Like the Good Times [Open]

[Tsukimori Ryosuke]

Ryosuke sighed deeply and sank down into the bath, instantly savoring the feeling of the hot bath water on his muscles. He felt achy all over, the result of a long, difficult rehearsal for the Karasumori Men's Tumbling Team. The water was so warm, in fact, it was even steaming slightly. Ryosuke found himself retreating to his favorite spot in the tub, towards one corner, where he could lean over the side, and relaxed. Now, at least, if he fell asleep, he would likely wake up if he was slipping in. At least, he couldn't imagine sleeping through hitting his head on the corner of the tub on his way down.

Ryosuke was currently in the bath by himself, but he didn't think it would be too long before the others joined him. He'd announced at the end of the rehearsal that he was going to make the most of the Tsuchiya Bathhouse that night, so if no one showed up, it was more likely out of some kind of prank attempt on him than anything else.

"But they'd sure be missing out if they didn't come here..." Ryosuke leaned back against the edge of the bath, closing his eyes and crossing his arms behind his head. There was something like utter bliss about just being able to soothe the hard work of the day by sitting in a steaming tub with pals.

Ryosuke didn't hear the door open. He probably wouldn't have blinked an eye even if he had.

[Azuma Wataru]

Wataru was super tired after todays rehersal. He was attempting to perform 4 backward somersaults all in one go. And as expected, he didnt succeed. It was kind of obvious that he wasnt going to make it but he desperately wanted to try.
It WAS worth a try, he thought.

All the he wanted now was to relax. To sit back and forget all those tought times. Even if it was just for a while.
Without realising, he had walked towards the bathhouse's direction. Hmm.. it was a good idea.

When he entered, he found another person enjoying themselves in the edge of the tub. He recognised who it was immediately. One, because of the hair. Two, because of the spot where that person sat. And three, he could just feel his presence?

Ryosuke.

He seemed to be enjoying himself too much so Wataru didnt even bother to greet him. Everyone deserved a bit of a 'in your own land' time. Especially after practise.

Wataru sat down on the chairs and started to shampoo himself.
Bubbles... white and frothy. Secretly, he loved how they felt. But there was not any chance he was going to confess this to anyone.

"Bubbles" He said quietly smiled and made more throught the soap and water from the shower head.

He was busily playing with the bubbles he had formed when he didnt realise another person entering the bathhouse..

[Mizusawa Taku]

ooc: That bit about hitting your head on the tub, Ryosuke, made me laugh out loud for some reason. XD And the part about bubbles in Wataru's post made me laugh too! XD And...Why does this feel so awkward? XD

ic: It had been a very, very long day of practice, enough so that Mizusawa was feeling pretty wiped out by the end of the school day. Generally, after school he would head home to drop off his things and rest a bit, before meeting up with the guys to head to the bathhouse, or to Wataru's mother's restaurant. But today was an exception. He was too tired to make that trip. Instead, he'd found himself heading to the bathhouse right after school got out.

He knew for a fact that Ryosuke would be there too, as the other boy had suggested they all meet there. And undoubtedly, the others would follow suit. At least they could all unwind together after a long day.

Knowing his way to the bathhouse very well, Mizusawa made his way in, was identified by Satoshi's family, and was allowed free entrance into the baths. In the nearby changing room, he stripped out of his clothes and left them besides his messenger bag, before wrapping one of the smaller yellow towels provided around his waist. Picking up the supplied wash cloth as well, he turned to leave.

When he entered the bath area, he was a tad surprised to find the bathhouse so empty. In fact, he'd been expecting the whole gang to make it there before him. But the only two people who were there so far were Ryosuke and Azuma. Ryosuke seemed to have draped himself over the side of the tub, his usual position, whereas Azuma had not yet entered the bath, and was instead shampooing his hair on the outside of the tub before entering. If he weren't so exhausted, Mizusawa would have laughed at how silly the red-haired Yankee looked, playing with the bubbles. Instead, he decided to wash up as quickly as he could, so he could join Ryosuke in the tub for some relaxing time too.

For whatever reason, maybe because he was so tired from practice, he did not consider what exactly Ryosuke had seen not too long ago.

"Hey guys," he called, giving a weary smile to his two teammates, before moving for one of the nearby stools. He sat down in front of one of the mirrors and began soaping up his wash cloth. "Long practice, huh?" he began, trying for some means of conversation. At the same time, he began to soap up his body quickly, wanting to get in the tub as fast as possible.

[Hino Tetsuya]

ooc: Sorry guys... with is a bit BLAH but im soooo sleepy!


Hino was happy to be at the tail end of the day, it had been long, longer than what seemed normal. He breathed a light sigh of relief as he made his way to the baths. He wasn’t usually one for the public baths, usually preferring the privacy of his home. But he was not in the mood for home at the present time. He’d already had a day full of stress and insanity, and now was the time to unwind and relax.

With his own small towel about his waist, cloth in one hand and his vanilla scented soap in the other he headed for the bath area, greatly looking forward to soaking himself in the deep heat, and letting the steam soak into his pores.

