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FIC: A Peek Inside Onozuka's (and Kikuchi's) Bag!
This fic is based on the "A Peek Inside Iwaki's/Katou's Bag!" feature in Book 3 of Haru. I had been thinking for a long time that it would be fun to do the same thing for Kikuchi and Onozuka, and I finally got around to it!
Title: A Peek Inside Onozuka's (and Kikuchi's) Bag!
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Haru wo Daiteita (Embracing Love)
Pairing: Kikuchi/Onozuka, Iwaki/Katou
Characters: Kikuchi, Onozuka, Iwaki, Katou
Disclaimer: No money is being made off this story; consider it a little wish fulfillment on my part.
Word count: ~6,230
Sequel to: Unexpected Opportunities, Comeback (Part 1 and Part 2), Forgiveness, Firsts, First Date (Part 1 and Part 2), Going Steady (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6), Audition (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), Cookout (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), Press Conference (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), Sanctuary, The Prince vs. the Groupie (Part 1, Part 2), Family Visit: Tokyo (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5), Gigolo (Part 1, Part 2), Yoshizumi's Night Out (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), Family Visit: Okinawa (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5), Interlude, and Unmasked (Parts 1-25). The series also includes two side-stories that are outside of the main timeline: Valentine's Day Surprise and Strictly Business.
Summary: Kikuchi and Onozuka grant an interview to a reporter, who tries to get a glimpse of their personal lives through the contents of their bags.
***
A Peek Inside Onozuka's Bag!
by Kawashima Mieko
Kawashima: Onozuka-san, I'm honored to have the opportunity to sit down and talk with you again.
Onozuka: Not at all, Kawashima-san; the pleasure is all mine.
Kikuchi: Ah, so the two of you know each other?
Onozuka: (smiling mischievously) She's the one who wrote the article "My Date with the Golden Prince"!
Kikuchi: (glowering at the reporter) Oh, really?
Kawashima: (laughing nervously) It wasn't a real date, of course--the paparazzi completely misunderstood our innocent interview! The title was just poking a little fun at their mistake.
Onozuka: He's just teasing you, Kawashima-san.
Kikuchi: (grins) Sorry, I get a little overprotective of my Prince sometimes.
Kawashima: Whew, what a relief! You really scared me for a moment there, Kikuchi-san.
Onozuka: (laughing) He really plays the villain very well, doesn't he?
Kawashima: Indeed he does, but he's also doing a very good job playing the romantic hero, both in your upcoming film and in real life. Which brings us to the reason for this interview--the special feature where we take a peek into a celebrity couple's bags!
Onozuka: Katou and Iwaki-san did that once, right? I'm happy to take part, but I hope I don't disappoint you--there's not really anything exciting in my bag! (laughs)
Kawashima: Oh, but you can actually get a lot of insight into a person by seeing what is in his or her bag!
Onozuka: Oh dear, should I be worried?
Kawashima: Not at all; it's just a chance for your fans to get to know you better. Who would like to go first?
Kikuchi: After you, your Highness--a prince should come before a commoner, after all.
Onozuka: (laughing) He's so gallant, isn't he? All right, here it is.
Kawashima: Ooh, a Dolce & Gabbana bag--very nice!
Onozuka: It was a birthday gift from Katou, actually. I probably wouldn't have spent that much on myself, but he's a very generous friend.
Kawashima: And he has very good taste! Let's see...oh, you have D&G sunglasses, too! Was a that gift from Katou-san as well, or did you buy them to match the bag?
Onozuka: It was just a fortunate coincidence. I was wearing them for a photo shoot for a fashion magazine, and I admired the glasses, so they were given to me as a gift. (laughs) But honestly, I wasn't trying to hint for a freebie!
Kawashima: Oh, and prescription glasses, too? I didn't know that you wore glasses--are they for reading?
Onozuka: No, I'm a bit nearsighted, so I do well enough without them most of the time. I only need them for seeing from a distance--if I were sitting in the back of a movie theater, for example, the screen would be pretty blurry without my glasses.
Kawashima: Will you try them on for me?
Onozuka: (getting flustered) Oh...well, I...
Kikuchi: (grinning) He looks really cute with his glasses on!
Onozuka: (blushing) Kikuchi-san, please don't encourage her!
Kawashima: Please, Onozuka-san?
Onozuka: Well, this is kind of embarrassing, but... (puts on glasses)
Kawashima: You're right, Kikuchi-san--he's very cute! In fact, it makes him look even more princely!
Onozuka: (still blushing) They're just glasses--it's nothing special. Okay, I'm taking them off now.
Kawashima and Kikuchi: (sighing in disappointment) Awww...
Kawashima: Okay, getting back to peeking inside Onozuka-san's bag...there's a comb and lip balm; that's pretty standard. And Gigolo cologne--is that because of the ad campaign?
Onozuka: Yes, Gigolo gave us lots of free samples. It's good promotion, of course, but I really do like the scent. I'm wearing it now, in fact.
Kawashima: Really? Let me lean over a bit...ooh, yes, it smells very nice! It's not sweet or overpowering...it's more of a subtle and very sensual scent.
Kikuchi: You're getting a little close to him, aren't you? (laughs, but doesn't look like he's really joking)
Kawashima: (hastily pulling back) I'm sorry! (to Onozuka) He's very protective of you, isn't he?
