Secret Language

On the first day of practice after the holidays, Inui felt that something was wrong. With his sharp eyes, he could tell that something was going on between the captain and the tensai, but could not quite put his finger on it.

Aah, think of the devil. Fuji strolled across the courts towards the benches and dumped his bag on top of someone else's racket. In another corner, Inui noticed, Tezuka was frowning. Being the good data collector he was, he crept up to the two to eavesdrop – no, scrap that; collect data.

"Sorry for being late." He heard Fuji say.

"20 laps, Fuji."

"Me too." The smile could be heard in Fuji's voice. Being Inui, he decided to tail the two and investigate this peculiar behavior.

"Naa, Tezuka, what do you think about me getting spectacles?"

"Don't ask silly questions."

"Ah, thanks." Inui raised his eyebrow at Fuji's strange replies. He watched as the tensai turned, nearly crashing into a pillar (somehow it looked like it was done on purpose). And he heard Tezuka muttering something like "don't let your guard down". But the best of them all was the light glow of happiness in Fuji's eyes as he said these words.

The data-man quickly did some calculations and his eyes flashed evilly.

He then put those phrases to test the next day.

"25 laps, Echizen." The captain said flatly when Ryoma came down late for practice.

"Fine." Inui was shocked at his miscalculation and stunning revelation. The 'secret language' didn't fit! He then went to stalk Eiji for further proof.

"Tezuka-buchou! Shall we have a Regulars Party if we win the Nationals, nya?"

Tezuka frowned. "Don't ask silly questions, Kikumaru." Furiously Inui scribbled in his notebook. Point proven.

After practice that day, Tezuka gave the Regulars a prep talk before the upcoming inter-school competition. "…Just remember, don't let your guard down."

Inui beamed happily. His hypothesis was proven. Those words didn't mean anything unless…

"You're late again, Fuji." The tensai stood at the door, slightly panting, still smiling.

"Sorry, buchou."

"As I said, don't let your guard down."

-

Inui was so busy tailing Tezuka and Fuji that he forgot to zip his bag. And so the green notebook fell out from where it rested right on top. And guess what: Kaidoh was standing behind the data-man!

"Pshhhh. What is this?" And so he read on.

Any number of laps - I missed you;

Don't ask silly questions - you are good enough as it is;

Aa - as you wish;

I see - Let's go (home together);

Don't let your guard down - I love you.

"Pshhhh, Inui-senpai," Kaidoh said as he leaned forward to place the notebook back into Inui's backpack.

"What is it, Kaidoh?"

"Pshhhh… Don't let your guard down, Inui-senpai."


A/N: Simply because I am sick and tired of logarithms. x-x Could have been better if my brain was working properly... As always, reviews will be appreciated. (: (Credit to Ann for proofreading!)