However, to his dismay the bath was occupied by two people he knew far too well for his liking. Their brightly colored hair a dead giveaway of their identity even through the water and bubbles, though Hino had to look a little closer to see who the third occupant was.

He debated briefly whether he should just turn around and leave, maybe just go home and pretend he’d never arrived. But they’re seen him, and leaving would just warrant their questions. He continued on his way into the steam filled room ignoring their looks and hoping their voices wouldn’t join them.

He took a stool as far from Azuma as he could manage hoping he could wash up quickly enough to soon make himself comfortable in the bath. From his new angle he could see the unknown persons face, and to his dismay he realised who it was.

Mizusawa…

He blinked and released a heavy breath quickly returning his attention back to his washing. He hadn’t spoken to Mizusawa since he’d been at his house, so being in the baths together… was awkward, to say the very least.

He frowned and forced his heart beet to steady.

[Tsukimori Ryosuke]

Ryosuke smiled to himself. He'd begun to think about what life would be like if he could retreat to a bath house such as this one any time he was stressed or facing some kind of problem. To just be able to escape to this soothing, silky warmth and conk out for a while....it was pure heaven.

Though, he was surprised he was facing heaven alone after the day's routine...

Ryosuke forced his eyes open and turned his head left, admittedly a little surprised to find that the bath house seemed to have begun to fill up while he'd been off in "La-La Land". But he'd only been lost in thought for a matter of minutes. The other guys must have been right behind him when he'd made his way here, and for a moment, he felt his face redden at the thought that he'd marched all the way here without noticing them.

The first person Ryosuke took notice of was Wataru. He'd made himself comfy outside the bath and seemed to be in the same state Ryosuke had been in previously, looking dreamy and lost in thought as he soaped his head.

"Bubbles."

Ryosuke had to put a hand over his mouth to keep from snorting. The words had sounded as dreamy as Wataru seemed to be feeling. Had Ryosuke made any more noise, splashed the water slightly or something, he wouldn't even had heard it.

Ryosuke grinned. Not gonna interrupt his personal moment."

The next person he noticed was Mizusawa, who was smiling and waving. "Hey guys!" The other boy looked fairly relaxed after the long rehearsal and took a spot in front of one of the mirrors, where he set to work soaping up. "Long practice, huh?"

Ryosuke found himself quickly turning away, and his smile drooped. In fact, he found himself shifting slightly in the tub water. He still hadn't....quite gotten over....

The Yankee cleared his throat and tried to find a more comfortable spot in the tub. "Hey, Mizusawa. Yeah it was." He glanced quickly over at Wataru, hoping his words hadn't sounded as suspicious as he thought they had. It wasn't that he disliked Mizusawa, or even Hino, for what he'd encountered between the two of them. But he just felt.....he couldn't....God, it was just so damn awkward.

And as if aware of Ryosuke's current plight, in came Hino, wearing his own little towel and looking--after Ryosuke turned to see who'd arrived--just as uneasy about Ryosuke being there as Ryosuke had been about Mizusawa. Though, the Yankee couldn't determine if that was because of what he himself had walked in on or simply because Hino didn't want two Yankees around. Ryosuke had seen him glance over at Wataru too.

Hino turned away to leave them behind for, moments later, the steam room, and Ryosuke couldn't help sighing. Good. The further he was away, the better. Although, the closer he was to Mizusawa....

Ryosuke gripped the edge of the bath until his knuckles whitened, rubbing water out of his eyes to see if either of the guys planned to have any bath time fun. If they were going to do something here and now--they were sitting a lot closer together than Hino was sitting to Azuma, for instance--then Ryosuke would be damned if he didn't get up and leave.

He needed a distraction, actually. A distraction--that was what he needed. Yeah.

"Eh...uh....Oi, Wataru!" Ryosuke fixed his gaze on the dazed redhead, trying to avoid eye contact with the two guys opposite them.

[Azuma Wataru]

"Bubbles".
This was Wataru's relaxation area. One where he would love the most. He loved shampooing his bright red hair with the fluffy white bubbles. The only thing that could beat this was soaking in the warm bath.
Wataru had a habit of shampooing his hair twice before conditioning it. When he was about to wash off the first set of bubbles, he heard someone say Hey, guys It was Mizusawa. One of the best in their team. He didnt appear to be that tired.. not as much as Ryosuke and himself. Well, he was more skilled than them and he had been doing tumbling for a while now.
Long practise huh? Yes, it was long.. and tiring.

"Yo, yeh i'm wiped out" Wataru nodded as he answered Mizusawa. In a way, he liked how Mizusawa was quiet and reserved. How he wouldnt get into fights easily and was patient in teaching him how to tumble. He was a good teacher. One that wouldnt get annoyed easily if the yankee behaved himself.

Wataru resumed his ritual of soaping up. It was time for his second round of shampooing when someone else had entered.
Hino.

