Pairings: Tezuka x Fuji, Atobe x Jiroh
Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis does not belong to me.
Genre: Romance/Slight angst/AU
Note: Story is taken place after both Tezuka and Fuji went their separate ways from the previous two pieces.
A.N. I am glad that some of you enjoyed the last chapter. For those of you who didn't appreciate the "filler chapter" I am happy to announce that it probably won't happen again. Whenever I write fictions with more than one pairing, I have this bad habit of writing a side chapter for the second pairing. It is probably because I like to know the origin of everything and how it all begins.
Words in italic implies thoughts and flashback.
Warning: This story doesn't have a beta so please pardon any mistakes that I happen to overlook.
Losing Ground
Chapter 3: An offer that he couldn't refuse
"Welcome Tezuka." Announced Atobe in a flamboyant manner.
Almost like an innate response, Tezuka ignored Atobe's overly flashy presentation and took the seat across from Atobe.
A quiet laugh escaped Atobe's throat before he continues, "The same old Tezuka. You never change."
"I could say the same about you Atobe." Commented Tezuka.
"Well there is no point in wasting our precious times. I am here to ask if you would like to consider being the head coach for the new tennis facility that I am currently building." Stated Atobe.
"I thought I already made it clear to you that I have no interest in coaching tennis, not even for you." Answered Tezuka.
"And I thought that you are smarter than turning down Ore-sama's generous offer the second time around. The salary that I am willing to pay you is at least ten times what you are making now." Announced Atobe.
Tezuka got out of his seat and started walking toward the exit.
"You miss him don't you? I mean after all that is why you stop playing tennis because there are simply too many memories left on the tennis court for you to handle, right Tezuka?" Asked Atobe knowingly.
Tezuka stopped himself for a brief second before continue walking.
"Good day Atobe and tell Jiroh that I said hi." Commented Tezuka as he pushes the door open.
"If you are still waiting for him, the great Ore-sama happened to know where he is right now." Commented Atobe casually as he waits for Tezuka's reaction.
For a brief moment, Atobe could almost swear that a smile had appeared on Tezuka's stoic face but one could never be sure when it comes to Tezuka and facial expressions.
"So he finally decided to come back home." Stated Tezuka as he walks out the door.
Atobe laughed out loud and thought, "I guess a thank you would be too much to expect from the great Tezuka and to think I went through all that trouble to convince Mori that Tokyo would be the perfect location for his next project."
The next morning Atobe receive a message from Tezuka and a wicked smirk appeared on his face.
"Keigo, are you having fun?" Asked Jiroh as he continued to stare wide eyes at a tray full of fresh new oven baked creations from the kitchen.
Atobe put down his cell phone before answering, "Yes, I haven't had this much fun in a while."
"I am glad. I haven't seen that evil look in your eyes since you last play a cruel joke on Gakuto and Yuushi." Commented Jiroh as he picked up a delicate looking piece of double chocolate fudge cake.
Atobe look at Jiroh suspiciously and said, "Umm, should you really start the morning with that much sugar?"
"Hai, eating a breakfast that is high in sugar content help me stay alert for the whole day. After all everyone know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Answered Jiroh as he takes a huge bite of the cake.
Atobe laughed slightly and grab his coat before leaving.
Later that day, Jiroh was taking a nap under his favorite tree when he spotted a familiar figure.
"Fuji-kun?"
Fuji turned around slightly and noticed a wide eye Jiroh lying under a giant tree.
"Are you Jiroh-kun from Hyotei?" Asked Fuji.
Suddenly Jiroh got on his feet and launch himself at Fuji and exclaimed, "Wow, it is really you Fuji-kun. I was so sad when I found out that you left Japan. I really want to play another tennis match against you. Oh and when did you get back to Japan? Where are you staying? Did you eat yet and ……."
"Stop." Interrupted Fuji before Jiroh could ask another question.
Jiroh laughed embarrassingly, "Sorry, I think I got carry away again."
"That is fine and truth is it is nice seeing a familiar face after being away for so long. By the way, Jiroh-kun, I suggest you find a shelter soon because it is going to start raining any second now." Commented Fuji as he started to walk away.
Jiroh look dazed and confused for a second before running after Fuji and said, "Fuji-kun, lets have lunch together. I know this amazing cake place."
Before Fuji had a chance to answer, Jiroh grab Fuji's hand and started running like a manic high on sugar and life. Five minutes later, Fuji took a deep breath before asking, "Jiroh-kun, are you always like this?"
"What do you mean?" Asked Jiroh curiosity.
Fuji laughed, "Always doing what you want before waiting the other person for an answer."
Jiroh laughed nervously before replying, "Hai, because if you don't work hard happiness will escape you."
"Happiness will escape you?" Questioned Fuji.
"I remember reading it in one of many books in Keigo's library or rather bookshelf. Besides how can anyone stay mad when they are having cake?" Commented Jiroh happily.
Fuji looked surprised before asking, "Keigo as in Atobe Keigo from Hyotei?"
A wide grin appeared on Jiroh's face before he started ranting again, "Fuji-kun, you should have seen Keigo's bookshelf, it is huge and there are so many books."
"Jiroh-kun, are you close with Keigo, I mean Atobe?" Asked Fuji.
Jiroh nodded as he started to devour the fresh strawberry shortcake being presented in front of him.
"Then do you mind if I asked you a personal question about Atobe?" Asked Fuji quietly.
Jiroh puts down his fork and shake his head.
