Disclaimer: I do not own Tennis no Oujisama or its characters or Oxford. This is not done for profit or monetary gain, original characters though are mine. Please ask permission if you would like to use them.
Warning: Please do not proceed if you do not know what yaoi/shounen ai is. You will be mentally scarred if you don't. Flame and hate mail will be ignored. There will be some FujiOC in this story but this is ultimately a TezuFu fanfic.
Also there is an out of character Fuji… I think.

Foreword: In this chapter so that to avoid confusion, the Europeans will call Fuji as Shuusuke in writing or verbally, either or. The Japanese will call him either Fuji, or Syuusuke and in a family perspective he will be called by his first name, of course. In a third person perspective he will remain as Fuji. There are no spelling mistakes in the names.

People will probably hate me for introducing an OC in the beginning of the story but I need it for my plot. So sorry guys. He's kind of major, but anyway...

The Japanese dialogue here will remain Japanese for reasons that we are looking at it on an English point of view. I generally don't use that much Japanese in my works, save for the expressions, honorifics and names that are best left in Japanese (i.e. neechan sounds better in dialogue than older sister.) I think though that the only chapter that has a major confusion in language is chapter 1. Rough translations and additional notes are at the end of the page.

Veil Over My Eyes: Chapter 1
Giving Sheepskin to the Man who Believes

The sleeping quarters of their apartment barely had anything in it save for a few boxes and a bed that the Japanese boy, who sat amidst the cluttered mess of their belongings, would share with his roommate. He furrowed his brows in contemplation, deep in thought as he chose which of the items would, stay in the small apartment or go home with him in his upcoming trip to Japan.

Sighing, he closed his eyes out of habit and unfastened the first few buttons of his shirt as he felt the heat or rather the humidity of the area. He groaned a curse upon the realization his roommate took the remote for the aircon with him and further damned the unusually warm winter. With less enthusiasm, he picked up the parcels in the box which were labeled as his one by one. He found little trinkets he received from his family, the gifts from Yuuta and the gifts from his friends here in Europe. "I'm not becoming a sentimental fool now, am I?" Thinking to himself, he scrutinized each one as he weighed its importance, set it down and piled them neatly into different categories.

"Hey, Shuusuke."

Not minding the call at first, he continued rummaging through his things once more. He came across a few more things that he could do without and a wooden box that he could not put forth a memory of its contents. Finally giving in to exhaustion, he relented. Task set aside, he wiped the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead with the back of his hand, looked up to his roommate and gave that unnerving smile of his. He whistled in appreciation at what he saw. "He looks good in a suit, and he knows it." Laughing, he stood and let his eyes roam the rather tall briton, hands on his hips.

The said man in suit lowered his arms at the compliment and made sure not to crease the two sets of robes he had with him. Having the build of an athlete and the charm and charisma to match it, he was a heart breaker in every sense. His black hair had been cut short for tonight, a small part above the ear had been shaved, and there was no mark of the blue highlights that had nearly deprived him of the medal he was to receive. He leaned by the doorway as he pouted, green eyes glittering with mirth. "Enough eye candy already. So, up to what time can I have my angel tonight?" Smug, he held out Fuji's own robes for today's event.

Alleged angel rolled his eyes, got the pieces of clothing from the man and went to change in the bathroom but stopped right before he closed the door. "Not until after we finish moving. Besides, you're the one that has an interview tonight." He reprimanded as he gave him a last look, playfully reproachful, and shut the door with a resounding bang. Hanging the garments on a rack, he peeled his sweat drenched shirt off, chucked it into the hamper, let the bath run and finally gave himself an appraising look in the mirror. Unconsciously managing to keep an 'effeminate' air everyone liked to describe him as, he wasn't old but he wasn't young either he was in fact cynical at times and down right scary when mad but he was still the same nonetheless. Still a child in a twisted sort of logic.

"Very twisted." He tried a smile, opened his eyes completely and concluded: "I look like hell." Hanging his head low into the sink, he drenched it with cold water from the faucet. As he felt the overall tension leave with the dripping of cool water a thought came to him him. 'Maybe I am turning into a sorry old sob'. A knock on the door was the only thing that alarmed him to put on a better stance and to turn off the tap.

"Leon."

"Shuusuke." Leon looked at the him hard, his jaw set to a firm line, as if he was thinking on whether to dismiss the subject or not. Shuusuke heard something cracking and diverted his eyes from the other man to the door knob. He decided not to comment on it. Releasing his grip on the abused handle, Leon held Shuusuke by his shoulders and bored into his eyes. "I'm serious, Shuusuke, up to when can you stay with me?"

