Author Notes : Sorry if it takes some times for me to finish this chap! However, here it is, not as long as before but Tezuka and Fuji have some development in their relationship here. A LOT! Once again, this is dedicated to all of you who bother to read this. Thank you!

Miu-chan : Are you sure you want a sequel?? Won't you feel bored with me after all? I mean, this is long enough. Well, if I have many request, maybe I'll write one. Or if Kuro-chan suddenly don't want them to stop there ^.^ Thanks for your help!

……(Anonymous) : I don't know who you are, but thanks for the encouraging review! I love IxK too, don't you think they are meant to be? Just see their talkings… But I'm afraid this chap won't focus on them, maybe another one.

Yami no Tenshi : I don't think Kaidou will mind, I mean deep in his heart ^_^ You know yourself how the shy introvert people act when they fall for someone… Maybe we have to give a chance for Momo. He is silly, I admit it, but who knows. Or you think it's better if Kaidou is the captain? And you're right, I create this Saki only to make things annoying ^-^* I hope I don't make too much mistakes in tenses here. Just tell me if I still do. Thank you!

StrAwbErRyfAnSz : If you really hate Saki that much, I think you'll like this chapter. She has never and will never get our Fuji's heart!

Mica-chan : Gomen, this one is shorter, but I have tried my best. Hope you'll like it too! I really want to know what do you think of Tezuka here ^.^ I guess Saki will be insupportable because she disturbes our favourite pair, but who knows?

Sorry about Sakuno, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm not a fan of Ryoma-Momo myself, but I don't like Sakuno either ^_^* Really sorry about that. I hope you're not too angry…

About the timeline, in the end of chapter 8, they are still in Junior High and in chapter 9 they are already in Grade 3 High School. So it's about 2 ½ years different.

Flowery : You really hate Saki that much? Wow, I can't imagine what you'll do next because she will get more and more annoying ^_^* Anyway, enjoy this chapter! There is not too much Saki-ness there…^.^ Thanks for the wonderful review!

Beatria : I'm agree. I'm pretty sure she is a bitch herself…

Carlita : Sankyuu!! I hope you still like this one. God bless you too.

Chibi-y4kuza : I think my story will be as much annoying like yours ^^ Don't worry 'bout Saki. She is nothing compared to Tezu (it's like comparing me and Konomi-sensei!)

DISCLAIMER : I don't own any of the Seigaku's member! They belong to their respectful author, Konomi-sensei.

WARNING : Shounen-ai and some sweet stuffs. Oh and some spoilers too. Don't read if you haven't watched episode 39-40 and don't want spoilers. You have been warned!

'Words in italyc' are for thoughts.

Chapter 10 :  It Was Raining, We Were Falling

The rest of the day and the next morning until evening seemed like a blur to the Seigaku's captain. No one really knew his turmoil though, for he was not used to speak a lot, save his mother. But deep in his heart he was troubled yet relieved. The event, which was witnessed by him yesterday, brought lots of questions, the ones he couldn't bring himself to inquire.

Unconsciously, he let his gaze drift to a figure beside him. The prodigy looked so drowned in their teacher's explanation of a certain chemistry's hypothesis. His azure eyes gleamed as he brought his face up and down from board to notes. Tezuka frowned at this. As before, he missed –if there indeed any- flaw in his friend's demeanour. He was acting like nothing happened yesterday.

He sighed and turned his attention to their still lecturing teacher. He knew every formula which was written on the board, and for the endless explanation, Tezuka recalled he had read or heard it somewhere before1).

This is boring, slowly he drifted his gaze to the window. The sky was darkening and the wind was fierce out there. The captain began to worry about their practice. It was a bad omen since the tournament would start next week. They would need extra practices, not that Tezuka was worried after all. Although their club was full with prodigies, as their leader he had a confidence in his play, not to mention the appreciations he received from everybody around him.

Speaking of prodigies, his mind once again drifted back to a certain one. He groaned silently, not willing to be bothered by that and only that guy anymore. But somehow his sense failed him and Tezuka found himself once again thinking about Fuji. This is ridiculous.

At last, the last bell rang. Sighs could be heard from some students, they indeed shared the same weariness he had. After their teacher left, they stormed out of the class.

For the first time in thirty minutes, he noticed her presence. Of course, their new classmate. Their new BEAUTIFUL classmate. She was too occupied by her thoughts, but sometimes her eyes would flicker to Fuji, who seemed oblivious –or deliberately oblivious- of the glances. Tezuka looked up and found there were some girls still wandering aimlessly but obviously with an aim, to take a look at their affections. The news about Saki was Fuji's betrothed clearly hadn't reached them yet, or maybe Tezuka was the only one, saved the pair, who knew about it.

