Trip Hazards
Jan. 14th, 2017 07:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
learashiPairing: Arashi - friendship
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I make no claim on Arashi - this is entirely a work of fiction.
Summary: Arashi goes on a summer holiday together organized by Aiba – it turns out about as well as you would expect.
A/N: It's HOT and I am cranky so I thought I'd try and cheer myself up with this small slice of lunacy.
“Just you guys wait, this is going to be awesome!” chirped Aiba happily as he tapped away on his laptop.
“Tell me again why we’re doing this?” asked a very grumpy looking Nino.
“Because we promised.” sighed Jun, not looking particularly happy either.
“I think it could be fun, as long as there’s fishing involved.” Ohno said, already mentally picking out which rods to take with him.
“Would you like some help with the itinerary?” Sho asked as he leant over Aiba’s shoulder, fingers itching to take over and make sure that their schedule was planned down to the minute.
"No, Sho-chan!" replied Aiba, swatting his hands away "I'm going prove that I'm just as good as any of the rest of you at organizing things."
The others exchanged a resigned glance. They had agreed to it after all although perhaps they hadn't quite understood at the time what they were getting themselves into.
++++
Aiba had mentioned in many interviews and even once on Vs Arashi that his one wish was that the five of them spend a summer holiday together. This had of course never happened due to work commitments and the fact that they practically spent twenty four hours a day together anyway. Sometimes it was just nice to be apart for a little while for some breathing space and to recharge their batteries. They had little enough time available to spend with old friends and family as it was.
Aiba didn't understand this at all and if he'd had his way they would all live together in some giant rainbow coloured commune of happiness. But no matter how many times he asked they all refused to even contemplate the idea of a group holiday.
Until that spring, when Aiba had come down with a very bad case of influenza. His lungs had been badly affected and he had once again ended up in the hospital with breathing difficulties. The other four had been terrified that he would suffer another collapsed lung and had spent every available moment in the hospital trying to keep his spirits up. Somehow this had morphed into them collectively agreeing to go on the summer holiday that Aiba had longed for. He’d just looked so sad and helpless in his hospital bed, that they hadn’t had the heart to say no.
++++
Luckily for Aiba's reluctant trip mates they were only able to get three days off work. Aiba had really hoped for a full week, but as always he was happy to make the best of things. He had arranged everything down to the last detail and he was sure that his band mates would be just as excited as he was.
The others had gathered at Jun's apartment on the appointed day, partly because of the early start but mostly to complain to each other and wonder what their overly enthusiastic friend had in store for them. That and the fact that Jun made spectacular coffee which he always served with mouth wateringly tasty little pastries no matter how grumpy he was at being up so early.
The only hint that Aiba had given them regarding what to pack was that where they were going it would be a casual atmosphere and no formal clothes were necessary. He told them that he would provide everything else that they needed.
The intercom buzzed just as they were finishing their breakfast. Jun had filled a travel mug with coffee and packed the leftover pastries in a box for Aiba, guessing correctly that he would have been too excited to do anything about breakfast for himself.
They trooped reluctantly downstairs, the only one who seemed happy was Ohno who was juggling three fishing rods, a tackle box, pocket sized folding chair and his very small bag of clothes.
Their self appointed tour leader was bouncing enthusiastically on the pavement in front of a large black van with blacked out windows.
"I knew it, he's a serial killer and this is just a ruse to drive us somewhere to a secluded cottage and chop us into tiny pieces and hide the bits under the floorboards." Nino said in mock terror, hiding behind Ohno and his mound of gear.
"Ooh, Neen, I can totally see him making a lampshade out of your skin since it's so smooth and white." Jun added in a creepy voice before hiding himself behind both Ohno and Nino.
Sho looked around and realized that he was left completely exposed as the others cowered behind Ohno, snickering at their own humour.
"Will you guys quit it and get in the van already? I don't want us to fall behind schedule or we will be running late all day." Sho said in a worried voice.
"Sho-chan, you don't even know what the schedule is, so how can you tell if we're running late?" Aiba asked after he'd finished gulping down the coffee and snacks. "Wait, is that my clipboard? Hand it over please Sho."
Sho reluctantly handed it back to its rightful owner and prepared to board the vehicle but was halted by Aiba before he had taken two steps.
"No electronic devices allowed."Aiba said sounding like a flight attendant, as he went around snatching the phones from his band mate’s hands and pockets. Until he got to Nino that is. He looked at the DS in his hands and looked at the threatening glare in his eyes and decided to make an exception in his case. The others didn't even think of complaining about the favouritism, not wanting to even contemplate what the trip would be like if Nino was cut off cold turkey.
