Chapter Text
Two years. Two long, hard, and excruciatingly unrequited years. Rui wishes he were mad, and he has almost every right to be. Despite that, Rui found that just one smile, no matter the size, from Tsukasa... well, it was enough to absorb all the annoyance that should ever bubble up. Not to say that Rui was explicitly annoyed, it was more like he was just at a loss for a word that described how he felt. He decided he would give it more thought later. Now, back to the matter at hand. Rui never thought a moment like this would ever come, but as he pinched himself, —making sure it was discreet enough so the person standing in front of him couldn't see— he realized that it was no dream, and that it was in fact not his eyes deceiving him. Standing before him was the source of all his problems, as well as being, although slightly embarrassing to admit, the source of all his joy. Tsukasa Tenma, with the face that made Rui's heat up, the hair that made one's on the back of Rui's neck stand up, and most importantly, the heart that made Rui's stop and beat ten times faster all at once. Yes, it's true. Rui has fallen head over heels for that boy. And now, he sees him standing right at his own door, like a special package that was sent right to him. That thought alone made Rui's heart race, so it's easy to imagine just how fast it spiked when he realized how long he had probably been standing there, zoned out for. He blinked twice, let out a short exhale and inhale, and started.
"Uh- oh! Tsukasa-kun, what a surprise. What, um.. what brings you all the way to my house?"
'Jesus Rui...you're less nervous before a show than when you talk to him. Get a grip!' Rui holds his breath, careful not to let his thoughts leak onto his face. Luckily, before he has the chance to marinate in his embarrassment, Tsukasa speaks with a smile.
"Ah, yes, Rui! I'm happy you're home... otherwise this would've been very embarrassing for me...! Anyways, I'm glad you asked! I've come over to discuss the script you've written for our upcoming show!" Tsukasa glances past Rui, and into what he can see of his —well, his parents'— house. "May I... come in?"
Rui's eyes linger on Tsukasa for a second before he turns his head and is met with the sight of his cluttered living room, filled with various robots and inventions Rui had been previously working on. As he turned back, he noticed Tsukasa quickly avert his eyes and change whatever expression he had on before. 'Ah, yes! That's just amazing... the one time Tsukasa comes over, and my house is an absolute mess.' Even as Rui's face burns, Tsukasa just waits for his answer patiently.
"Sorry, of course you can. It's a bit of a mess, so I'm sorry for that!" Rui lets out a small sigh, relieved that he was at least able to form a coherent sentence given the situation. His little victory lasts only a moment, as he quickly regains his composure. He waits until Tsukasa has both shoes removed before Rui moves to the side and gestures for Tsukasa to enter. "Lead the way."
Now, Tsukasa had been to Rui's house a couple of times. However, most of the time, it was either short-lived, as in Tsukasa just needed to grab something he forgot at the Wonder Stage (which happens a lot), or, it was with the whole group. Usually, Rui had Nene as his support. This surprise contained both good and bad qualities, so much so that Rui couldn't decide if this encounter was a blessing or a curse. It was good, because he gets to spend alone time with Tsukasa—when he'd usually be using this time to fantasize about just that—. But, it was bad for him for the same reason. Rui wasn't exactly sure how long this interaction would last, or to better phrase it, how long he would last during the extent of this interaction. Just thinking of Tsukasa made his heart skip a beat, so spending this much time alone in his own home with him couldn't be good for him. When Rui finally came to terms with the fact that he would have to go through with this day, whether he likes it or not, the two of them had made it to Rui's room.
When Tsukasa walks in, he observes every inch of Rui's room, smiling when his eyes land on a framed photo. He stealthily heads toward it, careful that Rui doesn't catch on. (not that he could, given his state of shock) When he makes it to the photograph, his face twists into a strained grin. His composure doesn't hold long, as he bursts into laughter before he can stop himself. Rui's focus snapped back, and before he had the chance to register what was going on, he was met with the sight of a very unpleasant looking picture of himself.
"Rui! Is that- is that you? Aw! You're so cute!" Tsukasa sputtered out between laughs.
At first, Rui was so embarrassed he might've died right there. If he had known Tsukasa was coming, he would've hidden that stupid photo his mother insisted stayed in his room. But then, it dawned on him what Tsukasa had just said. If Rui had heard that right, and he was sure he had, Tsukasa just called him cute.
'Oh come on! its not like Tsukasa was talking about how cute I was in a romantic sense. It's obvious that he's talking about how I look in that picture. However... it is still a picture of me. Ah, Rui, don't get ahead of yourself.'
"Fufu~ yes! I believe I was three or four in that picture. I was happy because we had gone to the zoo to visit the platypuses." It is funny how different Rui's thoughts are from his words. But his words almost did manage to betray him as he looked up and saw Tsukasa with the picture in hand, smiling at how little and happy Rui was at the time.
"That's so adorable! Look at your cute little platypus onesie!! So you've always liked that animal, huh?" Rui almost short-circuited on the inside, but feigned his calmness as he replied.
