A/N: Hey people! Yeah, so it'll be slow coming out now, considering the fact I have two AP classes, but I'll try to get them going as fast as possible! Thanks to all that reviewed! I love you much!

Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis, but I do own the characters that are unfamiliar to you, such as Hana, Tamiko, and so on.

Flower of my Eye

Chapter Seven: Date!?

That practice was probably the best in my life. I ended up with a good rally against Fuji, even though he decimated me in points, nearly beat Momo, and won against Takashi. Come on, for someone who had only just started to play tennis that's pretty damn good. I called Tamiko on Fuji's phone—with his permission of course—and asked if she wanted to have a 'girls night out'. I felt bad for neglecting her just to play, and I hadn't even told her the real reason for staying so late. She, of course, had found out about it already.

"Hana, you don't think I wouldn't know how long managerial stuff takes? I know Tezuka hardly lets you practice, so I understand that you wanted to stay later." She told me. I apologized, feeling guilty, promising never to keep a secret again. She agreed to the night out and was thrilled for me when I told her about Tezuka letting me truly practice.

"You don't think he'd mind if I stayed and watched? It's a bit lonely here." She asked. I smiled, and told her that even if Tezuka minded I'd make her stay. She laughed at that. While I was finishing up she was going to get ready and then we'd go out to see the town together. After a fond farewell I hung up, happily stretching and putting Fuji's phone away. He smiled at me.

"What was that about?" He asked. I blinked, sighing in content.

"Miko and I are going to have a 'girls night out' tonight." I told him, the thought of relaxing with my best friend blooming happiness in my chest. He smiled back.

"Saa, sounds like fun. I hope you two have a good time. Do you know were you're going?" He asked politely, but I already felt wary. What was he up to? I paused.

"No, not yet. We'll probably decide once I get home." I told him honestly. Caution flared around me. It was never good to have Fuji ask you those types of questions. He shrugged.

"Oh well. I was hoping that maybe I could come with you." I blinked, and instead of being defensive, I took offence, a wild smirk covering my lips.

"So you've finally admitted to being a girl. It's good to know you won't be hitting on me." I teased, and he threw me a playfully upset look.

"Alright, you got me there." He admitted, turning back to his bag. "I didn't mean it in that sense. I was sort of hoping for a date."

I sputtered, the water that I had just started to drink nearly spewing out my mouth, but instead it went backwards, choking me. I gulped, coughing, and stared at him. Only he could bring up that sort of subject so easily.

"D-date? Fuji, why—" he smiled at me.

"There's this girl that keeps following me around. I was hoping that by being with someone else she'd leave me alone." He explained, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I don't enjoy making people dejected, and if she doesn't summon me then it'd be worth it." He paused, and I nearly fell over in relief, and something else. Why was I upset he didn't think of me that way? I don't like him like that. I shook the thought away. He continued. "It can go either way of course. She could gain courage by seeing me with you, and summon me. If that happens, though, it would still come up with the same result; she leaves me alone after she figures I don't care for her that way."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. That made sense, sort of.

"So what, you hope to catch her while we're out and pray she'll get the picture?" I asked sarcastically. He glanced at me, confusion written all over his face. With my personality, I'd jump at every opportunity to help out friends. But that didn't mean I wanted to be used as a pretend date. He didn't hesitate in his answer.

"Of course not. She's actually watching us right now. I bet you that if you gave me a hug and I kissed you on the cheek she's follow us around. We go on the date pretend we're a couple, and come Monday she'll either give up or summon me. Either way, I don't have to deal with her any more." I hesitated, contemplating. I would be cruel if I just left him at the hands of one of his rabid fangirl...I sighed.

"Okay." I mumbled, feeling the reluctance in my voice. Fuji's grin brightened.

"Thanks Hana. I'm indebted to you." I sighed again, playing with the end of my ponytail. Oh, just for the record, I still have not been able to wear my hair down. How sad is that? He continued, putting a hand over mine that was on my leg. I glanced up at him. His cerulean eyes stared into mine. "I mean it." He whispered. "Thank you." I smiled weakly at him, unnerved by the harsh beating of my heart. He closed his eyes again, putting his racket in his bag. Zipping it up and throwing it over his shoulder, he glanced down at me with his eyes half-open. He then turned, eyes closed, a smile on his lips.

