*King's Apple*
by: WhiteGloves
-ACCIDENTS-
Accidents happen. All the time.
It changes people. It changes heart.
In so many ways.
King's Apple at its LAST.
in this—
-FOREVER EXTREME DRAMA/FLUFF/ROMANCE/AND TRUE LOVE-
Action packed story
XXI
The pour of unexpected rain in the mountain was nonstop and the breeze of the air was as cold as ice. Everything in the mountain was dark and the only light to be seen was the lonely fire deep inside the woods where a hut was standing with smoke coming out of its protruding chimney.
In the middle of such rain, a voice rang out from the tiny hut, followed by the sound of chairs and tables crashing down the ground.
"LET ME GO! Damn it, I said let go! What the hell are you doing!?"
It was Keigo Atobe shouting with all his might as he tried to pry his arms away from Shiraishi who seemed to be holding him back. The middleschool tennis players were all gathered around the fireside with anxious looks on their faces. They all have that frown and uncertain look as they listen and watch the King throw a rampage around.
"I said LET GO!" the King forcefully said, knocking the Shitenhouji captain's hands away and turning his eyes to the others, "why are we all just standing around!? Why aren't we looking for Fuji and Tezuka?"
"Calm down, Atobe," Sanada said with tight arms crossed on his chest, "this is unlike you."
"Calm down?!" Atobe nearly hissed the words with blades on his eyes, "how can I calm down when they are in danger? You want me to sit still and wait like what you're all doing? This is bull shit!"
"Atobe," Yukimura said curtly as he stared coldly at the King, "you're not the only one here who's worried about Fuji-kun and Tezuka-kun."
"You're worried? What a funny way of showing it!" the King whirled around to all the middleschoolers, "I don't care if you guys stand around here till morning but don't you dare stop me!"
And he made attempts to go outside the circle but Jiro immediately crossed his way.
Atobe's blazing eyes gave his teammate the creeps.
"Jiro..." the King's voice seemed to be coming from under the ground, "get out of my way..."
"Atobe," the Hyotei player started with a sweat drop at the side of his face, "stop it. Mifune's still out there looking for them. He doesn't want us to go out because we don't know the forest that well...it's not safe for anyone... so let's wait for him."
A grit of teeth from the King followed by his quick hands on Jiro's collar made Shiraishi intervene on the side.
"Atobe, get a grip!" the Shitenhouji captain said angrily, clasping Atobe's arm "we've been looking for Tezuka and Fuji for almost two hours but the rain's just too strong! We can't go out like this no matter how we want to!"
"I don't care!" was the King's answer, throwing Shiraishi's hand away for the second time and grabbing him by the collar too, "How can you say that when you know Fuji's in danger?!"
Shiraishi's eyes flickered.
"You think I don't want to look for him!?" the Shitenhouji captain retorted, taking the King by the collar too and pulling him, their foreheads almost colliding, "don't be a such jerk, Atobe! I care for Fuji as much as you do but being impulsive and hot headed won't help him a bit!"
But Atobe wouldn't budge as they glared at each other hotly.
"Atobe-san," Sengoku tried from his corner, "Shiraishi's right, being hot headed won't help us at all! Besides, Mifune will definitely—"
"Like hell I care!" Atobe snapped, throwing Shiraishi toward Jiro and whirling again toward the door with face so angry those around him would not have dared to stop him any longer, "I don't give a damn if you're all not worried!"
As the King stepped out of the doorway, Shiraishi's voice called him back in a voice full of self assurance.
"I'm not worried."
Atobe paused and looked sideways at the Shitenhouji captain who was also looking at him with hard eyes.
"I'm not worried," Shiraishi repeated firmly with hands gripping on his side, "because I know Tezuka's with him."
Another look of daggers from the King but Shiraishi didn't even flinch. If anything could break Atobe's spirit now, Shiraishi knew it was the fact that Tezukas has found Fuji... or so they believe.
And deep inside him he knew it was true. If anyone could make Fuji feel safe in a night like this, it was none other than Tezuka Kinumitsu. The man the genius loved and trusted all his life.
And Shiraishi wished for it from the bottom of his heart.
That somehow even though it was painful to think of it, that Tezuka has somehow managed to find Fuji.
That somehow Fuji wasn't alone.
He thought it was the same with Atobe.
How wrong he was.
For the King, who was also wishing for Fuji's safety, knew it wouldn't suffice with his burning feeling.
