fic - Remembrance Day 8
Remembrance
Pairing: TezukaFuji
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Drama
Warnings: shounen ai, spoilers
Disclaimer: If I owned Prince of Tennis, the main characters would be Tezuka and Fuji - not Echizen.
Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
A/N: This fic is still alive. I swear! This fic is my baby so no letting go. Updated for milkyxduckie. Happy birthday, love. I’m sorry I can’t give you a oneshot, but I hope you’ll enjoy this just the same. This chapter refers to genius 121 and the Fuji vs. Kirihara match. Speeding the story a bit so we’ll be able to get to the good part soon. :D
One runs a risk of weeping a little, if one lets himself be tamed… - The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
oOo
Remembrance - Day Eight
oOo
You found him on the hallway, just as he said you would. He stood against their classroom’s wall, his left leg crossed over his right. When he saw you approach, he smiled cheerfully and straightened up.
“Is this the English dictionary that you need?” You asked, handing him a pocket-sized but thick black book.
He smiled gratefully at you. “Yes, thank you. Both Oishi and Taka-san didn’t bring it so I can only borrow yours.” He flipped it open and watched the pages turn, a childish expression on his face. “By the way, Tezuka,” he went, eyes still on the copy, “the lineup for the match against Hyoutei hasn’t been decided yet, has it?”
You pushed your hands into the pocket of your pants and he saw the slight wonder in your face. “Ryuuzaki-sensei is probably worrying about it as well.”
He scanned the page in front of him before he snapped the book shut. “The person who defeated Yuuta… Jirou, was it? If it’s possible, I would like to have a match with him.”
You regarded him silently for a while. “Fuji, you are very considerate of your younger brother,” you remarked. But he smiled, knowing by the tone of your voice that you as good as promised to grant him the favor.
Nodding, you turned to leave. “Tezuka…” he called and you paused, eyeing him in a questioning way. His eyes flashed open and he asked, “Is it really okay for you to be playing against that Atobe?” You saw him clench his fist around the dictionary but you did not respond. “If your left elbow isn’t completely healed… you will lose.”
You stared at him and he stared defiantly back. The glint in his eyes voiced out an unspoken challenge and genuine concern. But you didn’t seem to heed. Instead, you walked back to your class, unaware of the dismal sigh he released due to your disregard for his warning.
The next day, as he had hoped, he had gotten the chance to play against Jirou Akutagawa. Jirou, who had been sleeping until the match, was at first uninterested. But beneath his childishness lay a formidable tennis player. However, perhaps you thought, Jirou wasn’t the one who could break his three counters. Furthermore, he was avenging his brother, and you knew that he was always more determined wherever his brother was concerned. Thus, he won as you trusted him to.
He was about to step out of the court when you entered. He looked at your left arm and cast a deep gaze straight into your eyes. Then wordlessly he joined your other teammates. Atobe was all that he expected: arrogant, fierce and powerful. The results of that match were both fortunate and disastrous. The misfortune was based on the harm induced on your shoulder. The game destroyed it and many people feared that the injury was for good. But that match also led to a triumph made by Echizen.
Leaving the rejoicing team, Oishi, always the caring vice captain, brought you to the clinic. When the checkup was done, you saw him outside, undoubtedly waiting for you. He smiled at Oishi who nodded back, saying, “I’ll tell the others that Tezuka is all right. You go ahead to the bus.”
The two of you watched Oishi go and he was the one who broke the silence. “You are very considerate of Seigaku.” His voice was not accusing. In fact, he had injected humor in his tone by mimicking the staid way you told him about Yuuta. He seemed amused and, if you noticed, impressed. “You never fail to surprise people.”
“Except you,” you pointed out, unconsciously clutching your shoulder.
He shrugged. “I was still surprised,” he confessed without offering any explanation. He smiled pleasantly and added, “You must be very glad we won.”
“But this is only a step closer to the Nationals. We can’t get careless,” you said firmly.
Meaning to ease the tension, he grinned. “Yes, Captain!”
Several days and several trips to the doctor passed. You supervised the team with your usual tact. But you hadn’t played a single game and you were more subdued than usual. Everyone began to worry about your arm but you deflected their questions. He was, however, among the few ones who knew the reason.
“Have you decided?” he asked thoughtfully as you traipsed down the sidewalk on the way home.
You nodded sagely. “I’ll tell the team tomorrow and leave for Kyushuu this week. I’ll give the responsibilities to Oishi. Help him.”
His smile became broad. “Rehabilitation will make you stronger than ever. Maybe I won’t be able to recognize you when you return,” he teased.
You scowled at him. “I hope to make it back before the Nationals.”
“You will,” he said. “You’ll probably run away from the center if they don’t release you before then.”
You glared.
He threw his head back laughing. When he sobered up, he patted your arm and said, “Just focus on getting better.”
Ever dutiful, you nodded. “I won’t get careless.”