Hino had always seemed to be unsocial with the rest of the group but this time, he felt as if Hino was bothered by the presence of some of the other members, not just him. He glanced around at the other two. Ryosuke noticed his entry too. Wataru saw Ryosuke's expression change from the 'dreamy' look to a more alert look. Mizusawa also didnt seem that much happier to see Hino arriving. He wondered what they were going to say to each other and if Hino was going to leave. Wataru wondered what had happened between them but decided not to ask.

The bathhouse was a place for relaxation. Not for sorting out fights.

"Yo, Hino!" Wataru greeted Hino as no one else seemed to welcome him. He liked being polite in the bathhouse for some reason. It just seemed so peaceful in here.

Wataru put alot more shampoo this time. He wasnt supposed to but he was distracted by the others in the bathhouse. The atmosphere seemed kind of weird. He was starting to drift off back into his world as he was massaging his head. He was sleepy and tired. And it was warm in here.

Then suddenly, Eh...uh....Oi, Wataru!

Wataru snapped out of his world and turned to Ryosuke's direction.

"Oh, you're not dreaming anymore?" He teasingly questioned his friend. He couldnt stop himself smiling as he remembered how Ryosuke almost looked drug just a few moments ago.

This distracted him once again and he accidently got some shampoo into his left eye. "UWA! It hurts!" It was burning his eye and he tried to reach for the shower head only to accidently knock over the shower gel and the conditioner.

"It hurts! Man, Ryosuke, look what you made me do!" Wataru pouted as he finally found the showerhead and relieved his eye from the burning sensation. He thought he was almost going to go blind.

[Kiyama Ryuichiro]

OOC: My spacial intelligence is zilch, so I have no idea how everyone is sitting... sorry if I'm making up crap about the seating arrangements... >_> OMFG CRAP POST COMMENCE

It had been a long day.

Practice had been particularly harsh, and classes had been... well, class.

Being so long, it was the kind of evening on which Kiyama would usually find something to do himself, to clear his head and wind down... go to the arcade, stroll around the pier... something like that. But Ryosuke had been so enthusiastic about getting the group together at the bathhouse that evening he really felt obligated to go.

Clothes and such set aside, towels and bath things in tow, he walked into the room to see...

"UWA! It hurts!"

Wataru, whining about something or other.

"It hurts! Man, Ryosuke, look what you made me do!" Wataru whimpered, reaching for the showerhead and knocking over everything in his way in the process.

Kiyama sighed. It really wasn't anything new or out of the ordinary, and nothing he figured he should pay mind to. He silently waved to the others, and moved to take a seat across from the recoiling redhead.

"You're certainly lively for being so tired earlier," he joked, smirking.

Kiyama was arranging his things at his feet when he noticed that he was two stools over from Mizusawa. He smiled a bit and nodded slightly to the boy, not sure if he'd get acknowledged back. Despite the comical scene that was just taking place, it was oddly quiet... it did feel a little tense, he guessed? Or maybe that was just his need for sleep talking.

He proceeded to lather his body, making sure to catch glimpses of the other's faces. Wataru's was contorting with the pain of his little mishap, of course. Mizusawa... Kiyama found him hard to read. Harder than most people, in fact, something that made him a little uncomfortable. Biting his lip, he moved on to washing his hair.

He didn't expect get anything useful from Hino's face. But it took one peek at Ryosuke to tell that he wasn't enjoying himself all too much; he was fidgeting and obviously trying to avoid looking at someone, although Kiyama couldn't tell who. He was trying not to look like anything was wrong, and that was strange, being that he was the one so gung-ho about happy fun bathing relaxing time together. Kiyama wondered if something had happened before he'd gotten there... besides the shampoo fiasco, of course.

[Mizusawa Taku]

ooc: I just stupidly realized that I had omitted the whole fact that Ryosuke was in the scene with Mizusawa and Hino...Good job, Alex. >< *smacks self* Well......I'll go edit my other post after replying to this! And also, thanks guys! You gave me a ton to work with! (Oh, and kinolee's post is NOT crap! AT ALL. )

ic: Mizusawa felt the sudden tension in the air after he'd spoken. He should have known that Ryosuke might not have gotten over what he'd accidentally seen that night not too long ago. After all, to put it bluntly...Well, Ryosuke was as straight as an arrow.

Mizusawa felt his body wilt a little. A lot of that night had been accidents...In fact, everything that had happened had been one giant accident. Not that he saw those accidents as a bad thing. It seemed fate had been wanting to tell him something all along. He'd learned something about himself that he hadn't known before. And there was one person not in this room he had to thank for that...No matter how confused he was feeling about the whole thing, at the moment.

Even though Ryosuke was looking a tad uncomfortable, at least he finally took the time to reply. "Hey, Mizusawa. Yeah it was."

Mizusawa nodded in response, quickly looking away. Maybe coming here hadn't been such a good idea. He hadn't thought that things would be so awkward after.......well, that was because he really hadn't thought at all.

Luckily, Wataru spoke next, sounding as carefree as he usually did. He had no idea what had happened, and Mizusawa was entirely grateful for that.

"Yo, yeh i'm wiped out" Wataru nodded as he answered Mizusawa.

