Work Text:
Bzzzt-bzzzt-bzzzt—
*Click*
"Rui-saaaan~!"
A distress familiar voice speaks on the other side of the phone, it's Tsukasa's little sister.
"What a surprise. Good evening, Saki-kun. Why did you call me at such an hour?" Rui asked, calm and polite as usual. He has a feeling the call might be about Tsukasa.
"It's about Onii-chan... He hasn’t been himself lately."
And his guess was correct. Tsukasa seemed to be more stressed and tired lately, in class and at practice for 3 days straight now. As the group grew worried, Rui tried to confront Tsukasa about this matter, but the star's willful side claimed that he can handle it on his own... Is this about his new role for the play? If it was, shouldn't Tsukasa approach him for help? He's a director after all.
"And I'm sorry if it's such a bother…" Saki carefully continues, immediately breaking Rui away from his thoughts. "But Rui-san, are you busy?"
"Hmm...?" Rui glances at his work desk that is filled with small mechanics and tools. He was in the middle of making something for their next show. He can put them aside for now. "As of now, not really, what is it?"
"Can you look after Onii-chan? I have one last practice with Icchan and the others before our big gig tonight, but— I don't want to leave Onii-chan all alone in the house for the night. Mostly I think he's overworking himself again... I already tried calling Toya-kun but— he wasn't picking up."
Saki's desperate voice is covered with worries for her dear big brother. It's actually quite moving. How could he say no? "Don't worry Saki-kun, I'll be there to look after Tsukasa-kun."
"R-Really?!" Saki gives a surprise tone but mostly relief.
"Mhm~ You can leave your Onii-chan to me." A cat-like smile slips from his lips.
"Thank you so much Rui-san~!!!” She sounds so happy, seemingly rushing to the other side. “Oh-Kay-!!! I'll leave the front door key underneath our door mat. I'll be leaving now too. Don't want to be late! Thank you so much again!!!"
“And good luck on your show, I bet it will be magnificent as always.”
As the call ends, Rui immediately stands up and starts moving his feet. Taking a few things to bring along with him.
He actually talked with Emu and Nene, and planned they would be going together on the weekend to check up on Tsukasa, and maybe put on a show for him to cheer him up. But checking up on the star as early as now wouldn't put anyone at harm.
=====[Infront of the Tenma's house]=====
Just wearing his casual clothing, Rui is grateful he decided to just walk in the street, under the dark sky the moon shines beautifully as always. Finally arriving in front of the door, reaching out his hand under the door mat, the key is where it would be expected.
"Thank you Saki-kun~"
Using it to open the door, he let himself into the Tenmas’ household. Rui has been invited multiple times in the house on many occasions, birthdays and holidays, so many precious memories already... And already being familiar with the setting, he went straight towards Tsukasa's room, finding himself at his door. He was about to give it a knock but his hand froze before he could.
Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump—
"Hmm. . . ?"
Rui places his hand on his chest, his heart is pumping so fast all of a sudden... Is it because he is worried for his dear friend? Tsukasa is indeed acting strange, usually the star would know better and ask for help if it's about his role and acting problems. Or maybe he wanted to figure it out by himself this time?
Knock-knock-knock...
Rui hears a shuffle on the other side of the door, then a confused voice calls out.
"... S-Saki...? WAIT—!?"
Hearing a few more shuffles with hasty movements on the other side of the door. Even hearing tumbles and stomps approaching closer. "I THOUGHT you already left!!! You'll be late for your—"
As the door swings open, Rui is finally face-to-face with the shock Tsukasa he was worried about, his jaw dropping exaggeratedly. The star is already in his blue stripe pajamas and a blanket over his head. But as much as Rui wanted to tease Tsukasa, he couldn't let out a chuckle nor a smile, mostly noticing the blondie has some fresh red and buggy eyes... A fresh look of someone who was recently crying.
"R-RUI-!?" Tsukasa screams his lungs out in pure shock, almost deafening the inventor's ears. "W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE????" But at least it breaks through the awkward silence.
"Nice seeing you, Tsukasa-kun~" Rui gives a friendly greeting as he tries to give his usual cat-like smile, calmly explaining. "Saki-kun has invited me to look after you, Tsukasa-kun. You got her pretty worried."
"W- W- WHA- WHAAAAT?!" Tsukasa gives another powerful scream, gripping the blanket on his head to remove it. "S-Saki?! I told her to not worry about me… Sorry for the trouble, Rui.” He lets out a big sigh, shaking his head.
Rui worries, and something must be up because Saki sensed this as well. So he wastes no time but forces his way into Tsukasa's bedroom, immediately being met with scattered pillows, blankets, and papers across the room all over the floor... Papers? Is that the script from the play? Was Tsukasa upset about something with his role?