If Tezuka was with Fuji then the more he could not sit still and wait.
He must do something.
And it was all reflected on Atobe's eyes as he stepped out in the rain, giving Shiraishi the idea that instead of dampening the man's spirit, he added fuel to the fire.
"Atobe!" Jiro shouted in disbelief as the King disappeared in the darkness of the forest.
"Really... that guy..." Kite muttered with his glasses flashing, "what a stubborn man."
Shiraishi stared at the place where Atobe disappeared and where the rain was showering nonstop.
And he knew he had to follow.
"S-Shiraishi!" Chitose shouted in surprise as the Shitenhouji captain went out the door too and run into the thundering rain, "Shiraishi!"
And the third captain disappeared in sight.
"Those guys..." Sengoku blinked with mouth hanging open as they all stared at the open door, "what are they thinking?"
"What are you?" said Jin's voice and Sengoku looked around in time to see Yukimura walk pass him toward the entry way. He was followed suit by Sanada who came last to get their jacket. Helping his captain to it, Sanada and Yukimura both charge in the rain without much of a glance.
"O-oi..." Sengoku stared as one by one the others followed them into the rain without a word, "guys..."
And one by one Nio, followed by Tachibana, Chitose, Jiro, Jin and Kintaro went out of the door looking rather enthusiastic at the prospect of leaving the safety of the hut.
Sengoku stared at them all and then shook his head.
"You're also going out, aren't you, Echizen?" he asked, looking behind him only to find darkness and empty space.
"That little brat wasn't here to begin with," Kite answered him from the doorway.
Sengoku stared at the Higa captain and watched as the megane man looked sideways at him.
"Tell Mifune the rebellion continues here... that is, if you're going to stay here long."
And he ran in the middle of the rain too with less speed than the others.
Sengoku stared at what was happening in front of him, and then like snapping from his stupor, the lone tennis player dashed into the cold rain shouting—
"W-wait, Kite-san!"
So the hut was left empty.
And that was how Mifune found it half an hour later as he came back drenched from head to foot with a torch at hand. The mountain coach stared at the door with his narrowed eyes and grunted in displeasure.
"Those damn brats," he muttered, walking toward the doorway, "leaving the goddamn door open. They seriously need some beating about manners."
And he shut the door close with him still outside.
"Now I have to look for fourteen beasts. What a damn work to do. And they're not paying me enough for it." He grumbled more.
It was ironic for Fuji but... despite the cold wind and strong rain he was feeling warm.
Why wouldn't he when he was wrapped so closely to Tezuka Kunimitsu whose long arms were around him as they sat together in the shelter of a large tree? Tezuka was sitting behind him with his long arms and legs protecting him on both sides that left no space for any coldness in his body. And he was wrapped on the man's arms like a child with his head resting on the captain's firm chest.
It was like a dream come true and Fuji would have felt blissful if it had happened a little earlier... when he was not worrying about a certain man out there whom he knew would never stop looking even in this kind of weather.
That Atobe would be out there, Fuji believes that. He believes in Atobe that much.
Yet his thoughts keep on rolling back to that man behind him whose warm breaths on the top of his head constantly remind him of his undying presence.
Indeed, it was troublesome... to be in love with two men who are almost the same as the other yet different.
Fuji gave a heavy sigh with his eyes still close and then felt Tezuka's embrace on him get tighter.
And he couldn't help wondering what it would be like... to be embraced by Atobe in the same way...
Fuji felt a clutch of something tight in his chest and the crease on his eyebrows deepened.
To be thinking of Atobe when Tezuka was here with him...
Fuji opened his eyes.
Who do I really...?
"Tezuka..." he suddenly whispered in his soft voice.
Tezuka opened his eyes too but he didn't look at the genius. Fuji saw the man frown and had to wonder for the reason. Then all of a sudden, Tezuka looked at him.
"Can you hear that?" the former Seigaku captain asked.
Fuji blinked and then had to sit a little straighter.
"Hear what?" the genius asked for there was really nothing to hear except the sound of the storm outside.
Tezuka looked up at the hole above them again. The roots of the large tree were preventing the rain water from flooding them below and the thick leaves of the trees were also sheltering them from the rampant rain but they were still not safe from being damp. Just above, the dark sky and heavy wind were giving no sign of safety outside, but the captain didn't look like he was bothered by it. What caught his attentiveness was a sound that does not belong to nature. It was—
"A voice." Tezuka said sounding convinced as he frowned above.
