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write_my_dreamsTitle: Behind the Glitter - Chapter 2: Skating for the Gold
Author: ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
write_my_dreams
write_my_dreamsPairing: Hide-Zou x Tsunehito
Genre: AU, figure skating, some drama
Warning: I bent reality a bit with some of the sporting events mentioned. I am by no means a figure skater.
Disclaimer: Hide-Zou and Tsunehito do not belong to me. I used details from their lives to make the characters but this is a work of fiction. The storyline and the writing belong to me.
Rating: PG
Chapters: 2/3(?)
Summary: At seventeen, Hide-Zou gets a job at the skating rink so he can save money to buy a new guitar. While working he meets and befriends Yokohama's skating darling: fifteen-year-old Tsunehito who has Olympic potential. They have to overcome some hurdles to stay in each other's lives and two years later, Hide-Zou finds himself falling for Tsunehito.
Author's Comment: I hoped I'd have this done sooner but I got hammered with a nasty cold/sinus infection. Now that I seem to have shaken that I've been having dizzy spells the last couple days. I can tell this chapter isn't the same quality as the previous but I'm going to blame the illness and dizziness on that.
Settling down on the couch with his guitar, Hide-Zou started to play. He smiled as he strummed the strings, remembering the circumstances of how this particular guitar had fallen into his hands. It’d been a birthday gift from Tsunehito. An expensive gift that he’d been half horrified/half grateful to receive. The crimson and black guitar—Tsunehito’s trademark colors—was the finest guitar he’d ever had the pleasure of owning. It made the dream guitar from when he was seventeen seem like a child’s instrument in comparison.
“Don’t you dare say ‘it’s too expensive,’” a scowling Tsunehito had told him as Hide-Zou gaped at him, “you were my friend when no one else was so shut up and take the guitar. You’ve given so much to me so I want to do something for you. Take it and play your best at your next live. I’ll be in the audience watching you.”
Hide-Zou settled into a more comfortable position. Even though they’d been friends for two years it still surprised him sometimes to see that much attitude in such a small body. “Two years,” he murmured, tapping the neck of the guitar. In two years Tsunehito had won a gold medal at the Youth Olympics, won the world champion title for figure skating, qualified for the Winter Olympics and was leaving in two days, won a number of competitions, and become a vital part of Hide-Zou’s life. In comparison his life still wasn’t as glamorous as Tsunehito’s but it was a life he was pleased with. He’d completed high school, been in a couple different bands before settling into his current one. They had regular lives and he and the vocalist had part time jobs at the two live houses they most often played at. Tsunehito came to their lives when he was able to and was always welcome to the after parties with the band.
Knocking distracted him from his trip down memory lane. That would be Tsunehito: his best friend and local Olympian. Hide-Zou set the guitar down and went to answer the door. A tired-looking Tsunehito stood outside, dressed in a long coat with a backpack slung over his shoulder. He raised his gloved hand to wave but Hide-Zou was quickly distracted by his hair. Gone were the inky, collarbone-length locks. Tsunehito now had a feathery red bob that suited him more than his black hair had.
“Hey you.” Hide-Zou batted at his hair. “You look good! I love the red hair and it’s going to look great with your costume.” He’d been the one to suggest that Tsunehito dye his hair red when he get the chance.
“Thanks. I figured I might as well dye it for the Olympics since I won’t be breaking any dress code by stepping out with red hair.” Tsunehito yawned and stepped inside. He set his bag down then pulled off his boots, coat, and gloves. He was dressed in his casual training clothes of black leggings and a t-shirt Hide-Zou recognized as having once been his but must have migrated into Tsunehito’s closet at some point. Oh well. He had too many clothes and they looked cuter on Tsunehito anyway.
“Come here.” Hide-Zou pulled the redhead into his arms. “It’s so weird that this is our last night together for a while.” He clutched Tsunehito a little tighter. The redhead had offered to pay for his flight and hotel room so he could come out and watch Tsunehito compete. The offer was touching but Hide-Zou wasn’t a student who could just take time off whenever he wanted. He had a job and an active band that were working hard to gain more recognition. He couldn’t just leave… even though he wished he could watch Tsunehito dazzle everyone on the ice. Hide-Zou would just have to watch his best friend compete on TV and make due with the absence by calling or emailing him. At least they were in a modern era and could keep in touch easily. Spending so many weeks without Tsunehito was going to be bizarre enough, if he couldn’t talk to him at all it would’ve been a nightmare. Hide-Zou knew better than to gripe about how he wouldn’t be able to see Tsunehito in person until after the Olympics though. Tsunehito had spent his figure skating career preparing for this. The Olympics was his chance to prove to himself that the hard years of training and loneliness were worth it. That his hard work and dedication would pay off to deliver him the coveted gold medal.
The redhead sighed softly. “It is weird. I’m going to miss you, Zou. Who else can I eat pizza and watch awful vampire movies with?” he gave the brunette a crooked smile then hugged him just as tightly.
“You better not replace me with some other skater.”
Tsunehito snickered. “No one could replace you. Trust me.”