Onozuka: (laughs) A little overprotective, perhaps. Kikuchi-san, please behave yourself.
Kikuchi: Sorry, my bad.
Kawashima: Let's see, what else is in here? Breath mints...an actor has to keep his breath fresh for those romantic kissing scenes, of course.
Kikuchi: (grinning) I think it's a good idea to keep one's breath fresh for kissing at all times, not just on the set!
Onozuka: (blushing) Kikuchi-san!
Kawashima: (giggling) You two are very romantic!
Kikuchi: Nauseatingly so, according to Yoshizumi-san. He's a very practical and down-to-earth guy.
Kawashima: There's also tissues...and a handkerchief? Isn't a bit unusual to carry both?
Onozuka: Oh, the tissues are for everyday use--you can just throw them away after you use them, and I don't really like carrying around a dirty, crumpled handkerchief. But if you should have to comfort a young lady who is crying, then it's much more courteous to offer her a handkerchief than a tissue.
Kawashima: Wow, you really are a prince, Onozuka-san!
Kikuchi: And are there many weeping maidens that you have to comfort, Onozuka-kun?
Onozuka: Not really, but I feel like it's always good to be prepared.
Kawashima: Oh, I just remembered--didn't Kikuchi-san give you his handkerchief during your press conference, when you...ah...became overwhelmed during your apology to Iwaki-san?
Onozuka: (blushes deeply) Well, I'm not a weeping maiden, but it was a kind gesture that I appreciated very much.
Kikuchi: (grinning) See, I can be a prince, too!
Kawashima: (laughing) You're both very gallant! Let's see what's next...a cell phone. And ooh, what a cute charm on your cell phone strap, Onozuka-san! It's Mokona from the Tsubasa anime and manga, isn't it?
Kikuchi: (laughing) It's a what? I thought it was just some kind of weird bunny rabbit!
Kawashima: Are you a big Tsubasa fan, Onozuka-san?
Onozuka: I'm afraid I don't really know that much about it; I just saw the strap and thought it was cute.
Kikuchi: (slyly) I've heard that Onozuka-san likes rabbits.
Kawashima: Really? Is that why you bought it, Onozuka-san? And do you have a pet bunny at home?
Onozuka: Oh no, I'm so busy working that I don't have enough time to properly look after a pet.
Kawashima: But you do like bunnies?
Onozuka: (looking flustered) Well...sort of...
Kawashima: It sounds like you're hiding a secret, Onozuka-san!
Onozuka: No, no--there's no secret, really! It's just...well... (sighs in resignation) It's a little embarrassing to admit this, but my specialty back when I was training at the confectionery was making manju bunnies. And Mokona is a bunny that sort of looks like a manju...
Kawashima: (laughing) Yes, Kurogane even compares Mokona to a manju or pork bun in the manga!
Kikuchi: Sounds amusing...maybe I should read this manga.
Onozuka: Can we move on to the next item, please?
Kawashima: Oh, this keychain is really cute, too--is it supposed to be a pair of Shisa?
Onozuka: Yes, I bought it when we were filming in Okinawa.
Kawashima: When love was blooming between you and Kikuchi-san, right?
Onozuka: (blushing) Er...yes, I guess you could put it that way.
Kawashima: So let's see...I guess one of these keys must be for Kikuchi-san's place? A little bird told me that you're moving in together.
Onozuka: (shyly) Yes, that's right.
Kikuchi: I gave it to him not long after we started dating, to show that I was serious about my intentions.
Onozuka: (blushing) That made me really happy.
Kawashima: And this key?
Onozuka: Oh, that's the key for Miyasaka's apartment. I'll have to return it to him once I move out.
Kawashima: Then what's this last key for? Surely you don't have a secret lover--or is it for a summer palace, your Highness? (laughs)
Onozuka: Please, don't even joke about such things! It's for my family's home in Kanazawa, that's all.
Kikuchi: (putting his arm around Onozuka) I have complete faith in my Prince. I know he would never cheat on me.
Kawashima: Aww, you guys make such a sweet couple! So what else is in the bag? Here's an MP3 player--can I see what you have on it?
Onozuka: Sure.
Kawashima: (laughing) I bet there's lots of love songs on here! Ah...it's actually an interesting mix of different kinds of music. There's pop...Utada Hikaru and Amuro Namie, hip hop...Dragon Ash, rock and blues...B'z, heavy metal...X Japan--I like their song "Rusty Nail," too! Is something wrong, Kikuchi-san?
Kikuchi: Ah...no, it's nothing. Please continue.
Kawashima: Oh, now this is a surprise--you have Hikawa Kiyoshi on your MP3 player! I didn't know that you liked Enka music, Onozuka-san.
Onozuka: Well, to be honest, I didn't listen to it much, but my manager Fujimoto-san is a big Enka fan, so he gave me some Hikawa Kiyoshi CDs. He said that since Hikawa-san is called "The Prince of Enka," his music ought to appeal to me! (laughs)
Kikuchi: Fujimoto-san has a very dry sense of humor.
Onozuka: He does! But I must admit, I did enjoy the music. It's a reminder to me to be open-minded and willing to try different things.