"Hmm, I really like what you have done with the place~!" Rui says, almost so teasingly. “Perhaps you've taken heavy inspiration from my messy workshop?”
"SHUT IT!!!" With his usual loud and energetic voice, Tsukasa slides in to block Rui's view. Waving his arms frantically, as if he is begging for Rui to look away from the mess. "Y-YOU— HAS NO ONE TAUGHT YOU ABOUT MANNERS—?! DON'T enter into people's rooms like THAT until they let you to! It's PRIVACY!!! H-Hey—?!! HEEEEEEEEY!!!!!!!!!"
Rui couldn't help but let out a soft breathy laugh, finding Tsukasa's embarrassment quite endearing. Moving his eyes on the papers, squinting to see it better, it was indeed the script for their next play.
The Arrogant Sheep Who Couldn’t Sleep.
"I've been in your room countless times now Tsukasa-kun, why are you so shy all of a sudden~?” Rui gives a soft chuckle, a satisfied smile forming as he watches the blondie give him those frustrating eyes. Earning the inventor the silent treatment.
“And with all the pillows and blankets, I'm guessing you're practicing your lines?" Rui asks, hoping it would finally make his star talk.
Finally Tsukasa huffs his chest out in defeat, briefly rubbing his eyes. "Yes… I have..." He slowly says to show his annoyance. Moving to sit back down on the mountains of pillows and blankets, scanning over on the scattered scripts as he grabs one of them. "I'm just trying to get in the environment where the sheep is set in the finale."
"Even with the comfiest pillows and the warmest blankets." Rui suddenly speaks up, quoting the narration in the script. "The arrogant sheep refuses to slumber. Complaining about it wasn't enough to fall asleep." Kneeling down beside Tsukasa to check one of the papers.
"I believe you'll get into character in no time, Tsukasa-kun." Rui encourages, shifting his legs to sit on the floor more properly. Before curiously glancing back. "But what seemed to be the problem? You've been looking pretty bothered these past few days. ”
Tsukasa looks hesitant at first. "Now you've mentioned it…” The blondie suddenly gives such a loud, determined voice. “I was trying to see first if I can embody the role, and I've got it!!!” He sounds so pleased with himself.
Rui wasn't expecting that kind of response, but it made the star burn so bright with that infectious smile. “Is that so?” Rui asks, showing that the director is already invested.
Tukasa continues with a big proud smile. “Mhm! The comfy yet restless environment? Check! Staying up late with a horrible mood? Check!! I even got the personality on point! Acting lazy, miserable, and always pessimistic?”
Tsukasa even gives a sample, he suddenly shifts his expression. His eyes gave an irritating look, but it was rather soft yet lazy, like he was tired of moving at all. “Siiiigh… It's useless…” He covers his mouth as he yawns. “Nothing seems to make me fall asleep… I should just give up already…”
Suddenly Tsukasa snaps back, flashing a smile. “Check, check, check~!!! As expected of the future star, I nailed most of it with ease, of course~★ HA HA HA!” Tsukasa’s laugh gets louder and louder with every intention to announce his excitement.
Rui watches with admiration. His star is quite charming.
“Seems like you've already got it all figured out. As expected of the star leader~” Even though Rui tosses a heartfelt praise to Tsukasa, the director still feels like something isn't right. “But if you don't mind me asking, Tsukasa-kun.”
“Hm…?” Tsukasa tilts his head out of curiosity. “What is it?”
Rui’s smile quickly fades, suddenly giving such a worrisome stare. He wasn't sure if this was alright to even open up. “Why were you crying earlier?”
Tsukasa gave a guilty look, he got caught. He tries to find his composure again. “Well—” Tsukasa suddenly lowers his voice. "I didn't know how to convey this part of the script at first… Something wasn't right, like it didn’t add up for me." His hand quickly searches around, grabbing a paper nearby and letting his finger point a line on the script.
“Hmm…? Didn’t add up?” Rui curiously peek over Tsukasa's paper, reading the narration. “Even after everything, the arrogant sheep still couldn't even shut his eyes. The sheep is furious… But remembering the lazy dog’s advice, to think of all the fun things he had that day. The sheep reminisces of his small adventure, slowly but surely, remembering the fond memories he has with the others, and before he knew it, the arrogant sheep was snoring loudly, fast asleep in the mountains of pillows and blankets.”
“The sheep feels lonely.” Tsukasa suddenly blurted out.
Rui delivers a few confused blinks as he asks. “Lonely you say?” And not long his eyes focus into an intrigued glance.