“Good answer.” Hide-Zou ruffled his best friend’s hair to annoy him, ignoring the indignant squawk, then grabbed Tsunehito’s hand and pulled him over to the couch so they could sit. “As you had mentioned vampire movies…” he grinned and indicated the DVD cases laid out on the coffee table. “Pick your poison. Which one should we watch first?”
“Hm…” Tsunehito leaned over to study them. Hide-Zou found himself distracted by the curve of Tsunehito’s back, the soft-looking strands of hair brushing his cheeks, the way his slender fingers glided over the DVD cases as if a touch could show him which one would be the most entertaining. These moments of… distraction had been happening more often that Hide-Zou would have liked to admit. He knew he’d found excuses to hug Tsunehito more often. Hug him longer. The Olympics made a perfect excuse to wrap his best friend up in his arms while later, when he was alone, Hide-Zou wondered what was wrong with him. Was he falling for his best friend? Or was Tsunehito just too gorgeous and talented to ignore?
“This one!” Tsunehito grinned as he held up his choice.
Hide-Zou nodded. “Perfect.” He put the DVD in the player then flopped on the couch again, unable to resist the urge to sling his arm around Tsunehito’s shoulders. Even though he was so small he could still feel the muscles in his arms. Skaters weren’t just slender little ballerinas on the ice. They needed muscle to perform their routines and he’d been to the gym with Tsunehito enough times to know that it took weekly workouts to maintain that lithe, athletic body.
“I think I ate too much,” Tsunehito muttered as he dropped his head onto Hide-Zou’s shoulder. After the first movie they decided to order Aoki’s Pizza1—their favorite pizza chain—and happily devoured pizza while they watched a remake of Dracula. Aoki’s Pizza with vampire movies was always their favorite combination.
Hide-Zou patted Tsunehito’s head in sympathy. “I think I did the same.” He definitely shouldn’t have eaten that last slice. What had possessed him to eat it? It’d looked so good and he didn’t want the pizza to go to waste.
“Maybe getting a large was a mistake.”
“At least we didn’t get dessert.” Hide-Zou had considered getting a side order of churros with the chocolate dipping sauce2 but wisely decided against it. Now he was grateful that he hadn’t given into his more gluttonous side.
“…I might’ve been sick if we did.” Tsunehito shifted closer then yawned as he burrowed up against Hide-Zou’s side. The brunette swallowed as he felt the warmth of Tsunehito’s body, the press of his legs against Hide-Zou’s and how the clingy black leggings left little of the shape of his legs to the imagination. “Should we put in another movie?”
The question distracted him from his somewhat disturbing thoughts. “Maybe we should just go to bed. I doubt we’ll be able to stay awake during it.”
Tsunehito shrugged. “So we fall asleep on the couch. Not like we haven’t done it before.” He rolled off the couch and stretched, yawning as he rumpled his hair. “Pick another movie; I’m going to brush my teeth and wash my face in case I do end up falling asleep.”
“Good plan.” Hide-Zou should do the same so he wouldn’t wake up with pizza breath and a horrible taste in his mouth. Or worse, risk his complexion if he didn’t take proper care of his skin.
Roughly twenty minutes into the movie, Hide-Zou was struggling to keep his eyes awake. Tsunehito had nodded off after the first ten and was fast asleep with his head on the brunette’s shoulder, soft warm body pressed against his side. Having Tsunehito so close was relaxing. Felt right even though he was confused about his true feelings for the redhead. Yawning he slid his arm around Tsunehito’s waist. He should move them somewhere more comfortable than the couch. He was too warm and too tired to be bothered though.
* * *
Sighing, Tsunehito shouldered his backpack. “I better get going. I need to finish packing and double triple check that I have everything I’m supposed to be bringing.” He didn’t look too pleased at the thought despite the shine of excitement in his eyes. Hide-Zou could understand the mixed emotions. Packing always sucked but it was for the Olympics, something Tsunehito had grown up dreaming of going to.
“Sounds delightful,” Hide-Zou said dryly.
Tsunehito snorted. “Yeah, a real joy.” He bit his lip then lurched forward to throw his arms around Hide-Zou. “I’m going to miss you so much. We’ll have to hang out again once I get back to Japan.”
“I’ll be sure to have plenty of vampire movies on hand.”
The redhead chuckled at that. “I like that thought.”
Hide-Zou rubbed his back then gently pushed him out to arms length. “Look, I know you’re under a lot of pressure to win a gold medal but promise me one thing. If you don’t win a gold… hell, if you don’t even win a medal, don’t let it destroy you. There are hundreds of athletes that come to the Olympics and never win a medal. You’re only seventeen so by the time the next Olympics rolls around you’ll be twenty-one with that much more skating experience.”
He watched as Tsunehito bit his lip. “I’ll try, Zou. I don’t know if I can promise it since I’ve grown up knowing I need to be as successful as my parents and my coach were when they were Olympic skaters.”
Again, Hide-Zou felt a flash of dislike for the trio. Placing so much pressure on Tsunehito from such a young age… “I understand,” he said. “Don’t let the competition and the pressure get to your head. Be careful when you’re practicing… don’t want to injure yourself… and please, don’t even consider having sex with some giant hockey player.” He didn’t know where the last one came from. Just that the thought of one of them laying a large hand on Tsunehito made him bristle.