"Ready?" My lips twitched in amusement. No, nor would I ever be ready to play the role of Fuji's 'date' or 'love interest'. But he did need my help. I nearly grimaced at the thought of what his fangirls could do, but I shook the scene forming in my brain away. Suddenly, Fuji was serious, staring at me with his lips in an almost firm line.

"Hana," he spoke in a warning tone, "we have to keep this as real as possible. That might entail more than a kiss on the cheek." I stared at him blankly. Oh no, he did NOT just imply that, did he? My eyes narrowed.

"You are not getting anywhere near third base Syusuke." I growled, my fist clenching. "Not even second base for that matter." His eyes opened in surprise, and a chuckle escaped his lips as he closed them again. A delicate, devilish smirk crossed his lips.

"Well, well Hana," he purred playfully "I didn't know you thought that way. I was thinking more along the lines of an actual kiss, cuddling, or holding hands. But if you're willing to go that far..." He trailed off, the smirk growing as I tried to conceal a blush. Settling on to play it cool, I flipped my hair impatiently, looking at him from the corner of my eye.

"Of course not. I was merely stating how far I am willing to go, since, knowing you, you'd try to push me farther."

He chuckled.

"Oh Hana, you are so adorable." I closed my eyes, pouting my lips. "And such a terrible lair." My eyes flickered open, and Fuji had moved until he was right in front of my face still smiling. I narrowed my eyes playfully. With another chuckle, he leaned forward to lightly brush his lips against my forehead. I stiffened as his breath caused the hair on my arms to rise. This would be more difficult than I thought.

"Let's do this." It was a light mumble against my brow. A sigh escaped me. Considering my whole being would rather smack him upside the head than hold his hand or continuously flashed warning signs behind my eyes whenever he came near, pretending to be his girlfriend wouldn't exactly be a walk in the park to accomplish. I tried to push the feeling away, getting annoyed. For God's sake it was FUJI! It's not like he'd throw you under a bus—well, he might, if you piss him off enough...

I am totally not helping my cause.

Besides, Fuji needs me! Granted it's to be his pretend girlfriend...but girlfriends don't want to kill their boyfriends, or at least bury them in the earth. Wait...what was my point again? Shrugging the confusing thoughts away, I sighed, staring up at him with as much as a feeble look as I possibly could. This wasn't going to be pleasant for either of us. But, if he was this desperate...

He offered me a hand, his eyes closed. Trying not to sigh I took it. With willowy grace he pulled me from my seat flat against his chest, tugging our entwined hands behind his head, and slipping an arm around my waist. Understanding what he was getting at, my other hand joined the first and he let his join the other at the small of my back. To everyone else, this was a couples' scene from a romance movie. To me, it was as awkward as a panther cuddling with a fawn. You can guess who the deer was. Almost immediately his lips brushed against my cheek, like he was trying to hide the act from any oncoming people, when really it was attracting the attention of a certain fangirl. He pulled away gently and walked with me—almost touching—to the locker rooms. Little did I know that two vibrant, childlike blue eyes were wide in horrid shock, following us like a hawk until we were out of sight.

As we reached the door, Fuji glanced at me out of the corner of his eye.

"Hana, are you going to want to change?" I blinked, and figured it would be best if I headed home to change into more...suitable...clothing. Only then did I remember Tamiko. Groaning, I glanced at Fuji with a sheepish look.

"Can I take your phone again? I have to tell Tamiko our night is postponed." Chuckling slightly, he grabbed his phone, and before I could take it from his grip, he pulled it back closer to him, just out of my reach. I pouted, going for it again. And again, he pulled it out of reach. Although I tried to hide it, a smile formed on my lips. Damn this child and his games. I tried grabbing his arm, which failed as he yanked it in the air.

"Reach for it!" he teased. Growling playfully, a mischievous smirk crossing my lips, I stepped closer to him, kissing his nose. Eyes flying open, he went ridged, dropping his arm just enough for me to grab the phone.