Nino went to sit in the front passenger seat, but Aiba grabbed him and steered him towards the back saying "Sorry Nino, but MatsuJun gets to ride in front."
"But I might get car sick!"
"Aiba said that I could ride up front as a thank you for my thoughtfulness." Jun said with a self satisfied expression as he pulled a bag of homemade cookies out of his pocket and offered one to Aiba.
Nino glared at him, sincerely hoping that he did manage to get sick, so that then he could do it right down the back of Jun's smug neck.
++++
“Um… Aiba, why is the back of the van full of stuff?” Ohno asked as he tried to find a place to put all of his fishing equipment. The back of the van was packed tight, but it had been covered over by a tarp and it was impossible to tell what the stuff actually was.
“Don’t look!” Aiba shrieked right in Jun’s ear as he was leaning over to plug his iPod in making his hand jerk and catapult the device straight into Nino’s lap. Nino immediately shoved it down the front of his pants, pleased to already have a means of revenge against Jun for stealing his seat.
“Aaargh!” screamed Jun as he clutched the side of his head, afraid that his ear drum was perforated.
“Seriously, you guys, it’s a surprise. Don’t look at what’s in the back.” Aiba said; the van veering dangerously into the opposite lane as he looked desperately towards the trio in the back seats over his shoulder.
Preferring to get to their destination in one piece Sho promised on behalf of the other two that they wouldn’t look and was relieved when Aiba managed to get back in their own lane.
Jun in the meantime was trying to see where his iPod had gone, looking around the side of his seat and asking “Guys, did you see where it went when I dropped it?”
Nino snickered evilly “Don’t worry, I’ve got it in a very safe place.” he said as he patted the front of his shorts.
Jun was horrified. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Nope.” Nino replied pulling it halfway out so Jun could see he wasn’t bluffing before shoving it back in again.
“Please tell me that at least it’s on the outside of your underpants?” Jun asked in a faint voice.
“Afraid not. It’s safely nestled beside the crown jewels.” Nino said, jiggling his crotch around proudly. “Did you want it back?”
“Consider it yours.” Jun replied looking slightly ill.
“Yay! Thanks J, you shouldn’t have.” Nino said with an exaggerated smile.
“No, you shouldn’t have.” replied Jun giving him the kind of look in return that made Nino know that he was going to regret this, it was only a matter of when.
Before long Sho and Ohno were fast asleep while Nino amused himself by listening to the iPod, humming along with the music loud enough to ensure that Jun knew which of his favourite songs he was listening to at any time. If Jun was going to kill him, then he wanted to get as much enjoyment out of the time he had left and it seemed to be working. He could see a muscle in the side of Jun’s neck twitch every time he started a new song, which made his impending doom totally worth it.
++++
After a drive which seemed to take forever, made even longer by four separate pee breaks, since it was apparently impossible for them manage to co-ordinate their bodily functions, Aiba exited the highway seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
His four sleeping band mates were abruptly woken up as the van made its way up a bumpy road rough enough to shake them from side to side as it crawled along. The track was screened by heavy trees on either side, making it impossible for them to see where they were going to end up.
The van eventually ground to a halt as the track petered out to nothing at the entrance to a small field. There was a stream running past on the far side, which immediately turned Ohno to a state of high alert. The others were particularly unimpressed though, taking into account that there wasn’t a single building in sight and the silence was absolute.
Nino clutched the back of Jun’s seat in mock terror saying “I told you he was going to kill us. He’ll probably eat us too.” while shaking the seat hard enough to almost give Jun whiplash.
“You will be eating my fist in a minute if you don’t stop doing that.” Jun said as he turned around and gave Nino a look that would have killed someone who hadn’t already seen it a million times.
“Aiba-chan, why are stopping here? Did you get lost? If you would just give me back my phone I can find you directions to the hotel.” Sho said, once again itching to take control.
“We’re not lost; this is where we are meant to be.” Aiba said in a hurt voice before adding in a more cheerful tone “Surprise! Welcome to “Operation Summer Break - Back to Nature Camping Happy Fun Times”
“Right, this was fun, great holiday everyone, now let’s go home!” said Nino.
“It pains me to say this, but I have to agree with Nino.” Jun said.
“I’m sure I can arrange us a reservation somewhere nice instead.” Sho added.
“Are there fish in the river?” Ohno asked. He was the only one who looked happy about the whole idea.
Aiba’s face dropped as he felt the indifference wafting at him from most of his band mates.
“But I thought it would be fun for us to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine for once.” He said in a broken voice, tears welling in his eyes “Get some fresh air into our lungs.” He added with a sad little cough as he pulled out his nebulizer and looked at them with a forlorn expression.