Tsunehito looked surprised for a moment then burst out laughing. “A hockey player, really? Do I look like the type who is interested in giant hockey players?”
Hide-Zou shrugged. “You never know.” There were always stories about the Olympic Village being a place where plenty of international connections were made. And Tsunehito was extremely beautiful.
“Since I’m underage in most countries and my English isn’t very good, I guarantee that’s nothing you have to worry about,” Tsunehito said dryly. “Besides most of your giant hockey players are so tall they’d be able to use me as an arm rest. Not exactly lover material.” He snickered then leaned in to kiss Hide-Zou on the cheek. “Stop fussing over me. I’ll be sure to bring back a gold medal for my number one fan.” He grinned then stepped away, pulling his gloves on. “Take care of yourself. Good luck with your band and upcoming lives. And don’t eat too much pizza!”
“You too,” Hide-Zou laughed. After all the pizza they’d eaten together last night he was set on his pizza cravings for a while. “I’ll watch you on TV.”
Tsunehito nodded. “I’ll call you when I can. Maybe email is better though since I don’t want to rack up your long distance phone bill…” he was well aware that Hide-Zou was nowhere near as financially well off as Tsunehito. Aspiring musicians rarely fit into the wealthy category.
“I can’t go almost two months without hearing your voice. We’ll have to call some of the time. Don’t worry about the bill,” he said when the redhead started to object.
“Well, all right. We’ll do that then.” Tsunehito glanced at the door then sighed again. “I really need to get going so I can finish my packing now.” He gave Hide-Zou one last hug then turned away. He waved goodbye as he opened the door and stepped outside. Hide-Zou stepped forward to close the door, sighing softly.
He could already feel himself missing his best friend.
* * *
Hide-Zou waited with baited breath as he watched the TV. Since he couldn’t be there in person he made sure to watch Tsunehito’s performances and whatever practices had been televised. Men’s short performances were on now and Tsunehito was performing after the Italian’s routine. If he scored high enough in this round he’d be able to compete in the long performance which would bring him that much closer to a medal. Hide-Zou watched the camera pan from the Italian skater to Tsunehito who was resplendent in his trademark combination of black and crimson. His skating costume consisted of black, close fitting pants with shimmering red lines down the side and forming a belt. The top was a deep red although, beginning at the elbow, the red took on an ombre tint as it slowly darkened to black until it ended with black gloves. Tsunehito’s red hair was slicked back and he was talking to his coach, bending his knees and rolling his shoulders in preparation for his routine. A flash of dislike swept through Hide-Zou as he glanced at Tsunehito’s coach. He’d never been able to forgive her for calling him a distraction who had no place in Tsunehito’s life.
Just thinking about it made Hide-Zou bristle. Spiteful woman. He concentrated on the screen again as Tsunehito skated away from his couch to pause in the middle of the rink. His eyes fluttered shut as he stepped into his first pose, waiting for his music. Hide-Zou had seen Tsunehito go through this routine enough times that he had the steps and the moves memorized. He watched the redhead skate through his various poses, jumps, his trademark spins. He bit his lip in worry as he saw Tsunehito leap into his quadruple axel then exhaled as he landed perfectly. By the time he completed the last components of his routine Tsunehito was beaming. His chest heaved as he caught his breath, dropping into a bow then straightening to wave at the crowd. His face was aglow with his smile and it was clear that he knew he’d done well. Smiling, Hide-Zou sent him a quick text to congratulate him on his successful performance. He doubted he’d get a response anytime soon but he didn’t care. He watched as the camera shifted to show the kiss and cry corner where a still-smiling Tsunehito was holding a bouquet of roses and eagerly awaiting his scores.
Hide-Zou sucked in a breath as Tsunehito’s score was announced. He’d broken his previous record and was now in first place. There were five skaters left and it was impossible for any of them to disqualify Tsunehito from competing in the long program.
* * *
As soon as he had a chance, Hide-Zou called Tsunehito. He’d seen the medal ceremony and wouldn’t be able to forget the brief look of devastation on Tsunehito’s face before he’d schooled his features into a more neutral expression. The prized gold that Tsunehito had longed for was going to an American skater. The silver medal went to Tsunehito and a Canadian skater had taken the bronze.
He waited with bated breath to see if Tsunehito would pick up. Then breathed out a sigh of relief as the redhead answered. “Hey, Zou.” His voice was soft and a little choked.
“I saw you with your silver medal. Congratulations!” Hide-Zou meant his praise and the words he’d said before Tsunehito left Japan. So many athletes came to the Olympics and didn’t earn a medal. The fact that Tsunehito had earned a medal at all was something he should be proud of regardless of its color.
Tsunehito sighed. “It isn’t gold though… I won a gold medal at the Youth Olympics. I thought,” he swallowed, “I thought I could do the same here. I thought I was better than this.”
Hide-Zou was immediately on his feet, wishing he could be there right now. “You’re an amazing skater, Tsune, but this isn’t the Youth Olympics. Yes many of the skaters are young like you are but for others this was their second or third Olympics. They’re older and have more experienced. That doesn’t mean you’re not good enough,” he added hastily. “And I still think it’s incredible that you won a medal at all. Look at you, only seventeen and you’re coming home with a silver medal.”