Kawashima: And I've never heard of this group..."Red Sands"? Are they an American band?
Onozuka: Yes, they're managed by a friend of Kikuchi-san's; he gave me the CD.
Kikuchi: (grinning) I played it for him during our first date.
Onozuka: (blushing) Kikuchi-san, you didn't have to tell her that!
Kawashima: Can I listen to it?
(Onozuka nods, still blushing.)
Kawashima: Ooh, I like it--jazz music, very sensual and romantic! I can see why you'd play it on a date, Kikuchi-san!
Onozuka: Um...shall we continue?
Kawashima: Sorry, I got a little distracted. Is this another handkerchief? Oh, I see...it's a knit hat, folded up.
Onozuka: I'm pretty recognizable with this blond hair, so when I want to go incognito, I need to cover it up.
Kawashima: That makes sense, but it's a shame to cover up that gorgeous hair of yours!
Onozuka: (blushing) Ah...thank you.
Kawashima: And here's your wallet--it's D&G, too. Is that just another coincidence?
Onozuka: (laughing) No, that's my vanity! Katou gave me such a nice bag, so when I needed a new wallet, I decided to buy one to match it.
Kawashima: Can I take a look inside?
Onozuka: Well, I...
Kawashima: There's about 5,000 yen in cash here.
Kikuchi: (laughing) She's pushy, isn't she?
Kawashima: Sorry, but I don't often get a chance to peek into the Golden Prince's private life!
Onozuka: (smiles graciously) It's all right; I don't mind.
Kawashima: When we did this feature with Iwaki-san, he had more than 40,000 yen in his wallet--I was really surprised!
Kikuchi: (laughing) What was he planning to spend it on?
Onozuka: I hear that Iwaki-san doesn't like using credit cards, so he prefers to carry cash. And he has expensive tastes in food and clothes! (laughs) For myself, I get nervous carrying around a lot of cash, so I'll just charge it or use my bank card to withdraw more money if I need to.
Kawashima: There are some pictures in here...a young couple that I don't recognize...
Onozuka: Oh, that's my childhood friend Sasaki and his wife. I was best man at their wedding.
Kawashima: They seem like a nice couple. And here's one of you with Katou-san and Miyasaka-san. You all look like you're having a really good time!
Onozuka: (laughing) We'd gone out drinking and singing karaoke that night and passed by a photo booth on the way home, so those two guys insisted on taking a picture. They had a bit too much to drink and were in a very good mood!
Kikuchi: At least until they woke up the next morning with hangovers, I bet.
Onozuka: Too true!
Kawashima: And is this your family, Onozuka-san?
Onozuka: (quietly) Yes, that was taken back when I was in high school.
Kawashima: Your mother is so beautiful--you look a lot like her!
Onozuka: Thank you.
Kawashima: And your father is very dignified, and your little sister is very cute! But this was several years ago, so she must be a lovely young lady now. And are these pictures of your Onozuka relatives in Okinawa?
Onozuka: Yes, my grandparents and my uncle, aunt, and cousin. I spent pretty much every summer there when I was a kid.
Kawashima: But you don't have any pictures of Kikuchi-san!
Onozuka: (laughing) Well, up until we wrapped up filming, I saw him every day on the set! Besides, he never gave me one.
Kikuchi: Well, I'll have to remedy that! And Onozuka-kun will have to give me one of himself.
Onozuka: (laughing) Don't just decide these things on your own!
Kikuchi: But it's natural for lovers to carry pictures of each other, right?
Kawashima: Absolutely! Let's see...there's something else in here. It's an omamori charm--it looks old and a little faded. Does it have sentimental value for you, Onozuka-san?
Onozuka: Yes, I bought it for good luck in my hometown of Kanazawa before I left for Tokyo.
Kawashima: Well, I think we can all agree that it must have worked! May I ask what shrine it's from?
Onozuka: I bought it at Oyama Shrine, which is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Maeda clan that ruled Kanazawa during the Edo era.
Kawashima: Ah, I remember there was an NHK drama about him and his wife: "Toshiie and Matsu"! It was a nice mix of history, action, drama, and romance.
Onozuka: (laughing) Yes, it was a very good drama, but I was jealous of Karasawa Toshiaki-san, who played Toshiie! Toshiie was my hero when I was growing up--in fact, my friend and I used to play at being samurai, and I always wanted to be Toshiie! So of course as an actor, it was my dream to play him on TV or in a movie one day!
Kawashima: Well, there are still plenty of historical dramas in that time period being made. I'm sure the opportunity for you to play him will come up again!
Onozuka: I certainly hope so!
Kawashima: And I guess that's it... (shakes bag) No, wait--there's one more item left. Oh, it's a lovely silver and turquoise ring! Could it possibly be an engagement ring, or at least a promise ring?
Onozuka: No, no--nothing like that! It's just another item that was given to me after I modeled it for a photo shoot. I was wearing it the other day and had to take it off while I was doing another shoot, so I put it in the bag and I guess I forgot about it.
Kawashima: Oh, that's too bad--I thought I had a big scoop! (glances at Kikuchi) But maybe in the future, we might really see an engagement ring?
Kikuchi: (grinning slyly) Maybe.
Onozuka: Kikuchi-san!