Closing his eyes as if in meditation for a split second too long, he tilted his head to the left and elucidated. "I'm going to Japan tomorrow but I am going to come back, Leon. I'll be here." The water nearly filled the tub, and threatened both of them of an oncoming spillage. Fuji motioned for Leon to leave and to keep his privacy intact. "Go now on. Get out. I have to take a bath before the ceremonies. I don't think it would be very nice if people were a mile away from me today just because I smell like a skunk which you're inclined to behave like by the way."

Leon was hesitant to leave the topic at such a dismissal but neither where fans of long drawn discussions. When Shuusuke had been ready to appease him with sweeter words, no doubt, Leon kissed him on the cheek, gave the requested privacy as if nothing happened and simply closed the door in his wake.

The red stone walls of the circular structure stood cool as the sun set and the moon slowly crept its way up. It was a lively house, with people full of admiration for their young ones and people full of dreams for their future. The walkway was already being occupied by a bright mass of students setting off for who-knows-what with success already at the palm of their hands readily manipulated and easily obtainable as they molded it with their own being.

Fuji hummed. It was like playing God yet it was far from it.

Oxford was a nice enough place, with its magnificent buildings and historical background. It was picture perfect. It was also a complete wonder why they even bothered to consider taking him in there. He had applied for a Waverly Scholarship with the eager help of his father, to his surprise, but merely on a whim. Everything seemed to have been a dream that had whizzed by, and now - now was its last cycle in REM. Any minute he could be waking up in his room just in time for his senior high march.

Walking briskly along the second floor hall of the theater, Fuji Shuusuke shook his head at the wistful thoughts he had conjured up. It in effect gave him a minor migraine. All of this was a hundred percent real. He knew it. He had worked hard for it, toiled over it and spent sleepless nights because of it. Buchou would definitely have been proud. He closed his eyes reverting back to his old habit - it never really went away.

The presence of his entire family made him incapable of describing the feelings of joy at that very moment. Mother had visited him once and a while when she went with father around the world but it still didn't encompass the heartache of having not to see his whole family for four years. All those celebrations, the festivals he missed, the moments he could have shared were gone and catalogued as oppurtunity cost. When he had caught sight of Yumiko a while ago, he nearly squealed and grabbed at Leon's arm to rush and meet up with them. Nearly. It would have happened if the human stress ball had not decided to rebel, swatting his arm away and covering his mouth with that big hand of his. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, he headed for the stock room.

Fuji looked around the small and cramped up space. Props, costumes for plays, lighting equipment and some speakers were still there, being checked by two maintenance staff. Spotting his mentor, he approached the forty year old man by a rather large divider. The professor wore a black gown much similar to his own save for the fact that he had a hood of black silk lined with crimson colors. Bowing in respect, Fuji called for him. "Sir Evans? The students are assembled. The guests have already taken their seats...most of them anyway."

The blonde man looked at the Japanese boy for a few seconds before clapping onto Fuji's back. Giving a hearty laugh, he asked with a twinkle in his eye. "Shall we start it then, Shuusuke?"

Leon emerged from behind the divider and attempted to do away with the butterflies that annoyed him to no end. "You're starting without me? I'm hurt." Tugging at his robes, he rubbed his hands together in a last bout of nervousness. Evans snorted and Fuji couldn't agree more. The teacher ushered the other two out to the assembly area. Making the last of his qualms settle down, Leon glanced down on Fuji. "Good luck kiss...?"

Fuji's eyebrow twitched just as Sir Evan's grimaced in the background. "We're not lovey-dovey like that. Let's go." When it had not seemed Leon would move with a simple pull and comforting pat, Fuji opened the door to the outside and gave him an innocent kiss on the cheek.

Evans raised his eyebrows in question at the gesture then brushed it off. "We're waiting Leon Rowe." he prompted, though it probably meant more of a, save-me-from-the-embarrassment kind of thing than a command.

Leon nodded in answer to his teacher and led them out to the assembly area. Giving last minute reminders to the excited crowd, he made sure everyone was in line. Evans told them to enjoy and be proud of themselves before stalking off to settle other things with some teachers. Quelled with excitement and nervousness, tension filled the air. Their noise played on in their minds. Taking their places with Leon at the very front and Fuji right behind him, they were given the signal. Everyone hushed up or were forced to by their more stuck-up and stringent classmates. The ceremony began.