Another soft sigh. “Thanks. It just… doesn’t feel like a success though.”
“Is that your coach and your parents talking or is that you talking? Because, if you haven’t noticed, Japan is overjoyed that one of their own won a skating medal.”
Tsunehito made a frustrated noise. “I don’t know. I guess it’s a combination.”
Hide-Zou sighed as well. “I want to see your medal once you get home, okay? I don’t care that it’s a silver medal and not a gold. I just want to see it and see my best friend the Olympian.”
Maybe it was a delusion or wishful thinking but he could picture Tsunehito’s lips curving into a faint smile. “All right.”
“Now go eat some pizza and watch a movie to celebrate. I planned on getting my own pizza and watching Dracula in honor of you,” Hide-Zou said, flopping on his couch again.
Tsunehito laughed, sounding a little happier. “Maybe I will. I have to go now, I’m going out to dinner with some of the other skaters.”
“Remember what I said about replacing me?”
“Ha ha. I haven’t replaced you. And before you ask, no, I have not had sex with a giant hockey player. Your nightmares won’t come true.”
Just the thought of Tsunehito with one of the hockey players made Hide-Zou’s stomach turn. “Good. Have fun at dinner and don’t let your bitter old crow of a coach get you down about your medal. You’ll take the gold next time. I know it.”
“Thanks, Zou. I’ll call you later if I have a chance.”
“All right. Bye.”
“Bye.” Tsunehito hung up, leaving Hide-Zou staring at his phone. Just talking to Tsunehito made him aware of how much he missed the redhead. He wanted him back here. Wanted to hug him and reassure him that he was still a champion.
“Fuck,” Hide-Zou sighed softly. He had it bad for the little redhead. Now he had to decide if he was supposed to say something to Tsunehito or keep his mouth shut so he wouldn’t risk damaging their friendship. “Fuck,” he said again, groaning as he buried his face in a pillow. Now he felt like he was in some shitty soap opera his mother enjoyed watching.
* * *
It seemed as if an eternity had passed before Tsunehito was finally back in Japan. Hide-Zou was anxious to see him but wouldn’t get the chance to do so for another week. Tsunehito was jetlagged, exhausted, had meetings with new sponsors, and other duties to take care of. He had time to call or text but no time to meet in person since there was so much going on. Finally, Tsunehito had a free Friday night. He and Hide-Zou made plans to spend the night and to celebrate his triumphant homecoming with their favorite tradition.
Hide-Zou was sitting on his couch, leg bouncing in anticipation as he kept looking at the door. He’d spent the last couple weeks wondering what he should do. Should he tell Tsunehito? Kiss him and hope he wouldn’t get slapped? Or say nothing and wait until this… crush or whatever it was had faded away? Ugh, he still didn’t know. He’d even found himself debating over what to wear, for fuck’s sake. As if Tsunehito would care if he wore a nice shirt and jeans instead of his usual ragged jeans with the ripped knees and a band shirt!
Just when he was about to work himself into a panic attack, there was a knock on the door. Hide-Zou practically flew off the couch to answer it. For a moment he just drank in the sight of Tsunehito on his doorstep. The same dark red hair, his favorite black leather jacket over dark grey skinny jeans, and a pair of gloves. The most striking change was the silver medal hanging from his neck.
“Welcome back, my champion.” Hide-Zou grinned then pulled Tsunehito into his arms for a tight embrace. Having him in his arms again felt so right. His good mood faded slightly when he felt Tsunehito tense at being called a champion. He must still be upset about only being a silver medalist. “Tsune?” he said softly.
The redhead stepped away, sighing as he closed the door and leaned against it. “I know people are happy that I won the silver medal. I know you are… and I know I should be happy that I won a medal at all. I just,” he swallowed. “I don’t feel like I placed at all because of what my parents and my coach keep telling me. They’re upset I didn’t win gold and I might as well have gotten a score of zero.”
Disgusted, Hide-Zou pulled Tsunehito back into his arms. “Fuck them.” He rubbed Tsunehito’s back and rested his face against soft, red hair. “You beat so many other skaters to win the silver medal. And you’re only seventeen. It’s incredible that you did so much. And it’s terrible that the three people who should be supporting you the most are the ones that want to tear you down and make you feel disappointed in yourself.”
The redhead slowly raised his arms to wrap around Hide-Zou. “I hope I can see it that way.”
“I’ll help you.” Hide-Zou hesitated then cupped Tsunehito’s face, gently turning his head up. “Because you always have and will always be my champion, Tsune.” He hesitated for a moment before kissing him gently. Tsunehito tensed in surprise and jerked back, eyes wide in shock.
“Zou?” he whispered. “You… you like me?”
“I think it’s more than that now.” Hide-Zou hesitantly reached out to take Tsunehito’s hand. The redhead didn’t resist as he drew him closer. This time it was Tsunehito who instigated the kiss, sliding his arms around Hide-Zou. “My champion,” he whispered, running his hand through the redhead’s hair.
No matter what, Tsunehito would always be his champion.
