Title: A Cherished Year, a TeniPuri fanfiction.

Author: isumi'kivic'

Pairings: Mainly TezukaFujiTezuka, OishiEijiOishi, MomoRyoumaMomo, and other pairings will appear in later chapters.

Rating: T

Warnings: This fic contains shounen-ai or yaoi, or BL or slash, or things along that line. OOC-ness is an absolute fact. Bad grammar, because English isn't my native tongue. You've been warned, so read on your own risk.

Disclaimer: I will praise Konomi Takeshi-sensei for creating such a great piece of art by making Tennis no Oujisama. And no, I will never claim it as mine, nor will I make money from this fic, unless Konomi-sensei suddenly gave me a right to inherit everything from him. Well, everything's possible..

A/N: The second chapter. I'd love to thank everyone who had read the first chapter, and triple the thanks for those who had reviewed. –hugs- I love you guys a lot. Thank you so, so, so much!

I'm not going to blabber right now.. my hands are moving by themselves. Saa, nee… please enjoy this second chapter and please review!

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"Being in the same time, and looking up at the same sky.. if I can remember that, I believe we can be together."-Shirou, Fate/Stay Night-

For Ilde, because you've been such a great alter ego. And because you taught me lots of things..

-----------o0o------------

A TeniPuri fic.

A Cherished Year

Chapter Two: August—Adjustments and Settlements.

Saturday, August 6.

The constant beeping disturbed Ryouma. A lot.

Growling slightly, keeping his eyes shut, he blindly reached out for the source of the constant beeping: the alarm clock Fuji had put—and set—last night on the bedside drawer. After blindly searching for the off button unsuccessfully, Ryouma finally groaned in annoyance, grabbing the exasperating device and bringing it before his eyes.

"Where the heck is that off button?" he fumbled with the earsplitting device for a moment. Still, he couldn't find it. He glanced at the time it showed. Seven in the morning. And it was Saturday. He didn't have to wake up that early in Saturday, right!

Finally fed up with the beeping noise, Ryouma grudgingly took off the two small batteries on the back of the device. The beeping stopped, much to his relief and delight. He mentally made a note to protest Fuji for setting a complicated alarm clock. He couldn't even find the off button! Knowing Fuji, he must had done it purposefully.

Ryouma snuggled up under the warm, fluffy, white blanket and closed his eyes. It's Saturday, and seven o' clock was way too early to wake up. He felt Karupin curling up against his stomach as he dozed off once again. It was so warm and comfortable..

…and suddenly, he felt something cold on his face.

The sudden cold made him abruptly sat up with a surprised yell, his hand frantically moved to get his face rid of the freezing cloth on his face. Once the cloth was thrown off, he didn't have a chance to recover as he felt small drops of cold-water being splashed onto his face, followed by an amused, hearty laugh. Ryouma growled, knowing exactly who it was.

"Fuji-senpai, stop!"

"Saa, it's time to wake up, Echizen." Fuji stopped his hand's movement, chuckling in delight at Ryouma's scowl. "I see the alarm clock doesn't work."

Ryouma snorted. "It's Saturday." He stated the obvious fact. Fuji smiled, nodding.

"Of course. I know that. Come on, Kunimitsu's making breakfast."

"Fuji-senpai! It's Saturday, and people normally don't wake up until later!"

Fuji snickered. It was no surprise for him that Ryouma always woke up late. All those times when the Seigaku regulars were supposed to meet, Ryouma had always been the latest one to come with excuses, while the truth was obvious to everyone: Ryouma had overslept, that was all.

"We have something urgent to do today, Echizen. Go take a shower and get ready. We'll wait for you for breakfast. Make sure you bring your tennis bag." Fuji's final note gave Ryouma no chance to be stubborn. Grudgingly, the younger teen step out of the bed.

Fuji was about to exit the room when Ryouma called him, "Fuji-senpai,"

"Hmm?" Fuji turned to see Ryouma holding out the alarm clock in his right hand.

"Where is the off button of this moronic device?"

Fuji's smile widened, and Ryouma could catch the satisfied glint on his expression. "Saa.. it doesn't have any."

"What?" was all Ryouma could say. Fuji smirked.

"That alarm clock is controlled by a small remote, which is now resting safely in my room. There's no off button on that clock. I control it. The only way to turn it off straightly from the alarm clock is—like what you just did—take out the batteries."

"You control it?"

Fuji's smile was innocent. "Of course. The program's rule stated that I have full responsibility of you. This is merely a small part of my responsibility, ne, Echizen?"

As Fuji exited his room, Ryouma stared at the alarm clock in his hand in horror.

He had almost forgotten how frightening—and annoying—Fuji could be.

--------o0o----------

"I thought we were going to play tennis." Ryouma grumbled. Beside him, Tezuka only gave him a 'so-you-said' look, and sighed.

"Shuusuke, are we finished, yet?"

"Hmm.." Fuji tapped his chin, scrutinizing a brown shirt he was holding. "Which one do you think is better for Yuuta, Kunimitsu? This brown shirt or.. that red one?"

Tezuka's eyebrow twitched. "The only difference is the color. The style is exactly the same." He replied. Fuji merely sent him a cheerful smile.

"Saa.. it's for Yuuta, so I want the one who will look very good on him. What's your opinion, Echizen?"

Ryouma groaned mentally. He'd better end this now, or they would be stuck in this department store longer than necessary. He had never thought Fuji actually needed a long time just in deciding which shirt he should buy. And, anyway, whichever shirt Fuji picked, it wouldn't make any difference on Yuuta, right?

"The brown one's good." He answered quickly, hoping that they would go soon.

