A/N: Wow! Another finished story… I hope everyone enjoyed this story as well! I sure had a fun time writing it on the other hand! XD It's short and sweet so all I can say now is….
REVIEW!!!
Wish me a happy B-day while you're at it! My B-day is on the 27th of December!!!
I'm mentioning this just to give people a heads up about when I'm going to update. The next Mass Release will be on January 12. What gets updated then is up to reviews and feedback! (Most likely 9-11 pm PST).
abhorsen3- I'm glad you enjoyed the unexpected update! I also favor Thrill pair above all other pair so I know what you mean!
selyn- Rather they just have no idea he's right under their nose! XD no matter, it all ends this chapter so get ready!
xcreepyxsusiex- Yep! You came in time for the grand finale!
Part Of Me
Rated: T
Summary: No one truly knew…each just wanted to protect the other from the truth…but in the end; who'll be the last to know?
Pairings: EchizenXFuji FujiXTezuka MomoXEchizen
Chapter 9: Zutto (Always)
"This is not how you want it to be
So baby I will wait for you
Cause I don't know what else I can do
Don't tell me I ran out of time
If it takes the rest of my life
Baby I will wait for you
If you think I'm fine it just ain't true
I really need you in my life
No matter what I have to do
I'll wait for you"
Elliot Yamin
2Years LaterEnglandJuly
Wimbledon
Fuji snapped another photo of the tennis players he saw. It had been two years… two long years of him waiting for a sign of Ryoma only to never find a trace of the one he loved. Still, that didn't stop him from hoping to see Ryoma…as soon as he gathered his senses enough to work he purposely specializes in taking pictures for a tennis magazine. He wanted to go to every tournament, every meet, everything…
Perhaps he was dumb for waiting around for Ryoma but he felt as if he was at peace near the tennis court…because this was where he felt closest to Ryoma…
"Fuji-san!"
Fuji turned to see his assistant running towards him.
"What is it?" Fuji asked.
"The sponsors are all aligned towards that way, this is our chance to get a group shot!"
"Okay," Fuji said and followed his assistant.
As he started snapping pictures he recognized Ryoma's coach in the background. It wasn't uncommon for them to meet frequently though, He, like Fuji was always searching for Ryoma as well. Making a note to say hi later, Fuji continued snapping pictures of the sponsors for this years Wimbledon. Ignoring all the spectators behind him that were trying to find their seats he continued to get as many good pictures as he could. Stepping back into the crowd behind him to try to get everyone in the picture he heard many fan girls giggling about their favorite players.
"My favorite was SuJu! I wonder where he's been though!"
"He was mine too…"
Fuji smiled as snapped another picture…it seemed Ryoma didn't leave only him…
"Itoko! How come you don't play in the tournament's anymore?"
"I am Nana…"
Fuji paused as he heard that voice…turning around quickly he searched the crowd.
"Ryoma!" He whispered aloud yet no one caught his eye as Ryoma at all…
"Fuji-san?"
Fuji turned back to his assistant.
"Yes?"
"Are you okay?"
"Aa…" Fuji said softly.
To hear Ryoma's voice wasn't uncommon for him at all…he ha heard Ryoma's voice many times but this time…this time had seem so clear and he seemed to be speaking to someone else…
Shaking it off his thoughts, Fuji continued his job.
xXx
Fuji found himself a bit surprised at the fact that after the opening statement from the main sponsors, Ryoma's coach climbed the stage to stand next to the man.
Could it be that he wanted to finally broadcast Ryoma's disappearance after telling everyone that Ryoma was on leave for a couple tournaments?
"If everyone would now give their attention to Mr. Winston he'd like to make a announcement."
After the usual applaud Winston-san took the microphone from the man and looked into the crowd. " Good day to all of you here at the tournament! I know most of you recognize me as Ryoma Echizen's coach! I wanted to wish everyone participating in this year's Wimbledon luck this year! Because this year, Ryoma has come back!"
Fuji felt his heart stop momentarily at that announcement…was it a lie? It wasn't right?
It definitely wasn't…for as soon as he made that announcement, Ryoma went towards the stage…the Ryoma he wanted to see was in front of him…at a distance but WAS in front of him!