Notes
1 – Aoki’s Pizza is the closet you’ll get to American style pizza in Japan. I had it once in Mie-ken and it was delicious. It seems to be a nationwide chain. If you’re in Japan and have a pizza craving, I recommend trying it.
2 – Not sure how to describe churros but they seem kind of popular in Japan. I saw a few places selling them in Tokyo and my cousin ordered them (with the chocolate dipping sauce) when she got Aoki’s Pizza.
“Don’t you dare say ‘it’s too expensive,’” a scowling Tsunehito had told him as Hide-Zou gaped at him, “you were my friend when no one else was so shut up and take the guitar. You’ve given so much to me so I want to do something for you. Take it and play your best at your next live. I’ll be in the audience watching you.”
Hide-Zou settled into a more comfortable position. Even though they’d been friends for two years it still surprised him sometimes to see that much attitude in such a small body. “Two years,” he murmured, tapping the neck of the guitar. In two years Tsunehito had won a gold medal at the Youth Olympics, won the world champion title for figure skating, qualified for the Winter Olympics and was leaving in two days, won a number of competitions, and become a vital part of Hide-Zou’s life. In comparison his life still wasn’t as glamorous as Tsunehito’s but it was a life he was pleased with. He’d completed high school, been in a couple different bands before settling into his current one. They had regular lives and he and the vocalist had part time jobs at the two live houses they most often played at. Tsunehito came to their lives when he was able to and was always welcome to the after parties with the band.
Knocking distracted him from his trip down memory lane. That would be Tsunehito: his best friend and local Olympian. Hide-Zou set the guitar down and went to answer the door. A tired-looking Tsunehito stood outside, dressed in a long coat with a backpack slung over his shoulder. He raised his gloved hand to wave but Hide-Zou was quickly distracted by his hair. Gone were the inky, collarbone-length locks. Tsunehito now had a feathery red bob that suited him more than his black hair had.
“Hey you.” Hide-Zou batted at his hair. “You look good! I love the red hair and it’s going to look great with your costume.” He’d been the one to suggest that Tsunehito dye his hair red when he get the chance.
“Thanks. I figured I might as well dye it for the Olympics since I won’t be breaking any dress code by stepping out with red hair.” Tsunehito yawned and stepped inside. He set his bag down then pulled off his boots, coat, and gloves. He was dressed in his casual training clothes of black leggings and a t-shirt Hide-Zou recognized as having once been his but must have migrated into Tsunehito’s closet at some point. Oh well. He had too many clothes and they looked cuter on Tsunehito anyway.
“Come here.” Hide-Zou pulled the redhead into his arms. “It’s so weird that this is our last night together for a while.” He clutched Tsunehito a little tighter. The redhead had offered to pay for his flight and hotel room so he could come out and watch Tsunehito compete. The offer was touching but Hide-Zou wasn’t a student who could just take time off whenever he wanted. He had a job and an active band that were working hard to gain more recognition. He couldn’t just leave… even though he wished he could watch Tsunehito dazzle everyone on the ice. Hide-Zou would just have to watch his best friend compete on TV and make due with the absence by calling or emailing him. At least they were in a modern era and could keep in touch easily. Spending so many weeks without Tsunehito was going to be bizarre enough, if he couldn’t talk to him at all it would’ve been a nightmare. Hide-Zou knew better than to gripe about how he wouldn’t be able to see Tsunehito in person until after the Olympics though. Tsunehito had spent his figure skating career preparing for this. The Olympics was his chance to prove to himself that the hard years of training and loneliness were worth it. That his hard work and dedication would pay off to deliver him the coveted gold medal.
The redhead sighed softly. “It is weird. I’m going to miss you, Zou. Who else can I eat pizza and watch awful vampire movies with?” he gave the brunette a crooked smile then hugged him just as tightly.
“You better not replace me with some other skater.”
Tsunehito snickered. “No one could replace you. Trust me.”
“Good answer.” Hide-Zou ruffled his best friend’s hair to annoy him, ignoring the indignant squawk, then grabbed Tsunehito’s hand and pulled him over to the couch so they could sit. “As you had mentioned vampire movies…” he grinned and indicated the DVD cases laid out on the coffee table. “Pick your poison. Which one should we watch first?”
“Hm…” Tsunehito leaned over to study them. Hide-Zou found himself distracted by the curve of Tsunehito’s back, the soft-looking strands of hair brushing his cheeks, the way his slender fingers glided over the DVD cases as if a touch could show him which one would be the most entertaining. These moments of… distraction had been happening more often that Hide-Zou would have liked to admit. He knew he’d found excuses to hug Tsunehito more often. Hug him longer. The Olympics made a perfect excuse to wrap his best friend up in his arms while later, when he was alone, Hide-Zou wondered what was wrong with him. Was he falling for his best friend? Or was Tsunehito just too gorgeous and talented to ignore?
“This one!” Tsunehito grinned as he held up his choice.
Hide-Zou nodded. “Perfect.” He put the DVD in the player then flopped on the couch again, unable to resist the urge to sling his arm around Tsunehito’s shoulders. Even though he was so small he could still feel the muscles in his arms. Skaters weren’t just slender little ballerinas on the ice. They needed muscle to perform their routines and he’d been to the gym with Tsunehito enough times to know that it took weekly workouts to maintain that lithe, athletic body.