He couldn't help giving Wataru a small smile in response to his honest words. Even though Wataru could be loud and obnoxious at all the wrong moments, this was not one of them. It felt good to have someone around like Wataru...Despite how hot-headed the Yankee could be, he was...well, Mizusawa had started to like him a lot.

And that was when he felt the presence of someone else. He didn't see who it was, not until the other was sitting down to wash up as well.

"Yo, Hino!" Wataru was the only one to actually greet Hino.

Suddenly, Mizusawa felt something unexplainable, as his stomach flip-flopped. He should have expected Hino to be here, right? But after what had happened......It hadn't been a bad thing, not in the slightest, but they hadn't talked to each other since then, and had sort of avoided each other for the past few practices. What was going to happen, now that they were together here? Hino rarely talked to anyone, except Mizusawa, and of course Yuuta, who was not here at the moment.

Quickly, Mizusawa looked away before he was caught staring, setting down his washcloth. Now was as good a time as any to head for the bath. He wasn't sure what would happen when...they were in there together...But he'd have to try to think of something to say to Hino, so the other wouldn't feel left out.

He heard Ryosuke call out Wataru's name, but he didn't pay much attention to it. Instead, he focused on finishing up washing his hair, now rinsing the shampoo out so that he could head over to the tub as fast as possible. He closed his eyes so that none would get in and then, ironically, something very related happened to Wataru.

"UWA! It hurts!" It was burning his eye and he tried to reach for the shower head only to accidentally knock over the shower gel and the conditioner. "It hurts! Man, Ryosuke, look what you made me do!"

Mizusawa's eyes quickly opened, and he looked up in time to see Wataru knock down several bottles of shampoo and conditioner before finally finding what he was looking for--the shower hose. A moment later and he was rinsing out his eyes, apparently having gotten shampoo in them.

Mizusawa wanted to ask if the Yankee was okay, but at the moment, he wasn't sure he wanted to bring too much attention to himself. Ryosuke was still being awkward, and Hino was still here too. If he just kept quiet and kept to himself for the duration that he was here, he could probably relax for a little bit and then leave...

Then Kiyama walked in. Right in time to see the show Wataru was accidentally putting on. He looked as tired as the rest of them, but at least he made the move to wave to all of them. Mizusawa felt a strange feeling in his gut at the sight of Kiyama. After everything that had happened, he'd become so confused about his own feelings. He really wasn't sure how he felt anymore. But at least now, around Kiyama, he wasn't as shy. That was some sort of plus.

"You're certainly lively for being so tired earlier," he joked, smirking.

He watched as Kiyama sat down only two stools away, then suddenly turned to him, smiled and nodded. Mizusawa was taken slightly by surprise, but he nodded back in response, managing something of a smile himself. Then he picked up his face cloth, having finished washing up, and headed over to the tub to finally get in. He avoided looking at Ryosuke, knowing the other would probably avoid him just as much.

Choosing a spot at the other end of the tub from Ryosuke, he sank down into the water, feeling his muscles relax in the heat of it. He couldn't help sighing at the relieving feeling--it was really a treat to be able to go to a bathhouse after every rehearsal, to relax his muscles for practice the next day. And he really did enjoy hanging out with friends, and...others...

Having placed the wet face cloth over his forehead, he closed his eyes and gently rested his head back against the tile, trying to relish as much as he could the good feeling of being in the bath. He was hoping that a little more time in here and he would feel his spirits become as relieved as his muscles, but of course, part of that all depended on if he could get himself to relax.

But things don't seem too bad, he couldn't help thinking to himself. I guess if I just avoid Ryosuke and...Hino...things will be okay.

He'd never felt more willing to have a conversation with Kiyama before.

[Tsukimori Ryosuke]

ooc: Agreed! No one's posts are crap!!! Although, mine cut it close.

"Oh, you're not dreaming anymore?"

Ryosuke offered a smile back at his best friend and even opened his mouth to respond, super grateful for the distraction, when Wataru invented his own distraction. Ryosuke watched a glob of shampoo slide down the other's face, right into his left eye, and then the madness ensued.

"UWA! It hurts!" Bottles of shampoo and other bath house goods were suddenly sailing through the air. "It hurts! Man, Ryosuke, look what you made me do!"

Ryosuke threw his hands up, accidentally sending some of the bath water flying, and couldn't help laughing. "What did I do? It's your soap and your eye!"

At that moment, Kiyama strode into the room, probably set on taking his spot in the smaller tub that was adjoined to the big one. Ryosuke was suddenly wondering why he hadn't thought to do the same... The blond Yankee offered the new arrival a quick wave, then slapped his hand back into the water.

It wasn't much later that Mizusawa stood up from the stool and began to approach.

WHA!? Now he was coming into the bath?

Ryosuke subconsciously found himself pressing harder and harder against the tile at his back, as if willing himself to go through it and right into the next bath room. He must have been quite stupid to have thought Mizusawa was going to do anything else. Who really washed up and walked right back out the door?
Yet even so, Ryosuke hadn't been considering that he'd have to share the bath with....Mizusawa after....