Kikuchi: (laughing) Seriously, we're trying to take things one step at a time. Right now, we're still trying to adjust to having a public relationship, but in the future...it might not be out of the question.
Onozuka: But right now we're just focusing on the present. We'll worry about the future later.
Kawashima: Thank you very much, Onozuka-san. And now it's Kikuchi-san's turn!
***
A Peek Inside Kikuchi's Bag!
by Kawashima Mieko
Kawashima: A black leather bag...it's not a designer brand?
Kikuchi: No, as you can see, it's a bit old and scuffed. It's just for carrying stuff around in, so I figure, what's the point?
Onozuka: (smiling) But why not carry your stuff around in something that looks classy?
Kikuchi: Well, your designer bag was a gift.
Onozuka: True.
Kawashima: And he does have a princely image to uphold!
(Both men laugh.)
Kikuchi: In America, some of my colleagues would tease me for carrying a bag around--they'd call it a "man-purse." (laughs)
Onozuka: Well, if it's a purse, it ought to be prettier! (laughs) But how else are you supposed to carry your belongings?
Kikuchi: In your pockets.
Onozuka: (looking into his bag) I don't think this would all fit into my pockets.
Kikuchi: (laughing) Well, if you're rich and famous enough, you can have an assistant carry it around for you!
Kawashima: So let's see what's inside...ah, another bottle of Gigolo cologne!
Kikuchi: (laughing) Well, it's our job to promote the product, right? Besides, knowing that we're both wearing the same scent makes me feel closer to Onozuka-kun.
Kawashima: Oh, that's so romantic! And here's your cell phone. (disappointed) It doesn't have a strap, though.
Kikuchi: (grinning) Should I get a manju rabbit thing like Onozuka-kun?
Kawashima: Do you call each other a lot?
Onozuka: (laughing) We see each other practically every day for work--first for the film, and now for all these interviews!
Kikuchi: Well, we saw each other on the set every day, but we were usually surrounded by people, so we couldn't really talk freely. When we were still trying to keep our relationship hidden, we used to e-mail each other a lot.
Kawashima: (laughing) It's a very modern sort of love affair!
Kikuchi: (laughing) It is! My phone is probably the most important thing in the bag--
Kawashima: Because it helps you keep in touch with Onozuka-san?
Kikuchi: (laughing) Well, that's the most important thing, of course! But cell phones are very high-tech these days; it's almost as good as carrying around a laptop. There's a lot of downtime on a movie set, hours where you're just sitting around doing nothing, and I can use the phone to call or e-mail Onozuka-kun, my manager, or my friends in America. Or I can use it to surf the web...I do a lot of that during our breaks.
Kawashima: Really? Can I see what kinds of sites you've been browsing? (turns on phone)
Kikuchi: (laughing) Hey, I haven't given you permission yet!
Kawashima: Oh, but your fans want to know what you've been up to, Kikuchi-san! Let's see...oh! It seems like you've been browsing a lot of cooking sites recently.
Kikuchi: (dryly) You sound disappointed. Just what exactly were you expecting to find?
Kawashima: (blushing) Er...well...not that!
Kikuchi: (laughing) Cooking is my hobby. When I'm bored, I look up new recipes to try out.
Onozuka: He's a really great cook!
Kawashima: Do you do all the cooking, Kikuchi-san?
Kikuchi: (laughing) Well, we're not living together yet, but yes, when we are able to spend time together, I do the cooking.
Onozuka: It's true--he really spoils me. (laughs) But I do help with the dishes!
Kawashima: Katou-san likes to cook, too.
(Kikuchi mutters under his breath--something about a "puppy"?)
Kawashima: I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that.
Kikuchi: It's nothing. (coughs) Just clearing my throat, that's all.
Kawashima: The phone has a camera feature, too, I see--do you have any photos of Onozuka-san on here? Oh, you do! Here's one of him in glasses--that's so cute!
Onozuka: (blushing) He insisted that I pose for that one. This is so embarrassing!
Kawashima: And here are a few others---Onozuka-san reading a script; Onozuka-san on the set--it looks like a hospital scene; Onozuka-san on the beach...
Onozuka: Hey, when did you take all these?!
Kikuchi: They're just a few candids I snapped when I wasn't busy filming. You never noticed?
Onozuka: No, of course not!
Kawashima: (laughing) Kikuchi-san, you'd make a pretty good paparazzo. Say...I don't suppose you could send me a copy of these...
Kikuchi: (firmly) No.
(Kikuchi pulls the phone out of the reporter's hand.)
Kawashima: (sighing) Well, it was worth a try. Okay, what's next? Ah, it's another Shisa key ring! They're sort of like Onozuka-san's, but his are orange while yours are blue. Did you get them from the same shop in Okinawa?
Kikuchi: I did. Onozuka-kun spent a lot of time in Okinawa while he was growing up, so he offered to show me around town. We stopped at a gift shop to buy souvenirs for our friends and families, and we both decided to get these for ourselves as a little memento.
Kawashima: Aw, I think it's so sweet that you have a matching set!
(Onozuka blushes.)
Kawashima: By the way, you have an extra set of keys, too...
Kikuchi: They're for my parents' house--I'm not fooling around! (laughs) Don't go trying to get me in trouble with Onozuka-kun!