The first raindrop began to pour and it hit the window with a soft splash. He glanced toward it and quietly decided there would be no practice this evening. It was completely useless, for the rain didn't seem to be stopping anytime near. The thick grey clouds were hanging grimly, suited his mood well. He deplored their outdoor courts, they couldn't be used in times like this. He would surely submit a proposal of indoors if they won the nationals this year. That reminded him to tell the others about the cancellation.

"Oishi, I don't think we can have a practice in this weather," he said.

His vice-captain nodded. "I guess so. We don't want anyone to get sick anyway, right? I will tell the others right away." With that, he darted off with his partner to another classes.

"It's unlikely for you to cancel a practice," a voice rose in the already silent class.

"Don't you think it has been your habit lately to judge me, Fuji," he replied lightly.

His friend gave a small laugh, "Perhaps, but I find it rather amusing, especially if the one I judge is you, my captain. By the way, you are changing the subject."

"The tournament will begin soon, so I will not risk our health nor will I against Konomi-sensei's words. He has forbidden us playing in the rain."

"Like me and Echizen back then?"

"Precisely."

They said no more words and merely stared at each other. Both remember the time, three years ago after a practice, after Fuji played their freshman2). It was also raining and in the empty changing room, for the first time they realized they were watching the other's activities.

For the how many times (it had been too much that no one had bothered to count anymore), one of them put the barrier forth. This time it was Fuji. He cast another smile and turned back to leave.

"Well then, see you tomorrow."

Tezuka replied only by a soft muffled voice. How he hated himself now. For many times he had wanted to climb or maybe just crush the disturbing barrier, but in the end, courage always left him. He didn't even dare to ask 'what happen'! What a pathetic friend he was! He loathed his weak self and let the feeling tortured him. Slowly he made his leave.

The two previous figures didn't notice, in the dark corner, a pair of eyes was watching. Astonished and bewildered she was now, after what she had just seen.

*   *   *

It was still raining…

Oishi observed his fishes meticulously. He was worried lately that one of them was sick, none could tell how he knew. He just knew. But the problem was, which one is sick?

He had suspected one when there was a ring. Deliberately he ignored it. His bedroom was upstairs and he knew there were at least two member of his family downstairs. Okay, where was that fish?

"Shuichiroh-kun, a phone call for you!" his sister's voice rang through the house.

Oishi sighed and took a last look at his particular beloved fish. Five orange strips on the back, two white spots below the eyes…wait a minute, all of them have it… He cursed silently and swore he would yell to whoever called if his or her intention wasn't important enough.

"Oishi's here."

"OISHI!! FUJI'S MISSING!!"

He backed away several steps from the receiver, the shouting was too loud for his sensitive ears. But promptly he recognized the voice.

"Eiji? What did you say? I don't hear it clearly…"

"FUJI..IS..MISSING, OISHI!!"

He frowned at this state. "Wait a minute, first of all calm down. Okay?" There was a small grunted sound on the other line. He took it as a proof his advice had been followed. "Now, what do you mean by missing?"

"He's just missing!" The redhead started to yell again, panic was clearly audible from his shaking voice. "Yumiko-san called me, she wanted to know if Fuji was here but of course he wasn't. Wait, he isn't at your place, is he?"

"No, I haven't seen him since we parted at school," Oishi replied. "Did she tell you what actually happened?"

"Yes, but not really. She just said there was a sort of disagreement between Fuji and his father and he just left. He hasn't come back since."

"What kind of quarrel which could drive him that mad?" Oishi muttered, his own concern was building inside him. "Have you told anyone else?"

"No," his partner rashly answered. "When I heard about it, well, I couldn't think clearly, and… well, I just remembered you. That's all."

Oishi smiled at this. He felt sure that his friend there was blushing furiously for giving such a hurried response. "Well, I think I will call some of our friends. I'll call Tezuka first and maybe you should tell Taka-san."

"Fine," there was a silence hung between them then Kikumaru broke it. "Ne, Oishi, you're always the cool-headed one… how do you always know what to do?"

"Now, now, don't mention that," he replied. "You're just too worried. Call him now and let me know if something's happen."

"Okay," his partner mumbled. "Thanks Oishi."

The raven-haired guy hung up and stared at the phone. A frown was forming on his brow. There was something fishy, he couldn't point what, but he knew Fuji. To be exact, he had known the prodigy for years and he wasn't the type who would just run away from a problem. What could possibly ruin his calmness? Even Tezuka hardly did it and Fuji was already head over heels with him!

