REPOSSESSION
By: Deranged-Insanity

Chapter 8
CONRONTATIONS AND REALIZATIONS

Syusuke.

It was a whisper right at Fuji's ear.

Syusuke.

Another whisper, but louder this time. He was sure it was his name. And then he felt heat radiating to his whole body coming from his core. The heat moved its way to concentrate on his lips. It wasn't an ordinary heat. It was a type of heat accompanied by love, desire and lust. He felt the heat going from his lips towards the hollow of his neck and then down to his shoulder blades moving sinuously, ever smoothly. He never felt this way before (as far as he could remember) or at least, he never felt something as intense as like this before. He yearned so much for this, he wanted this 'heat' to go on until god knows when to stop.

Again, the heat made its way back to his throat staying there for some time. He let out a moan. Hearing himself, his fantasy snapped back to reality. The heat vanished.

His eyes opened and his sight revealed that he was back to his room, his and Tezuka's room. He sat up and tried to recall what happened previously.

Oh, damn!

Suddenly, yesterday's events came to him. He experienced a torturing headache. It wasn't an ordinary pain because it was accompanied by bizarre emotions and sensations rushing and flooding in his head all at the same time. It was painful but an unidentifiable feeling. He remembered for no remnants of these unidentifiable feeling remains in his consciousness.

As the previous events gradually dawned on him, he felt more aware of the condition of his body. He brought his hand on his forehead and lightly brushed his brown fringes off his eyes. He felt a minor pain. He then lightly traced the skin over his brows and discovered a minor scratch on it. His voluntary bumping of his head on the floor out of his desperation to alleviate the pain might have caused it. Good thing, it didn't bleed, thanks to Eiji who stopped him from further doing so.

Wait.

Eiji and the others. They might be worried because of this incident. Realizing this, Fuji quickly got up from the bed and groomed himself before going downstairs to see what the others were up to.

He silently ambled his way downstairs and found himself surprised of the deafening silence in the whole house. That's how serious they consider my condition? He wondered. Not wanting to cause anymore anxiety to his friends, he quickened his pace, eager to see them.


The house was unbelievably silent. The usual Kaido/Momo bickering, Eiji's overly enthusiastic remarks and Inui's occasional data mumbling were gone. They were all preoccupied and deeply worried of Fuji. The stillness of the day didn't last when footsteps were heard coming from the staircase. It wasn't long when Fuji appeared right before them with his usual smile that, this time, preciously reached his eyes.

"Ohayou."

Ten pairs of eyes looked at him.

"Fujiko!" Eiji exclaimed, breaking the slight nervousness in the room.

Fuji opened his eyes for a while then closed it. "Eiji," He acknowledged him.

"Syusuke, what are you doing?" It was Tezuka who spoke; his stoic manner of speaking was enveloped with pure concern for the tensai.

"I wanted to see all of you, is that wrong?" Fuji just smiled.

Inui adjusted his eyeglasses. "How do you feel?"

"I'm more than fine." The tensai noted the skepticism in all of his friends' eyes. "I assure you." He sat on the sofa beside Ryoma.

"You fainted yesterday, Fuji, out of a headache." Ryoma lowered his cap. "Mada mada dane."

All eyes widened. It was not a proper thing to say to someone who has just recovered from pain. Yet, Fuji chuckled at his remark. He knew that Ryoma's mild remark was intended as a jest to him, to probably take his mind off the previous incident by not making a whole deal out of it. How thoughtful of him, Fuji thought.

"Much of weakling I was, ne, Echizen?" He answered.

Ryoma blushed. "Er—I didn't mean it that way!"

Fuji yanked off the cap from the younger man's head. "Just kidding," He wore the cap. "Thanks for the concern." He removed it and put it back to Ryoma's head. "Thank you, all of you, for your concern and sincere wish that I become better."

"We were so worried about you. Are you sure you're okay now?" Oishi, the mother hen, asked.