He could climb out himself and leave...that was definitely a possibility. But it was quite a bit obvious, wasn't it? Everyone would know something was up, if they hadn't noticed already. And as much as he felt uncomfortable, Ryosuke didn't want to hurt Mizusawa's feelings. He really liked the guy, he respected his ability to be patient and calm, respected his talents on the Tumbling mats. He just....didn't quite share the same other passions as his classmate.

Ryosuke tried to remember the way the warm water had been relieving his tense muscles when he'd first gotten in. If he could get himself to relax and think nothing of it, the water would definitely help...Why did he have to be such an idiot? Was it such a bad thing, really? It probably happened all the time...

Just....idiots like me don't usually walk in on that kind of thing, he couldn't help thinking bitterly, closing his own eyes. Ryosuke briefly wondered how bad it looked, him sitting there, being unnaturally silent and probably looking as though he was about to be sick. He opened just one eye to glance over at Kiyama, who he was sure--if out of anyone present--would notice something wrong. But at the moment, the other had his back to him, so he couldn't see his face.

What was he going to do.....

[Azuma Wataru]

OOC: You guys have great posts compared to mine!

You're certainly lively for being so tired earlier Even Kiyama was making fun of him now. Just great.

Wataru had never felt so thankful that water existed. He was spraying his almost disabled eye with the showerhead directly. Luckily, the water power was not that strong. Finally, he managed to flush all the shampoo out, but this made him lose motivation in continuing to resume his normal 'full soap course before bathing' ritual. He hoped that no one realised that he would always do the same when they came into the bathhouse. He was almost always last to get in the bath because he had to perform that ritual.

What did I do? It's your soap and your eye! Ryosuke had been laughing at the red head and his stupid actions. Wataru pretty much ignored him, except he jokingly glared at his friend.

Then he briefly soaped his body, rinsed the soap off and began heading to the tub. He realised that Mizusawa had already settled himself opposite Ryosuke, so Wataru decided to go into the other tub. He liked his own personal space. Walking towards the smaller bath when Wataru thought that Ryosuke appeared to be acting a bit funny. Funny? Was that the right word to use? Rather, uncomfortable and lost. Yes, he was definitely not enjoying himself as much.

Stepping into the bath, Wataru could almost go back into his own world. He sat on the edge of the short wall which seperated the smaller bath and the bigger one. He was not facing Ryosuke or Mizusawa. Infact, his back was entirely turned. Slowly, he began sinking down into the warm water until the waterlevel just reached his collarbone. Sighing with relief, he added loudly "This is the best!"

Remembering how umcomfortable Ryosuke looked, it made him feel uneasy as well. So he turned around and rested his head on the wall. His chin was just sitting on top of the dividing tiles as he looked at Ryosuke. Yes, he still looked lost. Frowning a little, he glanced at Mizusawa who did not seem to realise how weird Ryosuke was acting.

For once in Wataru's life, he didnt seem to be the slow one. It was ABOVE obvious that something was weird.

Then, Wataru sat up a little, facing the other two guys and splashed some water onto Ryosuke's face. It was more than he intended and Wataru hoped that it wouldnt startle the other yankee too much.

Wataru was laughing as he splashed some more water onto Ryosuke. "HAH, Baka! I hope it didnt go up your nose!"

Wataru also wanted to splash Mizusawa but wasnt sure if it was a wise choice so he refrained himself from doing so.

Instead, accidentally he muttered "I wonder why everyone is so quite today...It almost seems a bit weird."

[Hino Tetsuya]

Hino ignored the others as best he could while he cleaned himself up in readiness for the bath. He could hear their voices good and well echoing through the room but he was in no mood for speaking with them. He had other things on his mind.

Other things like the fact that not only was he in the bath house with Mizusawa, but also with Tsukimori, who had had the misfortune of interrupting a very telling moment in his life. Hino was unsure whether he felt sorry for Tsukimori for what he had seen and his impression from that moment or whether he was just plain angry that Tsukimori had entered the situation at all.

Hino told himself that he was not going to let it show just how awkward the Yankees presence made him feel. Because Hino felt, that just like the wild Lion, a Yankee could sense fear and unease. And through his teenaged life he had made it a great importance to make sure people could never tell when he felt… well, anything.

Hino squinted irritably when he heard Azuma making a nuisance of himself yelling and flailing about, Tsukimori then offered some kind of comfort while Kiyama and Mizusawa remained quiet. Hino sighed lightly and finished washing himself off and stood draping his folded washcloth over his right shoulder.

"I wonder why everyone is so quite today...It almost seems a bit weird." Azuma stated, Hino was surprised that he had actually picked up on the atmosphere at all. He considered for a moment that maybe he underestimated Azuma’s character. Then the image of Azuma thrashing about with soap in his eye popped in his head and he brushed his praise aside.

Upon approaching the bath he noticed a couple of things. One of those things being that both Mizusawa and Tsukimori were already there, and Azuma in the one beside them, while Kiyama was still washing off. And the second being, what surprised him the most, was that Tsukimori looked far more uncomfortable about the situation than Mizusawa did.

Or…

Hino thought curiously. Mizusawa was just better at hiding it.