“I think I ate too much,” Tsunehito muttered as he dropped his head onto Hide-Zou’s shoulder. After the first movie they decided to order Aoki’s Pizza1—their favorite pizza chain—and happily devoured pizza while they watched a remake of Dracula. Aoki’s Pizza with vampire movies was always their favorite combination.
Hide-Zou patted Tsunehito’s head in sympathy. “I think I did the same.” He definitely shouldn’t have eaten that last slice. What had possessed him to eat it? It’d looked so good and he didn’t want the pizza to go to waste.
“Maybe getting a large was a mistake.”
“At least we didn’t get dessert.” Hide-Zou had considered getting a side order of churros with the chocolate dipping sauce2 but wisely decided against it. Now he was grateful that he hadn’t given into his more gluttonous side.
“…I might’ve been sick if we did.” Tsunehito shifted closer then yawned as he burrowed up against Hide-Zou’s side. The brunette swallowed as he felt the warmth of Tsunehito’s body, the press of his legs against Hide-Zou’s and how the clingy black leggings left little of the shape of his legs to the imagination. “Should we put in another movie?”
The question distracted him from his somewhat disturbing thoughts. “Maybe we should just go to bed. I doubt we’ll be able to stay awake during it.”
Tsunehito shrugged. “So we fall asleep on the couch. Not like we haven’t done it before.” He rolled off the couch and stretched, yawning as he rumpled his hair. “Pick another movie; I’m going to brush my teeth and wash my face in case I do end up falling asleep.”
“Good plan.” Hide-Zou should do the same so he wouldn’t wake up with pizza breath and a horrible taste in his mouth. Or worse, risk his complexion if he didn’t take proper care of his skin.
Roughly twenty minutes into the movie, Hide-Zou was struggling to keep his eyes awake. Tsunehito had nodded off after the first ten and was fast asleep with his head on the brunette’s shoulder, soft warm body pressed against his side. Having Tsunehito so close was relaxing. Felt right even though he was confused about his true feelings for the redhead. Yawning he slid his arm around Tsunehito’s waist. He should move them somewhere more comfortable than the couch. He was too warm and too tired to be bothered though.
* * *
Sighing, Tsunehito shouldered his backpack. “I better get going. I need to finish packing and double triple check that I have everything I’m supposed to be bringing.” He didn’t look too pleased at the thought despite the shine of excitement in his eyes. Hide-Zou could understand the mixed emotions. Packing always sucked but it was for the Olympics, something Tsunehito had grown up dreaming of going to.
“Sounds delightful,” Hide-Zou said dryly.
Tsunehito snorted. “Yeah, a real joy.” He bit his lip then lurched forward to throw his arms around Hide-Zou. “I’m going to miss you so much. We’ll have to hang out again once I get back to Japan.”
“I’ll be sure to have plenty of vampire movies on hand.”
The redhead chuckled at that. “I like that thought.”
Hide-Zou rubbed his back then gently pushed him out to arms length. “Look, I know you’re under a lot of pressure to win a gold medal but promise me one thing. If you don’t win a gold… hell, if you don’t even win a medal, don’t let it destroy you. There are hundreds of athletes that come to the Olympics and never win a medal. You’re only seventeen so by the time the next Olympics rolls around you’ll be twenty-one with that much more skating experience.”
He watched as Tsunehito bit his lip. “I’ll try, Zou. I don’t know if I can promise it since I’ve grown up knowing I need to be as successful as my parents and my coach were when they were Olympic skaters.”
Again, Hide-Zou felt a flash of dislike for the trio. Placing so much pressure on Tsunehito from such a young age… “I understand,” he said. “Don’t let the competition and the pressure get to your head. Be careful when you’re practicing… don’t want to injure yourself… and please, don’t even consider having sex with some giant hockey player.” He didn’t know where the last one came from. Just that the thought of one of them laying a large hand on Tsunehito made him bristle.
Tsunehito looked surprised for a moment then burst out laughing. “A hockey player, really? Do I look like the type who is interested in giant hockey players?”
Hide-Zou shrugged. “You never know.” There were always stories about the Olympic Village being a place where plenty of international connections were made. And Tsunehito was extremely beautiful.
“Since I’m underage in most countries and my English isn’t very good, I guarantee that’s nothing you have to worry about,” Tsunehito said dryly. “Besides most of your giant hockey players are so tall they’d be able to use me as an arm rest. Not exactly lover material.” He snickered then leaned in to kiss Hide-Zou on the cheek. “Stop fussing over me. I’ll be sure to bring back a gold medal for my number one fan.” He grinned then stepped away, pulling his gloves on. “Take care of yourself. Good luck with your band and upcoming lives. And don’t eat too much pizza!”
“You too,” Hide-Zou laughed. After all the pizza they’d eaten together last night he was set on his pizza cravings for a while. “I’ll watch you on TV.”
Tsunehito nodded. “I’ll call you when I can. Maybe email is better though since I don’t want to rack up your long distance phone bill…” he was well aware that Hide-Zou was nowhere near as financially well off as Tsunehito. Aspiring musicians rarely fit into the wealthy category.
