Author's Note: Because bit of change (even if it's OCC) is good for the soul.
Disclaimer: I don't own The Prince of Tennis.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
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Fuji Syusuke studies the boy in the mirror
The boy should be smiling softly from behind hooded eyelids
The boy should be glowing with health and vitality
The boy should be peeking back at him from under an airy fringe
The boy should be itching to get on with his life
The boy should be happy.
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Fuji? Fuji! Are you even listening?
Tezuka, is something bothering Fuji? He's winning, but…
Did you see that? Fuji-senpai made a mistake.
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Fuji Syusuke studies the boy in the mirror
A boy stares back at him, eyes wide-open and so dark that they are almost black
A boy stares back at him, a little bit too thin and little bit too pale
A boy stares back at him, his tousled hair hanging limply around his face
A boy stares back at him, a shadow who is no longer completely one with himself
A boy stares back at him, emptily and disinterestedly.
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Mou, Fujiko! You're always tired nowadays!
I'm sorry, everyone, but you go ahead. Homework. But, maybe, some other time.
We haven't seen you around lately. You're not avoiding us, are you, Fuji-senpai?
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Fuji Syusuke studies the boy in the mirror
The boy who tried to be a dutiful son
The boy who tried to be a caring brother
The boy who tried to be a valuable friend
The boy who tried his best to be everything to everyone, then lost himself on the way.
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Syusuke? Syusuke! What are you doing?
I'm not blind. A mother knows when her child is suffering.
Aniki is acting weirder than usual.
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The boy with hopes
The boy with dreams
The boy with ambitions
The boy with plans
Where did that boy go?
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But he's my son! Doctor, please, you must help him!
Talk to us. You're not alone.
…I'm sorry for making you worry.
Fuji Syusuke silently studies the little pink pill in the palm of his hand
Yes
Maybe?
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Will this make me better?
Promise me that you won't tell him! Promise!
It's for the best, it's for the best, it's for the best, it's for the best…
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Fuji Syusuke studies the boy in the mirror
Runs a hand through his hair
Straightens the layers of shirts and rehearsed expressions
Still far from perfect
But soon it'll be good enough.
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"Syusuke, come down! Yuuta's home!"
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Fuji Syusuke studies the boy in the mirror before he takes a deep breath and swallows
And waits for the bittersweet aftertaste to slowly disappear, gulp by gulp
Fuji Syusuke casts a last glance at the boy in the mirror
The boy who is about to tell yet another lie
Then he smiles.
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