"Are. Aniki da."
"Okaasan, mite sochira wa Syuusuke-kun desyo ne"
"Sou desu ne. Anata, mite kudasai."
"Fujii-san nandate? Ano hito wa uchi no tensai soshite oretachi no taisetsuna hito. "

Shuusuke made a sidelong glance to the Japanese group they passed on the other end of the room. The familiar accents of Japan gave him a fuzzy feeling inside. For a while he was scared if he could not speak his mother tongue fluently anymore. No matter if Leon took full language course. No matter if he had regular visits from his parents.

The march stopped upon their reaching the assigned seats. The Octoberians faced the stage in sync. Catching the attention of the crowd, they shushed them with their barely practiced but exact movements. Two soldiers held up the British flag and the insignia of the school high as six more guards lined behind them. They went for the stage and saluted the audience. One tap before the National Anthem began.

Fuji played in his mind the Japanese National Anthem. It was humbling to know his part for his country was still just as small as when he had left it. It was enriching to know that he was still also part of where tomorrow began. Imagining everything he had missed about his homeland, he could affirm his earlier speculation on his sappiness. Yet the years had flown by too quickly which left a feeling of trepidation lingering inside him. He might not live up to what he came for but he would be the best for his family, for his friends and for himself. When the song had come to an end he was thrown back into reality. Leon had already motioned for everyone to take their seats since he was in the very front. There were no more buts and what ifs. If Fuji was not yet then he would be, it was neither a question nor an argument. It would happen.

Sir Evans, standing proud beside his faculty, approached the pedestal and spoke with authority and charisma that wouldn't allow you to look anywhere else but at him. People were compelled to stop whatever they doing. "Parents, family, friends and beloved faculty, we are gathered here today to honor these young men and women, to induct them into the world of reality, to award them with their medals and trophies, to watch them take up their hoods, to stand by them as they throw their caps. As Dean of this department, I would like to congratulate these students for a job well done."

"Summa cum Laude, Rowe, Leon…" Leon stood and was up the stage, was handed the medal and was bowing at the center before anyone even had to bat an eyelash. His parents were the ones to award him. A picture was taken, and they proceeded to their seats afterwards. In Fuji's perspective Leon was extremely happy even if he put up that irritated look of his when his mother had smothered him with her love not daring to be separated from her lovely son.

"…Magna cum Laude, Fujii Shuusuke…" Fuji gave the loving family a last look before proceeding to the stage. There stood his own mother and younger brother. (That surprised him. Why not dad?) He accepted the medal, the solid proof of his hard work and of his undaunted efforts up to this day, from his dean and moreover his mentor, did as Leon had done and walked slowly towards his family. His mother was, as usual, smiling disturbingly, beaming so that you couldn't get within a meter radius of her if you didn't have enough of the Fuji-gene. Offering his four years in silver, the graduate amusedly accused his mother of being a mosquito repellant. The three of them posed for the picture and went down the stage. Conversation between them had been much too brief only able to give them his thanks and to request an extended greeting to otousan and neechan for him. He smiled dreamily. Yuuta was still his little brother.

The event went as planned, with Sir Evans calling everyone to name, bestowing all of them with their diplomas, medals and most especially honors and awards. Both Leon and Shuusuke stood up for a second time for their own diplomas. Shuusuke even stood a third for his research. As the last name was called, the music and the murmurs slowly hushed into a silence.

After the announcer relinquished his hold of the microphone onto Leon, the stillness turned to a deafening note. It wasn't so much because there was anything left to anticipate but more so because there was something that would be left behind. Time was making sure it made its point. There was no turning back. And Time was personified in the very being of Leon Rowe at the pedestal when his speech had begun.

"Neither the best writer nor poet, nay Shakespeare, will ever be able to capture the exact words to describe what I see before me. Even if then they may scribble something up to par it will not do justice unto us neither will it be enough convey the true feelings of this moment.

"The futility of the task does not matter, and a fool, such as me, took the job. Regrets never came to battle in that four-chambered vault neither in memory nor in thought.

"From the same cup we have sipped. To the same banner we have rallied. And if now to Fate we give our perfect resignation then everything was for nothing. No matter how many times the hourglass is turned the flow of sand continues with the laws it imposes upon itself. If scars were made, let them bleed and remain fresh within you wherever you go. We are clay no more.

"Tonight we hope. Tonight we remember. Tonight we are.

"And as the moon reaches its zenith, we pull away from the past and head for the future. To the stars we've aimed for. To the hearts we've claimed. Even if now alone, we are still one."

