The thing about love...

Disclaimer: Go tell Konomi-sensei I want to share them ne.

Warning: Oh, and pls tell Konomi-sensei I'd make all the boys gay won't you?

author's note : I am so so so very sorry for the long looooong wait ne. Had a bastardy (pardon my language) week at school GRR! anyway here is chap 9, a loooger chapter to pacify you.. so of course I hope you enjoy this ne! Replies to chap 7 & 8 wayy below folks! Hearts and hugs to you all!

Chapter 9

Sitting on the bench in the changing room next to the tennis courts, Fuji gently opened the crushed paper bag Eiji had passed to him before he headed into the courts to warm up.

Sighing in relief when he realized Tezuka's coat was undamaged despite being knocked out of his hands during the accident, Fuji felt grateful that his best friend had remembered to pick it up and hand it to him.

Brushing away imaginary dust from the lapels of the coat, Fuji hurriedly stowed the coat back into its paper bag unceremoniously when the door of the changing room opened.

Making a mental note to iron the coat before re-wrapping it, Fuji stared at Tezuka as the latter paused at the doorway, his hair billowing slightly in the breeze.

Fuji was sure the sudden weakness he felt had nothing to do with his injury, and everything to do with the vision of perfection standing just a short distance away from him.

That distance shortened as Tezuka's feet brought him just inches before the tensai.

Looking up at Tezuka, Fuji gave a small smile before speaking.

"Is there something the matter Tezuka?" He resisted the urge to add "sama" after "Tezuka" because his buchou looked somewhat sterner than usual, which was a difficult task, Fuji would admit.

Frowning a little, Tezuka asked, "Are you feeling better?"

"Mnn... Yes, I'm feeling alot better..." It was a blatant untruth on Fuji's part, for the pounding in his head seemed to have doubled since the effects of his painkillers wore off gradually.

"If you don't feel up to training, you ought to head home to rest. You still look pale..." Tezuka clearly did not believe him.

Standing up abruptly, Fuji's vision swam, but he took hold of his racket before turning to flash Tezuka a reassuring smile.

"It's ok, I can train."

Just as Fuji was about to head out, he heard Tezuka call out.

"Wait."

"Hnn? Nani?"

Fuji turned, only to find Tezuka staring at his head.

'Oh no, did he see it?' Fuji forced his smile wider as Tezuka approached him, the latter's eyes narrowing behind his glasses.

"Fuji. What's that on the back of your head?" Tezuka gazed at him meaningfully.

"Aah... Nothing..."

"Are you sure? I'm certain I saw something... Turn around." Tezuka tried to look behind Fuji's head as the Fuji winced and pushed him aside gently.

Deciding that Tezuka would start questioning everyone else to find out what had happened, and that Eiji might snap under the fierce interogation from their feared buchou, Fuji told him the same made up story he'd told his family.

"If you must know, Tezuka-sama, it's a plaster."

"Plaster? Are you hurt?" Tezuka's curiousity was now mingled with concern.

"Mnn... You're being more of a busybody than usual Tezuka..." Fuji teased.

Steeling his voice to edge out his embarrassment, Tezuka asked again.

"What happened?"

"I fell while trying to avoid getting hit by a bike messenger, that's all."

"Let me see." Without letting Fuji protest, Tezuka turned the shorter boy around and peered at the plaster partly hidden in Fuji's hair.

"It's just a small cut... I assure you my head's not seriously damaged."

Hearing Fuji's voice in such close proximity, Tezuka hurriedly let his grip on the former's shoulder slacken and moved back to a safer position, crossing his arms as he did so.

"Was that why you were so giddy this morning?"

"Mnn... But I'm alright now. I should get started with training."

"Iie... I think you should skip today's training and get some rest."

"Demo..."

"Go." Tezuka directed his stern glare at Fuji.

Putting on his best I'm-not-scared-of-you-Tezuka-buchou face, Fuji finally nodded after a short staring match.

Tezuka watched out of the corner of his eye as Fuji left the school building, his gaze returning to the courts only after Fuji was well out of sight.

/thethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutloveis\

The next few days passed in a whirl for Fuji, his headaches see-sawing between the light ones that made him lose his appetite and the severe ones that made his vomit and see stars. Constantly trying to avoid showing any signs of pain or weakness to anyone, especially Tezuka, Fuji was exhausted beyond reason.

