence of his senpai.
"Okay okay let's go. We might even have missed it nya."
Eiji gestured impatiently to the street. He had already started walking when he was addressing them. Of course he came back a little ways to push Fuji in his wheelchair. Momo gulped; this wasn't what he was expecting.
Walking slightly behind them, he began to notice the change. It came over people warily. It was apparent in their reactions. A few turned and blatantly stared at the wheelchair. Takeshi looked on at Kikumaru who was oblivious to the stare. Some people kept doing whatever they were doing but their eyes would linger on it too long which would give them away. The bouncy red head kept chatting without thought, Fuji giving brief responses. Others began to whisper. It was so obvious what they spoke of: they were limited to pitying looks or glances of contempt. It seemed so far away now, the festival. The distance between them grew… and grew… until he was sure he could turn away without being noticed.
"Momo! Hurry up! It's just that way! Oi! Momo!"
He had stopped. He hadn't realized. Momoshiro looked down. His jeans were wet from trudging in the snow and his boots stood firmly on the ground. A gust of wind blew, pushing his feet backward. His jacket fluttered for a moment in the frosty breeze. It was cold.
"Momo? Are you okay? Are you sick?? Nya, I told you to dress warmly…"
Eiji was bent down, his knees bent slightly forward to be level with Momoshiro. His eyes examined him intently under the orange beanie. He knew.
"I'm okay senpai. I was just thinking that I forgot something."
"Sou?" The acrobatic player nodded in understanding before he grinned mischievously. "Or is it a girl? Ne, I heard you like that girl in class-"
"Ah Eiji-senpai! Don't say it!"
"What? There's no one from our school here."
"But still! You never know about these things senpai…"
Adjusting his beanie, Eiji tapped his chin thoughtfully. "You might be right about that. It's like in those manga right?"
Momoshiro sighed in relief. He straightened his jacket that had blown open during their conversation.
"That's right. Ah, I think Fuji-senpai is waiting."
The brunette sat on the side of the street beside a street light, waving at the two teens. Kikumaru waved back enthusiastically.
"Gomen Fuji! Okay let's go Momo. To the festival and free food!"
"Free food?!" The 2nd year jogged alongside his senpai. "You didn't tell me that Eiji-senpai!"
"I didn't? Well that's the reason I called you. I guess I forgot."
"Eh? For real? Let's hurry before it's all gone!"
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(Eiji POV)
He doesn't think I see it but I do. And I see him too.
I never realized that people could be so hurtful just by looking at you. I always wanted people to look at me so I didn't think about it. I can see that Fuji is hurt though.
It isn't the type of look people give you when you do something impressive or really interesting. It's a faraway kind of look that makes you detached from them deep inside. It's almost embarrassing. I haven't felt that in a long time…
What's really bad are the words. They talk like we can't hear them but it's so loud that it's hard to ignore.
"Poor boy-"
"I wonder how he-"
"He shouldn't be out if he can't-"
"I hope he doesn't-"
"It's too pathetic-"
"He seems okay though-"
"You never who-"
"It's really troublesome isn't it? To have those kinds of people on the street."
I want to shout at them all. It isn't right, talking like that! I can't believe it! If I were Fuji I would have shouted at them all and told them that they should be embarrassed that they even think it! There's nothing wrong with this!
But when I look down at Fuji, he's not proud or resistant. He's kind of… absorbing it all while staying immobile. It's like he's nodding at those words and accepting them like they're right. They aren't! I… doesn't he see? I want to tell him. Except I can already see what he's going to look like when I tell him.
He's going to smile and say 'they can think what they want Eiji. It's okay.' It's written all over his face like a liar would have a lie scratched on his forehead. He's so different from what he used to be. Or what he was on the court. He wouldn't have accepted it if it was a tennis game.
A game…
"So think of it like a game."
"Hm?"
He turned in the seat a little, his hair covering his eye.
"What was that Eiji?"
"Think of it like a tennis match."
The wind blew, allowing me a view of his eyes that were staring at me wide open. His mouth was parted a little. I haven't seen that expression in a while.
"A match? Think what like a…"
He stopped. He caught on to what I was talking about quickly, just like he always does. He smiled a little but turned away without saying anything. I sent some whispering girl a nasty glare. She sent one back before turning away. But I stuck out my tongue anyway.
"It's not the same Eiji. And not everything is tennis."