Even though the others knew that he was playing them, they were still unable to resist his pleading eyes.
“Ok, we get it, but this is the last time you can play the sympathy card,” Sho said backed up by a duo of nods from Jun and Nino. Ohno was too busy deciding what bait to use to take in much of their conversation.
++++
"We have our accommodation right here." Aiba said, lifting a small rectangular green bag out of the back of the van.
"What is that?" Nino asked in a voice filled with disdain.
"It's our tent of course." Aiba replied enthusiastically.
"It doesn't look very big." said Sho as he took the bag off him.
"Don't worry. I even got one bigger than we need, just to make sure that we have more than enough room. It said in the brochure that it sleeps six so we should be nice and comfortable," Aiba said proudly.
"I guess in that case it won't be too bad," Jun said grudgingly as he came over to help Sho to set it up while Aiba continued to unpack the rest of the gear.
Nino had found a folding camping chair and set himself up under the shade of a tree to watch the other three work. Ohno had already disappeared in the direction of the river, fishing rod in hand, not really caring where he slept that night as long as nobody disturbed his favourite activity.
Sho unzipped the bag and shook the contents out onto the ground. A shower of assorted poles fell out, as he pulled out a fly sheet and an inner tent and a small bag of metal pegs.
"This can't be too hard." he said as he began to randomly rummage around through the assorted pieces of tent.
"Um, Sho, there's an instruction sheet here." Jun said helpfully as he picked up a single flimsy page off the ground “Oh, except it seems to be entirely in Russian.”
“That can’t be possible; you must just be misreading it. Give it here.” Sho said bossily as he snatched the sheet from Jun’s hand, earning himself a glare before Jun stomped off over to sit on the grass next to Nino. After examining it for a minute he said “Wait, this is in Russian. Aiba where exactly did you buy this tent from?”
“I got a great deal from eBay. It’s amazing what you can buy from there. As a matter of fact I got most of the equipment from the same seller. It was really cheap too.”
Sho knew that it was too late to lecture Aiba about the perils of online shopping and just decided to get on with things “Right, ok, I’ll just wing it then. I’m sure it’s perfectly logical.” He suddenly seemed to notice that Jun was missing and called over to him “Aren’t you going to help?”
Jun deliberately pretended to not hear him and turned his back to Sho, suddenly deeply interested in the lady bug that was walking along a blade of grass near him.
++++
Almost an hour later Sho was trying very hard to hold back his tears of frustration as he struggled once again with the fiberglass poles that seemed to have a mind of their own. Jun and Nino were playing cards while Aiba bustled around setting up some flimsy looking folding chairs around the fire pit that he had dug with an even more flimsy looking spade that had snapped in half just as he dug the last bit of soil out.
As much as it pained him to admit defeat he found himself asking Jun and Nino for help.
“Um you guys, could you please help me out here?”
“I’m not sure how much help a person who can’t even read simple instructions is going to be to you,” Jun replied in a sarcastic voice.
“Oooh Sho, you are in sooo much trouble,” Nino said in a singsong voice earning a glare from both Sho and Jun.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about the iPod,” Jun said with a glare before adding “I’d hate to roll over in my sleep and accidently smother you.”
Nino suddenly thought that helping Sho was a great idea, especially if it would give him first choice of sleeping positions, preferably one as far away from Jun as possible.
Nino turned out to apparently be a tent whisperer because he had it erected in five minutes flat even without coherent instructions. The only problem was that even though it was now up, it was tiny. It wasn’t even a meter high and it certainly couldn’t have been more than three meters wide.
“Are you sure that this thing is supposed to sleep six?” Jun asked Aiba who had wandered over to see what their accommodation looked like now that it was up.
“Of course, look at this,” Aiba replied as he rummaged through some screwed up paper that he’d placed in his fire pit “It clearly says that it sleeps six.”
“Um, Aiba but this diagram shows people sleeping head to toe and wedged together, right up against the sides of the tent,” Sho pointed out.
“This is ridiculous,” Nino added “There’s so little space we’ll have to take turns breathing.”
Even Aiba looked depressed for a minute as he compared the size of his tiny tent with the size of their bodies as he searched for a bright side.
“Well at least we won’t be cold?”
“It’s thirty five degrees today, I think being cold is the least of our problems.” Sho said with a sigh.
++++
While the other three were standing around complaining and bickering amongst themselves, Aiba slunk off and flopped down in the shade near the river trying desperately not to cry. He had wanted this for so long and now it was all ruined.
“I’m so stupid,” he said out loud.