One thing, at least, was going right. The planning of Tezuka's farewell party had gone smoothly and Fuji was more than pleased with the results.

But the finality of the planning of the party and the party itself could only mean one thing; Tezuka's departure.

After everything, Tezuka was still going to have to leave for Germany.

There were only a few short days left before the party.

A few short days to spend with Tezuka and create memories to take him through a couple of years without Tezuka's presence.

It would have to be enough. What else could he ask for? They were boys after all, and even though Fuji saw absolutely nothing wrong in loving Tezuka, he was going against the law of the natural world.

And ironically, it would go against the laws of the perfect world of Tezuka Kunimitsu.

'Wouldn't it?' Fuji smiled bitterly as he made his way home straight after school, since Tezuka had practically made him promise to skip training the entire week.

Of course it would. Tezuka might shun him if he made his feelings known.

Besides, he didn't want Tezuka to leave Japan with such complicated things on his mind. He would let Tezuka leave a carefree teen off to pursue his dream. After all, Fuji had no right to hold him back.

Reaching the road junction, Fuji paused and held onto a signboard pole for support.

He waited for the wave of giddiness to pass, but it didn't, and he felt himself blacking out, his grip upon the pole slipping

A pair of strong arms caught hold of him and he forced his eyes open, the cerulean orbs widening when he caught sight his rescuer.

"Saeki!"

"Now now, what's happened to you?"

Shaking his head to clear the ebbing darkness, Fuji stared at his friend.

"What're you doing here?"

"Is that what you say to someone who just kept you from falling face down onto the road and damaging your pretty face?" Saeki smiled jovially as he tugged Fuji to a sheltered bus stop and pressed him into the seat.

"Gomen... I was just surprised to see you here ne..."

"Hmmm... But you were the one who invited me to come for Tezuka's farewell party. You're getting absent minded Fuji-chan."

"Ahh... Wakata! Demo, the party isn't for another two days..."

Laughing, Saeki settled himself beside the tensai.

"I know... But Ojisan wanted us to come early and have a match with Tezuka-san before he leaves... It's such a downright pity for your team to lose him you know. He's strong."

"Souka..." Fuji didn't know what else to say, his heart giving a little ache as he heard Saeki's words.

"Fuji-chan, you look a little listless. And what was with the whole fainting spell you had back there?"

Saeki peered into his friend's face as he spoke, his voice laced with concern.

"Ahh... Betsuni... I'm fine. Ano..." Fuji was about to continue when a shadow fell upon him, blocking the sunlight from his face. There was someone standing in front of him, he realised with a start.

Looking up, he met the steady gaze of Tezuka.

"Ahh! Tezuka-san! Why are you here?"

"I should be asking you that, Saeki-san."

Sensing a little tension hovering around Tezuka's head, Fuji stood abruptly and wobbled, steadying only when Saeki pushed him back upright.

Tezuka did not look pleased. Fuji wondered why.

"Ne, Tezuka... Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at practise?" Fuji repeated Saeki's question as his friend stood beside him and grinned at the glowering Tezuka.

"I... Eiji got worried and he begged me to follow you and make sure you got home safely. He seemed particularly concerned about you watching for cars..."

"Ahh... Souka. I'm fine ne, Tezuka-buchou... You can go back to school now if you want to..."

Nodding, Saeki added, "Mnn... I can accompany Fuji-chan home."

If Saeki thought his words would make Tezuka feel at ease, he was utterly wrong.

Tezuka blinked before saying, "Iie, Fuji's my responsibility, I'll send him back."

Brows lifting slightly at that, Saeki smiled before turning to Fuji.

"Syuu-chan, seems like I'm not wanted around here... Anyway, I wanted to visit your team mates... So I'll just be off ne?" Winking at Fuji, he gave a little wave as he walked off in the direction of Seigaku.

Watching his friend leave, Fuji sighed and reached for his bag, only to find it already in the capable hands of Tezuka.

"Ne, Tezuka-sama... You could have just gone back to train and let Saeki walk me back you know..." Fuji stated as he strolled alongside Tezuka.

Tezuka kept silent, strolling briskly toward Fuji's house.

Wanting to know what was bothering his buchou, Fuji quickened his pace and caught up with Tezuka, just as his wave of dizziness caught up with him.

Before his body gave in to gravity, he recalled seeing Tezuka turn and his name form upon Tezuka's lips.

/thethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutloveis\

Scooping the lithe body of his friend up into his arms, Tezuka hurried to Fuji's house, ringing the bell frantically when he reached the front door.

No answer.

Then a click as the door opened and Yumiko gasped as she saw her brother lying in Tezuka's arms.

"Tezuka-kun! What happened?"

"I'll explain later..."

He brushed past Yumiko and headed straight for Fuji's room, bending to put Fuji down on his bed as gently as he could manage.

Fuji gave a small groan of pain as his wound made contact with his pillow.

Yumiko came in and hovered anxiously over her brother as Tezuka explained how Fuji had fainted minutes ago.

Nodding, she gently placed her hand on her brother's cheek and sighed with a heavy heart.

Stirring, Fuji opened his eyes to find both his sister and Tezuka staring down at him.

He sat up with much effort, supported by the older Fuji.

"What happened?"

"I should be asking you that ne Syuusuke!" Yumiko cut in quickly.

"You fainted and I brought you back."

"Souka... Gomen ne Tezuka..."

Nodding to acknowledge Fuji's apology, Tezuka couldn't help wondering why Fuji's minor head injury was causing the tensai so much trouble.

Deciding to leave the questions to Fuji's sister, Tezuka gave a short bow before saying, "You should rest Fuji. I should get going."

As the door shut behind Tezuka's back, Yumiko plonked herself down beside her younger brother and fired away her string of questions.

"Syuusuke... What's wrong ne? Is it your head injury that's causing all these dizzy spells? Do you need me to bring you to a doctor? And what is going on between Tezuka-kun and you?" Her eyes shone as she asked the last question.

"Nee-san, there is nothing going on between Tezuka and myself...Why do you even ask that? And no, I'm fine, I don't need a doctor. I fainted because I didn't have lunch... Why don't you make me something to eat ne?"

Smiling at her brother fondly, Yumiko got up and patted her brother's head softly, replying Fuji's first question just before the door shut.

"Because I've never seen Tezuka-kun get so anxious over anything until... you."

Left alone with his thoughts, Fuji cheered up just a little as he thought about Tezuka carrying him back home. Smiling, he drifted back to sleep in a matter of minutes.

/thethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutloveis\

The next two days passed in the blink of an eye, and then it was Saturday, the day of Tezuka's departure.

It seemed surreal to Fuji that after today, Tezuka would be in another country and the chances of them meeting again would be scarce.

It wasn't as though he would be scared to lose Tezuka in a sense, rather, he would be lost without him; it would be different, and that difference might slowly eat away at him, leaving an empty slot in the heart.

The decorations were up with the help of Echizen and Momo, while Inui and Kaidoh set up the chairs, tables and arranged the presents. Kawamura was due to arrive soon with food and drinks, while Eiji and Oishi had gone to collect Tezuka's specially made cake.

Sitting at the foot of his bed, he hugged Tezuka's present to his chest. Inside the medium-sized paper bag was the coat and a pair of gloves.

He wasn't going to return Tezuka his old pair; they were still stashed in his cupboard far from sight, so he had to buy his buchou a new pair to take along to Germany and hope Tezuka would forget all about the pair he'd lent Fuji.

Hearing noises drifting up from below his room, he dropped his letter to Tezuka into the bag and headed downstairs, only to find Kaidoh and Momo arguing over the position of the banner.

"Farewell & All the Best Tezuka-buchou!" The banner read in all its glory. Fuji's heart gave a little squeeze as he tore his eyes away from the banner just as the doorbell rang.

It was Kawamura, who barged in with trays and trays of sushi and called for help to move drinks and pastries from his father's delivery van into Fuji's kitchen.

Fuji busied himself helping, pausing to deposit his present among those of his team mates that were hidden from view by the sofa.

When they were done, it was nearly ten, and the guests were due to arrive anytime soon.

As if on cue, the doorbell starting ringing and guests started streaming in, shouting greetings as they entered.

First came the Fudomine boys led by Ann, who immediately stuck close to Ryoma and Momo and chatted happily with them, a glowering Kamio shooting disgusted glances at Momo right behind her.

Tachibana-buchou added his team's gift to the pile as he started up a conversation with Oishi, and Ibu stood to the side, muttering to himself about the food and decorations and anything his brain carried him to. The rest of the boys cracked jokes with Eiji and made themselves comfortable.

Fuji was kept busy asnwering the door since he was the supposed 'host'.

Next came his little brother Yuuta, along with the St Rudolph bunch.