Fuji smiled. "Saa.. I really think the red one would suit him even better. Maybe I should take the red one."

Ryouma rolled his eyes. Then why in the first place you asked for my opinion, Fuji-senpai?

"Or.. maybe I should take both.." Fuji's sentence was cut by Tezuka, who had moved closer to him and took over his hold on the shirt. Giving Fuji a stern look, he said, "It's almost lunch time."

Fuji cheerfully replied, "Hai, Ku-ni-mi-tsu. I'll just buy the red one, then."

And the whole shopping day didn't end there. After lunch, Fuji had dragged them to a camera shop, spending nearly an hour there, and neither Tezuka and Ryouma understood what he was doing. Fuji only said that Yukimura would appreciate it if he could capture better pictures to help him with his assignment—the mention of the ex-captain of RikkaiDai made Ryouma's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Not to mention they had to stop by the supermarket to buy their household needs.

"Buchou," Ryouma stated as they followed Fuji along the food aisle. "Is Fuji-senpai always like this?"

"… every month." Tezuka decided to answer Ryouma truthfully, thinking that he'd better give the younger teen a 'warning' so he would know Fuji's shopping habit. As he had expected, Rouma groaned slightly at the thought of following Fuji to go shopping like this every month.

"I admire you for putting up with Fuji-senpai's shopping habit, Buchou."

Tezuka preferred not to reply at Ryouma's remark because Fuji suddenly turned at them and smiled innocently, but Ryouma and Tezuka could catch a glimpse of evil glint in his eyes before it closed as he smiled, making Ryouma twitched in slight fear.

"Ne, Echizen, do you need something? We might as well buy it now so we wouldn't have to go again later."

"No, I don't…" Ryouma stuttered, but Fuji's expression was clear that he wanted to torture Ryouma longer.

"Saa.. let's go. There might be some interesting things I can buy for you."

Tezuka sighed and gave Ryouma a pointed look. Ryouma mentally noted never to comment on any of Fuji's shopping habit, or the Tensai would purposefully made the whole shopping process much longer than he had to endure.

---------o0o-----------

Tezuka heaved a soft sigh as he put his tennis bag on the bench. He raised his head, looking at the tennis court in front of him.

"Ne, Kunimitsu," Fuji tugged at his shirt. "I don't think I'm going to play today. Echizen would be enough, right?"

Tezuka stared at the smiling Tensai for several seconds. Since they had graduated, they had come to this tennis court every Saturday, sometimes having a match, or Fuji simply just helped him train. Besides, Fuji still loved tennis, and his talent and skill had not ceased even though he didn't have training everyday like he used to be.

"Why?"

"Saa, I played with Eiji at the campus yesterday, and I think I twisted my arm. It's alright, though, really." Fuji quickly added as Tezuka's expression changed into worried and annoyed because Fuji didn't tell him that before. "Besides, it's been a long time since you had a match with Echizen. Aren't you curious, Ku-ni-mi-tsu?"

Fuji's eyes gleamed in interest. He himself was curious with Ryouma. He was certain that the latter had improved a lot since the last time he saw Ryouma played. If he felt curious, then Tezuka must had felt more curious than him.

Ryouma stared at his two senpais, idly guessing what they could be talking about. He wanted to play both Fuji and Tezuka. He wasn't sure if they would have enough time to have two match, though, but whoever he would face wouldn't matter.

"Echizen!" Fuji called, smiling. "Tezuka will play you. That's great, ne?"

"Aren't you playing, Fuji-senpai?" Ryouma eyed Fuji's tennis bag. "Not that I mind playing Buchou.."

"Iie, I think I'll be satisfied just by watching," Fuji gave him a cheerful smile. "Saa, I'd like to see the skill of the vice-captain of Seigaku High versus the skill of one of the best Pro tennis player in Japan."

Ryouma tugged at his cap. "Mada mada ssu.."

Tezuka stepped into the court, eyeing Echizen who had stood on the opposite side of the court. He felt a spark of excitement in his chest; a sensation that always came whenever he knew his opponent was someone who could make him plays seriously.

"Rough or smooth?" he asked.

"Rough." Ryouma answered. The racquet made a clattering sound as it fell to the ground.

"Smooth. My serve." Tezuka said. Ryouma once again tugged at his cap, smiling slightly in excitement.

Go on, Buchou.

Fuji stared at the two teenagers intently. Tezuka had served, and Ryouma had run and tossed the ball back. The light rally continued for several minutes, until Ryouma unexpectedly hit a smash, catching Tezuka in surprise because the latter seemed to be still measuring Ryouma's strength.

"Uisssuu.." Ryouma muttered. "Enough of playing around, Buchou."

Fuji chuckled at Ryouma's word. Echizen never changed, he thought in amusement. Even though he had gone and finished his junior high in America before came back to Japan and entered Seigaku High with the rest of the regulars, the black-haired boy seemed to manage keeping his sole Japanese remarks.

As he continued to watch—Tezuka did his Zero-Shiki Serve and Ryouma countered it with his Drive A, Fuji wondered whether he was the only one among them who felt warmth in his chest. The warmth was soothing, and the more he looked at Tezuka's and Ryouma's satisfied faces, it got warmer and warmer, and spread throughout his entire body cells, automatically making his smile widened more and more, until he felt like he was grinning in…

…Happiness?

"HEAH!" Ryouma shouted, jumping towards the ball and hit it with his COOL Drive. Tezuka, still using his Tezuka Zone, reached the ball before it even touched the ground and lobbed it back to the opposite side of the court.

Fuji smiled.

Happiness… huh?