"I win." I mocked playfully. He relaxed, and when I turned around, I felt hand slip around my waist. I nearly leapt away from him. Even though we could tease each other and sort of flirt—if you want to call it that—it was still awkward to be all 'boyfriend/girlfriend' even if it was just pretend. Noticing my discomfort, I felt him let go.

"Saa, I'll be right back Hana-chan."

As he went it, I dialed my number. Deciding whether or not it would be a good idea to explain everything over the phone as it rang, I glanced around, wondering if I could spot the girl that was giving Fuji problems. We seemed like a couple so far, right? The phone stopped ringing.

"Moshimoshi, Tamiko speaking." The girls voice answered. I grinned, embarrassment crawling over me.

"Ne, Tamiko, it's Hana." A sigh on the other line.

"What happened now?"
I laughed sheepishly.

"Well, I can't really explain right now, but can we postpone our trip? Fuji's taking me out on a date."

A pause.

"NANI!?" I flinched as her scream nearly deafened me.

"Miko," I crooned, using her pet name I gave her. "Please, I'll explain when I get home, okay?" Numerous swears were heard, then an 'As soon as you get home' and a click. Well that could've gone better. Sighing, I closed the phone, running a hand through my hair. The door behind me clicked, and I whipped around, seeing Fuji. Well that was fast. I halfheartedly grinned at him, awkwardness washing over me in a tidal wave. The light smile was on his lips.

"Shall we go?" His bag was slung over his shoulder. I paused, not really wanting to be alone with the boy in front of me. I needed to think clearly and freely, and he—for some reason or another—always knew what's running through my mind. He titled his head to the side as I pondered. Blinking, I realized he was waiting on me.

"Erm, well, I still need to do things at my house and stuff and I thought that maybe you wanted to change into different clothes—not that your clothes aren't nice and things—but uh, I mean—" It was like the first day over again, my mouth spurting nonsense and my brain three paces behind. His smile grew in the most cynical way.

"Hana-chan, you don't have to be nervous." He purred playfully. I felt myself flush in embarrassment—and slight anger.

"You have a way of twisting your words to make a double meaning Fuji." I muttered. He closed the distance between us in a few strides, taking my wrist in his hand. First I glanced down at our hand, then to his face, unease settling over me. But his smile was no longer mocking, instead in tender care. He was going to be careful with me; he didn't want me upset, that I was sure. He didn't want to push me in any way. Whether it was for my health or his gratitude for me helping I wasn't sure. I weak smile played on my lips, and even though I'd hate to admit it, I felt oddly swooned at our romantic 'he's a devil but he will take care of her tenderly' scene.

"I'll pick you up at your house in an hour. Sound good?"

I smiled.

"Sounds good." I repeated. He lightly kissed my forehead and letting me go headed off in the direction of his house with a wave. I timidly waved back, me heart hammering in my throat. Okay, that was probably the most romantic thing of my life, and it happened with Fuji. Gahh, karma loves me. Shaking the thought, and realizing I could be caught gawking after Fuji by one of the tennis team, I quickly grabbed my school uniform and jogged home. I tried sorting through my fuzzy head. Really, why was it so comfortable to be with Fuji? It was like it was natural to sit and flirt and talk to the tensai. I didn't get the chance to finish my thought as I rounded the corner onto my street. I had to start thinking about what I was going to tell Tamiko. It would be okay to explain everything to her right? I've known her for a few weeks now, and this girl was the only one I've trusted so deeply. I decided I would tell her everything, because—more than likely—she'd want all the details. My thought proved correct when I opened the door, seeing Tamiko in her school uniform, arms crossed, glaring down at me in not so much an angry way, just a cool, demanding poise. I think that was scarier than her screaming. I smiled weakly, turning slowly to drop my bag to the ground. I bit my lip, thinking of a good place to start.

"Lets go to your room." It was a demand from the black haired girl, and she whisked towards the stairs, not giving me a chance to protest. But that also gave me more time to think. I climbed the stairs slowly, but my brain had decided to fizzle and stop. I made no progress as I stood in front of my judging best friend. I bit my lip again.

"Just start with why you and Fuji are going on a date."

Sometimes, Tamiko just makes my life so much easier. I sighed and explained everything. From telling him about our plans to his explanation of his fangirl to the cancellation of our evening, I explained it all. Tamiko listened in silence, her eyes growing bigger and more surprised as I continued. Her mouth eventually dropped open. After I finished, she just stared at me.