When the applause had died out, Sir Evans, Master and Dean of the department, took the place where Leon previously stood and swept his gaze over the whole student body. "Stand proud, you one thousand some students, now that you are graduates of the University of Oxford. Raise our banner high. Uplift the school's spirit." Beating his chest once, he bowed in full to the crowd as if humbling himself before them, setting them all as equals, with the faculty members who followed suit. The student body threw their caps and cheered.

They've graduated.

Sotugyoushiki! Fuji! Sotsugyou! Sotsugyou! Banzai!
Ochitsuite na, Eiji!
Fuji, ore - koko ni-

'What? I can't hear you.'

Kiito -

"I can't hear you!" Holding his head for pressure, Fuji squeezed his unseeing eyes shut. The noise and the pounding were slowing to a harsh buzz that throbbed slowly into an acute pain. Leon was shaking him awake, a worried look marring his face. Fuji snapped back, standing, gaping for a few seconds and only relieved Leon with a slight upturn of the lips. Looking around, they had already gone out of the theater, with their families closing in on them. Groups of people had already passed by to congratulate them and a few to say their good byes.

"Syuusuke-san, omedetou." Yoshiko, the mother of the Fuji household, greeted as she hugged her eldest son and patted his back.

"Domou. Ano, this is Leon Rowe." He introduced, gesticulating to the man beside him. Leon bowed as customary for greetings in the east and blurted out what Japanese he knew, heavily accented with Britain's winds.

"Okaasan, it is rude to speak nihonggo while some people do not understand." Yumiko said in between the less than polite chortles she tried to suppress. Leon looked torn in the decision to be embarrassed or forlorn.

"He understands nee-chan." Syuusuke chided. Tapping Leon, he gestured to the other's family and his watch. "We'll be going then."

Struck by the time, Leon made a non-committal sound which they took as a yes and dashed off to his father's car. Not a very good first impression but it'll do.

"Syuusuke! That boy owns a Lamborghini!" Yumiko had exclaimed when she dropped her bag onto the sofa and tailed her younger brothers. "A Lamborghini! Can I have him?"

Syuusuke chuckled at his sister's antics as he unlocked the master's bedroom. "I haven't finished packing or moving yet." It was still the same as before, cluttered, save for the bed area and the desk - the order had arrived right before they left for their graduation. It was now below the air conditioner and held controllers of different kinds. Yumiko nodded in understanding. As inspiration struck she headed for the kitchenette. He then turned the air conditioner up and made for the living room.

"Where are mom and dad?"

Yuuta kept flipping through a book while mentioning something about work and a send off. He felt his brother's gaze on his back. It still unsettled him somewhat. "What?"

"Ne, Yuuta, help me with my things."

Yuuta dropped his book onto the low table in front of him and headed for the bedroom. Muttering the usual baka aniki upon seeing the mess, he began regretting his easy consent. The insult seemed more of an endearment for Syuusuke so he did not mind. Taking the easier task and leaving everything else to his older brother he set for undone clothes beside the stroller. He only then began to really look at his brother's living area. He noticed that the walls were bare of any pictures or rather photographs of any sort and, as he recalled the room they had come from, he hadn't seen any of those either. The place was nice, had a modern feel to it, but it seemed more of -if anything remotely familiar to him anyway- Atobe-san's style especially the animal prints for rugs. He decided he needed to let his brother know that. "This flat doesn't seem like you designed it all."

"Aa, Leon did, and as I told you before the bedroom isn't done yet." Syuusuke answered, getting the wooden box out of the carton and shaking it in a last attempt to figure out what was stored inside. "He said he'll finish it before I come back." He added, looking at the box quizzically. He finally dismissed the idea altogether as he had no key to open the lock and wasn't about to spend on something so trivial.

Noticing the object of his older brother's attention, Yuuta squealed, "You still have that!" He grabbed at the box, opened his palm and offered it to the elder. When his arm felt tired of waiting he scowled, facing his older brother. "Where's the key?"

Syuusuke furrowed his brows in contemplation on how to answer his overly elated brother at the sight of a fake red oak supermarket issue jewelry box. Rummaging through his carton again, he deadpanned. "I don't have it." He wondered what Yuuta looked like right now but would not dare to turn and see. The subject seemed touchy. He did not want to break the fragile understanding they had established. Not that the option he decided on was the best of choices.

"Then it's in Japan?"

"No."

"It's with Rowe-san?"

"No."