Fuji smiled at him. "Yes. I no longer feel any trace of the pain I've felt yesterday. I promise."

Ten pairs of skeptic eyes raised their eyebrows.

The tensai's expression became serious. "I do not want you to worry about me so much. I do not want to be a cause of delay or what. I want this day to be a happy one, a few more days and we'll all be parting our ways again from each other." His cerulean orbs fluttered open and watered a little. "Meeting you again was the best thing that ever happened to my 'second' life and I want every minute of this to be worth it." He closed his eyes again. "I hope you understand."

Coach Ryuzaki's eyes softened, a small smile formed on her lips. "We understand."

Fuji nodded.

"So, does it mean that we're all going to the Summer Festival tonight?" The old woman asked them.

"HAI!" Eiji responded ecstatically hugging Oishi.

Fuji's brow crinkled a little. "Summer Festival?"

Sakuno cleared her throat. "Ryoma and I intentionally planned to set the date of our little reunion in time with the festival. It's an annual celebration here! It's going to be fun!"

"Yes! Yes! We're all gonna celebrate tonight!" Eiji exclaimed.

"Wow." Fuji cocked his head to the side. "I've never been in a festival."

"Yes, you have." A deep voice chimed in.

Fuji smiled a little bit sardonically. "I can't remember."

"You were even the one who invited me."

"Really?" Cerulean orbs fluttered open.

Tezuka smiled. "Hai."

Fuji smiled back. "If that's so, I'm looking forward to your company later."

"Of course."

For a brief moment, Tezuka and Fuji stood on their spot quietly while staring at one another. But suddenly, a pair of arms suddenly embraced Fuji.

"Fujiko! Fujiko! I'm really glad you're finally better!" Eiji rubbed his cheek on Fuji's head like a cat eager to see its master.

Fuji just smiled as he silently watched Tezuka amble his way to the kitchen. "Eiji," He faced him and lightly traced a finger over his forehead. "If it weren't for you, probably my head is cracked open now from all the bumping."

Eiji's eyes watered. "Fujiko!" He hugged him even tighter. "I can't bear to see you in so much pain! I was really, really worried when your head ached."

"I know." Fuji hugged him back. "That's why I thank you."

"We're friends and that's what friends are for! Nya!" For the last time, Eiji embraced the tensai before joining Oishi in the dining room.

"Let's go eat! Breakfast is ready!" Taka informed them.

"Excellent! I'm dead hungry!" It was Momo.

"Sshhhhh…" Kaido hissed. "Food is all you care about. No more, no less."

"Baka!" Momo threw a killing glare at him.

"Pig!" Kaido retorted. Momo angrily marched towards Kaido when a hand held his shoulder, stopping him.

Inui cleared his throat. "This is the last day of your penalty, in case you forgot. If you want to end this, better abide by the rules until midnight."

"That's interesting." Fuji added. "I'm sure you're going to enjoy each other's company later in the festival."

"FUJI!" The eternal rivals exclaimed.

"That's right." Inui finally ended.

They all proceeded to the dining room where almost everybody else where already seated. The eternal rivals took their seats beside each other across Fuji.

Fuji grimaced. "Where's Tezuka?"

"In the kitchen." Taka replied.

"Oh." Fuji stood up and made his way to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, he saw Tezuka faced in the opposite direction while preparing something. He gently approached him and put a hand over his shoulder. "Tezuka,"

Tezuka almost jumped in surprise. "Syusuke,"

"What are you doing?" He eyed the ingredients laid out in front him all which are ingredients in making sushi.

Tezuka avoided his questioning gaze. "Well…"

"Hmmm?"

"I asked Taka to help and teach me how to make a wasabisushi."

Fuji's eyes sparkled. "A wasabi sushi?"

"Hai."

"For me?"

It took a couple of seconds before Tezuka replied; his face reddening just a little bit. "Yes."