"Soooo...that's what happened." She shook her head, blinking.

"That Fuji. I swear if he tries anything—" Tamiko growled. I smiled in amusement. She suddenly looked at me sharply. "What are you still standing there for? Go shower! I'll pick out your outfit—of course, if you don't like it you can change—and then we'll make sure you at least have a snack. Maybe I should think of questions or topics for your two to talk about—" she prattled on, completely ignoring me as she tore through my wardrobe. Giggling softly to myself, I grabbed a towel and headed for the shower. It was surprisingly easy not to think in the shower, and not dwell on what would happen tonight. That ended as soon as I stepped from the shower. Tamiko quite literally dragged me from the bathroom—thank God I had a towel on!—to my room. I blinked and mentally groaned at the tarnished tidiness that was my room. It literally looked like a tornado ran threw it. Clothes and accessories were everywhere, as were several other random items. On the bed were five different outfits. One was a pure small black dress with several accessories and black heels. I wanted to throw it out the window. No way are you getting me to wear that on a first date. Yeah, I wanted to dress up a little, but not friggen scare the poor boy. Besides, I didn't even know what we're doing! The next was a short pair of shorts and a tank top. Okay...there is such a thing as too casual. One was a vibrant pick t-shit and pink pants (where the hell did those come from?) and pink shoes. Lord, waaaaaay too much pink. There was a decent one, though I'd think it was a bit too dressy. It included a silk one-shouldered black top that had different designs in green, turquoise, and gold, black pants, and blue heels. The last one I nearly thanked the heavens for. It was a salmon pink halter-top (that actually was a tank top) and had a sash tied into a bow in the middle and orange frilly trimming on the bottom, jeans, small salmon heels, golden earrings matching a golden bracelet, and a small golden purse. Talk about perfect for a casual first date. First date...this is my first date!! I started to almost hyperventilate at the thought. I chose the outfit and Tamiko left, leaving me to change in peace. You know what's sad? I actually have a strapless bra to wear for stuff like this, and not only does it make me look older—and actually have curves—but it's also something I despise. I can never jump or dance in that thing. It always falls down. And I hate it because then you have to fix yourself, and everyone stares at you in a way that pretty much says 'why the hell are you touching yourself?'. That's why I hate it. But you just can't wear a normal bra with a halter-top, even if it technically is a tank top that looks like a halter, because it looks funny. Believe me, I know. I've tried it before. I just hope Fuji doesn't take me anywhere that we have to go and do something. That would seriously suck. Major hard core. But then I remembered something important. My mom got me some of those 'invisible straps' for such an occasion! Digging through my dresser I found said straps and clipped them to the bra, which would now hold me more securely. No, I do not like going 'free bird'. It makes me uncomfortable. So sue me.

Okay, randomly changing topics. You know how I told you my hair is really pretty down? That's because it's almost perfectly straight when dry. Dry being the key term. When wet my hair curls in little ringlets. It's amazing that it's not frizzy-zilla when it dries. My hair is just cool like that. Oh Yeah. Anyways, I decided to have a bit of fun—and following the pattern of the previous weeks I knew my hair would not be pretty down—so I put some interesting moose from America to insure the curls before tying it up in a bun and a clip with the curls falling elegantly to hide it expertly. I say once again—my hair is amazing. Be jealous. I wondered idly if I should wear make-up...and started laughing. There was no way I was going to try to put on make-up. Besides, I hated artificial girls like that. I glanced at the clock. It had only been a half an hour. I blinked slowly, then realized something. Fuji probably wouldn't have his mom drive us around. He'd probably have us walk somewhere. Which meant heels were not the smart choice. I dug through the mess of my room, finding some golden flats. Golden jewelry, golden purse, and golden flats...well, gold looked nice with salmon anyway. Unfortunately, that only took a total of...a minute and thirteen seconds. I debated on putting on make-up again when the doorbell rang. My heart hammering in my throat, I grabbed my shoes and purse in hand and ran down the stairs. Tamiko glanced at me, then the door, fidgeting on her toes. What did she have to be nervous about? I nearly flung open the door, a smile on my face. But it was not a honey-blonde brunette I faced. It was a brilliant redhead. I blinked in surprise. Eiji was looking at the ground, obviously deep in thought, but had looked up once the door opened. His expression changed from determination to surprise and almost embarrassment as he glanced me over. A smile lit on his face. His jaw had dropped, but no words came out. Nothing, at least, until his eyes met mine.