Onozuka: (laughing) It's okay, I've been to meet Kikuchi-san's parents, so I know he's not hiding anything from me.
Kawashima: And what are Kikuchi-san's parents like?
Onozuka: Well, his father is a retired detective and has a very stern demeanor, so I was a little nervous when I first met him. (laughs) But he turned out to be a very kind and generous man. And Kikuchi-san's mother is a very lovely and elegant lady. She treated me warmly, like I was part of the family, and really made me feel at home.
Kawashima: They sound like wonderful people.
Onozuka: They are.
Kikuchi: (laughing) The feeling is mutual--my mom is a big fan of the Prince!
Kawashima: Moving on...a comb, a ballpoint pen, a handkerchief...
Kikuchi: (grinning) A very useful item to have. You never know when it will come in handy.
Kawashima: Really? For what purpose?
Kikuchi: Oh...you know, the usual: blowing your nose, wiping up spills, comforting a weeping maiden...
Kawashima: You looked as though you were thinking about something a little more naughty, Kikuchi-san! And Onozuka-san is blushing.
Onozuka: I'm not!
Kikuchi: (innocently) I have no idea what you're talking about.
Kawashima: Hmm...Iwaki-san got flustered when I asked him about his handkerchief, too.
Onozuka: (hastily) Moving on...
Kawashima: A paperback book--oh, it's in English!
Kikuchi: It's a mystery novel by Elmore Leonard. I started reading him because he's one of Q-san's favorite authors.
Kawashima: Q-san? Are you referring to the American director who gave you your first role overseas?
Kikuchi: (laughing) Yeah, that's my nickname for him--he told me to call him that when I first started working with him. He's a bit eccentric, but he's a great guy.
Kawashima: I'm impressed that you read in English for fun. I know that you lived in America for ten years, but...
Kikuchi: I'm pretty fluent, but reading in Japanese is much easier, of course. Now that I've moved back home, I don't want my English skills to get rusty, so I read American books and newspapers to keep in practice. And I've been giving Onozuka-kun English lessons.
Kawashima: Are you planning to go back there someday?
Kikuchi: Not permanently, but I still have a lot of friends in America that I keep in touch with. (smiles at Onozuka) I'd like to take Onozuka-kun there for a visit someday. And these days, you need to consider the foreign market.
Kawashima: It's true that "Winter Cicadas" was a big hit in the U.S.
Kikuchi: (dryly) So I've heard.
Kawashima: And the next item is a pair of sunglasses. They're not designer, either?
Kikuchi: (laughing) No, I have a tendency to misplace them, so it would be wasteful to spend a lot of money on them.
Onozuka: Kikuchi-san doesn't need designer clothes or glasses to look good. He can wear jeans and a t-shirt and cheap sunglasses and make them look cool.
Kikuchi: (grinning) That's a big compliment, coming from the Prince!
Onozuka: (blushing) He's always teasing me, calling me "Prince" and "Your Highness"--it's a bit embarrassing.
Kawashima: I think it's cute! Let's see, here's your wallet, Kikuchi-san.
Kikuchi: Ah, wait--
Kawashima: You've got about 6,000 yen...bank card, credit cards, driver's license, and organ donor card--I remember you talked about that during the "Love Reborn" press conference. Family pictures...and...oh! There's a condom tucked into this pocket!
Onozuka: (blushing) Kikuchi-san!
Kikuchi: Um...well...safe sex is very important, after all...
Kawashima: But you and Onozuka-san are in an exclusive relationship, so it shouldn't be necessary, right? Er... (blushing) ...or am I over-thinking things?
Kikuchi: (hastily) Of course we are both healthy and in a committed relationship, so it's not really necessary, but...ah...actually I've had that tucked in there "just in case" since before Onozuka-kun and I were dating, and I just forgot about it. Can we move on, please?
(Onozuka has buried his head in his hands by this point.)
Kawashima: (still blushing) Yes, of course! (laughs) And Onozuka-san thought this feature wouldn't be exciting!
Onozuka: Yes, Kikuchi-san is always full of surprises, isn't he?
(Kikuchi laughs nervously.)
Kawashima: Anyway, the next item is an iPod! Looks like you have mostly Western music on it? Most of the band and song names look like they're in English.
Kikuchi: Yes, having spent the last ten years in America, I haven't really kept up with the Japanese music scene. It's mostly rock, and a little jazz and classical.
Kawashima: (scrolling through playlist) There are a few Japanese songs on here, though. Isn't this the theme song from one of your old detective shows?
Kikuchi: (laughing) Yeah, that makes me look kind of vain, doesn't it? But I really do like the song!
Kawashima: (rummaging through the bag) Lip balm...lemon-flavored throat lozenges...do you have a cold, Kikuchi-san?
Kikuchi: No, but sometimes my throat gets dry, especially with scenes where you have to do a lot of shouting, and I don't want my voice to get raspy.
Kawashima: I seem to recall that Onozuka-san had a sore throat during your press conference.
Onozuka: (smiling sweetly) I'm all better now.
Kawashima: And no kiss marks on your neck, I see.
Onozuka: (blushing) There never were any to begin with!
Kawashima: (laughing) I'm disappointed! But getting back to Kikuchi-san's bag...a pack of gum...
Kikuchi: To freshen my breath and to help fight off cigarette cravings.