Tsukasa nods, placing a hand under his chin. “It took me a while but now I understand… The reason why the sheep is having a difficult time falling asleep, even though he is rude to the other characters, is because he feels lonely sleeping by himself." Tsukasa closes his eyes, and quite like magic, the star merges himself with the sheep’s emotions before his very eyes. He understands the pain… Maybe a bit too well.
“The fun memories he had with the others, that became like a comforting embrace for him, a sweet lullaby for the sheep to sleep.” Tsukasa adds more, finally opening his eyes. Eyes that windowed the sheep's pain.
Rui is truly amazed by the interpretation. Is that why Tsukasa was crying earlier? He gets so enveloped into his role that he feels the same pain as the sheep… Tsukasa has always been finding similarities to connect with the characters he plays. Rui is aware this isn't the first time this has happened, however witnessing this right in front of him… Wait, what is this throbbing feeling?
“But out of all that… I couldn't get the sleeping scene right!!! Even after everything, I couldn't get the right emotions!!!” Tsukasa complains with a panicking scream. Running his hand over his hair to pull out his frustration. “
Rui gives a soft gaze, chuckling. “Fufu~ You can't? Why is that the case? Speaking of which, I've been working on a prototype and it sounds like it's the perfect one to use for your sleeping scene. Would you like to try them, Tsukasa-kun~?”
“Don’t… Even dare-…” Tsukasa quickly shut him down, his tired eyes piercing right through Rui's teasing tone. “I already have trust issues with your inventions, I am not going to let you make any kind of explosion inside my room! Let alone INSIDE MY HOUSE!!!”
“Come on~ Let your director help you~★” Rui's gentle tone sounds like the comfort of a grim reaper's voice. Making Tsukasa even more panicked.
“A-AS A STAR LEADER, I CAN HANDLE MYSELF J-JUST FINE!!!” Tsukasa screams like his life depended on it. He quickly clears his throat, waving his hand dismissively to Rui. “G-Going back to topic!”
Rui simply gave these sad puppy eyes, whining in defeat. But in all actuality, he’s glad Tsukasa is doing just fine. The blondie is quite a resilient person. “Alright, alright~”
Tsukasa sighs, keeping his eyes on Rui with a cautious gaze, before continuing. “I’ve also been trying to record myself earlier, trying to fall asleep early while thinking of a feeling of comfort for the scene… But I SOMEHOW was unable to fall asleep properly in the PROCESS!!! Alright, maybe if I try to-. . .”
Rui simply has his eyes watch over Tsukasa, the star's eyes are determined, glimmering as it scans through the script. Looking so focused and serious, mumbling under his breath as he tries to come up with a solution. The director couldn't be any more proud, he didn't expect his shining star to interpret such a simple scene into something spectacular.
Rui's words were true to his core, seeing Tsukasa in conflict, he should try to think of a way to help his dear friend. Mostly it's the missing piece of the puzzle for his character.
Hmm... Like a comforting embrace is what Tsukasa said.
Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump—
Rui will make sure his star will shine brighter.
"I believe I can help on this matter~★” Rui confidently said, tilting his head to the side to give his usual cat-like smirk, but it felt mischievous this time.
"Rui..." Tsukasa's voice dropped with such a doubtful stare. "If you are planning something weird again like YOUR machines. Just DON'T even bother... And how can you even help with thi—" His eyes widen, startled, as Rui suddenly moves forward to wrap a pair of arms around the star.
He immediately saw the warmth creep onto Tsukasa's cheeks. A new interesting reaction, it's always amusing to see. "Hmm~ A warm embrace. Like this...?" Rui whispers into Tsukasa's ear, he is determined to help his star to understand the script better. This will make it immersive!
But such warmth spreads across Rui's chest as he leans his head on the star's shoulder. His eyes softened... He can no longer see Tsukasa's face, but Rui only found himself digging his head further into Tsukasa's neck... It felt like it became a rather different motive instead. But Rui can't deny that — He quite likes it being this close to his star. Tightening up the embrace, the director only hopes Tsukasa doesn't mind to stay like this a little longer...
But of course it was short lived because just after a few minutes, Tsukasa pushed Rui away in such a panic, his whole face was red like a heating kettle, eyes wide, shocked and confused… Staring in horror. He then raises up his arm, as if building a boundary, away from Rui.
Seeing Tsukasa react this way, it broke something inside of Rui. The air suddenly felt so thick, so hard to breathe in, he couldn't even control his own expression, not even noticing that he was showing such a pained and defeated look in his eyes while glancing at Tsukasa. Forcing a smile.