Fuji looked up at the hole and listened closely too. Was it really possible that someone was still looking for them in this kind of weather? Fuji's thoughts immediately jumped to a certain man that made him uneasy as he listened.
The gust of the wind. The showering rain.
The sound of the raging river.
And then—
Fuji's eyes widened as all above other noises a cry could be heard but does not belong to any man. In fact—as the voice grew closer and steadier—they became certain that it wasn't from any man.
It belonged to a boy.
"Oi! Buchou! Fuji-senpai!" came Echizen's stubborn voice as the little Seigaku player found himself in that very same large tree trunk, grasping for anything he could touch to keep himself from falling down, "Oi! Anyone!"
"Echizen!" Tezuka called loudly as he stood up to call the attention of the boy from above.
Ryoma's sharp ears heard him and couldn't believe it was coming from that cracked tree root hole. Staring at it, the boy didn't know what to do except to blink for several times.
"N-no way..." he muttered but then—
"Echizen!" came his former captain's strong voice once more.
Ryoma shook his wet head and cap before slowly looking down the hole. It was a bit dark but he could somehow see the pale faces of his two senpais looking above at him.
"B-Bucchou!" he cried, surprise at his own discovery, "Fuji-senpai! Are you all right?"
"What are you doing out here, Echizen!" Tezuka shouted almost scolding the boy, "it's dangerous!"
Ryoma blinked.
"I was looking for you two," he muttered under his breath with eyes on the side looking sulky, "any way—I'm going to get you out of there! Hang on!"
And the boy's face disappeared from view.
Tezuka was already frowning as he looked up the sky before exchanging looks with Fuji.
"Is he gonna be all right?" the genius asked, sitting a little straighter as Tezuka knelt down to him, "I think were much safer in here than him out there..."
"I know," Tezuka's frown deepened and he looked up at the hole again, half expecting for Ryoma's face to be there, "that boy..."
Meanwhile, as Echizen struggled to find his way on the dark, he suddenly became aware of the idea that he didn't know what he was looking for. He did find his senpais but he didn't expect them to be down a hole twice as tall as he is, and what more, his Fuji-senpai seemed to be hurt too.
Wondering if he should go back and call for help or do something on his own like reaching his raquet to Tezuka to pull them up since he couldn't think of any help that is not related to tennis, Echizen stopped and blinked.
A Rope!
Looking around and spotting a vine on another tree, Ryoma immediately jumped to it and started pulling.
It was really a good thing the large leaves of the large trees above him were sheltering him from the cruel storm or he would have found it difficult to move about the forest at all.
And just as he thought that he was lucky the vines were easy to be pulled, he felt movements behind him followed by another demanding voice—
"What are you doing here!?"
Ryoma whirled around and found himself staring at that moled captain of the Hyotei team—Keigo Atobe. Atobe was drenched completely by the rain and he was breathing heavily like he ran a marathon. It was so unlike the King Ryoma had seen so often, especially now that the man was also covered by mud.
Meanwhile, Atobe was looking at him as if he found something abominable by how his eyebrows were contorted. At least the King was his usual self, giving Ryoma the vibes that he wasn't looking for him.
He wasn't expecting that much from the King anyways.
Then Ryoma saw Atobe look down at his hands were the vines were. That was when the boy remembered what he was really up to.
"This is terrible, the rain that is," Sengoku said as he wiped his eyes while he take shelter on a nearby tree. The forest was as dark as he could see it and only silhouettes of his three moving companions could be seen around, "what if Tezuka and Fuji were already back in the camp and sitting there so cozily together while we're here dripping in the rain? Pity we didn't leave anyone behind to tell us."
"How do you expect that person to tell us then?" Nio asked, jumping on a nearby log and making sure he wouldn't slip, "it'll only be useless if that guy wanders off. Then we'll have to look for him."
Sengoku grunted and then looked up the tree.
"Boy, I wish I could be like him."
And his eyes followed a small red headed boy who was jumping from one branch to another without a worry of falling.
"Ken-chan!" Chitose shouted above the heads, "be careful!"
The boy grinned down at his team mate and gave a V sign.
Sengoku looked at his companions and then sighed hopelessly.
"Shiraishi, I know its important to find them, but we can't see a damn thing! Let's go back!"
