Hello darlings!!~

Long time, no see. I come bearing gifts in the form of a semi "prequel" to Capture! As I work on the "sequel" to Capture! Now this won't be a prequel in the sense that these are just snapshots of Tezuka and Fuji's lives that have to do with Oishi and their relationship and all that good stuff. So it isn't all connected chapter to chapter. Each one could kind of be a stand alone by itself really - but it works. Besides they all go in order of time.

Anyway - I went on a writing spree last night and decided that since I'm "in the zone" I might as well give you a brownie before I bring out the big cake.

It was the night of the day they had triumphed at Nationals. The party had died down - but chatter still echoed off the walls. No one wanted to leave; there was a joy, togetherness and a finality that this brought. Things would never be the same after this - the dreams and goals had finally been realized and what else was there? They were family and yet this was the end, this was it. It was Taka-san's last year of tennis, Ryoma, Kaidoh and Momoshiro would stay at Seigaku and lead the team to another victory and Oishi...

Tezuka looked around for Oishi, catching sight of Eiji but not seeing his partner anywhere. Slightly confused and maybe a tinge worried he walked across the room to where Fuji was talking with Yumiko hoping that his boyfriend may have seen Oishi.

"He went out for a minute, Tezuka." Fuji said, looking toward the exit of Kawamura sushi. With a nod, he squeezed Fuji's hand lightly and quickly turned away, feeling Yumiko's gaze on his back.

The night was cool and beautiful; a three quarter moon illuminated the sky. It was perfectly romantic and great for their wonderful occasion. And thus so great it was, Tezuka didn't understand why Oishi - who had done so much, maybe more than Tezuka - was standing outside alone. He was gazing up at the sky, holding his wrist and smiling slightly. He looked peaceful - perhaps just taking a break to reflect on what had happened.

"You should come inside." Tezuka commented as he stopped about a foot away from Oishi. "Its getting colder."

"I'm fine, Tezuka." Oishi turned to face him, smiling gently. He understood Tezuka and appreciated his concern. "Just thinking about some things."

"You did well today." Tezuka said seriously as he moved closer to Oishi. He gently grasped Oishi's wrist, running his fingers over the skin as if checking to see if it was okay. Looking into Oishi's eyes, he suddenly seriously. "Thank you."

"If it were not for you, I wouldn't have been able to do it." Oishi grinned, his smiling fuller and more honest. He pulled his wrist out of Tezuka's hand, instead gripping his hand. "I guess we did it."

"We did." Tezuka confirmed as he stared at his friend. They had come far, and Oishi had never swayed - no matter was stupid and reckless things Tezuka did. He put Oishi through a lot this last year and he wished there was some way he could repay him. The best thing he could probably do was to leave Oishi be and let him relax. Of course that wouldn't happen any time soon, Oishi was too important. He mattered to Tezuka, so much more than most other things. And now that the Nationals were over and they had won...

"We should go, everyone will start to worry." Oishi was blushing as he pulled his hand out of Tezuka's and slowly walked around him. He nearly bumped into Fuji who looked surprised and then smiled kindly at him.

"There you are, Oishi." Fuji lightly touched Oishi's arm as he said. "Eiji was looking for you, why don't you go see him before he starts freaking out?"

"Ah, good idea." Oishi scrunched his brow together in worry as he quickly entered the restaurant.

Tezuka stared at his hand, not even watching as Oishi left. He saw Fuji approaching out of the corner of his eye, his smile was there - but it was softer and smaller. He understood and it made Tezuka feel even more pitiful. He knew how he felt about Oishi, he should have noticed it sooner. Had he not been so wrapped up in tennis and everything else he wouldn't be afraid to do something. Because now Oishi was sure they were just friends and he was dating Fuji. Fuji whom he loved and Fuji whom liked Oishi.

"I wanted to.." Tezuka said, unable to look at his boyfriend - even as he felt Fuji wrap an arm around his shoulders.

"I know." Fuji sighed gently, leaning his head against Tezuka's shoulder. "You should have."

"I know." Tezuka responded, sounding a bit upset with himself. He looked down at Fuji, and realized that this was how it should be. Just the two of them - they didn't need anyone else. Except they did - and the only relief was that while they waited hopelessly, at least they would be together.

Short and sweet is how most of these will run, but they will be updated more frequently because of it.

Hope you enjoyed!!

Love, Tabis~