"Suki...Hana-chan looks so pretty!" (1) He exclaimed, glancing me over again. Fighting a blush, I shifted on my toes.

"Ne, thanks Eiji-kun." I mumbled, staring at the floor. I blinked, forcing my brain to work over the pounding of my heart. "Ano, what's going—I mean, why are you—" Eiji blinked, a faint color resting in his cheeks.

"Nya, I wanted to see if Hana-chan wanted to hang out, but Hana-chan's so dressed up and pretty..." a sad, hopeless look came to his eyes. He looked at the ground. "You must be busy." I smiled weakly, my heart sinking.

"Yeah, I am, but well, what did you want to do? I've still got some time..." I trailed off. His head snapped up, his gaze flickering over mine in excitement.

"Really? You mean it?" I smiled, my heart making an incredibly loud thump in my throat.

"Of course. But I only have about twenty minutes." He smiled happily, his eyes lit with enthusiasm.

"Ne, ne, then why are we standing here for? Come on Hana-chan! Let's go to the park!" I laughed, slipping on my shoes. Calling to Tamiko that I'd be back soon, I trailed after Eiji, who grabbed my hand, smiling ecstatically. He quite literally pulled me down the steps. A few blocks later and I found myself at this very small, yet peaceful park. On one of the trees that surrounded the grassy plain was a tire swing, and towards the front—were some shops stood—was a wooden bench. It was very simple, and not full of toys and useless kid items, giving the area a sense of a more romantic feel. Eiji noticed my calm happy look and smiled.

"Hana-chan, did you even know this was here, nya?" He asked playfully. I laughed.

"No, I didn't. Thanks for showing me." I smiled back. Eiji had let go of my hand a while ago, and for some reason I had the urge to take it again. He smiled at me, and then turned to the park. A frown covered his lips.

"Mou, there isn't really anything to do here..." His voice was sad and a bit self-reprimanding. I thought quickly, not wanting him to be upset at the choice he made for a play session. Beaming, something came to mind. I bumped his elbow, making him turn to me.

"Tag! You're it!" Eiji blinked as I ran off into the park, a wide smile breaking across his face. He ran after me, and after many twists, turns, and dodging, Eiji had finally caught up to me, just as I turned around. He glomped onto me, hoisting my laughing frame in the air.

"Hoi, hoi! I win Hana-chan!" I smiled down at him, a warm feeling spreading throughout my body, my heart beating faster from the run. His eyes were just as warm, staring at me with a look that I couldn't describe. He continued to hold onto my waist, my head higher than his, until something very cold seemed to wallop me upside the head like a baseball bat. I was supposed to be going on a date with Fuji. I shouldn't be here. Eiji noticed the change in my eyes, for he carefully let me slide down, a hopeless, depressed look leaking into the bright blue orbs.

"Ne, Hana-chan should go home now, huh?" He almost pouted, but not in a childish way. I couldn't get myself to smile.

"Yeah, I should." He offered me a broken, weak smile, turning away and sticking his hands in his pockets.

"I'll see you later." He murmured. I couldn't stand seeing him so dejected. Without thinking, my hand entwined with his and my lips found his cheek.

"See you Monday." I whispered softly, smiling at him. He stood, blinking, a content smile crossing his lips. I waved, my heart still hammering, and ran back to my house. I walked in the door, calling my out presence, and went upstairs and to my room to fix whatever had been messed up. Nothing much, really. I did need to put on more deodorant and body spray, fix the tangles in my hair and the ruffles out of my shirt, but more or less I was ready to go. Upon hearing footsteps coming up the stairs I ignored them, making sure there wasn't anything I forgot. That was a mistake. A bright flash later and I turned to see Tamiko, face hidden behind a camera, laughing.

"Well Hana," she teased "seems like a certain little red head has your attention." I blinked, raising an eyebrow and forced back a blush.