"Tezu-"

Facing his younger brother, Syuusuke stated in frustration and with finality. "I do not know." Standing he got the contraption and placed it in the pile where all his things where going with him. As it was stowed away all into a box that would fit, he sealed it off with some duct tape and ignored the little voice at the back of his mind that was screeching he'd regret doing that - probably because he'd have to unpack and repack it. "Again" the mini Syuusuke stressed. He remembered the voices from a while ago - the one screaming in excitement because of their graduation, the one trying to calm them down, the one making his head hurt. Remembering things like that aggravated his migraine. It certainly came back with a vengeance. "Why is the box so important, Yuuta?"

Yuuta opened his mouth to say something then shut it hard. No one spoke for what seemed like an eternity. Neither knew exactly what to say. Yuuta couldn't explain something so glaringly obvious. Syuusuke couldn't understand something so blatantly obscure. When Yuuta had tried to explain again Syuusuke stopped him from saying anything else with an affectionate kiss on the forehead and told him 'to not mind it anymore'. They finished packing up - luggage bag zipped, travel box secured.

The door opened, and their mother came in as quietly as she could. "Ah, so you are done. Shall we eat so that we may return to our hotel?" she suggested, holding the doorway open for the two. The tempting smell wafted into the room.

If there was anyone to be suspicious about in the family, it was their mother. She had impeccable timing and had perception honed as if it was a sixth sense. Syuusuke noted to himself that he would have to thank her later on. Yuuta immediately went for the kitchenette as he let his nose lead the way. Going back to the topic at hand, Syuusuke informed her of his agenda. "I still have to finish clearing this area up. I'm sure Leon wouldn't mind you staying here, 'kaasan."

"Very well, then."

Dinner was served by Yumiko. It was one of the most basic Japanese meals - miso soup, fish and some rice - after all she had to make do with what was available. She deemed it fit since her cute little brother had no encounter of authentic Japanese food in this side of the world – that was up to par in her opinion anyway.

The four, since their father had already left for work in Germany, as they would find out later from Yoshiko, indulged in the comfortable atmosphere in the peaceful night of Europe. With some prodding, Syuusuke had talked a lot about the sights of Britain and the magnificence of its history and culture. He spoke animatedly, with fulfillment and dreams of his future coming to be laid out in this place. As he started it seemed that the stories would never end.

He also spoke of Leon, as in his letters. He told them stories of what they had done together and what he was like. He retold and recounted to them everything. He made the other known to his family. They laughed themselves to tears at times when they would find out things he was sworn to secrecy to for they were truly embarrassing situations. Syuusuke would simply whisk it away as something perfectly normal, obviously not repentant in the slightest.

Seven o'clock in the morning, the Fuji family was checking their bags in for the flight home. They were taking a direct route with JAL and were readying themselves for the trip. In the waiting area, Yumiko went to the desk for their assigned seats. Boarding would be starting in a few minutes from now.

Leon stood by his lover and gave the man his hand-carry. "Well, see you in two weeks, Shuusuke."

"Three, actually." Fuji corrected, Leon grimaced and made comments on smart aleck Japanese men. "Take care, Leon."

The call to start boarding had been announced. They nodded in understanding. Fuji jogged to his family.

I'm going home

End Chapter 1

A/N:

1) Waverly Scholarship - I'm bending the rules a little. The Waverly Scholarship states that a number of full or partial scholarships will be available for students of outstanding academic merit and potential who require financial assistance to enable them to take up their places at Oxford to read for a first undergraduate degree. Priority will normally be given to students from economically disadvantaged countries as judged by per capita GDP. We all know that Japan is not an economically disadvantaged country and Fuji isn't nearly impoverished.

2) Graduation rites – I know the address should be given by a magna cum laude of the batch, but I am too lazy to create up some unimportant person's name face and reaction. So I just let the dean do it. Furthermore, I didn't want Fuji to do it because though he may be of magna cum laude standing he isn't the only one. I also believe that even if he is the magna cum laude of highest ranking he still isn't the best in making English speeches. For one, he's not even raised in a country where English is considered a second language. So there.

3) They are Octoberians – Rather they're Decemberians, but anyway. What I mean to say is that they're not graduating on a normal college graduation day. In my country they usually push these people to the next batch. Last time I checked the Oxford website there was a graduation scheduled for these late people. I don't know how vastly different the graduation is for them though.

The conversation of the Fuji family:

Ah! That's big brother.
Mom, look that man is Shuusuke isn't it?
Yes that's right. Dear, please look as well.
What's wrong Fujii-san? That person is our family's own genius, our most important person.

In Fuji's head:

Graduation Ceremony! Fuji! Graduation! Graduation! Huray!
Calm down Eiji!
Fuji. I -- here ---
Surely ---

After the graduation ceremony:

Shuusuke, congratulations
Thank you (the rest is spoken in English but with a Japanese accent)