"Nyaaaa! Fujikooo!"

Eiji's voice made Fuji turned, missing third point Tezuka got. From the court gate, Eiji and Oishi waved, running slowly towards them, followed with a short girl—a little bit shorter than Ryouma—with shoulder-length brown hair, tied up neatly in a ponytail, leaving her bangs on the side of her face, swinging slightly as she followed Oishi and Eiji.

Fuji stood, while Tezuka and Ryouma stopped their match to turn and confirming their suspicion of who was coming. "Oishi. Eiji." Fuji greeted happily. Eiji answered his greeting with a tight hug, making Fuji chuckled in amusement.

Oishi smiled. "We know you'll be here," he said, putting his left hand on the girl's shoulder. "Fuji, this is the high-schooler Eiji and I are hosting. Ishizawa Yumeka."

The short girl looked up and grinned. "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu! Fuji-senpai!"

Fuji raised his eyebrows. "Fuji..senpai?"

"AH!"

Ryouma's shocked exclamation surprised the others, successfully drawing their attention to the youngest boy. Ryouma stood on the court, eyes fixed on Yumeka, eyebrows twitched in surprise, but quickly changed into irritation.

"What are you.." he hadn't finished his sentence as Yumeka suddenly shrieked. "Aaaakh! Echizen! What are YOU doing here!"

"That's my line!" Ryouma grumbled. He turned to look at the surprised Eiji and Oishi. "Don't tell me… your host family is.."

"OCHIBIIII!" Eiji shouted joyously—cutting whatever it was Ryouma going to say, and in a second, he had already had Ryouma under his arm. "Ochibii! Ochibii! What a surprise! It's good to see you! Why are you here? Are you playing Buchou? Waah! How's everybody doing? Are you visiting Fujiko and Buchou? Nyaa, it's not nice not to tell Oishi and I you're visiting!"

Tezuka twitched, sensing another headache coming.

"Ei-ji-sen-pai…! You're suf-ffocat-ting me!"

Eiji grinned. "Mengo, mengo, Ochibi!" he released Ryouma reluctantly. "I'm just really glad to meet you, nya! So, Yumeka and you know each other?"

Glaring grudgingly at Ryouma, Yumeka was the one who answered Eiji, "Echizen is a jerk!"

Tezuka raised his eyebrows in surprise. Oishi turned to Yumeka. "Ne, Yumeka-chan, don't say that."

"But Shuichiro-san, just yesterday that ochibi.." Ryouma glared at Yumeka when she called him that. As if she was taller than him! "..just yesterday he irritated me by running away from class! Again! And I had to take responsibility as the class president..."

"I'm not asking you to take the responsibility!"

"Well, yeah, tell that to the teacher!"

"Why, you..!"

Tezuka's eyes twitched. Again. Fuji watched in amusement.

"Okay, okay.." Oishi tried to interfere. "Echizen, Yumeka-chan.."

"You're always being so arrogant! Troublemaker!"

"Uiisssuu.."

"Ten laps! Everybody!" Tezuka's voice thundered, snapping both Ryouma's and Yumeka's head towards him. "Now!"

There was a still silence for several seconds, before Ryouma threw a grudging glare at Yumeka, dropped his racquet and started running, followed by Oishi—who chuckled at Tezuka's order—and Eiji—who groaned a soft "Nya.."—and Yumeka had no choice but to follow them.

Tezuka gave Fuji a pointed look. Fuji chuckled, his smile was bright.

"Hai, Kunimitsu." He jogged slowly. "Only ten laps, huh? You really do love me, then.."

"Fuji, fifteen."

"Hai, hai.." and Fuji laughed out, a free, beautiful ringing laugh that radiating his happiness to everyone around him.

Fuji didn't understand the cause of the sudden happiness, but he thought, it was okay. As long as it made him happy, whatever it was. He didn't even want to find what the cause was, because if he did find it, maybe, just maybe, it wouldn't cause him this surge of happiness anymore.

Maybe, it would disappear if he found out what it was.

By the time they finished the ten laps around the court, the sun had given signs of its evening gown. Slowly, the orange and red layers appeared on the west sky, reminding those who hadn't gone back home that it was not long before the sun set.

"So.. Ishizawa is in the same class with Echizen?" Fuji asked when all of them had sat down on the bench, slightly out of breath after running the laps. Ryouma made a small, annoyed noise at Fuji's question, while Yumeka nodded.

"Yes, we're classmates." She glared when Ryouma snorted.

Fuji smiled. "That's why you called me Fuji-senpai, then."

"Yes!" Yumeka's eyes brightened. "Fuji-senpai might not know me, but I've watched every single match you had last year when I entered Seigaku!"

"She's a big fan of you and Eiji." Oishi said with a smile. Yumeka could only nodded spiritedly. Fuji chuckled, idly wondering if Yumeka was one of those girls who had sent him countless cards and chocolates on Valentine's Day.

"Nyaa, Fujiko," Eiji started, "Why didn't you tell me that Ochibi is visiting, nya?"

Ryouma stared at Eiji. "Uh.. Eiji-senpai, I'm not exactly visiting.."

"Eh?"

"Eiji." Fuji started. "I actually planned to stop by your apartment tonight to tell you about this, but you found us first.." he chuckled. "Tezuka and I will be hosting Echizen for a year."

A silence followed Fuji's statement.

"WHAAATT!" Eiji and Yumeka's shrieked were enough to send the headache back into Tezuka's head. Oishi, on the other hand, looked dumbstruck at the news Fuji had just given him. Ryouma muttered a low "Mada mada.." at their reactions.