"And why do you say that?" Tamiko put the camera down, snorting, her hand finding her hip.

"Oh come on, like you don't know."

I think I liked her better when she was shy and nice and quiet. That was something I learned about the girl. She was shy...until you knew her. I shook my head, raising my eyebrow further.

"I don't know." I admitted, hoping she'd let the subject drop. Of course not. She snorted again.

"Could it be that your eyes are totally glazed over and day-dreamy after you come home from seeing him? Or that you brightened when it was him that wanted to spend time with you, even if it was only for a few minutes?"

I feel my head shaking, and like a light switch clicking off, I felt coldness, a blockade, raw anger surge over me as my voice hardens.

"I think you're imagining things." It becomes forcibly lighter when I realize getting angry would do nothing. "Do you have any idea what Fuji might want to do for our 'date'?" I air-quoted 'date' while rolling my eyes. Tamiko shrugged.

"Not a clue. But you better watch yourself; that boys definately a sadist." I chuckled, a light smile coming to my lips. Yes, that was true. But there was something I couldn't explain, a certain exhilaration in meeting the boy alone that not only got my blood flowing, but my head reeling. This would be an interesting night. I turned to my friend only to see a blinding flash as she took another picture. Rubbing my eyes painfully I felt myself growl.

"I hate you." I muttered darkly. I heard another picture taken. I leapt forward, groping with my hand to grab the camera, when a squeak and a rush of air greeted me. Damn. I heard another picture. "Miko! WTF!?" I snapped, and yes, I did spell out the acronym. I heard the girl giggle.

"Hana! You look so cute rubbing your eyes like that!" I felt myself laughing, blinking until the white dots dancing in my vision left. I glanced around, spotting her at the bottom of the stairs. She had the camera at her eye again.

"Work it girl!" She laughed as I started striking random poses, making my way down the stairs and into the living room. We were still laughing when a knock sounded at the door. I sighed, a smile on my lips.

"I guess I should get that, huh?" I teased, already on my feet, my nerves starting to kick in. Tamiko snorted, rolling her eyes.

"No, let him sweat it out a bit." She grunted. Sometimes she is such a guy. I playfully flicked her shoulder.

"Be nice." She pursed her lips, glaring at me playfully. With that said, I bounded to the door, flinging it open with ease. Fuji occupied the same space Eiji had, although Fuji's posture was much more relaxed. He had his hands in his tan pants pockets, and a long-sleeved red button up shirt was loosely clinging to his frame. The sleeves were folded up to the elbow, the cuffs unbuttoned. Stylish, yet simple. We think alike. His head was directed upwards until I opened the door, and he slightly opened his eyes, scanning me over quickly before closing them with a smile.

"Don't you look pretty." He teased. I smirked.

"Don't you look handsome." He chuckled, and I called over my shoulder that I'd be back to Tamiko. I heard her voice answer back with a threat to Fuji. 'She'd better come back perfect or I'm gonna—' I closed the door rolling my eyes.

"Ignore her." I stated. He grinned brighter.

"I plan to." Laughing, we headed down the steps. As I predicted, there was no car parked, meaning we would be walking. That was sort of romantic in itself. As we reached the last of the steps, I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.

"Is you little stalker with us?" I asked. He held onto that painted smile.

"Yes, actually. I passed her a couple of times coming here, but I don't think she's angry enough to go snooping through your stuff. And Tamiko's at your place. She may be a fangirl, but she's not brain-dead." I felt myself snort. Fuji's grin grew slightly. When I felt something brush my hand I glanced down to glimpse his retreating to his pocket. I decided to ignore it, although the weird thump in my chest proved otherwise. I changed topics.

"So where exactly are we going? Or should I ask what we're doing first?" The question sounded wary, even to me. He didn't glance at me.

"Depends. Are you hungry?"

I nodded.

"Yeah, a little."

"Then how about we get some food first?"

I felt myself smile.

"Sounds good."