“Don’t ever say that, and as a matter of fact don’t even think it, or you’ll have to answer to me,” Ohno said as he popped up behind Aiba without warning carrying three large fish on a string.
“But Riida everything is a disaster, and everyone is angry with me,” Aiba said with a sniff.
“Did anyone say that they were angry with you?”
“No, but…”
“Do they look angry?” Ohno said gesturing towards the other three who were now sitting in a row on the wobbly chairs drinking beer, Sho in the middle spot dodging flailing arms as Nino and Jun tried to push each other over.
All of the gear was unpacked and apart from the size of the tent, the place now looked like a picture perfect campsite.
Sho looked over at the pair near the river and gestured with his beer bottle, obviously inviting them to come and join in.
“This one thought we hate him because things aren’t perfect,” Ohno said, prodding Aiba along in front of him.
“Are you crazy?” Jun asked “It wouldn’t be us if something stupid didn’t happen.”
“True, where’s the fun in that?” Nino added with a smile.
“Well, perhaps a bit more organisation in fu-OW!” Sho suddenly stopped mid-sentence as Nino slapped him hard on the back of the neck.
“Sorry Sho, I thought I saw a mosquito,” Nino said with a completely innocent expression.
“So you guys really aren’t mad?” Aiba asked with a hopeful smile.
“Of course not,” replied Jun with a smile of his own “But we have however decided that you will have to sleep outside the tent tonight since there’s not enough room for all of us.”
“But don’t worry, you can always hang a mosquito coil around your neck to stop them biting you,” Nino added helpfully.
Ohno looked like he was about to leap to Aiba’s defence and Aiba himself looked upset again when suddenly the other three burst out laughing and tossed a beer each to the confused pair.
“Don’t worry, they’re only joking about you sleeping outside” Sho said.
Aiba sighed with relief, perhaps too soon, as Sho added.
“We won’t need to decide that until later when we play Janken for it.”
Jun and Nino immediately began arguing about it with Sho, flicking beer and peanuts at each other while Ohno wandered off to begin preparing his fish for dinner.
Aiba just sat and sipped his beer with a contented smile letting the chaos wash over him. This holiday was turning out better than he had always pictured it in his imagination.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I make no claim on Arashi - this is entirely a work of fiction.
Summary: Arashi goes on a summer holiday together organized by Aiba – it turns out about as well as you would expect.
A/N: It's HOT and I am cranky so I thought I'd try and cheer myself up with this small slice of lunacy.
“Just you guys wait, this is going to be awesome!” chirped Aiba happily as he tapped away on his laptop.
“Tell me again why we’re doing this?” asked a very grumpy looking Nino.
“Because we promised.” sighed Jun, not looking particularly happy either.
“I think it could be fun, as long as there’s fishing involved.” Ohno said, already mentally picking out which rods to take with him.
“Would you like some help with the itinerary?” Sho asked as he leant over Aiba’s shoulder, fingers itching to take over and make sure that their schedule was planned down to the minute.
"No, Sho-chan!" replied Aiba, swatting his hands away "I'm going prove that I'm just as good as any of the rest of you at organizing things."
The others exchanged a resigned glance. They had agreed to it after all although perhaps they hadn't quite understood at the time what they were getting themselves into.
++++
Aiba had mentioned in many interviews and even once on Vs Arashi that his one wish was that the five of them spend a summer holiday together. This had of course never happened due to work commitments and the fact that they practically spent twenty four hours a day together anyway. Sometimes it was just nice to be apart for a little while for some breathing space and to recharge their batteries. They had little enough time available to spend with old friends and family as it was.
Aiba didn't understand this at all and if he'd had his way they would all live together in some giant rainbow coloured commune of happiness. But no matter how many times he asked they all refused to even contemplate the idea of a group holiday.
Until that spring, when Aiba had come down with a very bad case of influenza. His lungs had been badly affected and he had once again ended up in the hospital with breathing difficulties. The other four had been terrified that he would suffer another collapsed lung and had spent every available moment in the hospital trying to keep his spirits up. Somehow this had morphed into them collectively agreeing to go on the summer holiday that Aiba had longed for. He’d just looked so sad and helpless in his hospital bed, that they hadn’t had the heart to say no.
++++
Luckily for Aiba's reluctant trip mates they were only able to get three days off work. Aiba had really hoped for a full week, but as always he was happy to make the best of things. He had arranged everything down to the last detail and he was sure that his band mates would be just as excited as he was.
The others had gathered at Jun's apartment on the appointed day, partly because of the early start but mostly to complain to each other and wonder what their overly enthusiastic friend had in store for them. That and the fact that Jun made spectacular coffee which he always served with mouth wateringly tasty little pastries no matter how grumpy he was at being up so early.