Fuji's smile widened. "I see."

There was silence as they stood there comfortably within each other's presence.

Fuji cleared his throat. "By the way,"

Tezuka looked up from his cooking.

"What did the doctor say?"

Tezuka stopped rolling the sushi mat, turned his body a hundred and eighty degrees, and looked at Fuji.

"Your headache has an unknown cause. But the doctor thinks it could mean that you're getting better. It won't be long until you recover from your amnesia."

Fuji's ears couldn't believe what Tezuka told him. "Really?"

Tezuka sighed. "Yes."

"Wow," Fuji's lips formed a giant grin. "I'll finally remember everything!" He hugged him out of an impulse. His arms were very tight around the taller man's frame.

Tezuka hugged him back, his eyes watering out of pure joy. "Yes." Finally!

They remained in each other's arms for a time. Their moment was interrupted by their friends' loud voices calling out their name, wanting them to join the table for breakfast.

Fuji separated his body from Tezuka and took a few steps backward. "I'll go ahead. You better finish that dish for me."

"Of course."


Night came. Everybody was dressed in their yukata ready to spend the night strolling and enjoying the festival. The former team was divided. They paired themselves accordingly: Ryoma and Sakuno; Eiji and Oishi; Tezuka and Fuji; Kaido and Momo; Taka, Inui and Coach Ryuzaki.

Sakuno's arm was looped around Ryoma's and together, they strolled around the area.

The unfortunate eternal rivals, also together (until midnight), ran their way going and transferring from one stall to another to compete with each other on who's better at shooting targets, catching fish, and others.

Taka, Inui and Coach Ryuzaki decided to stay at a café-like booth that serves coffee and some snacks.

The Golden Pair, Eiji and Oishi, were as usual enjoying each other's company more than anything else. Being together for so many years already has given them lots of opportunities to know each other and spend many quality times together.

Tezuka looked at his friend, Oishi, and saw the latter's eyes reflect a genuine glint of joy and passion in the presence of Eiji. In his opinion, the pair has reached a certain level of mutual understanding that is more than being just friends and brothers but more on being lovers.

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt a hand rest on his arm.

"Shall we go then, Tezuka?"

Tezuka turned his head and saw his love. His eyes softened and mirrored the glint formerly evident in Oishi. "Hai."

They strolled silently as they watch the different displays, the stalls, and the people. Everybody seemed to be lost in their own businesses, in their own worlds. Just like them, they have their own world. They continued walking until they finally reached the last stall. Fuji discontinued their path and went to it. Tezuka followed him.

It was a stall owned by an old woman who sells rings. There were different kinds of rings. There were rings made of silver and gold. Rings with stones and gems embedded to it. Rings that suit an individual with a certain personality or a couple whose bond shall never be broken no matter what.

Fuji looked at the rings until one particular ring caught his attention. The ring was made of two thin metal wires, yellow and blue, intertwined together to make a ring. The stone was crystal amber. Its million cuts illuminate a blue hue when illuminated by light. He reached for it and held it under his gaze. Fuji touched the cuts and slices of the crystal as the light coming from the moon illuminated a blue shine at his fingers.

"That, madam, is the Ring of Eternal Memory." The old woman said.

Fuji looked up. His eyes fluttered open. Did she just call me 'madam'? "Pardon?"

The old woman smiled kindly. "That," She pointed at the ring. "Is the Ring of Eternal Memory made of amber and cobalt. Those two intertwined wires symbolize the importance of each other. Without the other, the ring will not be complete. Its round shape signifying eternity will not be fulfilled if the other one breaks out." The old woman paused for a while then smiled. "The yellow crystal symbolizes a person's memory. Its cuts, on the other hand, symbolize memories that gave a lasting effect to the person therefore illuminating another color of light—a blue light—which signifies the beauty and changes these cuts caused."

Fuji stared at the ring and turned it sideways to get a better look at it. "I see."

