Replies :

bunni chan : Nah, I don't leave it there, do I? But now, I truly leave it here ^_^

Yami no Tenshi : You're right! Only one more chapter left! You're asking for a happy ending without any bound, right? You'll get it ^^ But, everyone's still screwed up here *runs and hides* Oh, and thanks for your help all this time! I'm really sorry if this chapter is a complete mess. I wonder when I will learn English seriously -_-

n3th3r^v^l@nd : Really sorry that I made things difficult for our pairing. It was just inevitable to add the angst here and there. Just scroll down and read and you'll know that you forgive me at last ^^

mi^mi : The other reviewers also asked the same thing. Argh, I know I made Oishi a bit ooc in the previous chapter! Hope you're okay with that. It's just seemed right to have him shouting at Fuji ^o^ Ooh, bad me… But I don't think you can see Oishi yells at someone in the TV series. He is just too polite… Gomen…

liana : Me too, it hurts me to see them apart T.T I hope this chapter can mend your broken heart ^^ (kidding, okay?)

LadyDeath : Again you made a meticulous thought ^^  I think you can guess the rest of the story without bothering to read it at all. I'm glad Oishi's shouting is understandable because I thought it was impossible. Well, all the problems I've created will be solved here, thanks to me *dodges rotten eggs* Too bad I can't write the scene where Fuji is running away with Tezuka…

broken_severe : Hey there! You can't write a love letter?? Bwahahahaha! Me too… Oh well, you've never known me before anyway. Oh, and I'm sorry if I made Fuji looks cooler then Tezuka. It's unintentional, I swear! You know who my favourite chara is right? That's the reason ^^ I wish I could KILL that Saki too. Guillotine doesn't seem a bad idea actually *grins madly* Tezuka being an assassin? Nice thought, I think I'll materialize it ^o^

nasia : You know what? Your review is the one which AWESOME! It lifts me up, really, that I can write this chapter even though I don't have any idea ^^ It seems we can be good pal, being a sado-masochist and all ^o^ I'm sorry if I made you confused with Oishi's reaction. Yeah, he was supporting Fuji before but he was also Tezuka's best friend and unfortunately looked at the whole situation from a wrong point of view. Hope you can understand. About Fuji-Eiji… umm, I'm a complete supporter of TezukaFuji (or FujiTezuka, take your pick ^^) They're just best friends for me. Okay, I hope you'll like this chapter as much! Thank you!

Shiroi Kunisaki : Fine *SIB comes brak from joining Shiroi for a cordless bungy jump* Because I'm not dead yet, here the next and last part! Fuji-niisan? Sounds cute ^^

sakura-sleep : Long live bitchy Fuji!! ^o^ I must admit, if you didn't tell me about Oishi's shouting 'shameless bitch' at Fuji, I would never get the point! Hmm, why didn't I realize it before? Don't get pissed off with Tezuka so much because he won't be so baka here ^^ And I think you're right about Fuji was trapped in his own game. Not that he was playing with Tezuka, but… well, he just fell in love. Thanks for the wonderful review, Sakura-chan!

Chibi-y4kuza : Sorry, Nee-san, I actually try to be nice at them but I can't ^^ Can't help the evil side of me… Okay, I'm cruel… Yeah, but Tezu is cruel too for leaving Fuji alone *tries to look innocent* wonder who is the author, so baka to separate them… I wish I could apparate there into the story and clear up the mess -_-

Art_of_death : Really, forgive me, but I don't intend in writing a lemon in this story. This is my first PoT story so… well, I just can't write it yet. I hope you won't stop reading just because I say there's no lemon. Please?? Btw thanks for the love! ^^

Koneko-chan : So many enthusiasms in reading my new chapter… *the author sobs happily* You make my days times brighter! Oishi is a human so I thought he could get angry like everyone else, but I'm glad you like it! Thanks!

sTrAwbErRyfAnSz : I must say Fuji reacts quite badly at Tezuka's leaving ^^ Okay, bad me… but don't kick him! Nooo, my Fuji! *glared by Tezuka* Fine, YOUR Fuji!

TENIPRI : Thanks! Glad you like my fic! Don't worry, the Golden Pair is perfectly all right! Oh, and they hold an important role here!

hellen : Gosh, I'm really sorry! Never thought it was so sad that it could make people cry! Say my hello to your brother and tell him you're perfectly sane ^^ No, no. Saki won't go to America! She will get dumped! *inserts some maniacal laugh* Geez, I love torturing my characters *chased by lawyers* fine, my character! I know I only own that horrible Saki *pouts* Btw thanks for your wonderful review!

