Find Your Courage 3/5

[write_my_dreams]

Title: Find Your Courage

Author: write_my_dreams

Pairing: Asagi x Tsunehito

Genre: AU, humor, fluff

Warning/Disclaimer: Nothing to warn about. D, unfortunately, doesn't belong to me.

Rating: PG

Chapters: 3/5

Summary: Ruiza is tired of Asagi dragging him to the same cafe everyday just to see Tsunehito. So he decides to break the routine and tell Tsunehito how Asagi feels about him.

Author's Comment: This chapter was already written, just had to type it up and edit it. I do adore this awkward Asagi... he's so sweet.

Tsunehito was already waiting outside the bar. Asagi panicked, checking his phone for the time. Good, he wasn’t late. Tsunehito was just a little early. Maybe he lived close by. Or liked to be punctual for dates. That was good… being punctual. Asagi mentally slapped himself. He was getting nervous already! It was impossible not to as he looked as his date. Tsunehito looked gorgeous even though he just wore simple jeans, shirt covered by his black leather jacket. He seemed relaxed as he waited for Asagi. It was surreal to be going on a date with him. Tsunehito had always seemed so unreachable. Asagi could come to the café, he could admire the beautiful redhead, but never have him for himself. Now, thanks to Ruiza, he had a chance. If this date worked. If.

Asagi took a deep breath then approached Tsunehito. “Hey.”

The barista smiled. “Hey yourself.” He looked over Asagi’s shoulder. “You came alone, right?”

Asagi blushed. “Ruiza doesn’t need to help me with my personal life anymore. I’m sorry that he felt like he had to ask you out for me. I can only imagine how awkward that was for you.” It had been terrible for him once he realized what Ruiza was doing. “I… I meant to do it someday,” he gave Tsunehito a shy smile. “I just… had to find the courage to do it.”

Tsunehito laughed softly. “Well, it was awkward, but I could tell how much he cared about you. And like I said, I like seeing you.” He brushed his bangs back before glancing at the door. “Ready?”

Asagi nodded then followed Tsunehito inside. The barista led them past the bar and to a private table in the corner. Asagi stuffed his hands into his pockets to conceal the fact that they were shaking. What was wrong with him? It was just a drink! With a gorgeous man he barely knew but was obsessed with anyway.

Tsunehito sat down and gave him a gentle smile. “You can relax, Asagi. You don’t have to be so anxious. I won’t bite… much.” He smirked as Asagi blushed furiously. Oh someone was a tease.

“I’m sorry,” Asagi apologized as he sat down across from Tsunehito. He tried to think of something to say but could only think of awkward small talk. He deserved to be slapped if he talked about the weather. What had he done on his last date? Asagi could barely remember. He didn’t date much, preferring to drown himself in work instead. Fortunately the arrival of a waitress distracted him from how pathetic he was at dating. She gave them drink menus then told them to call her once they’d decided what they wanted.

Tsunehito glanced at the menu. “What do you like to drink?”

“Wine,” Asagi replied promptly. “I love red wine. I like champagne too.”

To his surprise, Tsunehito looked awkward. Why was he awkward now? He always seemed so confident. “I like wine too. I usually just get beer when I go out.” Oh. It must be difficult for him to buy wine or mixed drinks on a barista’s salary.

Asagi hesitated then reached out to touch his hand. “I’ll treat us tonight. Order whatever you like.”

Tsunehito blinked. “You sure?”

“I never let my date pay.” Maybe it was old-fashioned but it always seemed like common decency to him. Especially since Asagi had suggested the date. Well, Ruiza had, but it was for him.

Tsunehito smiled. “So gentlemanly.” He curled his fingers around Asagi’s. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

Asagi called the waitress over and ordered red wine for both of them. He thought Tsunehito would pull his hand back… but he didn’t. Asagi clutched his hand a little tighter. “So are you from Tokyo?” Damn it, he’d slipped into awkward small talk! At least he hadn’t commented on the weather.

“Close, Yokohama.” Tsunehito squeezed Asagi’s hand. “What about you?”

“Akita.” Tokyo and Akita were so different from each other. Sometimes it was hard to be away from nature and his family, but he liked Tokyo. He’d built a good life for himself here.

Tsunehito blinked. “Akita? That’s interesting. What brought you to Tokyo?”

Asagi smiled a little. “The music industry. I moved to Tokyo to be with my band mates. That band didn’t last but I found another one. Which…” he laughed. “Didn’t last either. “But, Ruiza and I were together in my last band. After that one disbanded we decided to take a break and start our own record label.”

Tsunehito looked intrigued. “What did you play?”

“Nothing, I sang. I can play the guitar a little… Ruiza taught me some simple songs.” He was far from being good at it but could handle easy parts.