Oishi glanced at the window. Where could he possibly go in the rain like this? With a sigh, he pressed Tezuka's number. In other condition, or if he didn't feel this anxiety so much, it would be fun to learn his captain's reaction of this news. But he was definitely anxious now. Extremely anxious.

*   *   *

It was still raining outside…

Tezuka Kunimitsu put his chopsticks down. He stared at the empty bowl in front of him which its contains had been eaten with a great effort. There was something he couldn't explain, a kind of worry which filled every part of his heart. And it did affect his appetite.

"I'm finished," he murmured slowly to his parents who were looking at him anxiously. Even though people found their son was such a 'man in the iron mask', he was as plain as a piece of white paper to their eyes, utterly easy to read. They followed his movements from the dining room to the living room and then stared each other.

"What happen to him?" his father asked with a low tone.

"I don't know," his mother replied, shaking her head desperately, "he has been in foul mood since yesterday, after the school."

"I think it's better for us to wait," he suggested hesitantly, "If he thinks it's the right time to tell us, he will. Didn't he always do that before?" She merely nodded at this.

Meanwhile, Tezuka sat himself down on a couch. The disturbing feeling still couldn't be erased. He had never felt this way except once, when his mother got ill and nobody was home to find her fainted. Just that once.

He was thinking of another possibilities when the phone started to ring. He frowned at it but decided to pick it up anyway.

"Tezuka's residence."

"Tezuka? This is me, Oishi," his vice-captain's voice answered.

"What is it?"

He heard the other guy took a deep breath. "Listen carefully, I think Fuji is missing."

There was a loud thud in his chest, he believed it was his heartbeat. He felt the previous feeling was mounting but his mind immediately took over. "Are you sure this is not one of your prank?"

The guy in the other line sighed of desperation. "Look, Tezuka, we might do something to get the two of you together, but I will not use this way. He Is Missing. And none of us know where is he now, including his family."

"I'm sorry," Tezuka mumbled an apology. Now when all of his curiosities had been swept away, he felt really worry. That's why the feeling appears. "Fine, I will look for him."

"Tezuka, wait…" Click

HE IS MISSING!

The captain felt like he was standing in front of a hole, a deep black hole which had no base. Although his logic told him there was nothing to be worried, still his heart was racing. He immediately rushed to the dining room.

"Father, may I borrow the car?"

His father looked at him and blinked. Whatever the errand was, it must be very important or his son wouldn't look terrible like the world had come to its end.

"Sure, but don't crash it."

Tezuka snorted. Why is he still joking at a time like this. "Of course not."

He ran to the front door and opened it brashly when a figure suddenly hit against him. To his surprise it was the very person whom he was just about to search.

"Fuji?"

The guy looked up and he was faced with the most unbelievable things he had ever seen. The azure orbs were glittering, anger and sorrow were flashing inside of them. Yet, his lips were still forming a smile.

"Tezuka…"

"Get in," he commanded furiously. The captain absolutely had no idea how could a person who was soaking wet and shivering like hell still having a smile like nothing happened! He wrapped his arms around the cold shoulders and pushed him in.

Suddenly his mother appeared from the kitchen and stopped dead on her tracks. She was shocked to see the prodigy in such a pitiful condition. "Fuji-kun?"

The other guy forced a smile, "Good night, Tezuka-san. I apologize for being a…"

"Stop it," she cut the streams of words suddenly. "Now wash yourself and change those clothes, I'm sure Kunimitsu can lend you some. Get yourself as warm as possible and I'll bring you something, okay?"

Fuji was lost at words and merely nodded. She flashed a smile and returned to the kitchen to prepare something for the trembling friend of her son.

In the other hand Tezuka led his prodigy to his own room. He searched for some smaller clothes in his wardrobe and gave them to Fuji. "You can wear these," he muttered and opened the door to his personal bathroom. Suddenly the captain sensed there was no movement behind him and promptly turned around. His friend hadn't even stepped into the bathroom. He was staring at the taller guy, as he was so guilty for coming there.

"What are you waiting for?" Tezuka asked, he couldn't explain why annoyance dominated his voice when his heart almost full of worry.

As something was cut roughly between them, Fuji broke the contact and passed him into the bathroom. He closed the door silently, leaving Tezuka cursing himself with every suitable word he could find.

The leader of Seigaku sat himself helplessly on the bed. He brought his head down, to where his palms could suspend it. In his mind, there was nothing, only his heart worked at the moment and it was filled with rage. When the disturbances were calming down, he could hear the faint splashes of water. Somehow the sound was soothing; it was a sign that the prodigy was safe there, with him.