The only hint that Aiba had given them regarding what to pack was that where they were going it would be a casual atmosphere and no formal clothes were necessary. He told them that he would provide everything else that they needed.
The intercom buzzed just as they were finishing their breakfast. Jun had filled a travel mug with coffee and packed the leftover pastries in a box for Aiba, guessing correctly that he would have been too excited to do anything about breakfast for himself.
They trooped reluctantly downstairs, the only one who seemed happy was Ohno who was juggling three fishing rods, a tackle box, pocket sized folding chair and his very small bag of clothes.
Their self appointed tour leader was bouncing enthusiastically on the pavement in front of a large black van with blacked out windows.
"I knew it, he's a serial killer and this is just a ruse to drive us somewhere to a secluded cottage and chop us into tiny pieces and hide the bits under the floorboards." Nino said in mock terror, hiding behind Ohno and his mound of gear.
"Ooh, Neen, I can totally see him making a lampshade out of your skin since it's so smooth and white." Jun added in a creepy voice before hiding himself behind both Ohno and Nino.
Sho looked around and realized that he was left completely exposed as the others cowered behind Ohno, snickering at their own humour.
"Will you guys quit it and get in the van already? I don't want us to fall behind schedule or we will be running late all day." Sho said in a worried voice.
"Sho-chan, you don't even know what the schedule is, so how can you tell if we're running late?" Aiba asked after he'd finished gulping down the coffee and snacks. "Wait, is that my clipboard? Hand it over please Sho."
Sho reluctantly handed it back to its rightful owner and prepared to board the vehicle but was halted by Aiba before he had taken two steps.
"No electronic devices allowed."Aiba said sounding like a flight attendant, as he went around snatching the phones from his band mate’s hands and pockets. Until he got to Nino that is. He looked at the DS in his hands and looked at the threatening glare in his eyes and decided to make an exception in his case. The others didn't even think of complaining about the favouritism, not wanting to even contemplate what the trip would be like if Nino was cut off cold turkey.
Nino went to sit in the front passenger seat, but Aiba grabbed him and steered him towards the back saying "Sorry Nino, but MatsuJun gets to ride in front."
"But I might get car sick!"
"Aiba said that I could ride up front as a thank you for my thoughtfulness." Jun said with a self satisfied expression as he pulled a bag of homemade cookies out of his pocket and offered one to Aiba.
Nino glared at him, sincerely hoping that he did manage to get sick, so that then he could do it right down the back of Jun's smug neck.
++++
“Um… Aiba, why is the back of the van full of stuff?” Ohno asked as he tried to find a place to put all of his fishing equipment. The back of the van was packed tight, but it had been covered over by a tarp and it was impossible to tell what the stuff actually was.
“Don’t look!” Aiba shrieked right in Jun’s ear as he was leaning over to plug his iPod in making his hand jerk and catapult the device straight into Nino’s lap. Nino immediately shoved it down the front of his pants, pleased to already have a means of revenge against Jun for stealing his seat.
“Aaargh!” screamed Jun as he clutched the side of his head, afraid that his ear drum was perforated.
“Seriously, you guys, it’s a surprise. Don’t look at what’s in the back.” Aiba said; the van veering dangerously into the opposite lane as he looked desperately towards the trio in the back seats over his shoulder.
Preferring to get to their destination in one piece Sho promised on behalf of the other two that they wouldn’t look and was relieved when Aiba managed to get back in their own lane.
Jun in the meantime was trying to see where his iPod had gone, looking around the side of his seat and asking “Guys, did you see where it went when I dropped it?”
Nino snickered evilly “Don’t worry, I’ve got it in a very safe place.” he said as he patted the front of his shorts.
Jun was horrified. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Nope.” Nino replied pulling it halfway out so Jun could see he wasn’t bluffing before shoving it back in again.
“Please tell me that at least it’s on the outside of your underpants?” Jun asked in a faint voice.
“Afraid not. It’s safely nestled beside the crown jewels.” Nino said, jiggling his crotch around proudly. “Did you want it back?”
“Consider it yours.” Jun replied looking slightly ill.
“Yay! Thanks J, you shouldn’t have.” Nino said with an exaggerated smile.
“No, you shouldn’t have.” replied Jun giving him the kind of look in return that made Nino know that he was going to regret this, it was only a matter of when.
Before long Sho and Ohno were fast asleep while Nino amused himself by listening to the iPod, humming along with the music loud enough to ensure that Jun knew which of his favourite songs he was listening to at any time. If Jun was going to kill him, then he wanted to get as much enjoyment out of the time he had left and it seemed to be working. He could see a muscle in the side of Jun’s neck twitch every time he started a new song, which made his impending doom totally worth it.