A thought graced his mind, one that would have brought a smirk to his lips if he were so inclined to smirk in such a situation. Instead he strode forward and stepped into the bath beside Mizusawa, making sure to watch Tsukimori closely as he did so.

He was about to have a little… fun.


ooc: Sorrrry I was sooooo late to reply to this guys!!! I hope it's ok >.<

[Kiyama Ryuichiro]

OOC: OMG y'all! So sorry that I forgot about this post... >.<

Mizusawa smiled something like a smile back at Kiyama. The latter wondered if he should take note of it. Mizusawa always acted a bit... what was the word? "Off," maybe? Then again, everyone in the room seemed to be fitting in that category at the moment.

Speaking of which, he turned back to the boy sitting in front of him. Amused, he watched as Wataru flailed about and finally found a hose to wash the water out of his eyes. This was the king of Karasumori High, alright. Long may he reign.

Unfortunately, at this point the King took it upon himself to take Kiyama's usual spot in the smaller tub as his throne that particular evening. Kiyama begrudgingly sighed. He knew he shouldn't be upset but he could get a little territorial from time to time. He also figured that his little space would set him apart from this not-so-obvious drama that was going on.

He looked from his side to the tub to see that sometime during his thoughts that Mizusawa had gotten into the tub, and was sitting at the far end. Nothing big, maybe he was saving a spot of Takenaka or Kaneko? Kiyama turned his attention back to his hygiene.

"This is the best!" Wataru shouted from... his spot for the evening. Kiyama didn't even bother to look. A few scrubs later, he heard a loud splash and the redhead yelling again. "HAH, Baka! I hope it didnt go up your nose!"

Kiyama sighed again. Note to self: do not sit by Azuma today.

Just as loudly, but in a much more thoughtful voice, he heard the redheaded yankee muse openly. "I wonder why everyone is so quite today...It almost seems a bit weird."

Oh, Azuma Wataru. You miss a lot, but when you do, you always call it like you see it. His brashness was familiar and comforting to Kiyama... at least compared to this Bathtime Cold War that was going on around him.

But no one really addressed what he had said.

Kiyama looked up in time to see Hino get up and head for the tub. He also looked up in time to see Hino shoot a look towards Ryosuke. Huh? What the hell kind of business would he have with Tsukimori Ryosuke?

Kiyama wondered if he should try to play the mediator that night. He had already guessed that Ryosuke was... uncomfortable, to say the least, and that someone else in the room was the cause of it. Really, what could have happened before he'd arrived?

He folded his towel as he debated in his head what would be the lesser of two evils. But he remembered that he'd already told himself that he would not be sitting by King Wataru, that evening. There was a lot of space in the middle of the big tub, so he'd just do his best to ignore the down-low drama that may or may not have been going on.

Kiyama set his bath things down and walked over to the hot tub, sliding into a spot in between Ryosuke and Hino. He immediately leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. He would be a physical barrier between the two, but he'd be damned if he was actively going to be pulled into whatever was happening. Even if the company wasn't all too great that night, he'd enjoy the relaxing hot waters of the tub. He'd better.

It had been a long day.

[Mizusawa Taku]

ooc: I love the way Ryosuke was written in his last post. XD Very Ryosuke...And after reading everyone's, I'm so happy. XD These are so great! I like this line: Kiyama sighed again. Note to self: do not sit by Azuma today. XD

ic:

Mizusawa was grateful for the continuing distraction Wataru had accidentally provided. It gave him enough time to close his eyes beneath the face cloth and relax his breathing, relax himself...Enjoy the water.

Even though shortly after, the room was a bit silent. Mizusawa heard someone else climbing into the water, though it sounded like someone was going into the other bath. He wondered if it was Kiyama? Or Hino? At the thought of Hino going to the other bath rather than this one, he actually felt a bit disappointed. Curious to see if that was the case, he gently removed the face cloth from his face and put it over his hair instead, looking around to see what was going on.

A moment later, and he sighed with relief. It was Wataru. Wataru had gone into the other bath. There was a sigh of relief from the other boy, then the words, "This is the best!" His voice was loud enough to disturb the momentarily silent room. Mizusawa felt himself relaxing. He was overreacting about things. What was wrong with him, getting tense at every little moment of silence? Nothing was wrong here--except between him and Ryosuke...and maybe Hino. Otherwise, it seemed like a relatively normal day. And Wataru, at least, was being his regular hyperactive self.

At that moment, Wataru splashed Ryosuke in the face with some of the bath water.

"HAH, Baka! I hope it didnt go up your nose!"

The look on his face and his laugh alone made Mizusawa smile. For some reason, it was hard not to feel a little better in the red-haired Yankee's presence. He just had that type of personality that made it easier to deal with...well, other things. Especially because he often seemed oblivious to when there were "other things" going on at the same time.

Of course, that was when Mizusawa was proven wrong, as Wataru seemed to have sensed the silence from a moment before as well. There was another short pause before he spoke. "I wonder why everyone is so quite today...It almost seems a bit weird."