The bright star that was shining earlier with determination, couldn't even blurt out a single word now… Rui didn't ruin it, did he? It was only reasonable for Tsukasa to react like that, to hate him if he was crossing a boundary… But he knows if he doesn't say anything right now, their friendship might end up in shambles.
“I apologise if that startled you, Tsukasa-kun.” Rui’s voice is still as calm and polite as ever, but a hint of worry spreads around his words. “I thought maybe acting the warm embrace like you interpreted for the script, might able to help you to immerse in the—”
“Rui.”
Tsukasa firmly says, cutting Rui's words into a halt. His brows were furrowed together, and Rui couldn't read what it meant… It was terrifying. And what's worse, he isn't sure what Tsukasa will say next. The different possibilities of words he might say.
“Tsukasa…?” Rui gulps, he just hopes it won't be a painful one. And the fact his heart is beating too fast, it's not helping, he can't even understand the brokenness of his feelings... Oh wait, is he scared…? Seeing Tsukasa like this… It felt like a painful rejection… Rejection?
“Rui…” Tsukasa takes a deep breath, hesitating with what he wants to say.
“Just… Just don't do it all of a sudden…” Tsukasa scolds Rui, his frustrated eyes avoiding the inventor’s. “You should have at the very least gave me a heads up before jumping on me like that." His hand finally hovers over his mouth, slightly attempting to cover his blushing face.
“S-Stop… Pulling STUNTS like that… U-Unless you really want to give me a heart attack!”
Ba-dump—
Rui’s eyes widen, as he carefully watches Tsukasa's reaction. But the more he watches, the more he feels the heat come crawling up his own cheeks. And much as he wanted to, he couldn't even remove his eyes away from him. He can't explain it, but his star is always so astonishing. As he felt his burden is suddenly being lifted.
“If I told you right away, it would ruin the element of surprise~ Mostly if our shows became predictable, it wouldn't be so interesting anymore.” Rui smirks, dangling his hand out, to give such innocent yet teasing eyes that only fueled Tsukasa's irritation. Earning an eye roll from the blondie.
“Alright, alright! I-I see your point… B-But my point still stands, just ask next time!!!” Tsukasa gives a heavy sigh, dropping out his frustration and pushing them aside.
He then closes his eyes, huffing out some air out of his nose as he spreads his arms wide open. “For the sake of my role and for the play!”
Rui's smirk turned into a big smile. “Oh my, Tsukasa-kun~ You're so straight forward—”
“A- A- ARE YOU GOING TO HELP ME OR NOT????” Tsukasa tries his best but the tease lets his annoyance slip from his loud mouth.
“Fufufu~” Rui shakes his head as he exhales out a chuckle. He should definitely be careful with Tsukasa and not take advantage of this. “I'll help, I'll help, calm down.”
Rui slowly and carefully leans forward towards Tsukasa's embrace. Feeling the arms wrapped around his back, he felt shivers behind his spine. Rui wraps his arms back, as he feels the both of them lean on their side, laying down as they are met with the cozy, soft pillows and blankets. Rui wanted to look at Tsukasa's eyes, but the blondie led him towards his chest, hugging him tightly.
“Tsukasa-kun… In all honesty, if this is uncomfortable, you don't have to—”
“Rui…” Tsukasa softly says. “As your actor, I really want to give my best for the play…”
Rui should really be careful, as much as he wants to see his star shine, he doesn't want him to overwork himself. Rui couldn't resist but gently patted the star's back.
“Tsukasa-kun… Even if we have gone our own separate ways to achieve our goals... Please remember Emu-kun and the others will always be there for you.” Rui let himself hug Tsukasa tighter, digging himself onto the star’s chest… Softly mumbling.
“I'm always here… For you—”
“Zzzzzz…”
Tsukasa suddenly snorted heavily. Rui is astonished by how the star slept so quickly. He almost couldn't contain his laughter. "Already fallen asleep, my star?"
Rui made sure the sleeping Tsukasa was safe between his arms, slightly adjusting himself for a comfortable position. “Feeling the comfort of fond memories he had today with the others, the arrogant sheep was snoring loudly, fast asleep in the mountains of pillows and blankets…”
Rui closes his eyes, letting out a pleased smile. “I’m sure if I change the script just a little bit, the others wouldn’t mind~”
Letting out a yawn himself, he let his sleepiness slowly consume him. His body is finally getting accustomed to the soft pillows and blankets, and by how seemingly close they are, relaxing in each other's touch.
“In the end when the sheep falls asleep… He should be comforted with the people he cares about… By his side… Even just for tonight… Won't you like that… Tsukasa-kun…?”
Rui mumbles under his breath, drifting off to sleep with his shining star, safely wrapped around his arms.