Not much in the world can compete with the beauty of a clear night in which all of the stars glow freely in the sky. Jiroh sometimes wished that he could reach out and take one of those pins of light for himself. Perhaps it would make his wishes come true, and would make him the best pro tennis player the world had ever seen; but that of course, was not something that could be achieved simply through a wish. It was something that he'd have to work for. Jiroh was not afraid of work, but it would be easier to work for his goal if he had some assurance of his success. But nothing in life can be assured, except death.

Tennis practice seemed so mundane compared to the vast stretch of sky before him. He could sit watching for hours on end, and would often fall asleep, and wake up the next morning on the roof of his house; his mother scolding him for not going to his bed. The roof was a safe haven for him. Above all criticism, above all fears, and above all doubts.

~*~

"You sleep on your roof?" Hiyoshi was giving Jiroh a peculiar look as he led him to the roof, where a sleeping bag and blankets had been placed by his mother, as he had fallen asleep there many times, and she didn't want him to catch a cold.

"Sometimes. Look at the sky." Jiroh pointed above him, and Hiyoshi took a quick glance and sat down on the blanket.

"What's so special about that? Don't you see it every night?" Jiroh gave a slightly disappointed gaze in Hiyoshi's direction.

He'd been hoping the other would understand, but should have figured that Hiyoshi was a not the type to see things for more than their face value. A realist. The way he saw things for what they were, and wasn't afraid to tell the honest truth was probably what drove Jiroh to him, but he couldn't say for sure. He took a seat beside Hiyoshi, who still appeared to be wondering why they were sitting on a roof. Jiroh sighed.

"Just take another look, Hiyoshi-kun." Jiroh watched as Hiyoshi looked upward, directing his attention to the night sky.

"Isn't the sky pretty, Hiyoshi-kun? I wish I could have one of those stars…" Hiyoshi turned his head in Jiroh's direction for a moment before looking back up at the sky.

"Then pick a star, and make it yours." Jiroh looked up to the sky, and picked one particularly bright star.

"Okay! I got one! What should its name be, Hiyoshi-kun?" Hiyoshi gave a slight grunt.

"I don't care. It's your damn star." Jiroh laughed for a moment before giving a squeak of sorts, which Hiyoshi interpreted as his coming up with an idea.

"How about 'Superstar', cause it's going to bring me to the top!" Jiroh laughed some more before placing a quick kiss on Hiyoshi's lips.

"Thank you Hiyoshi-kun! You should pick one too!" Hiyoshi gave a scowl.

"I don't need a star to make me famous. I'll do it on my own." Jiroh took hold of Hiyoshi's hand and gave a big grin.

"I knew you'd say that. And that's why I love you." Hiyoshi blushed slightly before turning away to look at the sky again. Jiroh leaned into the younger boy's shoulder slightly and watched with him.

The End

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