Writer's Note: This is the first part of an arc: there are two parts in it. If you do decide to review, at least have the courtesy to sign in and allow me to answer any and all accusations.
Shattered
Continuity: 063/100
Prompt: 008 - Weeks
Summary: Eiji renews an old acquaintance. Or the acquaintaince comes to see him. One of the two.
Author's Notes: This was not exactly my idea; a good friend of mine, when asked for help (and knowing nothing of Prince of Tennis) thought that this was the best looking one of the bunch I showed her. I can't say I disagree.
Disclaimer: Characters are owned by Konomi Takeshi, and whoever did the anime. At any rate, it's not me.
Yuushi: Renewed Acquaintances
Three weeks after they'd seen the forfeited match with Oshitari and Mukahi, Eiji looked up when someone knocked on his office door, and started to see Oshitari Yuushi standing there, hands in pockets, leaning against the jam. "Hi," Eiji said, not entirely certain what else to say.
"Atobe said you worked here, and I didn't believe him," he said, and walked further in, closing the door behind him.
"How is Mukahi?"
Oshitari sighed softly. "I think he's going to have to retire," he said. "I'm not sure he's ready to face that yet, but I'm getting used to the idea. I was about ready to, anyway."
Eiji tilted his head. "Oh? Why?"
"Getting… well, old."
"You're not old," Eiji protested. "I'm not old, so you can't be; you're only, what, a month older than I am?"
Oshitari smirked. "I feel old, then."
"Go play with children."
The other man blinked at him, as if startled. "Play with children?"
Eiji smiled. "It worked for me. Although I did a stupid thing and fell out of a tree…."
"That sounds more like you," Oshitari said, almost too quickly.
"Sounds more like me?" Eiji asked, startled.
"Playing with kids, instead of sitting at this desk, doing… whatever it is you do."
Eiji smiled again. "It was me, I guess. It keeps me from feeling too old. I built a whole family of snowmen last year, with my sister's kids."
Oshitari shook his head. "I liked you better with long hair."
That came out of left field. "What?"
"Your hair that short. It… isn't good for your face."
"Oh." He didn't know what else to say. "How long are you here?"
Oshitari shrugged. "I actually live in Tokyo, so I'm here for a while. At least until we find something out about Mukahi's ankle."
"Was it broken, or what?"
"Bad break," the tensai said. "I knew he was off when he jumped."
"I noticed in the middle of the flip," Eiji nodded.
Oshitari leaned forward, eyes bright. "You were watching?"
Eiji flushed at the sudden scrutiny. "We heard the crack when he hit the clay. I'm sorry," he added. "It couldn't have been a fun thing to witness. Or experience."
"We?"
"Oishi had had a bad day – Kippei offered to cook me dinner if I'd come and help cheer him up. I never turn that down."
Something in Oshitari's demeanor made Eiji think the other man had relaxed. "Good cook?"
"Surprisingly so," Eiji said.
"You know," Oshitari said, "as much as I'd rather not go, I'm pretty sure Atobe would have my head if I distract you for too long. It was good to see you, Kikumaru."
"Eiji."
The dark haired man blinked. "What?"
"Call me Eiji."
And he got a real smile, for the first time since he'd known him, from Oshitari. It was stunning.
"Call me Yuushi. I'll see you around, Eiji."
He was gone before Eiji had quite recovered from the effects of that smile.
Continuity 64/100
Prompt: 092 - Christmas
Summary: Eiji and shopping.
Author's Notes: Can't let the old boyfriend just disappear, now, can I?
Yuushi: Christmas Cheer
Eiji had a love / hate relationship with Christmas. He enjoyed the season, knew he'd love spending time with his parents and family, but he hated shopping.
Too many people, crowds, everything always put him in such a bad mood that it almost didn't seem worth it.
"I never go shopping," Atobe said one day when they had lunch together. "I get all my gifts online."
Eiji was seriously beginning to think he had it right as he stood in line at the book store. He had an armful of books for gifts, and happened to look in the wrong direction.
He didn't know if Fuji had seen him, but the other man stood at a table near the door, browsing through a book Eiji vaguely recognized as one he'd picked up to look at as well. He didn't turn away, as such, but he did direct his gaze elsewhere, looking toward the front counter, trying to calculate how long until he'd be able to go.
It wasn't too long, thankfully, and soon he was able to put the books down and pay for them. Sliding the bag on his arm, he made his way to the door, glad to see that Fuji was no longer at the table.
Maybe he would do the rest of his shopping online.