We walked in silence for a little while, as I pondered what we would get to eat. Apparently there were things that were and were not acceptable for date food. Hamburgers, spaghetti, tacos, anything that can get stuck in your teeth, items that would occupy your hands or were considered a 'messy eat' were not smart ideas. But I didn't know what type of food was here in Japan just yet, and I was sort of nervous, considering the fact Fuji had an interesting taste in what was and was not 'good'. I heard that from Inui. But we passed by several fast food shops, and he didn't spare them a glance. Then we passed the park that Eiji took me to. I felt myself slow, a smile tugging on my lips. Fuji noticed my leave and glanced where I was looking.

"We can visit that later, if you want. Come on, the place isn't too far now." I felt his hand apply pressure to the small of my back, and I turned, smiling at him, and followed along, his hand never leaving. It's so amazing how such a little touch can burn right through your skin. That's what it felt like. I was hyperaware of him, and not in the fuzzy happy way either. It was incredibly uncomfortable. With a twitch of his fingers he brought me back to reality, leading me into a small sushi shop. I thought back to the job Takashi had and nearly fainted.

"Please tell me this isn't Taka-san's shop!" I begged. Blinking, a coy smile perched on Fuji's lips.

"Now, you wouldn't think I'm that ignorant, do you?" He teased as I relaxed. I should've known better. This is Fuji after all. We sat together in a small both, ordering a simple plate. Fuji had thrown his arm around the seat behind us, and consequently my shoulders. I was incredibly tense, the burning feeling of mistrust flooding throughout my body. Not even a minute later, Fuji shifted in his seat, his arm going to his side. His azure eyes met mine, a frown across his lips.

"What am I doing wrong?" he demanded. I stared at him confused.

"I don't—" He growled, his eyes burning.

"Don't give me that. It seems like every time I so much as look at you you're freaked out. What's the matter? Am I doing something wrong? Why are you so wary of me?" He sounded more than angry, upset, and hurt. I felt myself lean away from him, fear and alarm coursing through me. For a minute I paused, waiting for him to catch his breath, and thought carefully. He took my silence the wrong way. Grinding his teeth, he turned his head, glaring angrily at the table, his left hand in a tight fist, his right clutching the seat behind him. I felt pity and sorrow take place of my fear, and with a shaking hand I laid it gently on his shoulder. I wanted to comfort him, as strange as that sounds. Even if the warning bells were clanging obnoxiously loud and screaming to 'run, get away', I ignored them.

"I...I'm not really sure why, Syusuke." My voice wasn't shaking, but defiantly was confused as I tried to sort through the emotions that always seemed to collide and contradict each other whenever he was around. He hadn't moved from his position. "I think," I began slowly, picturing the most vibrant of all of the emotions. "I think part of it is that you are always so calm and know exactly what's going on, but won't share it with anybody—me in particular, if you want to get that way. I don't like not knowing what's going through someone's mind. I like being in control of a situation, so I can change it to suit everyone's needs, and for some reason I can never have control while you're around. It makes me anxious." I put my hand back in my lap, waiting. His fist released itself, and with his elbow on the table, he ran a hand through his hair, the other rested in his lap.

"It's an incredibly...strange...feeling I get when you're around." His voice was hardly over a whisper. "I have to be much more careful about what I do, because you never react the way I think you'll. I feel like I'm not in control of the situation when you're around. And it Drives. Me. Crazy." It was a strained growl, like I should get something else that was hidden. I decided to ignore it. "I feel like I have to work twice as hard to get your attention or that maybe there's something wrong with me because you always would rather be with someone else. Normally I wouldn't care but you..." he looked up, his eyes showing total vulnerability. Fuji Syusuke, of all people, decided to trust me, of all people, to open up to. And there was no way in hell I was letting that go. It felt like something clicked right then. Something that said 'hold on to it' because neither of us wanted to be uncomfortable around the other, and we both wanted to be good friends. An encouraging smile broke out across my face, and I turned to face him completely. "There's something different about you." His azure eyes bore into mine. "I feel like I can trust you, that I'm safe with you, that I can do whatever I want." I pleading, fearful look came into his eyes. "So much that I feel like you should only pay attention to me so I can do those things, and not be ashamed." He took a deep, shuddering breath. "I try, so hard, to fight those feelings. I'm afraid that I'll lose control, and you'll end up getting hurt. But I want to protect you for that very reason. Because I know that others don't have that restraint. I know that I'm sadistic and it's quite entertaining to watch people squirm, but you..." he trailed off. "...you shouldn't...you're so caring and so easily taken advantage of. I just want to protect you. But not just from everyone else. I want to protect you from me. Because I am the type of person to do that, to take advantage of you, and it's just so wrong. So, so wrong." His voice nearly cracked, hardly more than a breath. My heart was hammering as I processed this. He was completely serious. But something other than pity, disgust, and sadness plunged through me. And I couldn't help the warm smile on my lips.