Mizusawa tensed, afraid that perhaps the boy's words would spur Ryosuke into saying something about what he'd seen. He didn't think Ryosuke was that type of guy, but really, anything was possible. Trying to keep his voice from sounding strained, he gave a small laugh. "Maybe because Kaneko isn't here? Or Nippori? They're usually the loud ones, I think. Aside from you," he pointed out, giving Wataru a small smile.

There was movement out of the corner of his eye. Distracted, he turned to see who it was.

Hino was approaching, the look on his face completely unreadable. Mizusawa felt the smile fading off his own face, as he watched each and every one of Hino's moves. The younger boy was getting into the tub now--right beside him. But Hino wasn't meeting his eye--rather, he was watching Ryosuke the entire time.

Mizusawa looked between the two, brow slightly furrowed in confusion. Had something happened between them when he hadn't been around? It was certainly possible. They were both pretty stubborn in their own ways. But he hoped they weren't going to fight or anything, especially if this had something to do with.....

Of course, that wasn't the only thing on his mind. The younger boy had sat down so close to him that their arms, sticky from getting wet, were now touching. He actually shivered a little, wondering why Hino had chosen to sit beside him. Did...did he still have feelings for him? Even after what had happened? Was this even a place to try and figure that out?

A moment later, and Kiyama had also finished washing up, joining them in the bath. Mizusawa felt a sigh of relief when the bigger guy sat between Hino and Ryosuke, at least solving that problem by keeping them from attacking each other, if that was what had had been about to happen. Mizusawa watched as Kiyama closed his eyes to enjoy the bath, then looked over at Wataru again, the only other person he would be able to focus on without feeling weird. He was already beginning to feel tingly all over, and it wasn't because of the hot bath water.

"S-so," he began, sinking further down beneath the water. Becoming invisible would be a nice thing to do right about now. "What do you guys have planned...for the weekend?" Small talk, as usual. But then again, he wasn't really one to talk. He just needed something to break the tensing silence.

[Tsukimori Ryosuke]

ooc: No way, gok! I think everyone's are good! It's like we all bring the best out in each other!!! ^u^


Ryosuke's attention immediately went to Wataru, when he saw the redhead getting up from his spot. At first, he looked almost longingly at the other, hopeful that his friend would join him in the main tub, maybe block Mizusawa from his view...

But realizing how awkward that probably looked, he turned away, patting the bath water with one hand so as to appear the kind of casual which was the complete opposite of what he was currently feeling. In fact, by the time he looked back to see where Wataru was, he realized that his friend and lead Yankee had ditched him for the more personal, solitary tub.

Ryosuke sighed. This really wasn't his day. Or his week. Or his year, if he wanted to be quite honest with himself. He hadn't even been doing as well with the girls as he used to. He seemed to be losing his touch in every area it was possible to lose touch.

Touch.

His mind snapped back to that moment when he'd seen Hino and Mizusawa, under the covers, embracing, touching.

"Arrrrrrgh!"

Ryosuke did a double blink when he realized he'd just roared out loud, in front of everyone. Into the silence.

He flushed red and went back to patting the water. "...sorry."

"This is the best!" came Wataru's voice from the other side, the other tub.
Ryosuke angled his head back slightly, as if to better see his friend, and pressed his lips together. Wataru was gone. Wataru was most definitely gone. Into his own world, that was. And hopefully that meant he hadn't noticed the uneasiness Ryosuke was sure he was very obviously giving off.

While he was thinking this over, a good handful of water made its way into his face, and Ryosuke turned in the direction it had come from, startled, though he couldn't quite see or speak properly.

The laughter that ensued along with more handfuls of water revealed that the culprit had been Wataru. Ryosuke was attempting to get the water out of his eyes by rubbing his hands across them, but instead, he was just letting more in.

"HAH, Baka! I hope it didnt go up your nose!"

It would have been funny, kind of, if Ryosuke hadn't been so busy with other thoughts. And here he'd been trying to distract himself....He really just wished Wataru had decided to join him in the main tub.

"I wonder why everyone is so quite today...It almost seems a bit weird."

It had been barely a mutter, but the blonde Yankee had heard it just fine, and so, apparently, had Mizusawa.

"Maybe because Kaneko isn't here? Or Nippori?" Mizusawa laughed a little, apparently unfeeling of any of the awkwardness Ryosuke felt was blaring obvious from him. "They're usually the loud ones, I think. Aside from you."

Ryosuke furrowed his brow at Wataru, suddenly a bit annoyed. "Weird? Baka, you're the weirdo, sitting...sitting by yourself in that loner's tub? Why aren't you over here like usual?"

And that was when Hino decided to grace the presences of those in the main tub. No, of course he wouldn't choose the one Wataru was in. That would be too easy, make everything 100% less awkward than it could be.

No, Hino, seemingly confidently, made his way over to the main tub. And the worst part wasn't that he was headed in the direction of Mizusawa's end of the tub, but that he had both of his narrowed little eyes focused on Ryosuke, and Ryosuke alone.