It's the same thing he said at the hospital. Just tennis. His way of thinking is too complicated to grasp. Maybe he lacks that single mindedness to win and enjoy something.
"Well you need to be more like Ochibi nya. I bet he even counts 'one tennis ball, two tennis ball, three tennis ball' when he's counting Ponta."
There was a small grunt before Fuji burst out laughing. I suddenly remembered that I liked him in first year because he gave such a good reaction to whatever I did.
"Haha he... haha… might… hahaha…"
The smile starting to hurt my cheeks I turned to check on Momo; he hadn't said anything after we met.
He was lagging behind. He was listening to everything they were saying. Momo tugged at his turtleneck. He wanted leave. I could tell.
"Ne let me get Momo. I think he's drifting off."
I didn't wait for an answer and jogged up to Momo.
"Momo? Are you okay? Are you sick?? Nya, I told you to dress warmly…"
He looked up at me with melancholy. I had to show him I knew too. His eyes widened before it was clouded by deep thought. Nodding thoughtfully he faced me again, more determined.
"I'm alright senpai. I was just thinking that I forgot something."
We were going to stand by this all. Fuji shouldn't have to bear it alone.
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"The food was great! Man, I can't believe they were all free!"
The Seigaku rascal patted his stomach satisfactorily as he swaggered down the street. Eiji followed suit as best as he could while pushing Fuji on the wheel chair.
"It was the best fun I've had in so long! And I didn't have to spend anything to feed you Momo."
"Mah, I think we all had fun today ne?"
He pointed to the stuffed animal he won in a quiz game at the festival. It was rather fun actually. Only a bit of math. Fuji smiled at the image of shock on the game host's face; he had obviously not thought he would win.
"Nya, you were so good Fuji! You should tutor me or something."
"Haha, I think I already do Eiji. Don't you come to me to check homework?"
Kikumaru pouted. "Muu… that's because we're in the same class. It's easier to check homework with someone who's doing it too."
"That's true."
The light glared red, surrounding the white profile of a man standing. All of the stood in solemn quite, waiting for the light to turn green. Cars passed by at a lazy pace as they ploughed snow while moving forward.
Finally the light flashed a fluorescent green and the familiar song started, signalling for pedestrians to move. However the three teens were delayed.
"Ah? It's stuck!"
Eiji pushed the wheel chair to no avail. It only bounced recklessly; Fuji tightened his grip on the arm rests.
"Are you sure senpai? Here…"
Fuji gulped as he felt himself moving up. He flinched when he came down to the ground none too gently.
"Sorry Fuji-senpai! I don't know what's wrong with it…"
Fuji fingered the lever on his left side. The break wasn't in place. He looked down at the wheel half-covered by snow. They were standing just at the corner of intersection. He couldn't see anything that would stop the mobilization of the wheels. It would have been cleared, unless…
"It's the bumps."
"The what?"
Fuji pointed to the ground unsteadily. "The bumps they put on the ground. The yellow ones to help navigate the blind." Slowly, Eiji and Momoshiro came into revelation. The small markers that had never bothered them before was in a sense coming back with a vengeance.
"It must be the cold too. The bumps are making it harder for it to turn so the tires must be getting stuck to the ice."
He bit his lips. He hadn't wanted to but it seemed like he had know choice. He looked at his feet. This was precisely why he had wanted to bring the wheel chair.
"Here. I'll stand and we'll try to move it."
He put his foot down, the weight of it sinking the otherwise dry boots. Almost methodically he pushed at the chair for support.
"A-ah Fuji-senpai! Are you okay? Shouldn't you be-?"
"Sou! Just sit Fuji. We'll-"
"No it's okay."
Fuji let go of the chair. His legs braced themselves to keep from slipping.
"I don't really need it. I just brought it to make it easier for you."
Easier to get around, he thought as he looked at the stationary wheel chair. Irony seemed to follow him everywhere.
"…right. Right! Okay let's try to lift it Eiji-senpai!"
"Okay! Here we go. One, two, three!"
They had underestimated their strength: it was lifted much higher than need be. Surprised, they struggled to set it down without damage to the chair. Fuji sighed. He was somewhat glad that there weren't people to see other than the cars passing by.
"Here, I think it's okay now Fuji."
Eiji patted the seat with his mitten, dusting off bits of snow. Fuji felt a pang run through him. This, everything was so… wrong.