"Fuji, you don't really see yourself." I whispered, trying to make him see, through my eyes, what he had told me. "You think that you'll lose control and hurt someone. But the thing is, just by telling me, you proved that you do have control, and you'll constantly worry about it so you won't slip. That's good Fuji, don't you see? That means that you aren't a bad person, even if you have sadistic tendencies. That's just a part of who you are. You want to be noble, but because of those thoughts you feel like a villain, when really, you aren't. When you have someone close to you, the first thing on your mind is protection. Keep them safe. And those thoughts lead to the sadistic ones, because you're not planning on doing that to the people you care about, but to the people who hurt the ones you care about." He blinked slowly, his head rising slightly. He stared at me fully for a minute, and then confused the shit out of me. He started laughing.

"Y-you're so serious." He laughed, clutching his sides. I furrowed my brow.

"I thought this was a serious conversation." I stated back, but I couldn't help but let out a giggle when I thought about it. It was so serious it was comical. Wow, how weird. He wiped a tear from his eye, and looking back at me, chuckled lightly.

"Thanks. You're right, in a way. I think. Whatever it was, it made me feel better." I smiled back at him.

"You're welcome. You can come to me with anything, you know that now, right?" He nodded, but a thoughtful look crossed his features. I think this was the longest time Fuji had kept his eyes open. I tilted my head to the side.

"What is it?" He closed his eyes again, putting on his normal smile.

"Something you said earlier...about not knowing what I'm thinking about. Maybe I could help fix that." Tilting my head to the side I waited for him to continue. "When something–within reason, of course—pops into my head, I'll tell you about it. But that means you have to do the same. Sound fair?" I nodded, and the waiter dropped off our sushi.

It was fairly easy, after that, to be with Fuji. As promised, when something within reason popped into his head he'd tell me about it. He described different things, feelings, tastes, smells, sights, and I would do the same. We really bonded in a way most people wouldn't think about. We got to know each other's thoughts. We got on some pretty strange topics, like ice cream in space, but normal ones too, like family. He explained that he really cared for his sister, but it just wasn't the same type of bond that he had with his brother, considering age, and he wished that maybe, eventually, they'd be able to have a connection like they used to as kids, instead of–wasn't his name Yuuta?—feeling like he had to outdo Fuji. It made my heart ache, hearing the tenderness in his voice. But sadly our dinner had long since been finished, and time for us to leave had come and gone. He insisted on taking me home, which I was grateful for. We walked in silence, and when I noticed the thoughtful look on his face, I called him out on it. He smiled at me.

"I was thinking about what'd it feel like to hold your hand." Flushing, I looked at the ground, entwining our fingers.

"Natural." It was barely over a whisper. I had to agree. It wasn't magical, like in the movies, but natural. I wondered absentmindedly if that's how my parents feel when they hold hands. I wanted to shake my head. No, I could see the look on their faces. It brought a certain joy that didn't exist between Fuji and I. When we were together it felt normal, and no body had said anything about love being typical or average. I banished the thought, hoping the mind reader wouldn't guess that I was thinking about something. I glanced up at the sky. Thousands of sparkling little diamonds glistened back at me in the indigo plain, a vibrant round moon casting a brilliant light.

"Romantic, ne?" Fuji asked me, glancing up at the stars as well.

"Uh-huh." He glanced at me again.

"You're not telling me something."

A smile crossed my lips.

"I was just wondering, what a kiss would feel like, under the stars like this."

The next thing I knew, Fuji's hand was around my waist, our entwined ones abandoned for his favorite spot on my back. My hands lazed against his chest, which soon changed to around his neck as he leant down, eyes open, asking me for permission. With a small smile I nodded. His lips brushed mine.

(1) Suki- an afection of liking