"No! But why! I don't even know that Echizen joined this program! How could they have selected you! I can't believe this!" Yumeka thrown herself back on the bench next to Eiji, a disappointed look on her face, clearly wasn't pleased by the fact that Ryouma was selected to join the program.

Eiji looked at Ryouma. "Nee, Ochibi, nya.. is that true?"

Ryouma tugged at his cap. "Aah."

"Uwaaah! So exciting!" Eiji squealed. "That means you live with Buchou and Fuji, nya! And you can play them any time, nya!"

Oishi, having recovered from his dumbstruck state, smiled. "So, what do you think about staying with Tezuka and Fuji, Echizen?"

Smirking, Ryouma's reply was "Mada mada da ne.."

Oishi and Fuji chuckled.

The orange and red layers on the sky were brightening, and Tezuka decided that it was time to go home already. Standing up, he nudged Fuji, gesturing to the setting sun.

"Ah, it's time already?" Fuji stood, followed by the others. "Saa, Oishi, Eiji, jaa ne,"

"Unyaa! Jaa, Fujiko! Buchou! Ochibi!" bending down slightly, Eiji whispered into the younger boy's ear, "I hope you will survive your year, nya!"

"Eiji-senpai.."

Oishi smiled. "See you Monday, Fuji. Tezuka, take care. You, too, Echizen." He turned to Yumeka, who bowed and cheerfully said, "Nice to meet you, Tezuka-senpai, Fuji-senpai!"

"Nice to meet you, too, Ishizawa-san," Fuji replied. Yumeka giggled, amused by the honorific. She waved her hand dismissively. "Yumeka is fine, senpai!"

"Come on." Oishi led Eiji and Yumeka. The three of them waved until they exited the court, yelling, "See you later!" and "Good luck, Ochibiii!" and Fuji chuckled in amusement, his face bright with happiness as he turned to face Tezuka and Ryouma.

"Saa.. it's time to go."

As they walked out of the court, Tezuka reached Fuji's hand, intertwining their fingers. Fuji looked at him questioningly, but Tezuka only stated, "You look very happy."

"I am." Fuji's smile widened almost an inch. "I feel very content."

Behind them, Ryouma smirked, pulling his cap down a little and averting his eyes.

----------o0o------------

"Gochisousama." Tezuka carefully put his chopstick on his rice bowl. Next to him, Fuji had finished his dinner a moment before, and he was looking at Ryouma, who still hadn't finished his dinner yet.

Ryouma handed out his rice bowl. "More."

Fuji smiled. "Do you like it?" he reached for the bowl and filled it with some more rice before handing it back to Ryouma. The latter only muttered a soft "Aah." And put his concentration back to his food.

"I'm glad." Fuji honestly said. Tezuka suppressed a threatening smile as he sipped his tea. Fuji's happiness was radiating, and it was contagious. The Tensai had insisted to cook dinner for them, despite Saturday was supposed to be Tezuka's turn to cook. Ryouma had eyed Tezuka with horror reflected in his eyes when Fuji volunteered to cook, but Tezuka ignored him.

Echizen will know that there are times when Fuji cooks normal food, and when he does, they are much more delicious than mine, Tezuka had thought. Somehow, he felt that tonight was one of those times.

Ryouma had to admit mentally that he hadn't expected Fuji's cooking to be.. normal. Normal Japanese cuisine. And they were actually really good. It was… unexpected, to say the least.

"Ne, Echizen, I think it's time to tell you about our household rules," Fuji began, his smile never faltered. Ryouma raised his head to meet his stare slightly, and shrugged, a sign that he didn't mind following the rules. It was his obligation while he stayed here, after all.

"The most important thing you have to know is that, here, we have our turns to cook dinner and breakfast." Fuji glanced at the stoic-faced teen next to him. "My turn are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Kunimitsu's are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. We usually eat out on Sundays. Let's see.." he tapped his finger on the table. "I think you can take care of shopping for dinner on Wednesday and Friday."

Ryouma shrugged. "No problem."

"And you'll be the one doing dishes after dinner."

"What?" Ryouma's head snapped up. "Why me?"

"Because you're the youngest," Fuji smiled innocently. "It's only common, ne?"

Eyeing the Tensai for several seconds, the youngest boy put a scowl. He hated doing dishes.

"Saa, of course I will help, Echizen." Fuji added. "That's fair, ne?"

Keeping his scowl, Ryouma turned back to his food. "What else?"

"Kunimitsu and I always clean this apartment every Sunday. So, every Sunday morning, you'll have to clean your room, and the living room, while I'm cleaning the kitchen and laundry room, and Kunimitsu will clean the bathroom and our room."

Ryouma raised his eyebrows. "Fuji-senpai, sounds like you're making me a slave."

Tezuka gave him a stern look, and Ryouma shrugged, averting the look. Fuji chuckled.

"And, of course, there are certain rules that you are obligated to follow." Fuji continued. "First of all.."

"Never enter our room without knocking, especially when both of us are inside." Tezuka cut the Tensai off. Ryouma made an as-if-I-don't-know-about-that face, and Fuji let out an amused laugh.

"That.. and if you're going to come home late after school or you need to go somewhere, you have to tell either Kunimitsu or I. At least call and leave a message." Fuji's face turned serious. "We are fully responsible of you, Echizen, so don't ever think to make it hard."

"Not that I want to." Ryouma muttered, mentally noted never to do anything reckless in this house if—like Eiji had said—he wanted to survive his year and come back alive.