“I can’t go almost two months without hearing your voice. We’ll have to call some of the time. Don’t worry about the bill,” he said when the redhead started to object.
“Well, all right. We’ll do that then.” Tsunehito glanced at the door then sighed again. “I really need to get going so I can finish my packing now.” He gave Hide-Zou one last hug then turned away. He waved goodbye as he opened the door and stepped outside. Hide-Zou stepped forward to close the door, sighing softly.
He could already feel himself missing his best friend.
* * *
Hide-Zou waited with baited breath as he watched the TV. Since he couldn’t be there in person he made sure to watch Tsunehito’s performances and whatever practices had been televised. Men’s short performances were on now and Tsunehito was performing after the Italian’s routine. If he scored high enough in this round he’d be able to compete in the long performance which would bring him that much closer to a medal. Hide-Zou watched the camera pan from the Italian skater to Tsunehito who was resplendent in his trademark combination of black and crimson. His skating costume consisted of black, close fitting pants with shimmering red lines down the side and forming a belt. The top was a deep red although, beginning at the elbow, the red took on an ombre tint as it slowly darkened to black until it ended with black gloves. Tsunehito’s red hair was slicked back and he was talking to his coach, bending his knees and rolling his shoulders in preparation for his routine. A flash of dislike swept through Hide-Zou as he glanced at Tsunehito’s coach. He’d never been able to forgive her for calling him a distraction who had no place in Tsunehito’s life.
Just thinking about it made Hide-Zou bristle. Spiteful woman. He concentrated on the screen again as Tsunehito skated away from his couch to pause in the middle of the rink. His eyes fluttered shut as he stepped into his first pose, waiting for his music. Hide-Zou had seen Tsunehito go through this routine enough times that he had the steps and the moves memorized. He watched the redhead skate through his various poses, jumps, his trademark spins. He bit his lip in worry as he saw Tsunehito leap into his quadruple axel then exhaled as he landed perfectly. By the time he completed the last components of his routine Tsunehito was beaming. His chest heaved as he caught his breath, dropping into a bow then straightening to wave at the crowd. His face was aglow with his smile and it was clear that he knew he’d done well. Smiling, Hide-Zou sent him a quick text to congratulate him on his successful performance. He doubted he’d get a response anytime soon but he didn’t care. He watched as the camera shifted to show the kiss and cry corner where a still-smiling Tsunehito was holding a bouquet of roses and eagerly awaiting his scores.
Hide-Zou sucked in a breath as Tsunehito’s score was announced. He’d broken his previous record and was now in first place. There were five skaters left and it was impossible for any of them to disqualify Tsunehito from competing in the long program.
* * *
As soon as he had a chance, Hide-Zou called Tsunehito. He’d seen the medal ceremony and wouldn’t be able to forget the brief look of devastation on Tsunehito’s face before he’d schooled his features into a more neutral expression. The prized gold that Tsunehito had longed for was going to an American skater. The silver medal went to Tsunehito and a Canadian skater had taken the bronze.
He waited with bated breath to see if Tsunehito would pick up. Then breathed out a sigh of relief as the redhead answered. “Hey, Zou.” His voice was soft and a little choked.
“I saw you with your silver medal. Congratulations!” Hide-Zou meant his praise and the words he’d said before Tsunehito left Japan. So many athletes came to the Olympics and didn’t earn a medal. The fact that Tsunehito had earned a medal at all was something he should be proud of regardless of its color.
Tsunehito sighed. “It isn’t gold though… I won a gold medal at the Youth Olympics. I thought,” he swallowed, “I thought I could do the same here. I thought I was better than this.”
Hide-Zou was immediately on his feet, wishing he could be there right now. “You’re an amazing skater, Tsune, but this isn’t the Youth Olympics. Yes many of the skaters are young like you are but for others this was their second or third Olympics. They’re older and have more experienced. That doesn’t mean you’re not good enough,” he added hastily. “And I still think it’s incredible that you won a medal at all. Look at you, only seventeen and you’re coming home with a silver medal.”
Another soft sigh. “Thanks. It just… doesn’t feel like a success though.”
“Is that your coach and your parents talking or is that you talking? Because, if you haven’t noticed, Japan is overjoyed that one of their own won a skating medal.”
Tsunehito made a frustrated noise. “I don’t know. I guess it’s a combination.”
Hide-Zou sighed as well. “I want to see your medal once you get home, okay? I don’t care that it’s a silver medal and not a gold. I just want to see it and see my best friend the Olympian.”
Maybe it was a delusion or wishful thinking but he could picture Tsunehito’s lips curving into a faint smile. “All right.”
“Now go eat some pizza and watch a movie to celebrate. I planned on getting my own pizza and watching Dracula in honor of you,” Hide-Zou said, flopping on his couch again.
Tsunehito laughed, sounding a little happier. “Maybe I will. I have to go now, I’m going out to dinner with some of the other skaters.”
“Remember what I said about replacing me?”
“Ha ha. I haven’t replaced you. And before you ask, no, I have not had sex with a giant hockey player. Your nightmares won’t come true.”
Just the thought of Tsunehito with one of the hockey players made Hide-Zou’s stomach turn. “Good. Have fun at dinner and don’t let your bitter old crow of a coach get you down about your medal. You’ll take the gold next time. I know it.”
