A/N: I'm sorry for posting late. Actually, I've finished up writing until half of chapter 10 (all unedited) but I lost everything as our computer got reformatted without me knowing. It's hard to rewrite again and school is making it more difficult. Please let me know your opinion so I can improve this story. I feel pressured because I have to update and I don't know how to get the other chapters back. Anyways, thanks so much for the reviews! I'm so happy to read them! Even if this story is complicated and OOC, I'm glad some are reading it and I'll do my best to finish it. Btw, Fuji here is 21 & Tezuka is 22.
Chapter 8
The familiar name ringing on Yukimura's phone was giving him an odd portent.
"Yukimura, I just knew you've found the man whom your father entrusted us looking for. You've looked for him alone, huh?" Though calm, the voice seemed disapproving. "I'm sorry…but I won't agree to what you want to do with that person."
"Saeki…" Yukimura frowned. "You don't need what's his."
"I do, Yukimura." The voice answered confidently. "Goodbye."
The night after tomorrow would be a night of pure bother to Tezuka for it was Atobe Keigo's birthday, this means attending a luxurious party and socializing with some unknown businessmen and elite people.
He would rather drop by to greet his friend and then leave. He doesn't really like chatting and setting up rapport to other people except if it was for business purposes. Maybe the next day, they could have a little hang out or an after party together—just what they both usually do.
But due to Atobe's consistent enticement, he had no choice but to fully attend and enjoy the enormous celebration.
Tezuka was currently studying the company's monthly records when his phone rang.
"Tezuka, I still doubt for your turnout. It would be a shame if ore-sama's friend would not even bother to attend,"
Tezuka sighed. Atobe was being stubborn again. "Expect for my presence, Atobe. I already approved your invitation and even bought you a gift,"
"Good. Ore-sama is just making sure," Tezuka heard the other man gave a snicker. Even unseen and meters away, Tezuka could see Atobe Keigo smirking. He reminded himself to prepare for a condition.
"Ne, Tezuka, you can bring with you a beautiful woman if you want. But you have to introduce her to ore-sama, okay?" Atobe said. "Just don't dare of bringing a whore in my mansion or else…"
So that was it. But why would he even bother to meet a whore and have it as his date? Where that bastard Atobe did had the nerve of accusing him of bringing such human?!
"Don't forget, it is ore-sama's birthday. Comply with the request of this friend of yours."
"You'll probably have no trouble with finding one, so you don't really need my aid." Tezuka said; knowing that Atobe, with his noble charm, can easily haul lots of women as he desired.
"Whatever. Just make sure you'll come."
Tezuka sighed. Tonight would be a long night of socialization.
"Tezuka, why not try to enjoy instead of keeping that stony face at this corner?"
He was blankly sipping on his juice when Atobe approached him. He was suppose to comment on Atobe's remark but immediately kept his thoughts aside as his focus was caught by a blonde and sophisticated woman who was standing beside Atobe and Oshitari. Could she be Atobe's lover?
"You are alone? As expected… although it is quite disappointing," Then Atobe led the blonde in front of him. "Let ore-sama introduce this lovely woman. Her name is Kato Kikuko, ore-sama's cousin from France. She is six years older than us. She is known as one of the best designers in France today, and the one of the people behind the set up of this celebration, including the physical and dress motif, invitations, everything! Even ore-sama's wardrobe for this party," He proudly exclaimed.
As Atobe introduced Kato Kikuko and kept talking about her achievements and affiliations, Tezuka thought that she was one of those decent women he had met so far this night. But he later found out, as the night went deeper and as their group conversation sustained, that she was a heavy drinker.
But then he found himself rather entertained with Atobe and his 'great' cousin. The two were like siblings except that Kikuko has a more polite side even if near on a drunken state.
"Ore-sama thought you bought a gift?" Atobe raised an eyebrow, amused. Tezuka even bothered giving him a gift? How touching. "Ore-sama is so touched Tezuka! But where is it?"
Tezuka seemed stopped for a moment. He forgot it due to his tight load earlier this day. And Atobe's eyes were expecting.
His pride wouldn't let the group know his mistake. "My assistant would be bringing it here." He took his phone and dialed on it.
Disturbed on his sleep, Fuji took the ringing phone that woke him. "Moshi moshi" He greeted lively nonetheless.
"Fuji-san, it's nice to hear you again."
"Excuse me, but who is this?" The voice came placid to Fuji's sleepy state; he wondered who the owner was, disrupting his sleep in the middle of the night.
"It's me, Yukimura Seiichi. I know it is night there in Japan but this is the only time I am free to speak with you, Fuji-san. How have you been doing? I heard you got through an accident… I suppose you forgot about me as well?"