Mica-chan : Oh my God… Never knew I've made such a terrible mistake… Please forgive me… I've never thought that I would make my reader hate Fuji, my fav character! T_T I know he was evil! Really sorry! Yeah, I know Oishi was overreacting, but it was due to his 'love' to Tezuka. Really, I apologize. I hope you are not that mad at me.

A/N : Hi again, guys! Okay, this is the longest chapter ever and altogether the finale! Phew, finish my first multi-chapter fic at last! When I put some thought about it, I think the title is a little bit irrelevant, isn't it? But I guess, it's okay ^^  By the way, do you know why I put the replies up there? Because without my dearest reviewers, no way I can write this part! Thanks to you all! Happy reading! Hope you'll enjoy it!

DISCLAIMER : For the last time… NOT MINE!

WARNING : m/m pairings (obviously…), a lame ending, some ooc-ness, and still hasn't been beta-ed

Words in italic are for thoughts: whose thought it is I think you can guess it.

Chapter 15 : Where We Belong

"This Sunday will be the right time."

The words stopped Fuji as his teeth were delved in his marmalade toast. He was expecting one of his parents to start planning his engagement but certainly not this soon. Staring at his father who was gazing back at him, the prodigy resumed his jaw's munching until the piece of bread was swallowed.

He cleared his throat –the damn loaf seemed to be stuck in his gullet. "Pardon me, Father?"

"I said it would be the perfect time to hold your engagement on this Sunday," the head of the Fujis repeated slowly, distinctly misunderstanding the cough as a deliberate impertinence. He quickly resumed before his wife had a chance to voice her disagreement, "It doesn't have to be grand because the wedding will be. We will only invite our close relatives, as it will be held here. No expensive tuxedos or gowns, no enormous cake, a simple lunch will do."

"But dear-" the mother clearly hadn't given up her right to take part in one of their son's most important moment. Her husband shot her an admonishing look.

"It has been decided between Morita and me, though he also had a rough time in convincing his wife about this. Women," he snorted disapprovingly. Ignoring the hurt look in his wife's beautiful face, he darted his attention back to the quietly sitting guy in front of him. "So you are not going anywhere on Sunday, son, and no excuses. Mark my words."

Fuji felt a wave of nausea suddenly washed through him. As long as he recalled, it was HIS engagement they were talking about. But the people speaking around him didn't even ask a single of his opinion considering the supposed-to-be great event in his life.

"Do not tell that you've been ignoring me, Boy," the threat was audibly clear in his father's words as the prodigy remained silent to his previous statement.

"No, Father, I am listening," Fuji answered politely with a cold even tone. He scolded himself for the onset but still wondered why it was so hard lately to maintain his eloquent cheerful side on place. The ill habit was consuming him, despite the numb he felt that he was forced not to make a runaway. Nevertheless, this was the genius Fuji Shuusuke we were talking and nothing could make him lose the composure he had possessed for the length of his age. Or no one. Blinking several times and a presentable smile appeared out of nowhere.

His old man seemed pretty satisfied with the smile that he looked back at his grouchy spouse, "Of course you can design the wedding all you want, no matter how much it will cost." The graft was efficacious and on the next second, his mother was already inciting herself with plans to embellish both her son and the soon-will-be daughter in law with as many luxuries, which had a chance to drop in her brain.

Drawing a sigh inaudibly, the subject of the one-way conversation took a glance at his older sister. She looked as troubled as he was nonetheless no words were spoken from behind her pinky red lips. His eyes met hers and the left-out guy cast his sight down, beginning to take another nibble of his forgotten toast.

If it wasn't for his siblings, if it wasn't for the numerous numbers of staffs earning their life from his family's shebang, there was no way he would accept the egoistically arranged marriage. Unfortunately, the prodigy just was not that selfless, irreverent to what opinion did others had been deluded into about him. Reaching for his desire while the rest ended in suffering wasn't his best idea to be materialized. Not that his only love would agree in the first place.

Just what I need to get things better, a sad smile trailed his sarcastic remark as the guy of his dreams revealed in his vacant mind. The one who was forcefully ripped from him, leaving an incurable lesion. Fuji winced slightly for he felt the constant anger which was flaming inside him rose. It was always there that the tensai felt lethargic to pay another heed. He was too tired.

"What about you honeymoon, dear?" his mother's voice carried him back from his reveries. Fuji stared at her, dumbfounded. Honeymoon? We will plan it now already?

"Is Europe fine enough for you? What about the exotic South America? Or even a trip around the world? Perhaps you will need good long time with your wife," she winked teasingly, earning a slight knowing laugh from her husband.