Tsunehito grinned. “Were any of your bands big enough to release CDs or PVs?”

Asagi turned redder than Tsunehito’s hair. “Um… yes… but I really don’t want you to see those.” Especially PVs from his last band. Ruiza, brat that he was, liked to make posters as a joke and put them up in the office. It hadn’t happened lately since Asagi had retaliated by padlocking Ruiza’s mini fridge. Ruiza had been distraught when he was unable to access his beloved snacks.

Tsunehito smirked at the blush. “Now I really want to see one.”

“Here is your wine.” The sudden voice startled Asagi. He glanced up as the waitress set wine glasses in front of them. “Would you like anything to eat?”

“No, just wine.”

The waitress nodded then walked away. Asagi started to pull his hand back so he could drink his wine, but Tsunehito surprised him by gripping his hand tighter. It made him happy though. He’d been so worried that his nervousness would make Tsunehito uncomfortable. But he seemed happy with Asagi, much to his relief. They were silent for a few moments so they could try their wine. Asagi nodded in approval. The wine was delicious.

“So…” Tsunehito set his wine glass down. “Why are you so embarrassed about your PVs?”

Asagi made a face. He’d hoped the arrival of the wine would distract Tsunehito, but luck wasn’t with him. “The degree of embarrassment depends on the PV. In one, I had bright pink hair and looked like a hooker.” That, unfortunately, was the look that Ruiza had made a poster out of. Asagi wanted to die when he’d seen the poster on his office door. Never mind that Ruiza had been just as scantily clad…

Tsunehito smirked. “I have a hard time picturing you in something like that. You’re always so proper.”

Asagi laughed. Proper? Oh if Tsunehito could see some of his former looks then he definitely wouldn’t call Asagi that. “I’m really… not proper. I dress well for work and I wore this tonight because I wanted to make a good impression. I really like you,” he confessed, blushing as he looked at their still joined hands. “Probably more than I should…”

Tsunehito laid his free hand over theirs. “I always liked having you come to the café. I noticed whenever you weren’t there…” he smiled again. “Seeing you always makes my day a little brighter. You always smile at me like I’m someone important, even though I’m just the guy who makes your coffee and sells you breakfast occasionally.” The way he said “important” caught Asagi’s attention. There had been an edge to his voice… clearly he didn’t feel important at his job.

“You are important. To me at least,” Asagi said softly.

Tsunehito smiled a little. “I'm glad someone thinks so.”

“Are you unhappy with your job?” Asagi asked.

Tsunehito sighed then pulled his hands back. He curled one around the delicate stem of his wine glass, taking a sip while he fussed with his many earrings. “No… not really. Making coffee is fun but it’s not something I want to do forever. The problem is… I don't know what I want to do with my life. I never went to university so that’s a point against me when it comes to job finding, I would hate being an office worker… I’ve tried various jobs but nothing feels right for me.”

Asagi gave him a sympathetic look. Finding a career was never easy. It’d taken him some time to realize that working with the record label was a better fit that being in bands. Still, there were days where he missed the stage and would gladly trade places with the bands at his label. Sometimes he and Ruiza talked about starting a band again but had yet to do so. Something always stopped them. “Deciding on a job is one of the hardest choices a person can make. You’ll find something eventually though. I did… so I know you’ll do the same.” He reached for Tsunehito’s hand again, lacing their fingers together.

“I hope you’re right,” Tsunehito sighed. He looked troubled as he clutched Asagi’s hand tighter. “I don't want to be making coffee when I’m thirty.”

Asagi’s eye twitched. He’d assumed that Tsunehito would be younger than him. How much younger though? He was almost afraid to find out. “Sometimes it takes that long.”

Tsunehito sighed again. “Guess I’ve got six years to figure out what I want to do then. Otherwise I’ll end up in coffee hell.”

Oh. Tsunehito was only twenty-four years old. Great… Asagi, who was thirty-four, felt old now. What was he doing with a beauty ten years younger than him? At least Asagi didn’t look his age. “I’ll make sure you don’t end up in coffee hell,” he promised.

Tsunehito’s lips curved into a smile. “Thanks.”

*   *   *

The rest of the date went well. They slowly learned more about each other as they talked about hobbies and interests. Tsunehito, like himself, was interested in music and had been in a couple bands himself. He also hadn’t cared when Asagi told him how old he was. For some, an age gap was a problem but none of that mattered to Tsunehito. That made Asagi feel better about being with his younger date.

After finishing their second drink, they left the bar in favor of walking in the nearby park. Asagi’s anxiety threatened to return once they were away from the bar but Tsunehito’s hand clasped in his was proof that his company was enjoyed.