The old woman cleared her throat. "So, will the kind miss buy the ring?"

"Oh." Fuji put back the ring in its place. "I'm sorry. I was just curious… and I won't—"

"I'll take it." Tezuka cut off. He got the ring and handed it to the old woman for packing.

The old woman's face lit up. She gladly took the ring and put it in a special box then handed it to Tezuka upon paying. When they were about to go, the old woman winked at Fuji and said, "I'm sure your boyfriend is going to give it to you."

Fuji blushed. "Uh, no. He's not—"

"Arigatou." Tezuka cut off while linking his arm with Fuji's.

Fuji bowed at the old woman. "Thank you!"

They went back and walked some more until they reached a path a little bit far away from the line of stalls. They stayed under a tree. After the long procession of silence, Tezuka spoke.

"How are you, Syusuke?"

Fuji looked up at him. Tezuka's question was unexpected. He gave him his usual smile. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Tezuka just sighed.

Silence ensued again between them. It was ironic how words seem to fail most especially when thoughts are overflowing and waiting to be expressed. Time went on. The night wind blew its way to them. Fuji shivered and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Are you cold?" Tezuka asked him.

"Yeah." Fuji sneezed. "Sorry." He added sheepishly and then chuckled.

Finally giving up to the urge of wanting to claim Fuji back, Tezuka blurted, "Let me warm you." He stepped and closed the distance between them. In one moment, his arms found their way to brace Fuji's lithe body. His head nesting over Fuji's head. He pressed him to his chest to finally satiate his never-ending longing to be with Fuji again, to be as close as this with him again and to feel his breathing and heartbeat with his own.

"Tezuka!" Fuji stiffened. He was taken aback by the taller man's sudden action.

"Let me warm you." Tezuka pressed him closer. "Let me…" Words once again failed him. But, he should go on. "Let me be with you." Tears that were long ago held fell. "Let me hold you once again, Syusuke."

Sysusuke.

"Tezuka…" Fuji mumbled. His crystal blue orbs misted. He finally knew whose voice awakened him that morning.

Syusuke.

Fuji clenched and unclenched his fists at his sides. "Tezuka."

At this, Tezuka's arms fell back on his sides. He clenched his fists and turned his face away. "Gomenasai."

"Tezuka," Fuji reached out for him and held his arm. "Tell me. What are we?" There. He said it without beating around the bush.

Tezuka faced him courageously. He finally made up his mind. "You want to know what our relationship is?"

"Yes." Fuji revealed his azure orbs and stared hard at Tezuka's amber ones.

Without breaking the eye contact, he spoke out, "Lovers. We're lovers, Syusuke."

Upon hearing this, everything seemed to stop. Only the wind continued its pace to hover the space between them.

Fuji was right all along. Everything was already making sense—Eiji's hint of same sex relationship, their friends' sympathizing gazes at Tezuka, Tezuka's attitude and behavior towards him. Now he knew. He dropped his gaze, his brown fringes covered his eyes.

"So… we were lovers, is that what you mean, Tezuka?" He remained obscuring his eyes from view.

Tezuka, on the other hand, looked at the sky. "No." He looked back at him. "We are lovers."

"But I can NOT remember!"

"Why?! Have you totally forgotten me?!" Warm tears sprang from warm-colored orbs. "Can't you feel my simple actions as my way of loving you? I never gave up hoping that when your memory returns, everything will be back again. We will be back again!"

"Tezuka, please!" Fuji held his head. "We're both males!"

Tezuka scoffed. "So you fear being called a homosexual. IS THAT IT?!"

Fuji turned his head. "NO! That's not it! I don't give a damn to my sexual orientation! It's just that…" His voice trailed off. "I don't remember! I can't remember anything!" Out of helplessness, he laid his hands in front of him, palms out while shrugging desperately.

"DAMN MEMORY! DAMN AMNESIA!! DAMN!!" Tezuka's knees gave out.