"Good." The smile was back on Fuji's face, much to Ryouma's relief. "And then, of course, you have to come with us every Saturday to play tennis. Once every month, you have to come shopping with us.." at this, Ryouma flinched slightly in fear. "And, as a good student, you'll obey everything Kunimitsu or I said, ne?"

"What if.." Ryouma tentatively began, not sure whether he should ask the question or not. "What if… I refuse?"

Fuji's smile came to him swiftly, sweetly, too sweet, actually, as he slowly stood up and gathered the dirty rice bowls and plates, and it made Ryouma sank deeper on his chair, feeling something terrible was coming.

"Well, in that case, Kunimitsu can ask you to run some healthy laps around the apartment.. maybe 15 or 20, ne, Kunimitsu?" Tezuka didn't react at that, but Fuji chuckled. "Or maybe, I can ask Inui to send one of his new concoctions special for you. He's also in Todai, remember? His major is Chemistry, so he had more ingredients to add into his concoctions."

For the first time since he came to this apartment, Ryouma doubted that he would survive his year.

-----------o0o-----------

Wednesday, August 16..

Balancing two paper bags on his arms, Ryouma fumbled with the apartment doorknob, mentally cursing the fact that opening a door could be very difficult while holding two paperbags. After he failed on his third attempt, he gave up, deciding to sound the bell instead and yell, "Fuji-senpai! Open the door, please!"

"Hai, hai.." he could hear Fuji chuckled. It sounded really close, and he wondered whether Fuji had been standing behind the door all the while he was trying to open the door. The door swung opened, and Ryouma scowled as he stepped in.

"Here." Fuji took the paper bags. "Thank you, Echizen." He closed the door, making his way to the kitchen, while Ryouma sank onto the couch in the living room, exhausted. Seigaku regulars had trained harder than usual now that Nationals is approaching, despite the gossip that it would be delayed because of the sudden hurricane in Kyuushu.

From the kitchen, Fuji secretly eyed the exhausted younger boy. His mind wondered whether Seigaku was doing fine. Fuji smiled softly. Nah. Under Kaidou's leadership, Seigaku would be just fine.

"Tadaima." The front door opened, revealing Tezuka and his tennis bag. Fuji and Ryouma looked up. "Okaerinasai." Fuji replied, while Ryouma murmured an incoherent word Fuji guessed was supposed to be "Okaeri."

Tezuka casually put down his tennis bag next to Ryouma's in the living room. He stared at the exhausted high-schooler for a second, and then turned to Fuji. The latter smiled.

"Saa, Tezuka, what do you say about going to that place before dinner?"

Ryouma raised his head, suppressing his wry, tired groan. Really, all he wanted to do now was going to his room and had a good night sleep. He didn't want to go anywhere, not when his leg ached badly and his muscles were sore.

Surprisingly, Tezuka nodded. Ryouma wanted to sigh, but he restrained himself as Fuji smiled at him.

"Come on, Echizen. Jump in the car."

---------o0o---------

From the window on his room where Capella had taken a residence on his windowsill, Ryouma had a wonderful view of the faraway green hills. When the sun was setting, it would shower the hills with bright orange and red rays, making it look as if it gleamed. It was a very nice view, and Ryouma loved to sit on his desk, gazing at the hill when the sun set with Karupin on his lap, snuggling comfortably while his hand subconsciously ran through its thick fur.

Ryouma never knew—and had never bothered to ask how far the hill was from Fuji and Tezuka's apartment.

That was why, when Tezuka's car stopped on the top of the very same hill he always saw from his window, he was taken aback.

Even though the hill looked very beautiful from his window, it certainly was more beautiful when he saw everything from the top of the hill. The vast, green, grassy field spread before him, bathing in the orange and red rays of the setting sun, seemingly endless as he walked on it, following Fuji and Tezuka who walked in front of him, leading him towards a huge Sakura tree. The wind blew gently, and for once, he purposefully took off his cap, letting it caressed his hair.

"Ne, Echizen," Fuji called. "Come here. You can see the sunset clearly from under the tree."

The three of them casually sat down under the tree, Fuji sat next to Tezuka, and Ryouma sat next to him. Feeling relaxed, Ryouma leaned back onto the tree trunk, casting his gaze to the bright setting sun. After several minutes, he peered at the pair who sat next to him, and found himself smiling at the sight of his senpais.

Tezuka's head rested on Fuji's shoulder comfortably, their fingers intertwined at their sides, eyes fixed at the setting sun, looking more peaceful and happy than Ryouma had ever seen. The youngest boy turned his gaze back to the setting sun, smiling softly.

Maybe, just maybe, he could understand why Fuji and Tezuka meant to be together. And he was slightly thankful—and proud—to be one of those people who were allowed to witness a moment between them—like this.

And—Ryouma thought in amusement—the silence between the three of them wasn't bad after all.

"Echizen," Fuji's gentle voice made him turned to see him. The Tensai was still looking at the setting sun, not bothering to look back at him. Instead, he continued, "How is everyone in Seigaku? Momo? Kaidou?"

"Fine." The black-haired boy answered. "Just as usual. Momo-senpai and Kaidou-senpai still fight a lot with each other. Kaidou-senpai wants the regulars to train harder for the Nationals. We have an average of 25 laps everyday."

Fuji chuckled. "Saa, Tezuka, Yamato-buchou certainly had left his running laps method as a tradition in Seigaku, ne?"

Ryouma swore he caught a small smile on Tezuka's face for a second, although it quickly replaced by a familiar order, "Yudan sezu ni ikou."

"You don't have to repeat that again, Buchou." Ryouma stretched and yawned slightly. Glancing back towards the sun, he added, "Seigaku will be the National Champion again. Certainly."