He stared pleadingly at the Shitenhouji captain who still has his eyes around the dark forest, searching.
"You won't convince him like that," Nio answered, following Shiraishi quietly, "besides, my captain and vice captain are also out there risking their lives for their nakama, I don't think I have the guts to go back. Do you?"
He shot the question to Sengoku who looked sheepishly back at him.
And Sengoku had to admit that though it was foolish, the whole campers of the Foreign Exchange have the same brave heart when it comes to companions. He just knew they were all amazing comrades and that he'd rather be with them than anyone else.
But this is taking its toll on me. He sighed again as he watched everyone move forward, I mean, what if there are bears here?
There was a sudden thunder clasp that made him froze.
For then he thought he saw a giant shadow just behind Shiraishi. A shadow of what seemed like a large animal.
What the hell...?
Another thunder clasp came and it was all Sengoku to give an earsplitting shout of warning.
"He's still not back?" Fuji asked as he watched Tezuka look up again for the third time. It was already ten minutes since Echizen disappeared and the former captain was already looking troubled.
The genius kept his eyes on Tezuka and knew how worried the former Seigaku captain was. Even though he was no longer the Seigaku captain he was till acting like one... being worried for his friends and all... being the same old him even until now.
"Are you all right?" the man turned to him this time, checking on his sprained foot, "does it hurt?"
"A little," the genius replied, trying to turn his left foot, "I don't think it's broken though..."
"That's good," Tezuka looked up at him and smiled in relief. Fuji stared at the captain and then watched him the whole minute until Ryoma announced his return.
"Buchou!" the boy shouted, his small face and dripping cap leaning on the whole with too much eagerness, making the genius worry that the boy may fell down on them too, "Fuji-senpai! I brought a vine to pull you up! And I found someone along!"
Both Tezuka and Fuji looked up as Keigo Atobe's face appeared on the view.
Fuji's eyes widened as Atobe's eyes fell on him—saw the King like that—with face covered with both sweat and rain— and mud—and that sudden tension in his eyes as if he'd be jumping after him any moment—
"A-Atobe!" the genius gasped as the King seemed to be doing exactly that.
"O-oi!" Ryoma suddenly said, grabbing Atobe by the shoulder and pulling him back, "what are you doing?!"
But Atobe's eyes won't leave Fuji and the message for his action was conveyed clearly to the genius.
Even Tezuka was a witness to that.
"Oi!" in annoyance, Ryoma whirled Atobe around with such a force you won't expect from a boy, making Atobe face him looking startled, "are you here to jump in after them and make me do all the saving? If that's it then get out of the way!"
Atobe blinked at Ryoma, and then frowned.
"You should be the one getting out of my way," he said, finally standing up and giving Fuji one final look before looking around and taking the rope from the Seigaku boy, "we need to tie this somewhere."
"How about there?" Ryoma pointed at the large tree.
Fuji and Tezuka didn't hear anything from their rescuers for a whole minute until Ryoma's head appeared on view again. Atobe was nowhere to be seen.
"Buchou!" the boy shouted, "here!"
He threw the vine below until it was within Tezuka's reach.
"Tie it around your waist," Ryoma called, rather urgently as a strike of thunder appeared somewhere, "We'll be pulling you up! Make sure you guys won't slip!"
And he disappeared once more.
After checking that the vine won't easily break, Tezuka first tied the vine around Fuji before to himself. Then with them both secured, he took the genius by the waist and firmly held him on his left arms.
"T-Tezuka..." he whispered, sounding a little hesitant. He looked at their position before looking up at the former captain who was already tugging on the vine.
"We're ready!" he called up, then turning to the genius he added gently, "hold on to me. I won't let you go."
Fuji felt his head swirl.
And they felt the vine started moving upward.
Mifune glared at the campers in front of him with his narrowed eyes.
"You lot have lots of explaining to do, damn brats."
Sengoku's mouth was left hanging open as he stared at the mountain coach. Even Shiraishi was surprised at the appearance of the master who was standing tall behind him while he sat on the ground where he fell after Sengoku's sudden scream.
Then someone stepped from behind the mountain coach and everyone saw Sanada appear.
"Sanada-san!" Nio said in a relieved voice.
And that was when they noticed almost all the campers behind Mifune. It seemed like the mountain coach has tracked all of them solely and grumpily.