“So…” Tsunehito stopped walking then turned to face him. “You said if I liked you, we could go out to dinner.”

Asagi reached out to smooth the soft, red hair back from Tsunehito’s face. “Why don’t we make dinner our second date.”

Tsunehito grinned as he stepped closer. “I’d like that.” They were so close now that they were mere inches apart. It was the perfect opportunity for a kiss—if Asagi was brave enough to act. Slowly he released the barista’s hand to cup his face. Tsunehito’s eyes met his, and there was nothing but encouragement in them. Asagi hesitated then leaned down to kiss him. Tsunehito’s response was immediate. He slid his hands into Asagi’s long hair as he kissed him back. Kissing Tsunehito was… amazing, for lack of a better word.

So it came as a complete shock to him when Tsunehito pulled away.

“Kissing me in a public park,” the barista murmured, giving him a wicked smirk. “This is impressive coming from the man whose friend had to ask me out for him.”

Asagi groaned as he dropped his head onto Tsunehito’s shoulder. “You two are never going to let me forget that.”

Tsunehito’s body shook as he laughed. “No. It’s pretty f-”

Asagi didn’t let him finish his sentence.

*   *   *

“So how was your date?” Ruiza asked as he joined Asagi at their usual table. “I’m assuming it went well since Tsunehito smiled as I walked in instead of glaring or looking irritated.”

Asagi blinked. “Hello to you too, Rui-chan.” He hadn’t expected to be interrogated immediately but realized he should have. Especially since he never called Ruiza to tell him how the date went. “Our date went well.” He leaned back in his chair. “Oh, I already ordered for you.” Ruiza usually got the same thing but sometimes tried other menu options. Asagi had guessed that Ruiza would, as usual, want his favorite combination.

“Thanks.” The blonde glanced up, smirking slightly. “Here comes your boyfriend.”

“Ruiza,” Asagi hissed. “He’s not my boyfriend.” Not yet anyway.

Ruiza gave him a “you can’t be serious” look. Then turned to look at Tsunehito. “Hi, Tsunehito. Did Asagi panic and start hyperventilating on your date?” he asked.

“Ruiza!” Asagi kicked him under the table. He was such a brat!

Tsunehito laughed as he set their drinks in front of them. “No, he didn’t.” He brushed a hand through Asagi’s hair. “He was quite confident actually.”

Ruiza tilted his head, studying Asagi closely. “Our Asagi, confident on a date with you? Maybe he was abducted by aliens.”

“Ha ha,” Asagi replied sarcastically. “Very funny.”

Ruiza gave him his most angelic smile while Tsunehito bit his lip to keep from laughing. “I know you two don’t normally order lattes but I wanted to try something.” At that, Ruiza and Asagi looked down at their cups. Asagi smiled as he saw that Tsunehito had made a heart in his latte along with a time. Ruiza had a cupcake in his. Now he’d want a cupcake to go with that latte.

“I’ll pick you up then?” Asagi asked, indicating the time. He had no plans for the evening so could pick up Tsunehito easily. Well. He had plans now.

Tsunehito grinned. “Yes. Oh, and Ruiza. I have something for you. I’ll be right back…” He left the table. Ruiza looked curious as he glanced from Asagi to the barista. It was his turn to smile as Tsunehito returned with a giant chocolate chip cookie. “For you. I’m glad you asked me out for Asagi.”

“I’m glad you two are happy,” Ruiza replied, practically drooling over the cookie. He loved sweets (and food in general). This was the perfect way to express gratitude. Asagi frowned slightly as he looked at the blonde. He would make sure that Ruiza had more than a latte and a cookie for breakfast.

“I better get back to work… I’ll see you later.” Tsunehito brushed his hand against Asagi’s then returned to his place behind the counter. Ruiza wasted no time in biting into the cookie. His eyes closed in bliss then he set it on the napkin so he could sip his latte.

“Hey!” he squawked as Asagi took the cookie from him. “Don’t take my gift!”

“Have you eaten anything today?”

Ruiza pouted. “Onigiri.”

“You need more than onigiri, a cookie, and coffee for breakfast,” Asagi complained.

“Don’t worry, Mom, I brought fruit to snack on and I have a big lunch.” Ruiza snatched the cookie back, quickly removing it from the black-haired man’s reach.

Asagi trusted Ruiza to eat well later so looked down at his latte. He took his phone out of his pocket so he could take a picture, smiling at the heart. That was so sweet. Cheesy, but sweet. It felt like a crime to ruin the latte art by drinking it… but he needed his morning coffee. And it did taste delicious. He’d have to buy lattes more often to see what else Tsunehito would make with the foam.

“Let me know when your wedding to Tsunehito is,” Ruiza said, just as Asagi had taken another sip. “You two are cute together.”