Oh.
Surprised of his realization, Fuji had felt ashamed for not recognizing Yukimura's voice. "No, no! Not at all, Yukimura-san. I'm so glad to receive a call from you. I'm fine, really. I'm doing well since you left. All thanks to Kuniharu-san," He ascertained Yukimura.
"That's good news. I was afraid you forgot about us when you didn't answer your phone the last time we called."
Fuji felt cold. So they were the one calling that time… "I'm sorry, but I was busy that time… I hope you are not mad."
"It's fine. Someway I've expected that you were that time." Fuji heard a gentle chuckle.
Yokatta… He's not mad.
As their conversation was turning longer, Fuji was slowly becoming captivated at hearing that gentle voice again; it has been a long time since he heard that kind voice. He wouldn't mind if he stayed up all night talking to the man.
"Yukimura-san when are you—"
KNOCK!
"Fujiko! Hurry up and open the door!" Someone was banging on the door.
"W-Wait! Just—"
"FUJI!"
"Is something wrong Fuji-san? I think I better hung up now… I'll just call you next time."
"Wait, Yukimura-san!" But the line was off already.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
"I'm coming!" Fuji hastily opened the door.
"Tezuka-sama said he was calling for you and wouldn't answer! Maybe that's why he called me instead. Here, speak to him! Nya… I hope he's not mad." Eiji worriedly gave him the phone.
"Why is your phone busy? Come here quickly and bring my gift for Atobe. It's in my room. Bring it now and make sure you and the gift are out of trouble."
"Hai."
Eiji watched and listened until the brown haired man shut the phone. "Nya, Fujiko… Was he mad? Did he yell at you?"
"No. Why?" Fuji looked at Eiji questioningly. "You seem so worried, Eiji."
His eyes widened. "Nyahaha… I just thought he was mad and… I don't want him to get mad at you and… nya, just forget what I'm saying! Good night Fuji. I'm going back to my room."
Now Fuji was making his way inside the Atobe manor. There were so many elegant people filling the place with pleased laughter and words, making him slightly nervous. Some of the guests were eyeing him differently as he passed by. He was only wearing a pair of white jacket and pants and couldn't help but feel surely out of place. He hastened his steps and avoided their assessing gazes as he continued to look for Tezuka.
"I think you are getting drunk Kato-san," Oshitari commented.
"Don't worry boy, I am used to drinking," Then she gave a loud hiccup. Oshitari doubted her statement, and was now observing how frightening Kikuko was while forcing a drink on Tezuka.
After the success of forcing several glasses of wine on Tezuka, she stood up and left the three men, carrying two full glasses of wine with her. "Excuse me, hic, I'll just get some fresh air,"
As Kikuko was making her way out of the hall, she nearly stumbled as she bumped hard on something… human as well. With her remaining sanity, she realized she had poured all the liquid to the man… or was he a woman? She blinked twice as she studied the person with haziness in her eyes. "Oh! I'm very sorry! That was rude of me. Look, now I ruined your clothes!" She started whining and was incredulously patting Fuji's clothes dry.
"Don't bother, miss. I'll be fine," But it was as if the woman hadn't heard him and was still keeping that apologetic face. She stopped patting for she realized that it was futile, all of a sudden her eyes shot open as a thought occurred to her.
"Ah! Don't worry! I now have a solution for that, come with me."
Fuji was dragged to the woman's room in an instant. Her looks differ from how she acts… Fuji couldn't help but wander his gaze around the room like an innocent boy, and couldn't deny that it was huge and truly… he couldn't spell the word anymore. He sighed; now he was on a trouble and he still needed to find Tezuka. His clothes did not matter anymore; he just needed to get out from this exotic place as early as he could. His mind started to race as he looked for a way out.
"Come here! Come here!" Again, Fuji was dragged by this unknown woman. She looked at him fixedly. "Ne, you are so beautiful. What's your name young woman?" She asked sweetly, her eyes twinkling. "Now I'll find good clothes for you,"
"I'm sorry, but my name is Fuji Syu—"
"Oh! Here! Look at this dress Fuji-chan! I am a designer and I'm sure this would fit you well honey," She exclaimed excitedly. "You'll be the most beautiful person here! We'll just have to make adjustments for your chest."
Fuji's eyes widened. He figured out that she had mistaken him for a girl as he got a reek of liquor from her body. He dejectedly looked at the dress… and was shocked as he realized that she had started unclothing him and dressing him like a child. He frantically struggled with respect against the drunken woman with his body that seemed equal to Kikuko's.
Somehow, she had managed to rid Fuji's clothes out from his sight and reach. "Let onee-chan help you," She whispered.