Kawashima: You don't smoke?
Kikuchi: I quit while I was living in America. It was too much of a pain, with all the anti-smoking regulations, and anyway, it's bad for your health. But sometimes I still miss it.
Kawashima: Onozuka-san, you don't smoke either?
Onozuka: No, it was strictly forbidden in my house when I was growing up--smoking dulls your sense of taste and smell.
Kawashima: I see...that would be bad for anyone who works with food for a living. Okay, and last item--an appointment book.
Kikuchi: I keep my schedule written down in there.
Kawashima: I noticed that you don't have one, Onozuka-san?
Onozuka: Oh, I keep it electronically, on my phone. And also up here. (taps forehead and smiles) I have a very good memory! And my manager always calls to remind me about important meetings and events.
Kawashima: (flipping through appointment book) Ah, there's a picture of Onozuka-san in here!
Onozuka: There is?
Kikuchi: Uh-oh...
Kawashima: Ah, it's so cute! It's Onozuka-san in a kimono, serving tea--it looks like he's about sixteen or seventeen years old.
Onozuka: What?! Where did you get that?!
Kikuchi: (sheepishly) Well, Sasaki-san and his wife were showing me some pictures of you, and I admired that one so much that they let me keep it.
Onozuka: I see. I'll have to have a word with him.
Kikuchi: (laughing) Oh no, I think I've gotten him into trouble! Please don't be too hard on him, Onozuka-kun.
Onozuka: (wryly but affectionately) Yes, I'm sure most of the blame lies with you, Kikuchi-san.
Kikuchi: I couldn't help myself--you were just so cute in that photo!
Kawashima: (laughing) The two of you are such a cute couple! Thank you very much for your time today, and I'm sure that all of our readers are rooting for you as a couple!
***
While they were driving back home from the interview, Onozuka turned to glare at Kikuchi and said, "I can't believe you had a condom in your wallet!"
"Hey, I didn't know she was going to go digging through it like that!" Kikuchi defended himself.
"Is it really from before we started dating?" Onozuka asked suspiciously.
"Well...no," Kikuchi admitted. "I just thought it might come in handy someday."
"For what?" Onozuka demanded. "We haven't used them since we got tested!"
"Even if they're not needed for disease prevention, there are still times when they could be useful," Kikuchi replied. "Say, if we wanted to have sex in the dressing room and didn't want to make a mess, or..."
"You are such a pervert!" Onozuka exclaimed.
Kikuchi grinned and reminded him, "Well, we've had sex in our dressing rooms before, just not that kind of sex! And I didn't exactly notice you complaining about it."
Onozuka flushed and said, "You're impossible!"--his usual complaint when he couldn't win an argument with Kikuchi. Changing the subject, he asked, "And what was with that comment about me liking rabbits?"
"Sorry, I guess I got it a little wrong," Kikuchi replied. "It was your sister who likes rabbits, right?"
"Did Toshi-chan tell you that?" Onozuka asked disgustedly. "I swear, that guy has such a big mouth!"
"He was just concerned about you," Kikuchi said, feeling a little guilty about dragging poor Toshi into all this.
"I know," Onozuka said impatiently. "I'm not really mad at him, but I'm mad at you for bringing it up in front of the reporter! They don't need to know about my personal life."
"But didn't you buy that silly-looking strap because it reminded you of your sister?" Kikuchi asked quietly. "You don't normally buy stuff like that."
"It's none of your business!" Onozuka snapped, but when Kikuchi gave him a hurt look, he immediately sighed and apologized, "Sorry. But you know I don't like discussing my family with the press."
"I'm sorry, too," Kikuchi apologized. "I just thought..."
He hesitated, and Onozuka asked, "What?"
Kikuchi had thought that if Shiori saw the article, she might realize that her brother was still thinking about her. But maybe that was expecting too much from a silly little anime character charm, not to mention that Onozuka's family might not bother to read an interview in a celebrity gossip magazine.
"Now that all our secrets are out in the open, I wasn't thinking about being careful," Kikuchi said. "I got a little carried away and I didn't stop to consider your feelings. I'm sorry."
"It's not so much that I'm trying to hide my past," Onozuka replied. "But if my family finds out I've been talking about stuff like that to the media, they'll think I'm just exploiting them to enhance my public image."
Kikuchi smiled at him tenderly and said, "You don't want them to think badly of you."
"It's not that!" Onozuka protested, blushing. "I mean, they already think the worst of me, anyway. But still..." He paused, struggling to find the right words--something that was very unusual for the normally eloquent Prince. "I have no problem with lying or putting on a false image to promote my career," he finally said. "But I don't want to tarnish the family name. Well, I guess my father would say that I already have, with my show business scandals, but--"
"I understand," Kikuchi interrupted, reaching out to lay his hand on Onozuka's shoulder for a moment. "You want to protect the family business by keeping it separate from your acting career." He wasn't sure that was actually possible, but he understood that it was important to Onozuka, and he smiled at his lover again. "You act like a cynic," Kikuchi chuckled. "But deep down, you have a hidden streak of idealism--no wonder you get along with Iwaki and Katou so well!"
"Hey, there's no need to be insulting about it!" Onozuka exclaimed with such indignation that Kikuchi couldn't stop himself from bursting into laughter. Onozuka glared at him for a moment before shaking his head and laughing as well.
