Author's Notes: I know I've seen several fics that centered around the phrase "I love you" without actually mentioning it, and I hope those authors don't think I'm stealing their idea. The ones I've read like that were pretty different in general idea from this one, which is why I felt OK writing it.
Beta-ed by Fatedtofall.
Disclaimer: I disclaim.
The Golden Pair murmurs it back and forth, whispers it in each other's ears, mouths it against their joined hands.
Kaidoh mumbles it, red faced and head averted, and it's always enough to make Inui's expression soften. No matter how many times he has murmured it back, it is always enough to make him forget his data book for a full five minutes, and his frantic scribbling once he realizes this would be hilarious, if it hadn't been quite so…cute.
Taka-san smiles it into his cell phone, and his grin is always radiant even though everyone can hear the abrupt click.
Momo yells it happily while glomping onto Echizen, and the assorted snickers at Echizen's annoyed face only serve to make it redder as he mutters it back into Momo's sleeve.
Fuji watches all of this, and while he's happy for his friends, it always aches a little, for no matter how embarrassed some of them might be, they're willing to say in public what Tezuka has never whispered to him even in private. Fuji has thought of taking the initiative, but he's afraid of what Tezuka's response might not be. He ponders this as Eiji beams it at Oishi for the umpteenth time today, and decides maybe he will say it to Tezuka today, even if Tezuka will probably think he's teasing, even if Tezuka might ignore him coldly without an inkling of how much he is hurting Fuji. Just for the possibility that Tezuka might repeat it, might give him some solid reassurance of their relationship that Fuji is almost ashamed he wants to hear. He knows Tezuka doesn't think to talk about his emotions, but if he would only say it, just once, so Fuji could know.
But…then again, Fuji realizes as he feels a hand rest on his shoulder, lips press against his hair in a moment Tezuka thinks the rest of the team isn't watching…then again, maybe he doesn't need to.
Notes: I know I didn't state directly who Taka's talking to, so if you can think of anyone besides Akutsu who would hang up on him, feel free to pretend it's them.