To look at his mother's zestful yet relentless visage, the prodigy felt he was somewhat downtrodden either than given an option. Well, it had never been an option since he stood in the ordeal by compulsion. Yet Fuji merely swallowed his rage and stood up nonchalantly. He placed a kiss on her cheek before tractably answered, "Up to your liking, Mother. I will love your selection whatsoever." The undying smile was adhered on his lips.

Swiftly, Fuji closed the door and walked in great speed to his school. Despite the adeptness in acting marveled even he himself, the skillful actor could not help but hope if a member of his family would actually realize the pain he was going through. But none of them seemed to, save his immobile sister who undoubtedly thought it was much safer to stay silent.

Again, the day wasn't a fine one to be journeyed through. The prodigy felt his craving for golden warm rays of sun on his rather cold skin giving some heat to the heart full of snow. Instead, he got nothing but the freezing wind and grim grey cloud hung down low before his eyes. Another sigh escaped his lips. The rain threatened to fall in any minute and acceleration would be greatly appreciated for soaking wet was not one of his plans to brighten up the gloomy day.

At the time he arrived before the school gate, a number of students were seen swirling around, the same anxiety written on their faces. Still, he caught occasional greetings directed at him from some recognizable friends. It was when he intended to give a smile in return when he found the corner of his lips refused to cooperate. Fortunately, despite standing numbly amidst the crowd, his reflexes promptly lifted his right palm and gave a wave before any of his friends had a chance to detect his disability. He let them dismiss the disappearance of his everlasting smile as a sign of great matters were occupying his thought. Well, every human did have things to contemplate about and he was no exception, no matter how weird he was to their eyes.

He quickened his pace, as trying to leave his worry behind, and entered the main building. Lots of more greetings could be heard for he was far from unacquainted; subsequently he was forced to put extra works on his arms. The day had gone far beyond his liking, not to mention the unaccountable numb plaguing his lips. When he was searching if there was another problem that could make his current life worse, a loud shouting from behind the slightly opened door of his classroom made the foul wish manifest itself.

"You're going to America!?" Fuji registered the voice absent-mindedly as his vice-captain's but the shock next was so overwhelming that the little detail was simply forgotten. "Why all of a sudden, Tezuka!?"

The prodigy froze; the temperature of his surroundings seemed to have dropped to the least. The matters weighing his mind before held no candle to the newly found but unpleasant surprise. The vague ray coming from outside through the window grew dim, yet all he could do was standing motionlessly, not a piece of effort to dive back to reality was performed. His brain lost its function thoroughly, he could think of nothing. Oddly, his auditory system seemed to sharpen somehow, therefore the talks inside his class was practically audible.

"For my future, what else?" came the deep careless answer. With every bit of his voice, Fuji was able to identify the owner's loathing of the sudden departure. Then what did his agreement base on?

The buzzing inside lessened that the eavesdropper knew his attendant classmates were beginning to take an interest in the going conversation. Yet, none of the talkers seemed to realize the change of mood as he heard Oishi's voice once again, rising in frustration, "But why now? We haven't even reached the National yet! We need you, Tezuka!"

The captain ignored the hopeful plea straightaway and evenly replied, "I have my dream and the time has come to chase it."  Fuji was able to catch a high-pitched tone of 'but' coming from his vice-captain, which immediately ceased by the commanding voice again, "Cut it off, Oishi! I am not changing my mind."

There was a complete silence following the absolute order, even the other member of the class talking about trivial matters dared not to speak. The prodigy himself hadn't moved an inch from the place he was planted into, in spite of the odd glances he earned occasionally from students passing him by, which he definitely paid no heed of.

"Very well," eventually the second-in-command relented though in obvious reluctance. No one released a word for nearly sixty seconds, a complete contrary of the hall full of chattering pupils Fuji was standing in. Then, Oishi's subtle tone broke the still, "When will you take your leave?"

There was a long sigh, another proof of the leader's aversion, "This Sunday."

The darkness surrounding him seemed to be sucked up by an anonymous black hole as suddenly the brightness of sun invaded his sight. On the next second, he sensed a tight grip was clasping his shoulders, unequivocally the one that brought him back from his trance.

"Fuji?" A soft yet demanding voice spoke his name. The uttered one shuddered for he was still flabbergasted by the unexpected change of vision. Fuji took a deep breath and turned around, his still unfocused eyes fell on the sight of his best friend. He grimaced even so slightly as his lips remained to be retarded from smiling. Damn! He will catch you in this rate! Just smile, idiot!