The team received the news in a surprised silence. But they wished you well, hoping that you would return soon. They even accompanied you to the airport and waited with you until your departure. He often called you at night to report what was happening in Seigaku. He told you that Inui kept concocting new juices and was spending a lot of time with Kaidoh for training. He told you that Echizen and Momo were trying to cut down their burger intake as Inui suggested. According to him, Eiji was training harder than usual. He also relayed how Oishi was more high-strung, trying to bear all the responsibility. But a couple of days later, he told you that Oishi was back to normal and that your emails to the team were very helpful.
He usually was the one who called so he had been really surprised when his phone rang in the middle of the night and heard your voice. “Tezuka,” he said sleepily. “Is something wrong?”
“How are you?” You asked. Your voice was still deep and stern but I’m sure he hadn’t imagined the alarmed ring in it.
“I’m fine,” he said casually. “Why?”
There was a brief pause before you finally replied, “Oishi told me what happened in your match against Kirihara.”
Then, he understood. “I’m fine. It was a very brief moment of blindness. The doctor told me no long-term damage has been done,” he said patiently, trying to reassure you.
“Did you go straight to the doctor after the match?” you asked curtly.
“No. I watched Echizen’s game,” he answered. “But I was feeling all right so I did not see the immediate need.”
“You should have gone straight to the doctor,” you commanded. Your voice was raised very slightly but you must have known that he felt the intensity in it.
“I thought you’d kill me if I didn’t watch Echizen’s game.” He sounded nonchalant.
“Fuji,” you said tersely. He smiled to himself because he could picture you rubbing your nose in an exhausted manner.
“Don’t worry, it won’t happen again,” he promised. “And how’s your arm? Are you still stealing a girl’s racket to sneak out and play?”
You grunted, “I’m fine.”
At that moment, he had slipped down to the floor, clutching the phone close to his ears. A very bright smile was on his lips as he listened while you spoke about your day. Any thought of sleep was already gone from his head. He hoped you felt just as glad and as comfortable as he was then.
-tbc-
oOo
As his lips opened slightly with the suspicion of a half-smile, I said to myself, again: “What moves me so deeply, about this little prince who is sleeping here, is his loyalty to a flower - the image of a rose that shines through his whole being like the flame of a lamp, even when he is asleep…” And I felt him to be more fragile still. I felt the need of protecting him, as if he himself were a flame that might be extinguished by a little puff of the wind… - The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
oOo
A/N: I don’t understand why this is short. D: The next chapter is where they’d finally - *shuts up*
Pairing: TezukaFuji
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Drama
Warnings: shounen ai, spoilers
Disclaimer: If I owned Prince of Tennis, the main characters would be Tezuka and Fuji - not Echizen.
Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
A/N: This fic is still alive. I swear! This fic is my baby so no letting go. Updated for milkyxduckie. Happy birthday, love. I’m sorry I can’t give you a oneshot, but I hope you’ll enjoy this just the same. This chapter refers to genius 121 and the Fuji vs. Kirihara match. Speeding the story a bit so we’ll be able to get to the good part soon. :D
One runs a risk of weeping a little, if one lets himself be tamed… - The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
oOo
Remembrance - Day Eight
oOo
You found him on the hallway, just as he said you would. He stood against their classroom’s wall, his left leg crossed over his right. When he saw you approach, he smiled cheerfully and straightened up.
“Is this the English dictionary that you need?” You asked, handing him a pocket-sized but thick black book.
He smiled gratefully at you. “Yes, thank you. Both Oishi and Taka-san didn’t bring it so I can only borrow yours.” He flipped it open and watched the pages turn, a childish expression on his face. “By the way, Tezuka,” he went, eyes still on the copy, “the lineup for the match against Hyoutei hasn’t been decided yet, has it?”
You pushed your hands into the pocket of your pants and he saw the slight wonder in your face. “Ryuuzaki-sensei is probably worrying about it as well.”
He scanned the page in front of him before he snapped the book shut. “The person who defeated Yuuta… Jirou, was it? If it’s possible, I would like to have a match with him.”
You regarded him silently for a while. “Fuji, you are very considerate of your younger brother,” you remarked. But he smiled, knowing by the tone of your voice that you as good as promised to grant him the favor.
Nodding, you turned to leave. “Tezuka…” he called and you paused, eyeing him in a questioning way. His eyes flashed open and he asked, “Is it really okay for you to be playing against that Atobe?” You saw him clench his fist around the dictionary but you did not respond. “If your left elbow isn’t completely healed… you will lose.”
You stared at him and he stared defiantly back. The glint in his eyes voiced out an unspoken challenge and genuine concern. But you didn’t seem to heed. Instead, you walked back to your class, unaware of the dismal sigh he released due to your disregard for his warning.