Silence fell between them, following his words. Ryouma closed his eyes, enjoying the relaxing feeling of the wind. It was getting a little chilly, but it was okay as long as he felt relaxed.

"Then, how is school?" Fuji continued, sounding interested. "You and Yumeka are in the same class, aren't you?"

Ryouma scowled. "Unfortunately, yes."

Tezuka's eyebrows raised, still not bothering to change his head's position on his boyfriend's shoulder. "You shouldn't say that to a girl."

Ryouma thought that—in the position he was in at the moment—Tezuka didn't look like the stern, stoic captain he had always known.

"Yumeka is your class president?" Fuji asked. Ryouma drew a long, exasperated breath.

"Aah. She's annoying, acting like she was better than anyone.." At this, Fuji and Tezuka exchanged a meaningful look. Ryouma continued, "..just because she skipped a class when she was in junior high."

"I see. She's a smart girl, huh?"

"At class, yes. But I'm still better at tennis."

"You don't have any difficulties with your lessons?" Tezuka inquired. Ryouma shrugged. "As far, I'm fine, I guess.." he paused. "Well, maybe Math, but I'll manage with it."

Tezuka nodded slightly, looking satisfied. He never did like abandoning his lessons and use tennis as an excuse, and he definitely didn't want any of Seigaku regulars to do something like that.

Another silence fell between them. It was a relaxing silence, not an awkward silence, the kind of silence that Fuji and Tezuka often shared. The wind breezed softly, playing with each strands of their hair, softly whispering a calming lullaby to loosen their daily tensions.

When the sun finally set completely and the twilight came, Fuji took a deep, calm, peaceful breath, and raised his hand to caress the bangs on the side of Tezuka's face. Nodding, Tezuka moved his head from the brown-haired boy's shoulder.

"It's time to go." Fuji turned to Ryouma, who was still silent. "Echizen..?" he paused, and then smiled. Tezuka followed his gaze, and felt a smile creeping up his face.

Sitting comfortably with his back leaning on the trunk, Ryouma had fallen asleep.

-------o0o-------

Saturday, August 19…

"Ngh.." Ryouma lazily opened his eyes, scowling a little at the bright sunrays coming through his curtain. He yawned widely, thinking that he'd better go back to sleep before Fuji activated the moronic alarm clock from his room.

Wait a minute. Sunrays coming from his curtain?

Ryouma sat up slowly. That's weird, he thought. My window is facing the west. If the sunrays could go though my curtains, that means…

He reached the alarm clock to look at the time and blinked. Once. Twice.

It was fifteen to twelve.

"That's weird.." Ryouma mumbled, slowly moved to get out of the bed. Karupin mewled, disappointed at being awoken because of Ryouma's sudden movement, and snuggled back under the blanket.

Yawning, Ryouma made his way out of his room. He glanced at the clock on the wall, to make sure that his alarm clock was right. Yap, it was fifteen to twelve. Ryouma raised his eyebrows as he observed the entire apartment. Living room, kitchen, laundry room… no one was there saved for him.

Weird. For once, Fuji didn't wake him up using the moronic device resting in his room at the moment. Second, Tezuka's car keys were abandoned on the kitchen table, so they must be home. And if they were home, and they weren't in the kitchen, living room, laundry room, or even bathroom, and certainly were not in his room, then the only place left was..

Their bedroom. Right?

Ryouma's face turned into a puzzled expression. They were still asleep? At this time? That was unusual.

He walked towards Fuji and Tezuka's room, but paused when he saw that the door was slightly ajar. Hesitating, Ryouma moved slowly to peek in.

And saw both his senpais sleeping peacefully, covered in blanket—Ryouma thanked God for this—in each other's arms.

Closing his eyes, Ryouma backed away from the door calmly. It had clicked. He blushed slightly at the thought, and shook his head. Taking a last glance at the door, he shrugged and made his way to the kitchen.

Maybe it was better if he didn't wake them up. Yet.

His stomach growled, reminding him of the reason why he was awoken in the first place. Ryouma opened the refrigerator, looking for something to eat. There was no cereal, because Fuji didn't like them. It seemed that he had to cook by himself… for the first time in his life.

-----o0o-----

The sound of pans clattering and a surprised yelp from the kitchen jolted Fuji from his dreamland. The brown-haired boy groaned sleepily, and yawned. He sat up slowly.

What was that sound?

Tezuka—apparently had been awoken by the very same sound—moved slowly to get out of the bed and reached for his clothes. Fuji glanced at the clock, his eyes widened.

"It's noon already?" he jumped out of the bed, reaching for his pants, subconsciously guessing what the commotion from the kitchen was. "My, Kunimitsu, we overslept. I can't believe this." He said as he put on his shirt.

Tezuka shrugged, gesturing him towards the door. Together, the two of them walked quickly to the kitchen.

"What was that-.." the rest of Fuji's words caught in his throat, completely shocked as he saw the mess in the kitchen. Pans and bowls were all over the floor, as well as the flours, and something Fuji suspected as egg yoke all over the stove.

And, in the middle of the mess, Ryouma stood nonchalantly, turning to meet his senpai's surprised gaze. The youngest boy shrugged.

"It exploded." He said shortly, as if it explained everything.

Several seconds of silence followed. Fuji's eyes were opened to observe all the mess, and Tezuka's eyes twitched again and again, sensing a headache coming.

And suddenly, Fuji's eyes closed slowly, and he broke into fits of laughter.

Ryouma and Tezuka raised their eyebrows. What was so funny?