The rest of the speech was a blur to Fuji as his eyes were only on Ryoma. Although Ryoma didn't speak, in his heart, in his mind he knew how Ryoma would sound like…
xXx
Flawless…
That was the only word to describe Ryoma's first match. There was no mistake, no jerkiness…everything was smoothly executed. There wasn't any mercy at all either; he took out his first opponent like it was nothing.
"Fuji-san…this is your chance to get a good shot of Echizen-san's return!" His assistant shouted as many photographers flew in front of Ryoma who was leaving the court.
It didn't take Fuji a second longer as he went towards the way out as well. With so many photographers and interviewers, he was stuck all the way in the back but he didn't care, he has waited 2 years…what difference did it make if it was another 2 minutes?
His heart stopped as he saw Ryoma pushing his ways through the sea of people. His face held annoyance and one hand pulled his cap down but it didn't stop Fuji from stepping in front of him.
Despite the fact that millions of others covered him to block Ryoma's way as well, Fuji reached out pass the people in front of him and grabbed Ryoma's t-shirt lightly.
It seemed that caught Ryoma's attention since he turned and that was all the time Fuji needed to push the people aside.
"Ryoma…"
Fuji felt a sense of relief settle in his chest as the realization of who he was appeared in Ryoma's glazed golden eyes. He almost hugged Ryoma when Ryoma finally said, "Syuusuke?"
xXx
"So how have you been?" Ryoma finally asked after they went into the privacy of his changing room.
"How do you think?" Fuji asked looking at Ryoma.
"I-"
"Where have you been?" Fuji asked as the pain of finding him gone settled into his chest again after 2 years. " Where were you when you promised to be there?" Fuji asked harshly as his voice cracked with tears towards the end.
"I…Syuusuke…" Ryoma managed to say as he reached out for Fuji. "Tezuka-"
"Why didn't you tell me anything? Why did you choose to protect me like that?" Fuji asked as tears streamed down his face. After 2 years, he had no idea how much pain he had bottled up, how much hurt he still carried…
"I'm sorry Syuusuke…I thought for sure you'd be happy with Tezuka now…" Ryoma said hugging Fuji through his own tears as well.
"Baka! Don't you know I waited and looked for you all this time…I went everywhere I could think of to look for you…and yet…"
"I'm sorry…I thought I did the right thing…" Ryoma said brokenly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there…I thought if we saw each other, it'd only be harder to say goodbye…so I thought the bear would be better to witness your recovery."
"Baka," Fuji said pushing his head against Ryoma's forehead, "There was not going to be a goodbye between us! Tezuka and I already broke up…"
"Why?" Ryoma asked looking at Fuji, "It's because of me isn't it?"
Fuji pressed his lips lightly against Ryoma as he murmured, "Yes, it's because of you…because I love you."
The rest was done through the longing of 2 years. There was no more need for words as their love, according to Fuji, was best expressed blindly.
xXx
Later
"Brat! You had better be in there! You're match is in five minutes!" Winston said from outside the door.
"Ryoma…" Fuji muttered, " Your match…."
"I know," Ryoma said with a groan as he stood to get dressed with Fuji.
"We still have to talk," Fuji said as he slid his shirt on.
"Is that before or after our next set?" Ryoma asked with a half smile.
"After, " Fuji said leaning down to kiss Ryoma where he sat putting on his tennis shoes, " If you win this round." Fuji added as he unlocked the door.
"I will," Ryoma said confidently picking up his tennis bag. "Will you watch though?"
"Aa," Fuji said, " Promise you'll wait for me to finish today before we leave?"
"Aa," Ryoma said with a small smile. His face fell a bit, Fuji seemed to doubt that answer a lot.
"What?" Ryoma asked
"It's just…you promised last time too…" Fuji said softly.
"Syuusuke…I'll wait…because in my heart, I waited this whole time for you as well…"
Fuji nodded slowly as he held Ryoma's hand tightly, "We'll be together forever now right?"
Ryoma nodded, "Aa…Zutto (always)"
A/N: That ends this story! I hope everyone enjoyed this story as well so last input will be loved! So REVIEW!!! Thank you for reading this story!!!