"You all should put your brains right back at your heads, idiots!" he told them as they gathered around him, "charging in the rain like that in the dark! You think you're all invincible that not even a heavy storm can kill you? Well—it can! I've never heard of a bunch of players running around in the dark in the middle of a storm!"
"But sensei," Kintaro started looking upset already, "Koshimae and his friends are out there even now..."
"SHUT UP!" Mifune bellowed, his eyebrows deeply contorted, "I've already reported their disappearance to the main camp and will be searching for them again once I'm done with you lot! And how can I concentrate on looking for them when all of you are also outta here!? Damn herd of sheep you all are! Didn't you ever think about acquiring injuries while you blindly search your way in that wretched weather? I'd like to see you try and play in the Foreign Exchange with a lost limb or two! Idiots!"
All the players winced at the tone of the old drunk's voice and had to look at each other with long faces. The mountain coach spat on the ground as he turned his back on the player and left them at that but Sanada and Yukimura could swear they saw Mifune grin even for just a second.
And it gave them the impression that someone, Mifune was glad they were all out here searching for their friends.
"Now don't get lost, you babies," he told them with one last glare, "I don't have enough time to babysit you all here in this dark. If anyone gets lost, then so be it."
And without another word, the coach moved forward.
The players looked at one another and then one by one, started following with grins on their faces.
But it became apparent to Shiraishi that despite all of them being there- one person was missing too added to those whom they've been looking for.
Where are you... Atobe?
It was a long and tiring moment as Fuji and Tezuka get pulled up by Ryoma and Atobe. The two who were being pulled didn't know where the pullers were getting all their power but they somehow managed to slowly get them toward the hole after several agonizing moments.
All through that, Fuji never felt Tezuka's left arm leave him, not for a second. This arm, which has been sealed for a long time, now able to carry him and hold him— like how it can now finally reach toward its dream.
Fuji thanked all heavens that Tezuka was now all right.
Strong wind caught their faces as the two Seigaku members were finally able to emerge from the trap hole. Tezuka immediately hooked his right arm on the firm ground and lifted Fuji with his other. When he was sure that Fuji was already safe, he looked over to Atobe and Echizen who were still pulling.
Following the vine, the man saw that it was tied around the large tree to a pulley. Atobe and Echizen made the tree a support while they pull on the other side.
"We're here already!" Tezuka called as Fuji looked up to where Atobe and Echizen were standing and pulling.
Another thunder clasp came— and Fuji and Tezuka's eyes widen for Atobe and Ryoma, who were pulling the vine with all their might staggered as the vine split into two— and made them hurtle backwards without knowing that behind where they stood was beyond anyone's sight—a creek.
And like a slow motion in a movie, both the King and the Seigaku boy fell backwards and disappeared into view.
"ECHIZEN! ATOBE!" Tezuka shouted fiercely, struggling out of his vine and running toward the creek as fast as he could.
Fuji was left on the ground with his eyes wide. He stared numbly into the space where he saw them fall and couldn't move a muscle at all.
What just happened...?
Echizen and...Atobe...?
Fuji's eyes flickered.
Atobe...?
And just like that, he suddenly felt something. He felt his body shook... felt his very limbs go cold... and felt his headache like it was being split into two... felt his heart would burst out from the pain...
Where's Atobe...?
And all he wanted to do was to scream the agony out of his body. It was painful. Something in him was painful, enough to make him cry. A dead weight came over his shoulder and as his lips opened into a shout—he heard Tezuka's voice from a distant.
"Echizen! Atobe! Hold on tight!"
The genius shot his head up and saw with blurry eyes that his friend has his body on the ground and seemed to be pulling something from below the creek. It was a dangerous position but it didn't seem to matter to Tezuka who struggled to reach his arms down.
A light of hope came over the genius who felt his body move on its own accord despite the pain on his ankle. With power which he didn't know he still have after that sudden weakness, the genius limped toward the creek too.
Tezuka saw movements behind him and saw the genius came close.
"Don't get too close—it's dangerous!" he demanded to his friend who seemed to be drifting from consciousness as the pain on his foot made its presence clear.
Fuji struggled on his feet and then looked below as far as he could see.
And then his heart did a summersault as he saw that there—hanging by the vine that Tezuka was trying to reach for it was stuck on a crack on a rock, was Ryoma and Atobe with their feet inches away from death. Beyond was total darkness but as another clasp of thunder came, Fuji could just see the rushing river below.
It was indeed, too dangerous. Enough to make him stop breathing.
