AN: For the record, this is my first POT fanfic, so I hope I don't disappoint! Critiques are encouraged and I hope you enjoy the fic!
Victory
So it all comes down to this... A tie-breaker.
But would we have had it any other way? Nothing but our best, ne Tezuka?
Darting forward, I feel a sudden chill, and smile in your shadow. A smash at that height? I'm just asking for it, aren't I? But I don't care how much power you put behind it, I will return it. Tezuka, I will prove myself to you. I will win this!
Watching you, my hold suddenly slackens on my racket and it begins to slip in my sweaty grip.
No. NO!
Forcing my fingers back around the grip, I race to return the impossible, throwing my arm out to make up for the distance.
As the ball lands and rolls toward the net, I can only stand and watch, my racket extended to hit the ball that never came. My eyes lock on it where it cradles the net, rocking gently back and forth before finally growing still.
Reaching up, I rub at the back of my neck, struggling to come to terms with all that has just happened and failing miserably.
So this is what it's like..?
I've never felt anything like this before...
Slowly straightening, I can't bring myself to look up at you. How can I, knowing why I've dreaded this match for three years now? What will this make us, Tezuka..? Are we rivals now?
That isn't what I want...
A faint scuffing comes from the other side of the court and I flinch, knowing you're coming towards the net. What can I do..?
Swallowing, I take a small step forward, eyes now following my feet, willing them to move one in front of the other. The sharp pains racing across my arms and legs are nothing to...to this...
Why did you do this to me?!
"Fuji..?"
Finally glancing up at you, I realize you're wearing your usual neutral expression, but there's something different in your eyes. Winning the match wasn't what was important to him this time, but instead, you were striving to win a victory over me.
Closing my eyes, I feel the tears collected in them dart down my cheeks, leaving a trail for others to follow.
So this is what it's like...
As you raise your hand, I swallow and do the same, clasping mine tightly over yours. My lips twitch as we stand there, struggling to pull themselves downward despite the sudden elation I feel. Squeezing your hand before I let go, I feel my cheeks bunch up into the smile I had been trying for.
I lost, but for the first time in my life, I will be stronger for it.
No. We will be stronger for it.