++++
After a drive which seemed to take forever, made even longer by four separate pee breaks, since it was apparently impossible for them manage to co-ordinate their bodily functions, Aiba exited the highway seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
His four sleeping band mates were abruptly woken up as the van made its way up a bumpy road rough enough to shake them from side to side as it crawled along. The track was screened by heavy trees on either side, making it impossible for them to see where they were going to end up.
The van eventually ground to a halt as the track petered out to nothing at the entrance to a small field. There was a stream running past on the far side, which immediately turned Ohno to a state of high alert. The others were particularly unimpressed though, taking into account that there wasn’t a single building in sight and the silence was absolute.
Nino clutched the back of Jun’s seat in mock terror saying “I told you he was going to kill us. He’ll probably eat us too.” while shaking the seat hard enough to almost give Jun whiplash.
“You will be eating my fist in a minute if you don’t stop doing that.” Jun said as he turned around and gave Nino a look that would have killed someone who hadn’t already seen it a million times.
“Aiba-chan, why are stopping here? Did you get lost? If you would just give me back my phone I can find you directions to the hotel.” Sho said, once again itching to take control.
“We’re not lost; this is where we are meant to be.” Aiba said in a hurt voice before adding in a more cheerful tone “Surprise! Welcome to “Operation Summer Break - Back to Nature Camping Happy Fun Times”
“Right, this was fun, great holiday everyone, now let’s go home!” said Nino.
“It pains me to say this, but I have to agree with Nino.” Jun said.
“I’m sure I can arrange us a reservation somewhere nice instead.” Sho added.
“Are there fish in the river?” Ohno asked. He was the only one who looked happy about the whole idea.
Aiba’s face dropped as he felt the indifference wafting at him from most of his band mates.
“But I thought it would be fun for us to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine for once.” He said in a broken voice, tears welling in his eyes “Get some fresh air into our lungs.” He added with a sad little cough as he pulled out his nebulizer and looked at them with a forlorn expression.
Even though the others knew that he was playing them, they were still unable to resist his pleading eyes.
“Ok, we get it, but this is the last time you can play the sympathy card,” Sho said backed up by a duo of nods from Jun and Nino. Ohno was too busy deciding what bait to use to take in much of their conversation.
++++
"We have our accommodation right here." Aiba said, lifting a small rectangular green bag out of the back of the van.
"What is that?" Nino asked in a voice filled with disdain.
"It's our tent of course." Aiba replied enthusiastically.
"It doesn't look very big." said Sho as he took the bag off him.
"Don't worry. I even got one bigger than we need, just to make sure that we have more than enough room. It said in the brochure that it sleeps six so we should be nice and comfortable," Aiba said proudly.
"I guess in that case it won't be too bad," Jun said grudgingly as he came over to help Sho to set it up while Aiba continued to unpack the rest of the gear.
Nino had found a folding camping chair and set himself up under the shade of a tree to watch the other three work. Ohno had already disappeared in the direction of the river, fishing rod in hand, not really caring where he slept that night as long as nobody disturbed his favourite activity.
Sho unzipped the bag and shook the contents out onto the ground. A shower of assorted poles fell out, as he pulled out a fly sheet and an inner tent and a small bag of metal pegs.
"This can't be too hard." he said as he began to randomly rummage around through the assorted pieces of tent.
"Um, Sho, there's an instruction sheet here." Jun said helpfully as he picked up a single flimsy page off the ground “Oh, except it seems to be entirely in Russian.”
“That can’t be possible; you must just be misreading it. Give it here.” Sho said bossily as he snatched the sheet from Jun’s hand, earning himself a glare before Jun stomped off over to sit on the grass next to Nino. After examining it for a minute he said “Wait, this is in Russian. Aiba where exactly did you buy this tent from?”
“I got a great deal from eBay. It’s amazing what you can buy from there. As a matter of fact I got most of the equipment from the same seller. It was really cheap too.”
Sho knew that it was too late to lecture Aiba about the perils of online shopping and just decided to get on with things “Right, ok, I’ll just wing it then. I’m sure it’s perfectly logical.” He suddenly seemed to notice that Jun was missing and called over to him “Aren’t you going to help?”
Jun deliberately pretended to not hear him and turned his back to Sho, suddenly deeply interested in the lady bug that was walking along a blade of grass near him.
++++
Almost an hour later Sho was trying very hard to hold back his tears of frustration as he struggled once again with the fiberglass poles that seemed to have a mind of their own. Jun and Nino were playing cards while Aiba bustled around setting up some flimsy looking folding chairs around the fire pit that he had dug with an even more flimsy looking spade that had snapped in half just as he dug the last bit of soil out.