But Fuji wouldn't move an inch no matter what Tezuka say for his eyes were already locked to that one person whose life was already hanging by a thread.
Atobe was clutching Ryoma's arm while the boy was clinging on the vine. Both seemed in pain as their feet swirl left and right above the impending cold and rushing water.
Tezuka gritted his teeth as he extended his arm but he just couldn't reach with only a centimetre.
"Hold tight!" he told them as he inched closer to the edge of the cliff. Fuji ignored the pain on his foot as he clutched the man's waist, enabling Tezuka to move a little closer to the stuck vine further.
Ryoma gulped with both eyes tightly closed. Atobe gritted his teeth as he felt the boy's arm slipping away from him.
"Hold tighter, Atobe!" Ryoma struggled to say, trying to look down— his cap finally falling sadly down the river.
"Don't move too much!" Atobe ordered, his eyes sharpening at the struggling boy.
"Even if you say that..." Ryoma muttered with difficulty as he looked up at the vine—
And Atobe saw it too. The vine was already splitting into two again. The King's eyes widened.
It seemed like the vine couldn't support them both after all. If they were not pulled on time then both of them will surely...
Atobe looked at Tezuka. Long and solemn.
Tezuka saw him stare and he looked back.
"Atobe..." the former Seigaku captain whispered, making Fuji stare at him from his side.
And the King finally gave a grin so familiar to those who know him—a grin so charismatic and irresistible it always manages to win the heart of many. Keigo Atobe finally smiles at death.
Tezuka's eyes widened as he saw this.
"Tezuka!" Atobe called up, his eyes determined and unafraid of his fate as he looked his rival in the eye for the final time, "I leave everything to you."
And he let go.
Ryoma felt the weight on his other hand left him and had to look below him in time to see Atobe fall down—
"A..." the former Seigaku captain watched wide eyes and dying heart as he witnessed this, "ATOBE!"
And his cry was so heartfelt that even Ryoma was affected by it as he stared dumbly after the falling man.
As Tezuka struggled to comprehend what was happening in front of him, another unexpected thing transpired—
Something from his side jumped forward after the falling body—
And Tezuka could not believe as that person jumped in after Atobe.
FUJI!?
Atobe has already given himself up for the safety of that Seigaku brat who has plenty of potential to offer the world despite some inner struggles that he too has plenty to offer— when he saw an angel came.
He knew it was already hopeless to think of being with him. Not after making that choice.
But it was to his whole surprise when in the middle of his rapid fall, he saw him come out of nowhere like an angel. This above all made him open his eyes. He couldn't believe he was seeing him just then.
Was he already in heaven?
FUJI!?
Questions upon questions flashed on Atobe's mind as he stared at that person who was determined to catch on him with extended hands. Atobe felt words leave his lips. Fuji didn't have to say anything as he tried to reach a hand toward the falling man.
And with their situation like that, Atobe understood something.
That despite what was happening—he would never let this guy who was after him be hurt.
He would never let Fuji be hurt.
And he opened both his arms to catch the genius into his arms and embraced him tight with his eyes closing.
You fool!
And both fell on the water with a loud splash.
It was painful.
Something which was taken for granted for a long time was suddenly too painful to do.
Breathing.
I want to breath!
He could feel coldness envelop his body. Feel his very muscle tighten at how freezing the water was.
Something in him was very painful.
Something in him was breaking.
But no... it was not because of the cold water...
Someone was missing... somebody disappeared... he needed to follow.
Pain... but inside him...
His heart was aching.
And then he remembered why he wanted to cry.
Someone... someone...
ATOBE!
Fuji opened his eyes so suddenly that caused him a sudden headache. It also made his eyes painful.
With his mind still in daze, the Seigaku genius remembered his dream and had to make sure he was breathing.
He took a lungful of breath and then felt his stiff shoulder ache. Not only that— his legs were also numb, same with his neck. Everything about him was aching. Just like that dream.
Dream?
Fuji opened his eyes and stared at the white ceiling above him. He was in a room with the curtain on the window being played at by the rain. The breeze was cool and Fuji thanked all the gods out there for the wind they created to make humans appreciate life.
Then he remembered the vivid dream.
Frowning and closing his eyes, he raised his too numb right arm and placed it to cover his eyes.
He then noticed a white bandaged wrapped around his whole wrist, followed by a long line of cord. Looking up, he saw that there was a dextrose bag on his bedside and had to struggle up in a sitting position—
Was he in a hospital...? Then does that mean..?!