"Is Atobe still going out with Kunimitsu, I mean Tezuka from Seigaku?" Asked Fuji.
"As far as I know Keigo and Tezuka was never an item." Commented Jiroh.
Never an item …..
The words seemed to echo in Fuji's head before Jiroh interrupted his thought process.
"Ahhhhhh, Fuji-kun, do you know something that I didn't know? Maybe that is why Keigo always insisted on having a dinner date with Tezuka every Saturday night. That must be it; Keigo is cheating on me with Tezuka because he had grown bored of me." Continued Jiroh in a frantic manner.
"Cheating on me? Wait, are you telling me that you are dating Atobe?" Asked Fuji suspiciously.
"Keigo told me that since I am spending so much time sleeping in his bed, he might as well be dating me." Answered Jiroh embarrassingly.
"Atobe's bed?" Mummbled Fuji subconsciously.
Jiroh started blushing before answering, "It is really not my fault. Since the first time I fall asleep in Keigo's bed I just couldn't imagine sleeping on a different bed. It is so soft, big and it smells just like Keigo. Heh, but I can't say all that in front of Keigo or else he would start saying that the only reason I stayed with him was because of his bed."
"Are you telling me that Atobe was never an item with Tezuka?" Asked Fuji in a state of shock.
Jiroh shake his head and said, "As far as I know, they are just good friends. Last I heard, Tezuka haven't date anyone since five years ago and the last person Tezuka was dating was umm I think it was you, Fuji-kun."
After that everything became a blurred. Time seemed to be standing still while I listen to Jiroh talk about how everyone had been doing since I left Japan. I don't know if Jiroh noticed that I tried to keep details about my life a secret but he seemed happy to jump on different topics at a whim with no question asked. Somehow talking with Jiroh was incredibly easy because I know that he wasn't expecting anything from me.
"Here is my number Fuji-kun. You can call me anytime you want to hang out again. Oh and thank you for the warning early on because I had never like rain very much." Commented Jiroh as he waved goodbye and left the shop.
Rain
The sky doesn't look like it has any trace of the gray clouds as it did before. The glistering sun had managed to soak up most of the wetness on the sidewalk and only small amount of rain droplets can still be found on the trees from the previous shower.
Unlike Jiroh-kun, I had always love rain even if it doesn't always love me back. I like the sensation of the rain hitting my body and making my senses come alive. When I was little, my mom used to tell me that there is no point in running when it is raining because after all how can people get hurt from water.
Rain
The same rain that had washed away my tears after he left me
The same rain that content our last moment together
The same rain that left my body in a state of shock after being rejected
The same rain that open the door to this strange but comforting friendship
…
"Atobe, what is the meaning of this?" Demanded Tezuka.
Atobe laughed before answering, "Well, a good business man would never passed up a golden opportunity like this."
"Opportunity? Don't you mean blackmail?" Stated Tezuka.
"Tezuka, I already told you my final and only offer. It is up to you if you want to take it or leave it." Commented Atobe firmly.
Tezuka sigh when he realized that Atobe wasn't going to change his condition, "I will sign the contract but in return I want an in-depth detail of Shusuke's whereabouts during his stay in Japan."
Atobe grinned before replying, "Of course, Ore-sama will make sure that we are both satisfied with the outcome of this contract."
"Hey, Atobe why are you helping me?" Asked Tezuka.
"Tezuka, don't flatter yourself. Ore-sama is only doing what is best for his business and having you as a tennis coach in my new Health and Fitness building will greatly benefit business and draw in some influential people." Replied Atobe confidently.
"Of course, I will be waiting for your call then." Commented Tezuka before he left Atobe's office.
The arrogant tone and self important facade vanished from Atobe as he watched Tezuka left.
Atobe sigh and thought, "Tezuka, how can I sit back and do nothing when you reminded me so much of myself? Sometimes I wonder if I have the self control to wait for someone for five years while staying completely faithful. I could never understand how you can wait for Fuji knowing that you were the one who hurt and drive him away."
"I am home." Announced Tezuka as he walks into his apartment.
Soon an orange cat stroll into the living room and started rubbing himself on Tezuka's leg.
Tezuka walk over to the fridge and pour a bowl of milk for the kitty.
"Drink up, Kaze." Whispered Tezuka as he leaned down and smooth out Kaze's soft fur.
"Meow…"
Tezuka smiled when he noticed a tiny ball of fur trying to warm him up.
"Thank you Kaze. Sometimes I wonder if you were the one who was found that night or if it was really me that was found by you." Commented Tezuka lightly.
Flashback
"Kunimitsu, why did you have to push yourself so hard? Do you have so little faith in our ability to beat Hyotei?" Asked Fuji sadly.
Tezuka put down his water bottle before replying, "No, I have complete faith in the Seigaku tennis team."
"Yes, so much faith that you would rather gamble with the future of your left shoulder than letting us help." Commented Fuji angrily.
"Shusuke, I am sorry." Replied Tezuka.
A sarcastic laugh echo the empty locker room as Fuji stared straight into Tezuka's eyes, "Why do you always apologize whenever it suits your purpose?"
End flashback
"Kaze, that was the second time I saw Shusuke talking back to me with such intensity and anger in his eyes. Shusuke was right, I had always been selfish. I was the worst because no one knows how selfish I really was. I was always doing what I think was the best without asking others about their own feelings." Stated Tezuka.
"Meow" purred Kaze.
To loved and be loved in return …
TBC …
A.N. The stage is finally set.