As much as it pained him to admit defeat he found himself asking Jun and Nino for help.
“Um you guys, could you please help me out here?”
“I’m not sure how much help a person who can’t even read simple instructions is going to be to you,” Jun replied in a sarcastic voice.
“Oooh Sho, you are in sooo much trouble,” Nino said in a singsong voice earning a glare from both Sho and Jun.
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten about the iPod,” Jun said with a glare before adding “I’d hate to roll over in my sleep and accidently smother you.”
Nino suddenly thought that helping Sho was a great idea, especially if it would give him first choice of sleeping positions, preferably one as far away from Jun as possible.
Nino turned out to apparently be a tent whisperer because he had it erected in five minutes flat even without coherent instructions. The only problem was that even though it was now up, it was tiny. It wasn’t even a meter high and it certainly couldn’t have been more than three meters wide.
“Are you sure that this thing is supposed to sleep six?” Jun asked Aiba who had wandered over to see what their accommodation looked like now that it was up.
“Of course, look at this,” Aiba replied as he rummaged through some screwed up paper that he’d placed in his fire pit “It clearly says that it sleeps six.”
“Um, Aiba but this diagram shows people sleeping head to toe and wedged together, right up against the sides of the tent,” Sho pointed out.
“This is ridiculous,” Nino added “There’s so little space we’ll have to take turns breathing.”
Even Aiba looked depressed for a minute as he compared the size of his tiny tent with the size of their bodies as he searched for a bright side.
“Well at least we won’t be cold?”
“It’s thirty five degrees today, I think being cold is the least of our problems.” Sho said with a sigh.
++++
While the other three were standing around complaining and bickering amongst themselves, Aiba slunk off and flopped down in the shade near the river trying desperately not to cry. He had wanted this for so long and now it was all ruined.
“I’m so stupid,” he said out loud.
“Don’t ever say that, and as a matter of fact don’t even think it, or you’ll have to answer to me,” Ohno said as he popped up behind Aiba without warning carrying three large fish on a string.
“But Riida everything is a disaster, and everyone is angry with me,” Aiba said with a sniff.
“Did anyone say that they were angry with you?”
“No, but…”
“Do they look angry?” Ohno said gesturing towards the other three who were now sitting in a row on the wobbly chairs drinking beer, Sho in the middle spot dodging flailing arms as Nino and Jun tried to push each other over.
All of the gear was unpacked and apart from the size of the tent, the place now looked like a picture perfect campsite.
Sho looked over at the pair near the river and gestured with his beer bottle, obviously inviting them to come and join in.
“This one thought we hate him because things aren’t perfect,” Ohno said, prodding Aiba along in front of him.
“Are you crazy?” Jun asked “It wouldn’t be us if something stupid didn’t happen.”
“True, where’s the fun in that?” Nino added with a smile.
“Well, perhaps a bit more organisation in fu-OW!” Sho suddenly stopped mid-sentence as Nino slapped him hard on the back of the neck.
“Sorry Sho, I thought I saw a mosquito,” Nino said with a completely innocent expression.
“So you guys really aren’t mad?” Aiba asked with a hopeful smile.
“Of course not,” replied Jun with a smile of his own “But we have however decided that you will have to sleep outside the tent tonight since there’s not enough room for all of us.”
“But don’t worry, you can always hang a mosquito coil around your neck to stop them biting you,” Nino added helpfully.
Ohno looked like he was about to leap to Aiba’s defence and Aiba himself looked upset again when suddenly the other three burst out laughing and tossed a beer each to the confused pair.
“Don’t worry, they’re only joking about you sleeping outside” Sho said.
Aiba sighed with relief, perhaps too soon, as Sho added.
“We won’t need to decide that until later when we play Janken for it.”
Jun and Nino immediately began arguing about it with Sho, flicking beer and peanuts at each other while Ohno wandered off to begin preparing his fish for dinner.
Aiba just sat and sipped his beer with a contented smile letting the chaos wash over him. This holiday was turning out better than he had always pictured it in his imagination.
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Date: 2017-01-14 10:21 am (UTC)I love friendship stories, and this one was so cute~ Every personality blinked out, I especially liked Ohno just being in his own world around the chaos and Sho twitching to try to take over this mess.
I still wonder if they survived the night. Maybe no one eventually can sleep (exception being Ohno) and they stay up almost all night sitting around the campfire and talk :)
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Date: 2017-01-14 10:31 am (UTC)But I think they'd have to make sure that Sho doesn't fall face first into the fire.
