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. Sorry if this chapter is bit late, I have been slightly busy with life's little errands and like always reviews will be much appreciated and love. I know I con a lot of readers into thinking that Kai was a little kid but there is no fun writing a story if everyone already knows who the villain is. In the beginning I sort of made her "annoying cute" because I take joy in showing the ugly side of a person. Actually, I am just kidding, hah, I know that sound angst and slightly creepy. I guess I just want to take out a little frustration at the image of stereotype Asian girls who act way too cute and immature. Which I found extremely annoying.

Words in italic imply thoughts and flashback.

Warning: This story doesn't have a beta so please pardon any mistakes that I happen to overlook.


Losing Ground

Chapter 6: At ease

The next morning, while everyone were busy focusing on the upcoming project, Kai quietly left the hotel room and started to walk aimlessly around Tokyo to clear her head. Ever since the first time she saw Fuji when she was twelve years old, Kai knew that she was in love. There was something soothing about being near Fuji that made everything seem perfect. In the last two years, Kai always thought that she would become the perfect bride for Fuji and had picture herself as Fuji's bride countless time. As a result, she had always turned down offers to go out with other boys her own age because in her mind no one could ever compete with Fuji. However, Tezuka's appearance had interrupted her fairy tale future and there was absolutely nothing that she could do about it. With no goal in mind, Kai was a little taken back when she noticed that she was standing outside of Seigaku Gakuen.

"Seigaku Gakuen, isn't that the place that Fuji-aniki attended when he was growing up?" Thought Kai curiosity.

At last Kai let her curiosity got the best of her and started to wander around the school. The school appeared to be fairy empty which made perfect sense since it was a Saturday morning. In the front lobby, she saw a large tennis trophy place next to a picture. Up close, Kai was able to found a younger looking Fuji and Tezuka in the picture. In the picture, Fuji was standing next to Tezuka in what looked like an old team photo. Kai quickly look away because the sight of Fuji with Tezuka annoyed her but more than anger lies fear. Fear that Fuji would leave her and stay with Tezuka in Japan.

"Tezuka must have done something horrible to Fuji-aniki because otherwise Fuji-aniki would never show that much hatred toward anyone. Yes, Fuji-aniki wouldn't hate Tezuka if he doesn't deserve it." Thought of Kai angrily as she walks out of the school.

On her way out, Kai passed by a small group of freshman cleaning up the tennis court.

"Hey I didn't know you are joining the tennis club this semester."

"Yeah, I had always looked up to Tezuka senpai ever since I was in grade school."

"Really, I always thought that Fuji senpai was the better player. I mean after all he was the tensai of Seigaku."

"Fuji senpai may have been the tensai but Tezuka buchou was the pillar of Seigaku."

"I wish I could see them play a game."

"Hai, in our dream but I bet it would be amazing to see the two of them play a match against each other."

"Yeah …"

The voices slowly faded away as Kai walked farther and farther away from the tennis court with tears of frustration dripping down her face.

Later that night after work had finished, Fuji found himself back at the same tennis court that he used to play matches with various players especially his secret matches with Tezuka. In Fuji's mind, he could still hear the sound of the ball against the racket and it sends countless memories flying back to him. Fuji smile fondly when he recalled how they used to collapse on the grass together behind the court. Sometimes after practice he would play a match with Tezuka and then they would both gazed at the cloud together on top a bed of grass.

Flashback

"Shusuke, let's go to the national together." Commented Tezuka as he handed Fuji his water bottle.

A smile spread across Fuji's tired face as he collapsed down on the grass holding Tezuka's water bottle.

"Hai Kunimitsu, I will always follow you whenever you are going. Just promise me that we will always be together." Stated Fuji as he took a death breath.

"I promise." Answered Tezuka with a hint of smile on his otherwise stoic face.

End Flashback

"Shusuke." Whispered Tezuka as he embraced Fuji from behind.

A look of pure panic appeared on Fuji's face as he started to struggle out of Tezuka's strong embrace.

"Don't leave me again…" Begged Tezuka hopelessly as he leaned over and kiss the lips that he had been dreaming about for years.

"It was all a lie. A perfect lie that I created because I love you so much. A flawless lie that I created for you because I want you to reach your dream …" Mumbled Tezuka as he hold Fuji tighter against his aching chest.

A single tear found its way down Fuji's face as he stops protesting and give in to what his heart had been craving for all these years.

A simple touch

A warm embrace

And the words that he had been longing to hear so desperately five years ago.

"I promise I won't leave you again." Whispered Fuji as he gently caresses Tezuka's trouble face with his hands before Tezuka pass out in Fuji's arm.

The next morning, Tezuka woke up with an aching headache.

"How many bottle of sake did I drink at Taka's place?" Wondered Tezuka as he puts on his glasses next to his bedside.

"I must still be drunk." Comment Tezuka when he saw Fuji lying next to him.

Without saying anything Tezuka made his way to the bathroom and stood under the shower.

"If getting drunk means seeing Shusuke next to me then maybe a little alcohol every now and then wouldn't be so bad." Mumbled Tezuka as he walks out of the shower.

A light chuckle interrupted Tezuka's monologue and causes him to glance back toward his bed.

"Morning." Replied Fuji as he stretch his arm and walks toward the closet they once shared.

Fuji smiled and said, "I have to admit I am surprise to see that none of my stuffs have been removed."

"Shusuke, are you really here?" Asked Tezuka in a bewildered tone.

"I could leave if I am not welcome." Commented Fuji causally as he looks toward the door.

"No, don't leave." Protested Tezuka quickly as he close the distance between him and Fuji.

"Don't leave me again." Whispered Tezuka as he embraces Fuji.

A familiar smile found its place on Fuji's face before he replied, "I promise Kunimitsu."

TBC

Chapter 7: Love, Envy, Jealousy

A.N. Remember to say NO to alcohol and Yes, the next chapter would be the climax because 7 is such a lucky number and therefore it deserve to be the climax of the story. Gosh, I am weird.