Fuji panicked the moment he could and was almost ready to strip himself away from the safety of his bed when he saw someone enter the room.
"Tezuka," he whispered, his head aching as he tried to remember, "w-what happened?"
Tezuka walked toward him with a gentle look on his face and then stood beside Fuji's bed.
"You fell," the man said softly with eyes not leaving the genius, "with Atobe."
And everything flooded back on Fuji's memory, almost making his blue eyes bulged out.
"Where is he!?" he immediately asked, his voice almost croaking. He remembered everything now. How he struggled with Atobe in that cold water. How Atobe did not let go of him despite everything... before everything went black.
If something were to happen to Atobe... Fuji bit his lips at the thought.
"He's fine," his former captain assured with a small smile, "he's resting on another room."
A thorn seemed to be lifted from the genius' heart as slowly, his shoulder eased down and a sigh came out from his mouth. Just the thought of the King disappearing was unbearable...
Fuji realized that.
And Tezuka seemed too.
"How are you feeling?" the man asked quietly.
Fuji looked up, "I'm fine...I'm sore but..."
The genius saw blades appear on his friend's eyes. It made him look back, startled.
"That was a dangerous thing to do, Fuji," Tezuka went on, "what you did was absolutely reckless."
The Seigaku genius looked up at his former captain and could understand where it was coming from. Tezuka was worried. He couldn't imagine what his friend had gone through right after jumping after the Hyotei captain.
And now that he think about it—it was reckless. But still...
Tezuka's glasses flashed as silence fell between them.
"It was a good thing Mifune and the others were already searching by the river side for us," he informed the silent genius, "they've made their own conclusion that we might be there... and then they saw you and Atobe fall out of nowhere and quickly managed to get you. It was really lucky you fell on the safest side of the river... but it was really dangerous, Fuji."
The genius felt Tezuka's sharp eyes bore on him and had to close his eyes and bow his head.
"I'm sorry."
Tezuka gave him a long look, before finally closing his eyes and giving a sigh.
"I've never seen you that reckless." He quietly went on as Fuji looked at him again, "somehow... I don't think I needed to confirm... but just in case... I think, Fuji, that you have already made your choice."
The two Seigaku teammates stared at each other.
And Fuji's eyes showed no hesitation any longer.
"Yeah..." he answered softly, his eyes being drawn toward the window where the blue sky could be seen, "I have."
Tezuka's eyes were so gentle as he closed them with a smile on his lips.
"I see."
And silence fell between the two. Silence... which was how they always understood each other... and also how they've misunderstood one another. Yet, this time, it was crystal clear. Both have accepted the choice that has been made.
And Fuji knew he would always care for Tezuka the way Tezuka cared for him. An affection to one another that words alone cannot express. It was mutual. It will never change.
Tezuka is and will always be his soul mate and they will always be the best of friends.
The thought made Fuji smile.
"How's Echizen, by the way?" he asked as the thought crossed his mind. The last time he saw Ryoma Echizen was he was hanging 30 meters up a creek.
"He's already at the airport," Tezuka answered conversationally, "actually, I'm already on my way there."
And Fuji realized something as the former Seigaku captain pulled a tennis bag from the ground and put it on his shoulder. Tezuka was fully clothed on with a ticket peering out from his jacket pocket.
"Tezuka..." the genius whispered in disbelief, "how long have I been here?"
"A day and a half," the man answered quietly, "today's the day the Foreign exchange team leaves for Germany."
Fuji looked like he was struck by lightning.
"Then how about...?" he started again, not really knowing what to say.
"Don't worry about it, the team's complete," Tezuka assured him, "they only actually needed 12 people to participate while the two are substitutes in case something happens. Since you and Atobe are out then the number is exact. I don't think it's any problem."
"I see," the genius nodded, "so you are going too, then...?"
He sounded sad, he knew that and he meant it. He would always feel sad of Tezuka leaving. It makes him relieve painful memories of the past. Both beautiful and sad.
What more—Tezuka's really important for him.
Tezuka smiled as Fuji's thoughts crossed his mind.
"I am. It is time to go," he said, "however... if you still wish for me to stay then..."
"Oi, oi... what's with that sudden flirting attitude, ahhnn? Do you think I'd let you sway him just like that?"