Thanks for reading 💕
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Date: 2017-01-14 11:30 am (UTC)Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ (https://www.dreamwidth.org/support/faqbrowse?faqid=303).
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Date: 2017-01-14 12:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-14 09:10 pm (UTC)It was 39 degrees Celsius at my father's place yesterday and 80% humidity.
At this stage I will gladly accept both Sho and Jun. There is plenty of room in the spa bath 😀
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Date: 2017-01-14 06:49 pm (UTC)Thanks for sharing!
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Date: 2017-01-14 09:12 pm (UTC)Thanks for reading this though. 💕
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Date: 2017-01-15 10:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-15 07:03 pm (UTC)Germany sounds great. Please send weissbier and freshly baked pretzlels along with some snow. ☺
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Date: 2017-01-14 07:37 pm (UTC)Poor Aiba! *pat pat* How could he know that! xD
And LOL at what Nino did with Jun's iPod!
Thanks for sharing this with us :D
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Date: 2017-01-14 09:16 pm (UTC)At least Nino admits that Jun will kill him for the iPod torture and decides to life life to the full while he still can. ☺
Thanks for reading the product of my currently heatwave addled brain. Stupid hot country. *grumble*
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Date: 2017-01-14 09:10 pm (UTC)It looks so much fun.. i love how you wrote the storyline.. i cried a little bit bcoz eventho theres a bit complaining, but they nvr mad at aibachan.. thanks for this lovely fics
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Date: 2017-01-14 09:28 pm (UTC)Thanks for reading 💜
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Date: 2017-01-14 11:51 pm (UTC)I take it you live in the Summer part of the world right now? Can I ship you far too much snow?
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Date: 2017-01-15 12:08 am (UTC)I live in Queensland, Australia. As far as I am concerned there can never be too much snow.
Please ship me your excess so I can roll around in it for the one second it lasts before it melts into a puddle.
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Date: 2017-01-15 01:40 am (UTC)I talked to some people about the snow. With our postal system it will probably be there in about....six months. >.>
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Date: 2017-01-15 02:34 am (UTC)I'll still take it!
I can build a snowman.
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Date: 2017-01-15 05:09 am (UTC)I think t will be boring if everything is arranged perfectly (aka you let Sho meticulously arrange the trip). It's just so nice and fluffy and I hope in real life, they get a non-work-related holiday or team building to strengthen their bonds.
Thanks for this!
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Date: 2017-01-15 05:31 am (UTC)It would be nice to think of them relaxing together sometimes if they ever get any time off (which for Sho is probably never).
Thanks for reading my dear 💕
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Date: 2017-01-15 07:41 am (UTC)Thanks for this <3
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Date: 2017-01-15 08:11 am (UTC)Plus staying up all night and drinking beer and toasting marshmallows is awesome.
Thanks for reading *hugs*
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Date: 2017-01-16 10:08 am (UTC)This fic was so precious! I love Ohno in this, calm, collected and completely out of touch with reality until you need him. This is my favourite Leader!!
The Matsumiya bickering (poor iPod) and Sho being the stuck-up know-it-all he is (it's okay, Sho, we still love you) made it all even more awesome!
Aiba is so cute!! I'm glad he had what he wanted, even if it's not exactly the way he planned it. As I already said, so precious!
Thank you!!
Ps: I often forget you're from Australia. Being hot sucks!! I really don't envy you one bit (she says as she freezes in her chill 4°C.)
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Date: 2017-01-16 10:28 am (UTC)There is nothing more fun than Matsumiya being bitchy to each other (they love each other really).
I couldn't resist making Sho try and take control (the man loves a good clipboard).
It is impossible to deny Aiba when he is in full-on cute sick puppy mode.
Writing this didn't make me forget the heat, but it did make me want to go camping. ☺
I'll take 4 degrees any day.
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Date: 2017-01-16 03:31 pm (UTC)I'm cracking when Nino smack the 'mosquito' on Sho's neck XD
What a chaotic trips! But as long as it made them happy in the end XP
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Date: 2017-01-16 06:48 pm (UTC)They have a weird way of getting along together but it works for them.
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Date: 2017-01-17 05:28 pm (UTC)Arashi is love ne....thank you!'
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Date: 2017-01-17 06:39 pm (UTC)Thanks for reading 💕
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Date: 2017-01-17 05:51 pm (UTC)Oh, and he isn't stupid <3 <3 No one thinks that he is stupid <3
They for sure have a lot of fun on their trip <3
Thanks or sharing this one dear <3
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Date: 2017-01-17 06:45 pm (UTC)I have been on much worse camping trips than this. They should consider themselves lucky. ☺
Thanks love 💕