"Hahaha.." the Tensai tried to control his laugh, but failed miserably. Opening one of his eyes, he said between the laughter, "Echizen.. were.. you.. hmph.. trying to make breakfast?"

Tezuka sighed, shaking his head in amusement.

Ryouma scowled and muttered indignantly, "I've never cooked anything before."

"Ahahaha.." wiping a tear from the corner of his right eye, Fuji finally settled in a wide, amused smile. "You should've woken us up. It should be Kunimitsu's turn to make breakfast today."

Ryouma chose not to answer the remark.

"Anyways," Fuji tapped his chin. "It's time for lunch, and I don't think you can cook in the middle of this mess, Kunimitsu." He smiled. "Let's go have brunch at the café, okay?" he turned to Ryouma. "You'd better take a shower or change your shirt, Echizen." He laughed again. "You're covered in flour and.. things."

Ryouma scowled as he made his way to his room. Fuji laughed again, and Tezuka smiled slightly.

When he closed his bedroom door behind him, Ryouma wondered if he had ever heard Fuji laugh as happily as he just did.

--------o0o--------

"Irassha-…" Yumeka's voice caught in her throat as she looked up to greet the customer who just walked into the café. Her eyes widened.

"Fuji-senpai! Tezuka-senpai!" her gaze fell upon Ryouma, and she frowned in dislike. "Echizen.."

Ryouma glared back at her, tugging his cap down arrogantly.

"It's a pleasure to see you, Yumeka," Fuji greeted her cheerily. Yumeka's expression quickly changed. She nodded happily.

"I have a part-time job here," she said. "Are you here for lunch?"

"Well, brunch actually.." Fuji's words once again was cut off by a cheerful yell from a table in the corner. "Fujikoooo! Buchouu! Ochibii!"

Eiji and Oishi were there, waving and smiling brightly at them.

"Shuichirou-san drove me here," Yumeka said, answering the unspoken question in Tezuka's eyes. "They decided to have brunch in here, too. Would you like to have a table next to them?"

"We'll take it," Fuji replied, and led Tezuka and Ryouma towards the table. Oishi and Eiji beamed at them as they took their seat at the table for four next to the Golden Pair's. Yumeka was going to leave them to take the menus, but Fuji's hand stopped her.

"I've memorized the menus already," Fuji said, smiling. "We'll have two portion of sashimi rice, please. And.. Echizen, the chicken ramen noodle here is really good. Do you want to try it? Or do you prefer burger?"

"I'll try." Ryouma answered. He didn't think a burger could satisfy his growling stomach at this rate.

"Alright. On chicken ramen noodle, then. Three glasses of green ice tea would be nice, too. And please put wasabi in one of the sashimi rice."

"Okay. I'll be back." Yumeka whirled around and skipped to the counter cheerfully. Ryouma looked at Fuji in awe, unable to believe that his senpai actually memorized the menu.

"I come here alone often," Fuji told him. "This place is comfortable, and their food is great. I just don't usually come here at this time of the day, and I never go on Saturdday. Probably that's why I never met Yumeka here before."

Eiji grinned. "But to memorize the menu.. that's great, nya!"

The sound of a cell phone ringing cut their conversation off. Ryouma started, and fumbled with his pocket until he found the device. Feeling the looks he received from his four senpais, Ryouma glanced at the cell phone display and quickly answered.

"Hai, Momo-senpai." He paused. "Aah. I'm.. with Tezuka-buchou and Fuji-senpai. There's Eiji-senpai.. and Oishi-senpai, too. Eh?" the black-haired boy stopped, a faint blush crept on to his face. Averting his senpais' curious glances, he shrugged. "Hai. Iie, it's okay. Where?" Ryouma paused, eyebrows raising. "Aah, it's fine. I'll see you there. Mata, ne."

Closing his cell phone, Ryouma raised his gaze to meet the curious gaze of Eiji, the knowing smile of Fuji, the understanding look of Oishi, and the stoic expression of Tezuka.

"Is that Momo, nya?"

"Aah." Ryouma replied. "He asked me to meet him at the street tennis court as soon as possible."

"Well, then go." Fuji urged. "Don't keep him waiting."

Ryouma hesitantly raised on his feet. He glanced at the counter, where Yumeka was chattering with one of her friends, knowing that the girl would come to the table very soon. He thought it might be better to just stay for a while and go to Momo afterwards..

"Go, Echizen. Be careful on the way there. Say hi to Momo from us, ne?" Fuji waved his hand, a dismissing gesture. "See you at home."

A faint smile found its way to Ryouma's face. He tugged at his cap, muttering softly, "Arigatou, senpai."

Tezuka, Fuji, Oishi and Eiji followed Ryouma with their gazes as the youngest boy among them made his way out of the café, stopping at the café counter to grunt at Yumeka that he cancelled his order, and dashed out of the café. Yumeka could only blink in surprise at his rush, couldn't find any retort for his behavior.

Oishi smiled, shaking his head, and Eiji laughed. "Ochibi is sooo obvious, nya! I wasn't the only one who saw the him blushing, right?"

"No, Eiji." Fuji replied, smiling. "No, you weren't."

-------------o0o-------------

It was nine o' clock at night when Ryouma opened the apartment door and mumbled a soft, "Tadaima.."

"Okaeri." From the living room, Fuji answered. Ryouma moved to the living room, blushing slightly at the sight of his senpais. Fuji's head was on Tezuka's lap, snuggling comfortably, while Tezuka's hand subconsciously ran through the brown locks tenderly. Both of them had looked up at Ryouma's arrival; Fuji was smiling, and Tezuka's expression didn't change at all, as usual. Ryouma mentally wished he had a camera with him right now. Inui would very appreciate a picture of this moment.