Fuji broke into tears. "I'm sorry, Tezuka. I'm sorry!"

"It's not your fault." Tezuka added coldly.

"I'm really sorry!" More tears overflowed from blue orbs. "I don't know what to do!"

Tezuka stood up. Heaving a sigh, he went to Fuji. "I understand." He hugged him once again and this time, Fuji hugged him back. His face was nestled on Tezuka's neck.

"I'm so sorry." Tears continued to flow.

"Sssshhh…" Tezuka stroked Fuji's head. "Stop apologizing. I won't force you into this."

Fuji lifted his head from Tezuka's neck and looked at him directly; his gaze wore a questioning expression.

"I won't force you into this." Tezuka repeated. He held Fuji's face with his hands. "I shall wait until everything comes back." His eyes watered. He meant every word he said even if it was painful, even if it meant suffering in his part brought by the torture of waiting.

"Tezuka,"

"I can wait until forever if you promise me eternity when you come back." Tezuka smiled despite the tears. "I will wait for your memory. I will wait for you."

"Tezuka!"

Before anything else, Tezuka devoured the distance separating his lips from Fuji's. The latter's head still held in place by him. It surprised Fuji as he felt Tezuka's lips brush lightly over his lips. He kept his mouth shut. Tezuka linked his arms on Fuji's waist and started nibbling on his lower lip.

In that moment, sparks of recent memories flashed like stop motion images in his mind: Tezuka visiting him in the hospital, the mistletoe, their accidental hug, Tezuka's never-ending concern for him… everything Tezuka did for him.

Tezuka is his life.

As Tezuka's lips remained pressed hard on his, something flickered beneath his disorganized and muddy pool of thoughts and blurred memories. Something ignited inside him causing a certain sensation wash through him. Before this new sensation wears off, Fuji returned the kiss. He parted his lips and allowed entrance for Tezuka's probing tongue longing for freedom once again to explore him.

Tezuka could not believe that Fuji was returning his kiss with fervor and passion. He felt as if the old Syusuke was kissing him back, not the memory-less Fuji. He was contented with this. If this was a dream, he fears that he might suddenly wake up and Fuji will be lost to him again. He didn't want to ask for more; afraid that he might lose this if he yearns for more. Before this happens, Tezuka pulled back and smiled at the face he was holding.

"Syusuke," Tezuka brushed away the remaining tears that traced a path down to Fuji's cheeks.

"Kunimitsu!" Fuji's arms interlaced around Tezuka's neck and he once again nestled in it. "Thank you! Kunimitsu, thank you!"

Tezuka held tighter Fuji's waist. "I love you, Syusuke."

Fuji heard it but he wasn't ready to respond yet.

"I will wait for you until forever."

"I promise you eternity." Fuji pulled back and stood face-to-face with Tezuka. "Because, I will come back to you."

Tezuka smiled. He got a box from his pocket and held the Ring of Eternal Memory in front of Fuji. He got Fuji's left hand and slid the ring onto Fuji's fourth finger. "Take this. This will serve as the symbol of our covenant."

Fuji outstretched his fingers and admired the ring. He admired the blue light being illuminated by the million cuts of the yellow crystal. It was amazing how the stone can illuminate two colors at once—his and Tezuka's eye colors. "I promise."

Once again, they embraced under the moonlight. They walked back to the path leading to the line of stalls as they go back to the rest house.


Random Notes

1. So there, an update! Wow, right?? XD I also could not believe that I would be able to update this. I hope, everybody will still stay attuned to this fic and everyone will like this chapter.

2. I want to thank FujItaciHa for always reminding me to update this and for encouraging me to write more. Thank you very much!! ;') I don't know how could I express my thanks.

3. Lastly, based on the reports brought by FF Story Traffic, I've gained new and more readers. But it's sad that these readers don't even give a review. Please DO review. This is a simple thing that really encourages writers to continue.