"They're both idealists, I suppose, but in different ways," Onozuka said when they'd finally stopped laughing. "Katou can manipulate his public image along with the best of us, but he's got a sense of honor, and there are certain lines he won't cross. He's a good guy, but he's sensible enough to know that other people aren't always as well-intentioned. Iwaki can be a bit self-righteous at times, which gets on my nerves, and he's surprisingly naive for someone who made his living as a porn star for so many years."
"What about me?" Kikuchi asked with a grin.
"You are a sneaky, conniving bastard," Onozuka replied without hesitation. "I still don't know how you managed to take those pictures of me without my noticing!"
"It's because I'm a sneaky bastard," Kikuchi laughed.
"There had better not be any nude shots of me on your phone," Onozuka said threateningly.
"I wouldn't dare," Kikuchi sighed regretfully. "Not just because you'd kill me, but because I couldn't take the risk of having them wind up on the internet if I lost the phone or if someone stole it."
"You know, if you wanted a picture of me, you could've just asked," Onozuka told him.
"Let's pose for one as a couple," Kikuchi suggested. "Then we could both have a copy to carry around in our wallets."
"You're beginning to sound as sappy as Katou," Onozuka joked. "But if it will make you happy, I'll go along with it."
"Will you wear your glasses and a kimono for me?" Kikuchi asked hopefully.
Onozuka glared at him again and said, "Don't push your luck."
***
When the magazine hit the stands, Katou picked up a copy and brought it home so that he and Iwaki could read it together.
"Why does the reporter have to keep bringing up the handkerchief thing?" Iwaki grumbled, his cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink.
"Aw, you're so cute when you blush, Iwaki-san!" Katou laughed, not even bothering to try and avoid the light smack on the head that Iwaki gave him. He didn't hit hard enough to hurt, and it was cute to see Iwaki getting so flustered. They finished reading the article, and Katou came to the conclusion that "Kikuchi is a total perv!"
"No more of a pervert than you," Iwaki retorted. "In fact, I'd say that the two of you have a lot in common! I seem to recall that a certain someone was also carrying a condom in his bag."
It was Katou's turn to blush as he protested, "But...well...you never know when it might come in useful!"
"Idiot," Iwaki said, smacking him a little harder this time.
"Well, he also has all those pictures of Onozuka that he took in secret," Katou said defensively.
"And how many pictures of me do you have on your phone and in your wallet and notebook?" Iwaki asked.
"Er...well..." Katou said sheepishly. "But at least I don't have a high school picture of you!" His expression suddenly turned wistful. "Although I'd really love one...and I never did get to see your baby pictures when we visited your family at New Year's..."
"You have absolutely no business calling someone else a pervert," Iwaki told him firmly. "I really don't understand why you and Kikuchi-san don't get along, because the two of you are so much alike!"
"I'm nothing like that dirty old man!" Katou said indignantly.
***
Kikuchi suddenly sneezed in the middle of preparing dinner, and a startled Onozuka said, "Hey, try not to sneeze on the food!"
"Your concern for me is touching," Kikuchi replied sarcastically.
Onozuka laughed, then cooed solicitously, "I'm sorry, are you coming down with a cold or something?" He reached over to place a hand on Kikuchi's forehead. "You don't seem to have a fever."
"I feel okay," Kikuchi replied. "No fever or sore throat or runny nose--that sneeze just came out of nowhere."
"Someone's probably talking about you," Onozuka joked. "I wonder who, and what they're saying?"
"Probably Katou, which means nothing good," Kikuchi replied sourly. Onozuka laughed merrily, and Kikuchi couldn't help but smile in response.
"If I were sick, would you nurse me back to health?" he asked.
Onozuka wrapped his arms around Kikuchi and replied, "I would, but if you were feeling badly enough to need nursing, then you'd probably be too sick to have sex."
"Well then, it's a good thing that I'm not really sick!" Kikuchi laughed, then returned the embrace and kissed Onozuka.
As the playful kiss grew deeper and more prolonged, Onozuka pulled back to gasp, "Hey, what about dinner?"
"It'll keep," Kikuchi replied. "How hungry are you?"
Onozuka leaned in for another kiss and purred, "Very, but for you, not food."
"Then I guess dinner can wait," Kikuchi said with a grin and they hurried off to the bedroom, leaving the half-prepared meal sitting on the kitchen counter.
-End-
Next story in the series: Moving Day
***
Afterword: The interviewer in the manga isn't named, so I thought it would be fun to make her the same reporter who interviewed Onozuka in Unmasked Part 8.
I'm not sure what designer brands are popular in Japan, but Katou mentioned that he likes Dolce & Gabbana, so I decided to go with that for Onozuka.
The Mokona charm on Onozuka's cell phone strap is the character Mokona Modoki from the Tsubasa manga and anime by CLAMP. Another character named Kurogane often compares Mokona to a manju or pork bun, which gave me the idea that Onozuka would buy it because it reminds him of his bunny-loving little sister.
The Shisa keychains are based on this picture, which I uploaded to my Scrapbook. The red one is the souvenir that Onozuka bought for Miyasaka, so I figured why not use the orange and blue ones for O&K?