The blonde Yankee twitched under his gaze. What the hell was that about? He was actually becoming a bit agitated now. He wasn't sure if that was because he really didn't agree with the way Hino was just staring at him, or because he actually felt semi-ashamed that a guy younger than him by a year and half his size had intimidated him at all.

In fact, the 2nd year kept his scrutinizing, bratty, stupid little gaze on Ryosuke right up until he plunked himself into the bath beside Mizusawa, finally completing the horrifying little portrait for the blonde Yankee all over again.
Ryosuke actually forced himself to look away, something he would never have normally done, not as a Yankee, if only because looking at Hino and Mizusawa together, so close, was the very last thing in the entire world that he wanted to see. He would probably even prefer having to stare at Kaneko's ass for a year over having to watch Mizusawa and Hino.....do....anything.

No tension was even eased as a larger form approached, a form belonging to Kiyama, Ryosuke realized, as his fellow Yankee took the spot separating him and Hino. The blonde Yankee was secretly thankful for the action, but didn't say anything. From what he could tell, though he hadn't looked to see for sure, Hino was still staring. And now, despite the awkwardness still being present, it was his level of impatience and annoyance growing.

"S-so..." Mizusawa again. "What do you guys have planned...for the weekend?"

Ryosuke glanced sideways, trying to study a particularly unsightly tile on the bathroom wall just behind Kiyama's head. In fact, he wanted to busy himself studying the thing just so he wouldn't have to look at the other boys, maybe pretend he'd been so busy or lost in thought that he didn't have to answer. Yet Kiyama's damn big head was blocking half the frigging tile and making everything more difficult.

[Azuma Wataru]

OOC: Huge apologies for this late reply. ><
Honto Gomen!



Instead, accidentally he muttered "I wonder why everyone is so quite today...It almost seems a bit weird."

Then, a voice broke out after the slight silence. "Maybe because Kaneko isn't here? Or Nippori? They're usually the loud ones, I think. Aside from you," he pointed out, giving Wataru a small smile.

Splashing the water lightly, Wataru nodded to himself, agreeing with Mizusawa's comment. Usually, it was always Kaneko and Nippori causing a huge ruckus in the bathhouse, with their voices ringing through the entire area. Sometimes, they would be having a childish fight, arguin and teasin, yet to Wataru, he personally loved how Nippori would attempt to drown poor Kaneko. Then everyone else would join in, bullying Kaneko, spashing water directly on his face and all. They always lifted everyone's spirit. Busy contemplating, Wataru stopped splashing and turned around to face the rest of the team.

"Oi, chotto matte! I'm not loud at all! Jeeeezzz... those two are way louder than me!" Wataru complained as he gave a small glare to Mizusawa, then noticing Hino finally joined everyone else, finding himself a comfortable seat next to Mizusawa. Yet, Hino's eyes seemed to be glued on something else, rather, someone else. His eyes were fixed on Ryosuke which was rather unusual because it was not a buddy buddy look at all.

Ryosuke furrowed his brow at Wataru, suddenly a bit annoyed. "Weird? Baka, you're the weirdo, sitting...sitting by yourself in that loner's tub? Why aren't you over here like usual?"
Somehow, Ryosuke sounded slightly frustrated by the tone of his voice. Something was definitely off in the bathhouse today and at this moment. Wataru shifted his body slightly, indirectly facing the others in the main tub. He was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable himself. Everyone else seemed to be a little uneasy and this feeling was definitely contagious, yet Wataru didn't want to show it. He hated whenever everyone was feeling this way and acting weird.

"Weirdo? I am not a loner! I'm sitting over here because there is more room here. My legs are longer than yours anyways, so I need more space." Wataru knew his legs were similar in length compared to Ryosuke's because they were around the same height. But he loved to show off and admit he was the best at everything, even wanting to win in how long their legs were.

"S-so," he began, sinking further down beneath the water. Becoming invisible would be a nice thing to do right about now. "What do you guys have planned...for the weekend?" Small talk, as usual. But then again, he wasn't really one to talk. He just needed something to break the tensing silence.

It was Mizusawa who started talking again.

"Weekend..maybe just go for a run on the beach? I dont know..." Wataru normally just spent his weekends at home, lazing around, enjoying his free time of not having to attend school. The most he would do was head towards the beach and jog, training his fitness.

"Oh... do you have something planned that you wanna invite us along to, Mizusawa? Like something fun?" Wataru faced Mizusawa again as a slight smile lit up his face. Slipping back into his comfortable position once again, Wataru suddenly felt very tired.

"Anyways, where's Yuuta and everyone else?" It was also weird that so many of the members was absent. Normally, the whole team enjoyed relaxing at the bathhouse after a long, hard training session. "Let's do something this weekend then! I'm bored." Wataru suggested this eagerly, stretching his arms up high above his head. It would also be a great way to somehow ease the tension that was in the bathhouse, Wataru thought.

Right?

"Hmmmm... what should we do..? Something fun! Ne, Ryosuke?" Wataru was excited for this now. He hadn't done much after he joined the team other than train, practise, stretch, tumble and go to school.

"Anyone got ideas?"