Fuji raised his head from Tezuka's lap, but his hand quickly found the stoic-faced boy's fingers and hold them. He gestured to Ryouma to come and sit down on the other couch, signaling that they wanted to talk.

Wondering what this might be, Ryouma obeyed the gesture, taking his seat on the other couch next to the one Fuji and Tezuka were sitting on. He flopped down there comfortably; crossing his legs and took off his cap, waiting for his senpais' words.

"Echizen." It was Tezuka who started the conversation. "You and Momoshiro.."

Ryouma's head snapped up, surprise evident on his face. Tezuka, seemingly satisfied, nodded to himself, and leaned back to the couch, squeezing Fuji's hand slightly, quietly giving him a sign to continue the talking. Fuji smiled.

"Saa.. you were quite obvious back in the café," Fuji explained. "So, you two are going out?"

Ryouma could feel his face heating. He prayed to God silently, hoping that his face wouldn't look like a boiled crab. Lowering his head, he pursed his lips, thinking on how to answer Fuji's question..

Click.

A sound of a shutter snapping and a flash started him. Looking up, completely blushing when he realized Fuji had just taken a picture, he protested, "Fuji-senpai!"

"Saa.." Fuji chuckled. "That was a good expression you had, Echizen." He opened his eyes, and Ryouma was quite surprised to receive a soft look from the Tensai.

"Echizen, tell us." The brown-haired boy smiled. "You and Momo are going out, aren't you?"

Echizen scowled lightly, and murmured a soft, "Yeah."

Fuji and Tezuka exchanged meaningful glances.

"Are you guys serious with each other? Or are you guys just playing, enjoying high school time?" Fuji continued.

Ryouma's head snapped up. Playing! He certainly wouldn't do that to Momo! "I would never…!"

"Do you love him?"

The fact that it was Tezuka who asked him that question was what had caught Ryouma's words in his throat. His jaw fell open in disbelief, looking at Tezuka as if the ex-captain of Seigaku had just grown another head.

But Tezuka was looking at him seriously. And so was Fuji.

Finally realizing that his senpais were being serious, Ryouma closed his mouth and pursed his lips. Lowering his head, he closed his eyes, and softly replied, "Yes."

I do love him.

"How much?" it was Fuji.

"I don't know." Ryouma didn't understand why he finally opened up about this matter to someone else. "I can't explain. It's just… I want to be with him a lot. I'm happy with him. I'm thankful that he is exist. I don't know how much.. but I do love him. A lot."

Tezuka's eyes softened at the honest reply.

Fuji nodded, and continued, "Since when?"

"Two weeks after you graduated."

Young love, Fuji thought in amusement. It was funny, though. He had always thought, since they were in junior high, that the so-called friendship Momo and Ryouma shared was special. He had predicted that time that somehow the two would end up being together, but he didn't expect it to take so long.

He glanced at Tezuka, and the latter nodded slightly. He smiled.

"Well, then, good luck with him, Echizen." At this, Ryouma looked up, his gaze found Fuji's. Closing his cerulean orbs and broke into a gentle smile, Fuji continued, "It wouldn't be easy to hide a relationship from everybody in the club. There would be many gossips at school, too. Both of you have to be strong and trust each other if you want your relationship to last."

"It's not easy at all." Tezuka agreed.

And all of a sudden, Ryouma understood. He wasn't only talking to his senpais, but also with a pair who had the very same situation when they were still in Seigaku. A pair who had experienced all the gossips and suspicions, had faced the society's rejection, and had remained as lovers until now. A pair who knew how to handle those staring eyes, a pair who knew how to deal with people who looked at them strangely…

A pair who trusted each other greatly, supporting each other equally. A pair of a genius and a diligent, a pair of very talented tennis players..

A perfect pair.

Ryouma smiled mentally at the thought.

Fuji laid down his head on Tezuka's lap again, and yawned slightly, snuggling comfortably. Tezuka's hand gently caressed his bangs, tucking them neatly behind the ear.

Ryouma rose to his feet.

"Good night, Buchou, Fuji-senpai."

"Good night, Echizen." Two replies came. Ryouma smirked.

When he stepped into his room, he noticed the two framed of pictures resting on his desk. He raised his eyebrows; the pictures weren't there this morning. He edged closer, staring at the picture intently.

And then smiled.

Both of the pictures were of Seigaku regulars with Tezuka as their captain. One was taken during their junior high, proudly holding the National trophy—their very first one. The second one, in similar place and situation, also with a National trophy, was taken last year, on their high school year.

A smile formed on his face. Of course he could guess who put these pictures on his desk. After all Tezuka and Fuji were the only ones who had been in the apartment today.

Karupin mewed, jumped onto his lap, and climbed all the way up his shoulder, and started licking his face. Letting out a soft laugh, Ryouma flopped down and his bed and stretched, before finally snuggled into the blanket comfortably.

Maybe, he thought, maybe this year would be very interesting, after all.

-------o0o--------

tbc…

-------o0o---------

A/N: Nya? That's the second chapter. Ukyaah! I just can't seem to get rid of the image of a "Happy Family" every time I thought about Tezuka, Fuji and Ryouma. –cackles- I mean, it's just too cute to resist! A stoic father, an ever-smiling father, and an arrogant child. Gyahahahahaha…

Well, I beg you to review, readers! Constructive Criticisms are most welcomed, and yep, flames, too, although it's nearly spring her, because it's still freezing and I'd appreciate more fire. Haha. Stay tune for the third chapter, ne?

Ta-ta for now…

-isumi'kivic' and Ilde-