"No please. I don't want to look like this! Someone get me out of here!" No one heard him, much to Kikuko's success.
Tezuka snapped all of a sudden. "Did you hear that? I think I heard someone..."
Atobe eyed him suspiciously. "I heard nothing. I think you're drunk Tezuka." He turned to Oshitari. "Oshitari, watch out for this guy eh? Ore-sama will talk to Sakaki-san for a moment," He stood up to turn and waved, leaving Tezuka under Oshitari's keen eyes.
"You don't have to worry about me. I am not drunk. You can follow Atobe if you want," Tezuka was still thinking about that voice; he suddenly thought of Fuji.
"I highly doubt that. And Atobe will be fine on his own. Anyway, do you want to come and see the fireworks at the garden, Tezuka-san? People are starting to come there now."
"Of course,"
But before the two could get out, Kikuko's voice appeared calling them. "Tezuka-san! Look here!"
Tezuka's eyes landed on the subject making him surprised. Was that Fuji wearing a dress?!
Fuji heard deep voices whispering around him as he was being dragged by Kikuko towards Tezuka. He turned his head lower as he felt several eyes staring him intently; it was truly making him feel uncomfortable. He wished the ground would just swallow him. He terribly wanted to disappear… He hoped no one would notice his real identity.
"Tezuka-san, Ms. Fuji told me that she was looking for you. I accidentally poured my wine on her so I offered her new clothes." She gently pushed Fuji in front of Tezuka. "Well then, I'll leave the three of you now,"
Watching from a corner, Atobe couldn't help but plant a smirk on his face. Who knew that his 'great' cousin had taken Tezuka's assistant for a woman? This is going to be fun…
"Fuji…" The smaller man felt Tezuka's eyes slowly consuming him. "What are you thinking? Why did you actually..." But like many, Tezuka couldn't deny that Fuji was absolutely stunning in that dress. He was definitely the most beautiful.
Fuji defended himself. "She had mistaken me for a girl! She forced me to wear this, and she kept my clothes! I… I couldn't wear anything else. She… I didn't want this…"
"It's alright. You'll be fine." Tezuka's eyes turned soft all of a sudden. Fuji seemed so fragile right now.
Fuji felt a lump on his throat. Of all people… He lowered his head and spoke pleadingly. "...Let me go back now." He handed a little box to Tezuka. "Here…"
Silent whispers came from several women from their back. Some were intrigued who that person Tezuka Kunimitsu was with.
Mortified, Fuji couldn't move. Then he felt Tezuka took the box he was handling and saw him gave it to a blue haired man with spectacles.
"It's nice to meet you here Tezuka-san," An unfamiliar voice injected. "Who could this lovely woman be? Care to introduce me?"
Kite Eishirou ka? Tezuka believed that there was nothing to discuss between him and this man. And now that he have handed his gift to Atobe, he might as well leave the place. "Let's go, Fuji." He ignored the guy in front of him and looked at Atobe, and received a tiny smile in return. "Thank you for coming, Tezuka."
But the voice earlier kept on pestering him even on their way out. "How rude Tezuka-san, I was only asking for her name." The man announced haughtily. "It seems you don't want to. Well then, let my self do the honor instead." He had stridden towards a bewildered Fuji, smirking stylishly to please the beautiful 'woman'.
Tezuka glared at Kite. "You seem to like this woman so much," He smirked towards the Higa group's heir and grabbed Fuji's body against him. Then he pulled Fuji's head and claimed his mouth for a gentle kiss. The smaller man was only too shocked to react.
Then Tezuka let go of the man who was taken aback.
"She's only mine," Tezuka continued to glare at the Higa group's heir who was now speechless. "Leave her alone." Then he started claiming Fuji's mouth once more as he was satisfied to get that annoyed and defeated look from Kite. Taken away, Tezuka prolonged the kiss, and felt the body under him pulling away but he did not stop until he got stabbed by a sudden pain on his foot.
"Genichirou, I wasn't able to speak longer to him today. I hope it wouldn't take long before I can contact him again…"
"It's okay. There is plenty of time Yukimura. Fuji Syusuke will have his possession when you return."
"I don't think so, Genichirou. We have a problem. I received a call from our agent Niou earlier. He said Saeki does not want to return Fuji-san's possession."
"What? You're the only one who had the proprietorship of the remaining wealth of Fuji family, right? Why is Saeki…"
"No Genichirou. Both of us signed the contract and promised to hold it until we found the only missing Fuji and pass it to him."