With a smile, Tezuka walked out of his room to the phone. He dialled Oishi's number, his vice-captain must be told of the new development or –knowing how he always worried about the other- he wouldn't get a blink of sleep this night.

"Oishi's residence," he was answered by a very anxious voice.

"Oishi, this is Tezuka. Fuji is here with me," he told him matter-of-factly.

"Really!? Whew, that's relieving," the other guy breathed out loudly. "Is he okay, Tezuka?"

"I don't know," his captain replied hesitantly, "Physically, he doesn't look too good. But perhaps it's just because of the rain."

"Well, I think we can trust you to take care of him, can't we?" Oishi teased. When all of his anxieties had been swept away, he was ready to assault his leader. "I will tell his family and the other. Is he going to stay at your house this night? Tomorrow is Sunday after all."

"I guess so."

"Fine. See you, Tezuka."

The captain hung the phone up and decided to see how his friend was doing. He nearly bumped into his mother who was about to walked out from the kitchen, carrying a tray.

"Kunimitsu! Be careful! This is hot!"

"Gomen, Mother," he said and instinctively took the tray, on it laid a mug of hot chocolate and a piece of pie. "Is this for Fuji?"

"Yes," his mother nodded, "I think it will warm him. By the way, do you think I need to prepare the guest room?"

Tezuka silenced for a moment, think of all possibilities. Of course, it would be proper to let Fuji rest in another room but he badly worried. Something told him not to stay away from his friend especially now when trouble was looked like all over him. Moreover he still hadn't known the reason of his run off.

"I guess you don't need to."

"Fine," his mother smiled warmly at him. "I also think it is the best for him."

After she left, Tezuka resumed his walk. When he once again entered his dimly lighted room, he found Fuji was sitting on the edge of his bed. His head snapped up when he heard someone was approaching.

"Mother made it for you," he stated and handed him the tray. Fuji looked at it bashfully, he didn't really mean to be a nuisance when his heart told him to go to Tezuka's house. But when the host showed him friendliness beyond his expectation, he didn't know what to do. Still, his captain confused him for he showed both concern and annoyance.

"Eat it, will you?" the deep voice rose again. The prodigy quickly took a fork which placed beside the plate and began to eat the pie.

Meanwhile Tezuka who sat himself on a chair in front of him, stared at his prodigy affectionately. He was really glad this particular guy stayed here with him, where he could convince himself Fuji was safe. No way on earth he would want to feel those worried emotions again.

When Fuji had finished eating, Tezuka took the tray and put it on his desk, leaving the mug held by the slender fingers. When he turned his head back, all of a sudden his friend got up and walked to the window. As he was reminded of something, the brunettes turned around to face him.

"Ano, Tezuka… thank-"

"Fuji," the captain stopped him firmly. "Do you deem me as a stranger out of nowhere who accidentally help you, or as a friend?"

The other guy diverted his gaze and stared down to the already empty street which was blurred by the raindrops. Tezuka could hear at least four cars had passed by when finally Fuji spoke up.

"Do you still remember my question? I think I asked you three years ago."

Of course Tezuka remember. It was one of the moments he hold so dear in his heart. "You asked me if I had ever fallen in love."

"You remember," Fuji smiled at him which somehow Tezuka knew it was forced. "If I recall it right, you also said I would be able to talk to you whenever I have a problem, right?" The captain nodded silently.

"Now, tell me what do you think of a marriage without love?"

Tezuka closed his eyes, a painful feeling slipped into his heart. He knew where this conversation would lead to and hated every part of it. Unaware of his loosening control, he said, "Morita-san, isn't it?"

The prodigy stared at him in disbelief. "You know it?" Tezuka smacked his mouth silently but decided not to reply at this. He could never bring himself to tell his friend how he knew about it. But moreover he despised the subject.

When he received no answer, Fuji lowered his gaze and observed the hardly seen pattern of the carpet. He felt a bit hazy in the dark room and confused about all of the things that happened to him. At last he sighed and brought his eyes to the captain who was looking at him already. "So, what do you think about it?"

"I think everyone should have his own right to choose," he answered carefully.

"But then you have to face your own parents, Tezuka," the prodigy argued.

"I will if it's needed."

"But they are the one who have raised you! The one who spend their money on your welfare! The one who have loved you since you were born! How could you face them!?" he almost yelled and suddenly realized it. He turned around to the window once more and mumbled a 'sorry'.

In the other hand, Tezuka was taken aback at his friend's reaction. He had never thought Fuji would response so fiercely, when he was always calm all of the times. With a sigh he stood up and walked to the lone figure, placing his hand gently at the slightly trembling shoulder.

