Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Title:
Watching Stars
Author/Artist:
MoonlitAffairs (Kyoka)
Theme(s):
#20- Memory
Characters:
Tezuka Kunimitsu
Rating:
K/G
Warnings:
Implied character death
Disclaimer:
Everything related to Prince of Tennis belongs to Konomi Takeshi. I am only borrowing Tezuka for a while.
Summary:
"Kunimitsu, will you watch the stars with me, as my lover?" Written for the 30 deathfics community on lifejournal.
Notes: AU-ish


Watching Stars

Tezuka was always mindful of the world around him, much like a noble, ancient warrior.

When he was in the freezing, snow-capped mountains, he was mindful of the conditions, pushing himself along the path to the shrine to repent as wet snow weighted down his bangs. Clad in a plain gray yukata, he blends in easily with the mountain and its colors.

He's allowed here, to pray and participate in a ritual chant. Today there are very few people here, because usually this temple only has visitors on special days requiring prayer. Tezuka kneels in the middle of a room and stairs up at the alter sitting before him, climbing high on the tall ceiling. Bowing his head, he closes his eyes in prayer.

The cold and desolate winter seems to be the only home for him now.

He remembers the summers, among chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms. They meshed well into the scenery. Alongside a familiar smiling face, family, a wife; their faces are lost in a haze of shadow.

He remembers the feel of the soft grass against his back. For that moment, he pauses and adjusts the glasses on his face. His eyesight has never been what one would call perfect, and he's in constant need of his glasses. The world comes into focus again, a blur of sun, blue skies, and the small silhouette of the village off in the distance, framed by cherry blossom and chrysanthemum.

"Kunimitsu, will you watch the stars with me, as my lover?"

"Fine."

They sit near each other, enjoying the company of the other while looking up at the stars.

The memories fade to a bleached white.

"Daddy, can I come with you, please?"

The green and pink of springtime fade and mesh, as a man walks down the road with his child clutching to his hand. It's autumn now, when the summer gives way to beautiful oranges, a hew of color across the landscape, framed beautifully by the mountains.

"Kunimitsu!"

He failed.

For that, he will pay the ultimate price.

Far away, he will reach them.

And they will all watch the stars, together.