"I suppose so. I mean, I guess I just find it interesting and kind of relatable in the way that they somewhat resemble fish, birds, and mammals. But, they don't perfectly fit any of them, you know? I'm sorry, you must think it's weird to relate to an animal, right? I just can't help myself! They're just so..." When Rui finally realizes that he's been ranting, he trails off and lets out an uncharacteristically nervous chuckle. Tsukasa, however, doesn't seem to mind at all and rather looks pretty interested in what he has to say.
"No, I get it! In fact, I agree with you. I also have an animal I relate to and stuff! Try and guess it." Tsukasa lets out a playful laugh and takes the liberty of sitting next to Rui while he thinks about what animal Tsukasa could possibly relate to.
As Rui became acutely aware of how close the two were, he could feel his composure slip again. He was determined to think thoroughly, so he pushed his embarrassing thoughts away and got to work on his guess.
"Hmm. Is it...a dog?" Rui asked, his chin propped up by his index finger and thumb.
"A dog? Wrong! But, I do get it! Mine was a hard one. It's... a pegasus!" Tsukasa beamed and began to gush about how amazing the pegasus was, with Rui listening to every word and indulging in Tsukasa's extensive knowledge of them. However, the safety of a conversation led by someone other than him was soon interrupted.
"Say, Rui! Why did you guess that it was a dog? I wouldve never thought of it!" Tsukasa sprung this question out of nowhere, and it left Rui completely unprepared to give a response. This resulted in Rui giving way to little thought before his answer hurdled out of his mouth.
"Uh- well, dogs are cute?"
'Oh.
My.
God.’
Did Rui actually just say that? All at once, a hot stream of blush lined his face. "As in... dogs are very lovable! You know, it's easy for the audience to like you and even feel sympathy for you, no matter the size of your part."
Tsukasa nodded slowly, avoiding Rui's eyes. In a desperate attempt to change the subject, Rui opened his mouth. And then closed it. He really didn't know what to say to release the tension. That was until Tsukasa spoke and made Rui's chest tighten.
"Wh... What else?"
Tsukasa looked at Rui, an uneasy smile stuck on his face. Rui's breath hitched, not just because he felt physically suffocated being around Tsukasa, but also because he knew if he kept breathing, something stupid he didn't mean to say would travel with the breath.
Rui calculated the most platonic way to tell someone they remind you of a puppy and came up with a mediocre —but successfully tuned— response.
"Dogs are loyal? You've always stuck with me, even during some of my worst moments. So... loyal." Rui would've probably melted into his blanket if Tsukasa had taken a second longer to respond.
"Ah. I see that. Is that all?"
Rui swallowed, his brain running wild with the sudden opportunity to think of things he liked about Tsukasa. Before he could give another embarrassing answer, he quickly set his mind on one final answer.
"Hm, and I think dogs are very brave. I don't think I've met a person braver than you, Tsukasa-kun. You're willing to play roles with personalities you've never acted before. And you let me practice all my prototypes on you, and don't even get that angry at me." When Rui finished talking, he noticed just how deeply Tsukasa was staring into him. It felt like his eyes could reach all the way into the back of Rui's brain and finally understand these years of unrequited love. But that's silly, of course he can't do that.
Tsukasa hesitated for a moment, but spoke after an uncomfortable, yet short, moment.
"Thank you! But seriously, Rui, I can only play these roles so well because of your guidance! I wouldn't be even close to how good I am now if I didn't have you as my director." Tsukasa smiled, but his tone was slightly off, as if he meant to keep talking, but decided against it. Rui's natural course of action was to be humble, so in a desperate attempt to keep it that way, he also tried to change the subject.
"I don't deserve all the credit. It doesn't matter how well I direct if I don't have a talented cast! Speaking of my directing, didn't you say you needed to talk about something with the script?" Rui finally started to calm down and loosen his muscles, which were tight and stiff, so as not to accidentally touch Tsukasa. Tsukasa, on the other hand, began to tense up, obviously shy about criticising a director's work.
"Ah, yes, now that you mention it! I actually did have a few questions." Tsukasa spoke as he dug through his crossbody bag and pulled out a copy of the script Rui had handed out the day before at the Wonder Stage. " So, first of all. Why does this whole line that I'm supposed to be saying to Emu use he/him pronouns when referring to her?" Tsukasa tilted his head as Rui froze up. Had he really done that? Tsukasa handed him the script, leaning in to point out the line. The sudden closeness between the two of them made his heart beat a bit faster, but he kept his cool.
The line reads: 'He needs me, and I... I need him. As hard as it is to admit, I've loved him since the day I met him. Please, my heart cannot take it, nor will it. If we are destined to be apart, I can no longer find light in life. So, please, I beg of you. Allow me his hand in marriage.'
Rui's mind goes blank. How could he possibly get out of this?
"Well, Um... Ah! I was confused whose line it was! I was very tired that night, and I guess I thought the line was Emu's! That's my fault, and I will revise it to say she tonight!" Rui silently thanked the lord that he was able to get out of that situation. He fidgeted with his hands before he continued to speak. "Is there... anything else you wanted to let me know?"
Tsukasa thought for a moment, before nodding and speaking.
"Well, I was actually wondering about the ending a bit too! Not to judge your work, because I'm sure you have your reasons for adding this. But I was just surprised to learn that the two main love interests don't end up together! I would love to hear why you wrote it like that, though!"