And Fuji's eyes flickered as he found the owner of the voice standing by his room's doorway with his left elbow leaning on the doorway and his whole body inclining to it.
It was also to mention that he was carrying a crutch on his right hand and a string of bandage around his head complete with scratch marks here and there on his arms but he didn't seem to mind.
"Atobe!" the genius breathed his heart light at finally being able to see the man he chose.
The King entered the room and stood on Fuji's other side with eyes on Tezuka.
"Didn't I make myself clear awhile ago?" he told the former Seigaku captain while Fuji looked up at one to another, "I said I'm Syuusuke's man."
The genius blinked and felt his cheeks grow hot.
Tezuka smiled and then pulled his bag on his shoulder saying—
"Mada mada dane."
Both Fuji and Atobe stared at Tezuka who gave Fuji one final smile before walking toward the doorway.
With a final glance at his friend, Tezuka Kunimitsu closed his eyes and then went on his way outside the door toward the corridor.
Finally leaving the two behind.
When they were alone, Fuji and Atobe looked at one another.
And as Atobe stared at the genius, the memories of that night's even flooded his vision—Fuji disappearing in the forest after their short argument... Fuji looking hurt in that hole with Tezuka... Fuji jumping after and choosing him... Fuji who was like an angel trying to save him... his vow never to let Fuji get hurt and thus his strength to be alive came out... Fuji being here with him...
And he realized even he, the KING, would feel overwhelmed by that.
He was finally chosen without hesitation. They were together.
"How are your injuries?" Fuji asked him as he sat down on the genius' bedside, "you were not able to participate in the Foreign Exchange because of this..."
"It doesn't matter," Atobe waved the thought away as he sat too close to the genius, making Fuji suddenly conscious of himself, "just now I don't care about anything but you... I don't care about Foreign Exchange... I don't care about being a professional. I just want you."
Professional? Fuji blinked and then felt himself melt away at how the King was staring at him.
"That was reckless of you, Syuusuke." Atobe said quietly, his eyes piercing the genius, "jumping in after me... you're an idiot."
"You're the idiot," Fuji answered back as he found his voice, aware that Atobe was just too close, "letting go of your life and jumping in to your heart's content! How can you decide that—!?"
"Then why did you jump after me?" the King retorted.
Fuji blinked, almost feeling too anxious as he remembered that night.
How that sudden realization of Atobe disappearing meant to his whole life.
And he knew he could never let the man go.
"Isn't it obvious?" was the genius' soft reply with his blue eyes piercing Atobe's.
And Atobe felt his heart race for this person again.
And he knew Fuji was his real love.
"Atobe," Fuji started again, "I...!?"
And his words were left hanging as he felt Atobe's lips press to his.
And the genius realized... it has been such a long time since Atobe kissed him like that.
He wished Atobe would do it often.
Maybe he would initiate too. The genius felt himself blushing.
As their kiss lasted for long, Fuji realized his wish might just come true.
"Then say it to me," the King whispered when their lips parted, "what I want you to hear..."
The Seigaku genius stared at the man in front of him—the man who has always been there to save him, the man who has always prioritize him even with his own life...
Atobe who has loved him so unconditionally now asking something in return.
Fuji smiled.
"I love only you."
*.*.*
~THE END~
THANK YOU FOR READING~
A/N: It has been a long run!
KING'S APPLE would like to THANK all the supporters of this little FANFIC!
Without SUPPORTERS we couldn't have made it this far!
ARIGATOUGOZAIMASU!
You will all be missed greatly!
As I have said before, this story started the moment the
NEW PRINCE OF TENNIS aired!
It was because of Tezuka and Fuji's final battle!
And how Atobe and Fuji stuck with one another after he left!
I hope to see more of them in the manga/anime!
I just miss the old POT anime haha!
Still, we should all move forward!
SO I THANK YOU FOR READING WITH ALL MY HEART!
You made this fic a success...
And it proved... that Atobe and Fuji make a good dream team too!
Tezuka will have his time... next time maybe!
But this one is dedicated to none other than the irreplaceable-
KING-ATOBE-SAMA!
And this is how it ends.
Atobe and Fuji will see you on the brief EPILOGUE chapter next time!
Summarizing what happened to everyone and the new couple!
Do you want a ticket to Atobe's mansion too? xD
Oh, but I'm warning you... haha... the King might kick us all out!
CHEERS! ;)
and MERRY CHRISTMAS YEAH!