"Have you tried to talk to your parents?"

"Sure, but… I don't think I did it properly," his reply came so soft that Tezuka almost missed it.

"Why don't you try again? I don't know why you were exploding like this but it didn't suit you at all. Just use your usual calmness," he advised.

Fuji let out a small laugh. "I don't know for sure myself. If I think about it all over again, all I did was shouting to them. I gave them no chance to discuss. But I have no idea what made me so. It was like… I was afraid I would loose something very important."

"The one you love maybe," Tezuka implied.

"Perhaps."

They stayed in silence for some times when suddenly Tezuka felt a warm body was pressed against his own. He realized with a loud beat of his heart, Fuji was leaning on him. FUJI WAS LEANING ON HIM. He felt his mind was racing blindly, while his heart was pounding. At last, with some efforts he managed to say few words.

"You were leaning on me." Okay, that's not the smartest thing to say…

As a response, the prodigy placed his head on the crook between his captain's firm shoulder and his neck –the act which made Tezuka freeze even more. "I know," his voice was only a whisper, "then will you let me fall?"

Out of nowhere, the leader of one of the most feared school in tennis felt warm waves were running through all over his body. He couldn't think coherently anymore, not with a prodigy in his intimate distance. That close, he could smell the aroma of his shampoo, Fuji must have used it. But there was another scent, which was completely Fuji's. Instinctively he wrapped his arm around the slender waist.

"No," he spoke an answer. All of the logics which he had been proud of left him when he felt his own lips traced down the soft skin of neck. He didn't know why he was doing it and was not planning to find out either. His fingers slowly intertwined with Fuji's own when the other guy let out a small voice of contentment.

"Is this what do you do with 'a friend'?" Fuji asked, amusement filled his voice.

"Tell me," Tezuka replied in front of his ear. He caressed the other side of the neck, making the prodigy tilted his head a bit. All of a sudden he caught the tempting lips by his own and shut his sight senses. He didn't want to see if there was any rejection in his friend's eyes. To his relief, he could feel the pair of warmness parted freely, as the owner had known that it would happen. With no hesitant, he glided his tongue in and traced every part of the welcoming mouth. Faintly he registered the sweetness of chocolate, but his other senses seemed to have left him. The only thing he could feel at the moment was Fuji's mouth, how Fuji responded his kiss, how Fuji's tongue battled his, and all but only Fuji.

At last, they broke in case of short of air. Tezuka opened his eyes, they felt misty for he couldn't put away the intoxicating effect yet. Other pair of azure orbs was staring at him. In them he found something alien which he had never found in anybody's eyes before. Whatever it was, it brought him a sort of satisfaction.

"If this is really the meaning of friend to you, I will gladly be your friend," the prodigy teased him.

"Why will you be glad?" Tezuka decided to offend.

Fuji took his hand and kissed it softly. "Because it's you," was the only audible answer he received. But Tezuka Kunimitsu understood far more. And this time, he used not his brain but the wild unknown thing called heart. In the other hand Fuji put his head back on its comfortable place before.

The captain felt a smile was forming on his lips. He himself was astonished how the warmness deep down in his heart could affect the external parts. "This meaning of friend is valid for you only," he murmured to the figure in his arms.

"I should be proud," Fuji mumbled sleepily though no less affectionate. When everything felt fine in his captain's hold, he completely forgot all of the troubles and sleep overcame him easily. Not for a long time after, Tezuka realized his companion was already asleep.

Gently he raised Fuji and laid him on his bed. He stared at the prodigy for a moment and felt none could EVER take his happiness away with the knowledge that the peaceful innocent sleeping face was his. He had even forgotten about a certain beautiful classmate. At least for now.

And it was still raining outside…

And it's still TBC… ^.^

Stop right there ! No, I won't allow them to do anything…YET. Well, if you want to see them get into something, at least more than this, give me reviews. Please, please, please, and please! I will love it very much and they will make me write faster, even with these lots of tests ^-^*

Explanations:

1) Tezuka is very intelligent…VERY SMART! VERY CLEVER! A GENIOUS! Whatever, but he is…(look previous sentences). But he is very diligent too, he reads lots of books, that's why he knows so much.

2) This is a bit of spoiler…well, I have warned you. The scene which Fuji mentioned is taken from episode 39-40 when there is a practice and Fuji plays Echizen. In the end, it's raining so the match must be ended. Then Fuji is in the changing room and I don't know why/how, Tezuka is happened to be there also. Just the two of them… ^0^