Stoic Faced

A/N: A short story about Yukimura and his love a couple years in the future. BL, yes. AlphaPair, yes. Keep an eye out for that.

Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis.

Yukimura sat across from his stoic-faced friend. "Hello," he greeted cheerfully. It was a small greeting. By now, he'd known Yukimura well enough to know he was nervous. And why not?

He was sure that Yukimura knew what was going on. He was sure Yukimura knew that he wanted to say what he'd been feeling for years.

"Hello, Yukimura," he returned quietly, emotionlessly.

"I was surprised when you called me, honestly. I'm sure you've heard what I've been doing…" a chuckle escaped him.

He nodded. "I've heard. I'm happy for you, Yukimura." His unrevealing eyes flicked down to the pale, slender hands of his friend. On his left hand, on his ring finger, was a shining ring.

"Oh!" Yukimura smiled sheepishly. "Don't worry. I'll definitely send you your invitation. I hope you'll be able to make it! You're my best friend, you know."

He smiled. A little. Just a little. They were best friends. "Of course I'll be able to make it. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"I'm so glad," he told him softly, reflective eyes looking down at the glittering ring.

The sunlight poured in through the windows of the coffee shop, catching Yukimura in all his perfection. Silver was a good choice of metal for his ring. While Yukimura was one of the best at tennis and everybody's friend, gold could have never complimented his sapphire eyes or deep blue hair that glowed like a halo in the light. He was wearing slacks, a sweater vest, and a striped button-up. His hair was longer than when he'd seen him last, and he's never looked so beautiful.

All he wanted was him and Yukimura, like this, forever.

"Yukimura," he began sternly, gently, with a voice he'd acquired shortly after he'd left.

Yukimura looked up, with those wide, blue eyes, his hair framing his face and neck.

"Yukimura, I love you."

His face wasn't that of surprise. It was sad, really. Devastated, almost. But not surprised. In the back of his mind, he'd probably known all along. So it wasn't surprise on his face.

"Please don't say that," he whispered.

"I do. I wanted to tell you before you got married."

Yukimura looked down at his hands. Unconsciously, he covered his left with his right. He looked back up, desperate.

"Tezuka," Yukimura began sharply. "Tezuka, you can't. You know I love Sanada."

"I do know. I know you'll be very happy together, but I needed to tell you," he told him in a level voice. "I'm sorry if this upsets you. I won't come to your wedding if you don't want me to."

Yukimura sighed, exasperated. "Tezuka, I'm sorry. There's no way I can love you back," he said, looking at him. "I want you at the wedding. Just please don't say things like that."

"I understand."

"I'm sorry." Yukimura closed his eyes and exhaled slowly before smiling at Tezuka. "You'll still come, won't you?"

"Of course, Yukimura. I can take the day off of work with no problems."

"I'm glad," Yukimura smiled. "Genichirou's coming to pick me up. He'll be here any minute," he commented after checking his cell phone.

"I see."

A few peaceful moments passed between the two. Yukimura was smiling as he and Tezuka exchanged stories about their college tennis teams. Tezuka's face didn't falter, except about glorious tennis maneuvers. Without either of them realizing, the bell on the coffee shop door rang quietly.

"Seiichi," Sanada announced loudly as he walked over to the table, a small smile on his face.

"Hello, Genichirou," he greeted.

Sanada's unchanging eyes shifted from his fiancée to his rival. "Hello, Tezuka."

"Sanada."

Their stoic expressions stayed like that, glaring at each other internally, for a while. Yukimura stood and hugged Sanada, breaking the spell.

"I love you, Seiichi," Sanada told him, a small smile returning to his face.

Yukimura smiled. "Tezuka, we really have to go. I'm sorry. Call me again soon, okay?"

Tezuka nodded.

The couple left, holding hands. Tezuka watched them go. Sanada's face was concrete, with unchanging eyes hidden below a hat. Sanada spoke in a level, unrevealing voice. He took a sip of coffee before paying and leaving as well.

He sighed.

It could've been him.

A/N: Surprise ending! Ha ha ha. HospitalPair, yes. Tezuka and Yukimura. I'm not the only one who thought they could hook up, am I? In the end, I like Yukimura with Sanada more. Sorry, Tezuka!

I wanted to highlight their similarities (and their differences). They're both stoic characters, only Sanada has emotions and he's passionate about living things (as well as tennis), unlike Tezuka. Ha ha ha.

Please, drop a review and let me know how I did!