However he had no time to think about that. He felt his leg buckle and numbness in his arms came drastically fast. He was going to fall.
There was loud honk that pierced the air and through all the bustle, he saw himself in the reflection of the black metal. Wide-eyed, mouth open, arms dangling oddly: the very image of a helpless victim. Then, cold.
Fuji stared up at the black car as its window rolled down. A man stuck his head out, his head covered by a stiff brown cap. He looked down at Fuji in annoyance.
"Watch where you're going kid! It's a red light!"
Fuji turned his head. Red glared into his eyes, leaving purple spots to dance around in his vision. It was like he said. A red light.
"I'm sorry."
He felt hands lift him up from the snow. He looked at either side of him: Eiji and Momoshiro. He said thank you quietly and bowed to the driver.
"I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. I didn't mean to. I guess I slipped."
The driver pursed his lips as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "I guess so."
He watched impatiently as Fuji walked back a little ways to his wheel chair. His mouth slackened when he saw Fuji's pace.
"O-oi! Did I do that kid?"
The shortest of the three teenagers turned around, his hand on chair.
"Pardon me?"
The driver pointed to his legs. "That." He said bluntly.
Fuji looked down at his legs blankly. Quickly, he shook his head.
"No. It wasn't the car."
"Oh."
The driver looked around nervously. He lit a cigarette with fumbling fingers.
"Well watch where you're going next time kid. Don't want to end up crippled do you?"
The car had left before the reality of the statement sunk in. It wasn't even like a slap on the cheek. It was a hammer crushing the last of his love for the outside. He never ever wanted to go out again.
"…let's go Fuji. I'll ride the bus with you."
"Arigatou." It came out weak, barely above a whisper. Yet it was so heavy, like it was carrying a great burden.
"I'll go too senpai. Just up to the bus stop."
He hadn't wanted to, but Fuji began to question if it was because his house was another way or because he disgusted him.
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"Have you started to study for the entrance exams yet Fuji?"
"Yes. A little. Have you?"
Eiji smiled wryly. "I haven't even started the homework from this week."
He heard a low chuckle on the other end that came out crackly on the phone. It sounded like he was sick. For real.
"I guess I should get started too. But I haven't even decided which high school I'll go to nya. I was thinking of Seishun High school."
"Really? That's nice. I think almost everyone is going there."
"That's good! Are you going there too? Or are you aiming for one of those smart schools?"
The silence was sudden and, as always, deafening. Kikumaru waited but there was no answer. He began to suspect that he had hung up.
"Fuji…?"
"I don't think I can go to those schools."
"W-what do you mean na? Of course you can? Are you worried about your grade?"
"…no."
"Than what??"
He had said it louder than he intended but what could he do? Worry was building up in side him about the possible future of no Fuji next year. Or the year after that and after that…
"Shh… Eiji calm down."
His mother stood at the door, placing her finger in front of her lips. She mouthed 'sleeping' towards the direction of his grandparents' room. He mouthed back an apology. Once she was gone, he resumed the conversation.
"Sorry Fuji could you repeat that?"
"…I haven't said anything yet."
"Oh. So… what's your answer?"
"I just can't Eiji. I'm not fit for it anymore."
The red head sat up, his hair brushing dangerously against the ceiling. His whole body stiffened at the comprehension. He wasn't fit anymore.
"But… you can…"
"I can't. I'll… go to the high school for disabled students."
Eiji swallowed, taking in the uncomfortably lukewarm feeling. It wasn't fair.
"Ah but don't worry. It's… it's not decided completely yet. I could still go to Seishun High school."
The acrobatic player leaped down from the top bunk, this time making no noise. His fingers curled on the phone; he wanted to end the conversation now. Fuji knew: he couldn't fool Kikumaru Eiji. At least not twice.
"I see… well… I better get started on homework nya. I'll phone you tomorrow to check answers."
"Okay. Good night Eiji."
"Bye."
Eiji frowned at his phone. He couldn't think of anything else so that night must have been the first bad conversation he had had on it. Perhaps it was a sign he needed a new one.
Hm… this chapter felt odd to me. I'm not sure why. Okay, so it's not as far as you think. Only about… 4-5 months after the last chapter XP So it's not a major jump. And don't worry. Saeki is coming in soon. Just… not next chapter XD