“Thanks, Zou. I’ll call you later if I have a chance.”
“All right. Bye.”
“Bye.” Tsunehito hung up, leaving Hide-Zou staring at his phone. Just talking to Tsunehito made him aware of how much he missed the redhead. He wanted him back here. Wanted to hug him and reassure him that he was still a champion.
“Fuck,” Hide-Zou sighed softly. He had it bad for the little redhead. Now he had to decide if he was supposed to say something to Tsunehito or keep his mouth shut so he wouldn’t risk damaging their friendship. “Fuck,” he said again, groaning as he buried his face in a pillow. Now he felt like he was in some shitty soap opera his mother enjoyed watching.
* * *
It seemed as if an eternity had passed before Tsunehito was finally back in Japan. Hide-Zou was anxious to see him but wouldn’t get the chance to do so for another week. Tsunehito was jetlagged, exhausted, had meetings with new sponsors, and other duties to take care of. He had time to call or text but no time to meet in person since there was so much going on. Finally, Tsunehito had a free Friday night. He and Hide-Zou made plans to spend the night and to celebrate his triumphant homecoming with their favorite tradition.
Hide-Zou was sitting on his couch, leg bouncing in anticipation as he kept looking at the door. He’d spent the last couple weeks wondering what he should do. Should he tell Tsunehito? Kiss him and hope he wouldn’t get slapped? Or say nothing and wait until this… crush or whatever it was had faded away? Ugh, he still didn’t know. He’d even found himself debating over what to wear, for fuck’s sake. As if Tsunehito would care if he wore a nice shirt and jeans instead of his usual ragged jeans with the ripped knees and a band shirt!
Just when he was about to work himself into a panic attack, there was a knock on the door. Hide-Zou practically flew off the couch to answer it. For a moment he just drank in the sight of Tsunehito on his doorstep. The same dark red hair, his favorite black leather jacket over dark grey skinny jeans, and a pair of gloves. The most striking change was the silver medal hanging from his neck.
“Welcome back, my champion.” Hide-Zou grinned then pulled Tsunehito into his arms for a tight embrace. Having him in his arms again felt so right. His good mood faded slightly when he felt Tsunehito tense at being called a champion. He must still be upset about only being a silver medalist. “Tsune?” he said softly.
The redhead stepped away, sighing as he closed the door and leaned against it. “I know people are happy that I won the silver medal. I know you are… and I know I should be happy that I won a medal at all. I just,” he swallowed. “I don’t feel like I placed at all because of what my parents and my coach keep telling me. They’re upset I didn’t win gold and I might as well have gotten a score of zero.”
Disgusted, Hide-Zou pulled Tsunehito back into his arms. “Fuck them.” He rubbed Tsunehito’s back and rested his face against soft, red hair. “You beat so many other skaters to win the silver medal. And you’re only seventeen. It’s incredible that you did so much. And it’s terrible that the three people who should be supporting you the most are the ones that want to tear you down and make you feel disappointed in yourself.”
The redhead slowly raised his arms to wrap around Hide-Zou. “I hope I can see it that way.”
“I’ll help you.” Hide-Zou hesitated then cupped Tsunehito’s face, gently turning his head up. “Because you always have and will always be my champion, Tsune.” He hesitated for a moment before kissing him gently. Tsunehito tensed in surprise and jerked back, eyes wide in shock.
“Zou?” he whispered. “You… you like me?”
“I think it’s more than that now.” Hide-Zou hesitantly reached out to take Tsunehito’s hand. The redhead didn’t resist as he drew him closer. This time it was Tsunehito who instigated the kiss, sliding his arms around Hide-Zou. “My champion,” he whispered, running his hand through the redhead’s hair.
No matter what, Tsunehito would always be his champion.
Notes
1 – Aoki’s Pizza is the closet you’ll get to American style pizza in Japan. I had it once in Mie-ken and it was delicious. It seems to be a nationwide chain. If you’re in Japan and have a pizza craving, I recommend trying it.
2 – Not sure how to describe churros but they seem kind of popular in Japan. I saw a few places selling them in Tokyo and my cousin ordered them (with the chocolate dipping sauce) when she got Aoki’s Pizza.
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Date: 2014-03-07 03:17 am (UTC)I share Zou's dislike of Tsune's parents and coach. Awful people. And it's so sweet that he keeps reminding Tsune that in his eyes he is a champion and he should be proud of his accomplishments. The whole scene of them being separated and Zou watching the games on tv was so accurate and real and very well done :) Felt like I was watching right along with him.
And oh my goodness. The whole 'I think I have feelings for him. What do I do?' was perfect and then Tsune's reaction to the kiss was so sweet. "you, you like me?"
What a great chapter! <3
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Date: 2014-03-08 01:24 am (UTC)You haven't seen the worst of the parents yet. There's a nasty part with them in chapter 3... it's not going to be pretty. I was worried about whether that scene would read well or not but I'm glad it worked.
That was another part I wasn't too sure about. I hate writing confessions and the "oh shit I like him" parts. I'm always worried it's going to sound too cheesy. But I'm glad you liked the lines :)
Thank you!
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