Asagi almost spit out his latte. Grimacing, he coughed and rubbed his throat. “Shut up and eat your cookie.”

Ruiza smirked as he broke off a piece of his cookie. Soon he was too busy eating to tease Asagi.

Notes
1) Asagi's previous bands and the look mentioned are random. It's not like actual Asagi's history.
2) I'm kind of at a loss for what to do next with this series. I have a couple hazy ideas of thinks I could write next but I'm just... not sure what direction this fic is going in. I don't want Find Your Courage to be filled with multiple stories like To Love a Vampire is (mostly because I don't have the time/interest to devote to two epic fics)

So...

Is there anything readers in particular would like to see?

Comments

[lonely-circus.livejournal.com]

I loved reading this chapter. I was wondering how Asagi would act during the date and it turned out he did better than expected.

Ruiza's sense of humor keeps me smiling wide, he did deserve that one cookie for asking Tsunehito out for Asagi.

As for... my opinion on the direction of this, I don't know how long you want it to be, but seeing it's such a nice and light fic it would be great to see them date and get to know each other and then finally getting to them being together officially; just saying it because it's a sweet yet interesting story that shows the development of their relationship. Maybe we can see Asagi keeping his promise and helping Tsunehito find his direction in life, away from the café. But all of this are just thoughts, I'm sure it will turn out great no matter what you decide.

[write_my_dreams]

Awesome :) Yes, Asagi was able to find some confidence for his date.

I love Ruiza in this. Oh he does, I'm sure Tsunehito will be giving him more cookies out of gratitude

I really don't want Find Your Courage to be a long fic. To Love a Vampire and then the novelization of the Art of Denial are my long writing projects... Find Your Courage is just light and fluffy. Relaxing. But if I write too much of it, I know I'll get bored because it doesn't have the dark twists I've become fond of writing. Hm... I think that would involve too much writing. Asagi will help Tsunehito find a direction that suits him and makes him happy but I won't focus much on them starting their relationship. That's happening in my other fic

Thank you for your ideas :)

[pinpun.livejournal.com]

Aww, so cute chapter :D

Asagi is very cute being so awkward ♥ I love the connection with these characters, they are very lively and very real, like in this way would happen in real life too :D

I also like Ruiza's sense of humor XD

[write_my_dreams]

Awkward Asagi is so fun to write. The trio does connect very well... and I did try to make them that way. After seeing D so many times I can tell they're all quite silly XD

Oh I have more planned with that sense of humor. Asagi will be horrified

[write_my_dreams]

Ruiza is a lovable little brat

I wanted to make Asagi very human. And it's fun to make him awkward instead of confident. Who can blame him for being awkward in this situation? I'm glad you liked that XD

Tsunehito is good at calming down nervous Asagi. Although he has his teasing nature too. I think Asagi surprised himself with that kiss too

I'll have to see how much more I want to write with this fic

Aww :)

I actually can't stand the taste of coffee XD But I'll pretend I like it ;)

[suslik-san.livejournal.com]

wow, they sure progress fast! That's good though ^^ I agree with Ruiza they are cute together ♥

And Rui-chan is cute as well<3

[write_my_dreams]

Asagi felt like it was the best time to try a kiss. And they are happy with each other. Yeah, they're a cute couple :)

Cute bratty Rui-chan

[numbercut3.livejournal.com]

Love love love! ♥

I'm sorry, I really can't think anything else to say. I just love this series and none of the chapters so far has disappointed me. :)

[write_my_dreams]

Aw :) I'm glad you like it so much.

I appreciate that you left a comment anyway. Awesome!

Do you have any ideas for where this series should go?

[numbercut3.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm interested to see if Asagi's and Tsunehito's relationship will actually last (hopeing it will, of course). :)

To be honest I don't usually (=almost none at all) read fics (actually yours are the only ones that has caught my attention :D) so I'm really bad a giving any ideas. ^^'

[write_my_dreams]

They will, this is my current OTP so I don't plan on them breaking up anytime soon XD

Oh really? I'm flattered that you read mine then!

So you'd like to see their relationship progressing then?

[numbercut3.livejournal.com]

I'm happy to hear that! :D I don't want them to break up.

It's true! :)

Yes. That's what I would like to see. :)

[write_my_dreams]

I really hate writing break up scenes anyway. They always sound cheesy

All right, I'll figure out some ideas for what to do next with this series

[kaiser1103.livejournal.com]

Ruiza is such a brat :p
oh Asagi with pink hair lol!

[write_my_dreams]

He is, but Asagi adores him anyway
He did have pink hair in one of his previous bands! Didn't wear slutty clothes with that look though but his hair was pink

[kaiser1103.livejournal.com]

Asagi did have weird looks back then lol ^^