Now Rui was really stuck. There's no way he could get away with saying that he decided against his original ending due to his own stupid jealousy. Especially since he knows Tsukasa looks up to him, and knowing that could result in him thinking less of his esteemed director. He thought frantically about an excuse he could use, all while carefully hiding his panicked emotions.
"I... I wanted to incorporate into the story, the realistic fate of many people. No matter how good things are going, there are just times when two people cannot be together. I felt like people who experience a pain like that should get representation! Of course, I wrote it in a way that made sense to the plot, no? The girl needed to go back out to continue fighting, and the man needed to step up with his responsibilities and fight at a different base for the king! If you are unsatisfied with the ending, I'd be happy to alter it to a way you think would be better." When Rui finished his explanation, secretly proud of how natural it sounded, Tsukasa hummed with an understanding tone.
"Ohh yes! I understand now. Thank you for clearing that up!" Rui nodded with a smile, expecting Tsukasa to pack his script back up and see himself out, but he stayed.
"I hope you don't mind, but could I stay for just a little while longer? Saki is having some of her friends over, and I really don't wanna show up in the middle of her hangout and be forced into full glam makeup and a fairy dress..." Tsukasa grimaced at the memories of what Rui could only assume was a past experience of his. The only problem was, Rui did mind! He had thought that this day was going to be normal, and was already proven wrong when Tsukasa showed up, but now, he's basically having him over all day!
"Of course you can stay. Although I would love to see you in a fairy dress~!" Rui teased, baiting a response from Tsukasa.
"Don't wish that on me Rui, you don't know the torture!! Shiho's hands were so cold... and I could barely breathe!" Tsukasa huffed, earning a chuckle from Rui. Rui however, was distraught.
'Her hands were cold? Why would he remember that? Was it really that important to him...? Why do I even care?? Oh, just stop thinking about it Rui.'
"Don't worry! I would never want something bad to happen to you!" Rui puts a hand on his chest, like he's swearing on it.
"Oh yeah? Then why am I always the one who’s forced to get shot out of canons or... or I don't know! Why am i the one who you like to torture by shooting lasers at me or sending me to space or trapping me in a tank of water HANDCUFFED!!" Tsukasa said, with an agitated tone, but obviously playful intentions. Rui just shrugged it off, giggling while Tsukasa told him off for a list of crazy stunts he's been forced to take part in. Rui always did love to have these play fights with Tsukasa, and he was certain that deep down, Tsukasa enjoyed it too. After a bit more of this banter, and before Rui could get any more lost in his reminiscence, he heard a phone chime. He didn't immediately recognise it, so it must have been Tsukasa's. When Tsukasa saw who was calling him, he sighed.
"Sorry, I've gotta take this."
Rui nodded, and Tsukasa moved from his spot on Rui's bed to the hallway.
As Tsukasa stepped out, Rui caught a glimpse of the caller ID.
'Saki'
Rui smiled to himself, secretly relieved that it was someone he knew. He couldnt make out most of what Tsukasa said, and could barely sound out two words: 'really?' and 'just...' That didn't help him much. When Tsukasa came back into the room, his face was fixed into an exasperated expression.
"Did something happen?" Rui scanned Tsukasa up and down, but his lack of information made it hard to determine what was wrong. All he was certain of was that something was.
"Not really..."
'First lie,' Rui noted.
"...my sister just called and said I need to come home- that she has some "special surprise" for me... whatever that means?"
'Second lie. That surprise cannot be special.' Rui concluded, making a mental Post-It note, then crumpling it and tossing it in the back of his mind.
"I'm sorry Rui, I don't think I have much of a choice... just know you may receive a photo of me in a maid dress if my sister and her friends get their hands on my phone." Tsukasa sighs, rubbing his temple and slipping his phone back into his pocket.
"It’s quite alright, I was just about to go drive to pick up my mom from her shift anyway. I'm looking forward to that message, Tsukasa!" Rui smirked, heaving himself up (and trying desperately hard not to stare into Tsukasa's shock-stricken eyes). As Rui walks over to his bedroom door, the presence of Tsukasa right behind him becomes all too real. His cheeks heat up again as he straightens his posture. Once they make it to the front door, Tsukasa steps outside and slips his shoes back on.
"Thank you for letting me hang here for a bit. I had a good time! Maybe when I get back, Saki won't have time to give me a full glam! Maybe she'll just settle for a natural look!" Tsukasa pumped his fists, clearly happy he won't have to endure the eyelash curler. Rui found it endearing, smiling a bit too warmly at the scene. Tsukasa eventually did notice, leaving Rui chuckling awkwardly again.
"I'll see you at tomorrow's practice, Tsukasa-kun." As Rui watched Tsukasa leave, he felt a flip in his stomach. He had really just spent a whole afternoon with Tsukasa, the boy whom Rui hasn't been able to get out of his mind for two years. Then it came back to him what he had thought about when he first saw Tsukasa at his doorstep. He still needed a word to describe how he felt. Luckily, think that word had come to him after all.
"Tsukasa, you are impossible."