The next day, as he had hoped, he had gotten the chance to play against Jirou Akutagawa. Jirou, who had been sleeping until the match, was at first uninterested. But beneath his childishness lay a formidable tennis player. However, perhaps you thought, Jirou wasn’t the one who could break his three counters. Furthermore, he was avenging his brother, and you knew that he was always more determined wherever his brother was concerned. Thus, he won as you trusted him to.
He was about to step out of the court when you entered. He looked at your left arm and cast a deep gaze straight into your eyes. Then wordlessly he joined your other teammates. Atobe was all that he expected: arrogant, fierce and powerful. The results of that match were both fortunate and disastrous. The misfortune was based on the harm induced on your shoulder. The game destroyed it and many people feared that the injury was for good. But that match also led to a triumph made by Echizen.
Leaving the rejoicing team, Oishi, always the caring vice captain, brought you to the clinic. When the checkup was done, you saw him outside, undoubtedly waiting for you. He smiled at Oishi who nodded back, saying, “I’ll tell the others that Tezuka is all right. You go ahead to the bus.”
The two of you watched Oishi go and he was the one who broke the silence. “You are very considerate of Seigaku.” His voice was not accusing. In fact, he had injected humor in his tone by mimicking the staid way you told him about Yuuta. He seemed amused and, if you noticed, impressed. “You never fail to surprise people.”
“Except you,” you pointed out, unconsciously clutching your shoulder.
He shrugged. “I was still surprised,” he confessed without offering any explanation. He smiled pleasantly and added, “You must be very glad we won.”
“But this is only a step closer to the Nationals. We can’t get careless,” you said firmly.
Meaning to ease the tension, he grinned. “Yes, Captain!”
Several days and several trips to the doctor passed. You supervised the team with your usual tact. But you hadn’t played a single game and you were more subdued than usual. Everyone began to worry about your arm but you deflected their questions. He was, however, among the few ones who knew the reason.
“Have you decided?” he asked thoughtfully as you traipsed down the sidewalk on the way home.
You nodded sagely. “I’ll tell the team tomorrow and leave for Kyushuu this week. I’ll give the responsibilities to Oishi. Help him.”
His smile became broad. “Rehabilitation will make you stronger than ever. Maybe I won’t be able to recognize you when you return,” he teased.
You scowled at him. “I hope to make it back before the Nationals.”
“You will,” he said. “You’ll probably run away from the center if they don’t release you before then.”
You glared.
He threw his head back laughing. When he sobered up, he patted your arm and said, “Just focus on getting better.”
Ever dutiful, you nodded. “I won’t get careless.”
The team received the news in a surprised silence. But they wished you well, hoping that you would return soon. They even accompanied you to the airport and waited with you until your departure. He often called you at night to report what was happening in Seigaku. He told you that Inui kept concocting new juices and was spending a lot of time with Kaidoh for training. He told you that Echizen and Momo were trying to cut down their burger intake as Inui suggested. According to him, Eiji was training harder than usual. He also relayed how Oishi was more high-strung, trying to bear all the responsibility. But a couple of days later, he told you that Oishi was back to normal and that your emails to the team were very helpful.
He usually was the one who called so he had been really surprised when his phone rang in the middle of the night and heard your voice. “Tezuka,” he said sleepily. “Is something wrong?”
“How are you?” You asked. Your voice was still deep and stern but I’m sure he hadn’t imagined the alarmed ring in it.
“I’m fine,” he said casually. “Why?”
There was a brief pause before you finally replied, “Oishi told me what happened in your match against Kirihara.”
Then, he understood. “I’m fine. It was a very brief moment of blindness. The doctor told me no long-term damage has been done,” he said patiently, trying to reassure you.
“Did you go straight to the doctor after the match?” you asked curtly.
“No. I watched Echizen’s game,” he answered. “But I was feeling all right so I did not see the immediate need.”
“You should have gone straight to the doctor,” you commanded. Your voice was raised very slightly but you must have known that he felt the intensity in it.
“I thought you’d kill me if I didn’t watch Echizen’s game.” He sounded nonchalant.
“Fuji,” you said tersely. He smiled to himself because he could picture you rubbing your nose in an exhausted manner.
“Don’t worry, it won’t happen again,” he promised. “And how’s your arm? Are you still stealing a girl’s racket to sneak out and play?”
You grunted, “I’m fine.”
At that moment, he had slipped down to the floor, clutching the phone close to his ears. A very bright smile was on his lips as he listened while you spoke about your day. Any thought of sleep was already gone from his head. He hoped you felt just as glad and as comfortable as he was then.
-tbc-
oOo
As his lips opened slightly with the suspicion of a half-smile, I said to myself, again: “What moves me so deeply, about this little prince who is sleeping here, is his loyalty to a flower - the image of a rose that shines through his whole being like the flame of a lamp, even when he is asleep…” And I felt him to be more fragile still. I felt the need of protecting him, as if he himself were a flame that might be extinguished by a little puff of the wind… - The Little Prince, by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
oOo
A/N: I don’t understand why this is short. D: The next chapter is where they’d finally - *shuts up*