Fuji exclaimed delightedly as he ushered in his brother and his team mates, conveniently forgetting Mizuki's name when the latter greeted him, earning him a glare from Yuuta.

The noise level was getting louder.

Then the Yamabuki boys streamed in with the Rokkaku Chuu and Rikkaidai boys, all calling out to one another across the rooms as their captains shook hands with Fuji, and added their team presents to the gift pile. Saeki lingered to ask about his health before disappearing to chat with the others.

Fuji was slightly disappointed that the members of the Jyosei Shonan team could not make it since they were off on a tennis camp organized by their teacher-in-charge, but all in all, he was mightily satisfied with the huge turnout.

Tezuka was due to arrive at half past ten and it was five minutes to said arrival time, but the Hyotei boys were still missing...

"Why is there no grand reception to welcome Ore-sama? This is not up to standard, ne Kabaji?"

"Uss..."

"Atobe-san, you sure took your time..." Fuji half smiled and grimaced as he shook the Hyotei captain's hand.

"You have to be fashionably late like Ore-sama to ensure that you ensnare everyone's attention, ne Kabaji?"

"Uss..."

"Oh, and be glad that Ore-sama took time off his busy schedule to be here, and that Ore-sama actually chose this present himself."

Passing Fuji a heavy box, he swished off to greet the rest of the teams.

Tezuka was due to arrive soon; Fuji had texted him to say that there would be a small gathering at his house with the regulars at 10.30 am and Tezuka had texted back a simple "Ok, I'll be there."

Glancing at his watch, Fuji shushed everyone with great effort and took a spot at the peephole at his front door.

Finally, after several minutes, he spotted Tezuka, strolling briskly toward his house, dragging a large luggage bag behind him, looking nothing but dashing.

"Minna! He's here! When I open the door and count to 3, everyone say 'Surprise!', alright?"

There were collective nods around the room.

Ding-dong!

Turning the doorknob, Fuji called out, "Ichi, ni, san!"

"SURPRISE!"

Looking over to see Tezuka's reaction, he wasn't shocked to find his buchou looking as calm as ever, even though there was a slight lift of brows to show his surprise.

Inside his mind, Tezuka had absolutely no doubt who had planned this. Catching Fuji's eye for one enthralling second, he gave a small rare smile and a nod.

It was all Tezuka had to do to make Fuji's insides melt.

/thethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutlovethethingaboutloveis\

hitsugayasugarDESU: Minna! Arigatou ne, for reading! Hearts you all and as usual, drop me a review to tell me what you think about this ne, sankyuus!

Ketchup for Blood - heheh I guess the change of mood was pretty necessary since the story's about to reach it's climax soon.. anyway thanks for reviewing ne! (: hope you continue to read on..

Animestar73 - Aww! Sankyuu for reviewing! I REALLY look forward to reading all your reviews, they cheer me up ne! Hope this chap doesn't disappoint and thanks for sticking with me on this ne:D HEARTS! hahaha and you made me laugh with the 'OMFG'.. Fuji really is unbelievable ne...

vierblith - WOOHOO hahahah thanks for your SUPER long reviews they brighten up my days and nights :D I totally loved that part where you said creatures called Tezuka Kunimitsus were especially observant of creatures called Fuji Syuusukes.. Sigh.. HOW TRUE. It made me giggle.. heheh and thank you for liking chap 8! I will do my best ne! -huggles from me, Fuji and Tezuka-sama-

1FujiEijiLover - I am so happy that you like this and I still have to thank you for your support ne! Heh.. and to find out if Tezuka leaves or not.. you'll have to read on ne! hahah bear with me till the end ok! -sends you Fuji plush toys-

SkySurf - Woohoo! Thanks for dropping me a review! It makes me happy to get encouragement ne! Sankyuus! (: keep reading won't you? -hearts-

MidnightSunrise951 - Hahaha yea but Fuji and Eiji are best friends ne! heehee it's different for Tezuka and Fuji, who make such a dreamy pair, no? Hope you keep on reading! Sankyuus for your review ne!

maldita08 - whoa I nearly forgot about the coat ne! But it's too important to Fujiko-chan ne! So he won't forget. Hahaha Tezuka is a little slow in matters of the heart ne! Thanks for reviewing!

faith lane - hey hey thanks for reviewing! here's that update you wanted ne! Hope you enjoyed it and continue to follow me till the end alright:D -hugs-