"I don't understand…"
"Listen. For the past fourteen years it was believed that the mansion only got accidentally scorched until last year—when my father got a review of the case and found a hole from an evidence saying that the real cause of their death was planned. The annihilation was almost perfect. The motive was to steal the family's wealth but failed as they hadn't managed to get the important documents before the mansion got totally burnt as they were having a hard time preventing the family members escape. Those criminals turned lowly so they were easily caught. It was a good thing that the family's wealth was spread into different accounts and documents. So Even if some of them were lost, there was still some left for Fuji Syusuke. And that remaining wealth is what Saeki and I had both promised to keep as my Father entrusted us to find the whereabouts of Fuji-san and to know if he's already dead."
Sanada only remained silent.
"Since it was my Father who discovered the remaining accounts, which was currently owned by no one, he gave us a condition: If it was proven that Fuji Syusuke has deceased, the possession would be ours."
"Souka. So Saeki knew all about the condition…"
"Honestly, we both assumed that Fuji Syusuke was already dead considering how the rest of his family got killed, I'm sure those criminals wouldn't let him get away. But still, I continued to search — with you. And I really hadn't expect to see him so soon and alive. I guess I was lucky."
"Saeki was disappointed…"
"Ah. That's more like it. Genichirou, keep Fuji-san out of Saeki's sources until we're back in Japan. He doesn't know about Fuji-san yet. He is a mulish person… He goes for what he wants. And I'm sure he's going to look for Fuji-san."
"Yukimura... back then, you want to bring Fuji-san to Nagoya so that Saeki-san would meet him, so that the three of you can get to the contract deal right away…correct?"
"Ah. But I wasn't able to do so. Now I'm worried to what might happen when they meet. Genichirou, I think I'll just continue my rehabilitation back there… In Japan."
Disregarding the pain on his foot, Tezuka kept his firm composure until they were out of the hall. Damn Fuji for kicking him! He withstood shaking the smaller man. "You should be thanking me don't you think? I just kept you out of that bastard's clutch."
"Well thank you then, I nearly puked just by smelling your mouth!" Fuji retorted with a flushed face and his insides were resisting the urge of hitting Tezuka on his face at the same time. Even if half of him was thankful that Tezuka finally dragged him out of that untidy heap, kissing Tezuka felt wrong… He couldn't explain why.
"Is this how you acknowledge my help?"
"Sorry, I appreciate nothing of it! Thanks!" Fuji was irritated. "You're tipsy and annoying that tall guy. How could you… There's no way…" He said …Was there any other reasons for him to do that…? "You are distasteful!" In a split second that passed, Fuji hadn't missed the hurt that reflected on Tezuka's eyes before the taller man killed it off with twitched eyebrows.
There was a cold pause. Tezuka subjected the smaller man in a firm stare. "I'm not —"
"Oi Tezuka, stop fussing over there and get into the car I've asked for you. You don't want to walk back home, do you?" Atobe just appeared behind the shadows.
"Atobe…"
"Yes? You still need something from ore-sama?"
"Nothing," His voice had managed to hide the feeling of lightheadedness that was starting to amass. Liquor was truly bringing him an appalling sensation, and this heavy feeling wasn't making him fine either. "Let's go, Fuji..."
Fuji turned to Atobe, "…Thank you, Atobe-san. It was nice meeting you." He bowed at him before trailing Tezuka.
As Atobe watched them boarded the car, he couldn't help but frown as he felt a disturbing feeling of seeing Tezuka and his assistant together. He continued to watch as the car started to run on the driveway.
It was nice meeting you as well, Fuji Syusuke.
The next day, Fuji was early to pick documents they'll be working at from a certain hotel company. He was about to leave after having finished his purpose when a running man accidentally bumped onto him as he got out from the elevator. The collision was strong that both got toppled down to the floor.
"Ouch." A card flew directly where Fuji had landed; his eyes happened to lay on the name indicated. 'Saeki Koujirou' He took it and got up from the floor, and proceeded to give it to the toppled man. "I'm sorry, are you alright?"
The man got up and was surprised to see a very beautiful person in front of him. Almost fooled, Saeki realized that the person in front of him was a man, but a very beautiful man… his effeminate features made Saeki's insides throb with ecstasy; his smooth, pinkish-white skin looked so soft to touch and his eyes were crystal blue as that of a gem. Saeki was, without a doubt, allured with this enticing man.
"Are you alright?" Fuji called out again.
Saeki snapped back into reality. "I'm alright, don't worry, it's my fault anyway." He smiled at the smaller man. He didn't know what more to say at the moment. He was currently enchanted at this pretty picture he was seeing.
"I think this is yours," Fuji handed him the card and apologized once more; he looked at his wristwatch and hastily waved goodbye to the man.
Snapping out from enthrallment, Saeki realized that the mysterious man was already gone, and nearly slapped him self as he forgot to thank the guy and ask for his name. "I'll make sure to meet him again."