All the bands/artists on Onozuka's MP3 player are real, except for the fictional band managed by Kikuchi's friend. Hikawa Kiyoshi's nickname really is the Prince of Enka! I chose the name "Red Sands" for Kikuchi's friend's band because in First Date Part 2, I had described the music as being sensual and passionate, and that reminded me of a romance novel I once read called Summer's End by Kathleen Gilles Seidel. I bought it mainly because I'm a big skating fan and the main character is a figure skater (who falls in love with her ruggedly handsome new stepbrother), and in one scene, she is trying to find music for a new skating program. The music she listens to makes her think of the color red--the color of love and sex and passion. For some reason, that stuck in my mind, and I was thinking that the fictional jazz band's music sounded "red."
(Incidentally, although it's not my usual cup of tea, I really liked that novel. It was much better written than your standard cookie-cutter Harlequin, and showed good characterization in bringing the supporting characters to life. It wasn't just about the romance between the skater and the stepbrother, but also about how the skater's family has been slowly falling apart since the death of her mother, and how her father's remarriage serves as the catalyst that allows them to heal and come back together. It's probably too sentimental for Yoshizumi, but I really liked it. ^_^)
5,000 yen = approximately $50, and 40,000 yen = approx. $400. In the Sweet 10 Fanbook, Iwaki said that he prefers to carry cash because he doesn't like using credit cards.
An omamori is a small good luck charm or amulet in the form of a small cloth bag with a prayer slip inside.
I talked about Maeda Toshiie previously in the afterword for Going Steady Part 2. There was indeed a drama about Toshiie, starring real life actor Karasawa Toshiaki. Toshiie also appears as a supporting character in many historical dramas, most recently Tenchijin (although Onozuka would be too young for that role, since it portrays Toshiie as an older man, in the latter years of his life).
Onozuka's ring is the one that he's wearing in the "Emergency Door" color spread illustration.
Since I had based Kikuchi's American director partly on Quentin Tarantino, I dubbed him "Q-san" here. ^_^ When I was trying to think of an American book that Kikuchi could be reading, I remembered that Tarantino made a movie (Jackie Brown) based on an Elmore Leonard novel (Rum Punch), though I did also consider Jonathan Kellerman (whose Alex Delaware series features gay homicide detective Milo Sturgis).
And as mentioned in the afterword of Valentine's Day Surprise, in Japan when you sneeze, it's supposed to mean that someone is talking about you behind your back.
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This was infinitely amusing. The interviewer seems to have a megane fetish as well as a penchant for asking embarrassing questions about handkerchiefs.
I was wondering if she'd find a condom in Onozuka's wallet that he'd put there and forgotten about. XD
Thanks for sharing!
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I'm glad you enjoyed the fic--I think I transferred my own megane fetish onto the reporter! And I felt like Kikuchi would be the more likely one to have a condom in his wallet, with Onozuka being so concerned about his princely image. ~_^
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No condoms in my wallet, though! ~_^
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the nightstand'll do XDDD
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What was that joke about the handkerchief?? i can't remember it from Haru *sniff* All i could think of was using it to clean up after handjobs, blowjobs, impromptu sex in not-so-public private places, hee =) And, when you had that little section with Katou and Iwaki talking about stuff they kept in their bags and charms and stuff, all i kept remembering was the strand of Iwaki's pubic hair that Katou kept for a a good luck charm, hee =) Ooh, last thing, you will still be writing more about Kikuchi x Onozuka, right?? Cos Onozuka hasn't patched up with his dad and family yet, and Kikuchi will propose to Onozuka somewhere along the line too, right?? *hopeful*
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To answer your questions, my version of Onozuka has the ability to blush (and cry) on cue, so the only time he was blushing for real during the interview was when the reporter found the condom in Kikuchi's wallet--he really wasn't expecting that! ~_^
The joke about the handkerchief comes from the "A Peek Inside Iwaki's Bag" feature at the end of Book 3. Iwaki says, "I always try to remember my handkerchief. There are times when I need it unexpectedly..." When the reporter asks what he needs it for, Iwaki starts blushing and says, "Ah...um...Oh! Like if I spill my drink!" (I assume he was thinking of the time he used it for clean-up after their backstage handjob during the Gigolo photo shoot). In Katou's interview, he grins and says he wonders why Iwaki would be so embarrassed about a handkerchief. I thought it was really cute how easily Iwaki gets embarrassed! And he would probably die of embarrassment if the reporter found the pubic hair good luck charm! ^_^
I will definitely be writing more about Kikuchi and Onozuka. I have a few shorter fic ideas I want to work on, and then I'll tackle what will probably a multi-chapter fic dealing with Onozuka patching things up with his family. As for a proposal...we'll see! ~_^ (I kind of have something special in mind for them, but I don't want to give away the details yet.)
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In short: HOW DID I MISS THIS????
It's great and funny, and it tells so much about Onozuka and Kikuchi, and they are so lovey-dovey CUTE!
I loved how jealous Kikuchi was, for no reason, just... possessive. And it is very true that he and Katou are alike in that respect, probably why they don't get along at all.
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Heh heh, glad you liked it--though I bet Yoshizumi would be completely nauseated!
It is funny how Kikuchi and Katou are becoming more and more alike.