The other boy was eyeing him with great worry since the face he was looking into was plainly vacant. The friend he knew was the cheerful one, at least was a magnificent actor who easily smiled, according to the information crammed into his brain by Yumiko-san. But the person in front of him was beyond his retention as the one named Fuji Shuusuke. It was a complete alien who was staring back at him.

Don't be silly, Kikumaru reminded himself firmly. This is Fuji and you know he is going through something really hard that makes him act peculiarly. You must help him, Eiji. Now, take a deep breathe, he commanded his lungs to do so, and talk to him!

"Are you okay, Fuji?" he initiated the dialogue. The deep misty blue eyes became clearer as their owner inclined his head slowly, confirming his unspoken answer. Kikumaru exhaled in relief –at least the first step succeeded- and asked further in a more cheerful tone, "Then, why are you standing there? Let us go in!"

He slid the door open, revealing the stillness very much alike a cemetery in a winter night. The acrobatic player blinked for a several times before he asked out of curiosity, "What's…happening?"

By the red-haired guy's side, Fuji found himself despised the situation even more as his gaze was immediately locked to ones who unfortunately was staring at his direction. From his distance, he could see the captain grew restless at his presence. His rather keen thought had started calculating the predicament he was into, namely the tense crawling over his best friend at the sight of his double partner, but most importantly the way to get out there as soon as possible. Meaning he had need of an acceptable reason to be told.

Think! Panic was breeding within him as minutes passed and no one had showed any sign of movements. Anyone who would have walked into the particular classroom –thankfully nobody had- would find the atmosphere impalpable, almost unapproachable. And some with sharper mind might feel the necessity to have the one in charge to this case, then they would be flocked by the teachers, which obviously would do no better. Those chains of events might take place -his mind had given them some thought, for the long pause was unnatural, not to mention he was still standing precisely at the threshold. He could feel curious glances began to gather behind him; there was even one who had given him a question.

An action must be taken and it was his responsible to carry it out. Heaving a sigh, Fuji terminated the silence by calling for his friend. Clumsiness visible in the usually tendentious guy's reaction was a proof that he was more or less affected by the tenseness. They were trapped within it, carrying the unfortunate bystanders. Well, at least Kikumaru had not lost his hearing ability by being immersed under the charm. He returned the look his friend had been given, only slightly dazed.

The prodigy pulled his face muscles up by force and ultimately a crooked smile found its way to reach his lips, nevertheless failed to conquer his eyes. With a smooth steady voice, he said, "I'm sorry, but I have to find Taka-san, Eiji. I almost forgot that I lent him my note." Not quite convincing, but somehow it worked. After receiving an absent-minded 'okay', Fuji immediately flew out of their sight.

In the other hand, the stoic captain witnessed all of these silently at where he still sat. The name of his used-to-be rival –for now Fuji irrefutably had a fiancée, Taka-san no longer remained his competitor- did not escape his hearing. However, despite the fact that his prodigy was indeed engaged, he still felt an irrelevant jealousy flickered in him, definitely went to the wrong person. That was why, when the betrothed one turned his back on him, the urge to rise and catch his heart desire nearly overflowed him. Fortunately, a grip his fingers attempted to make, saved him from throwing himself to the needless emotion.

However, his raven-haired friend failed to miss this sudden reaction. He threw a sidelong glance at the impassive feature of the captain, knowing his eyes were not fooled. While, unbeknownst to Fuji, his little effort of restoring the cheerfulness had flourished nicely as murmurs began to be heard once more in the class. The tense bit by bit dissipated. Oishi gave a full sigh before all of a sudden he caught a movement and Kikumaru was standing in front of him, clearly had gained a full recovery.

"What was that all about?" he asked casually, as nothing had gone wrong between them. Since the question was not specifically pointing at anyone, the vice-captain volunteered to answer for there was no sign that the other guy would speak even a word.

"Tezuka said he was going to America at the end of this week," he said, a little hesitant. His double partner sent him an indescribable look; lots of emotions seemed to be wrestling for dominance in his eyes. When eventually he chose one of them, particularly anger, to be the victor, a loud yell rang in the wide room.

"How fortuitous! And leaving him alone here!? Gosh, Tezuka! Never knew you were so selfish! I know what exactly you are doing! You are running away! From him! From all of us!"

Even though the accused said nothing in return, his deep brown eyes told the otherwise. The acrobatic player could almost hear them ordering him to keep his voice low or even harsher, to shut up. Nevertheless he didn't quiver, not this time when he spoke in defense of his best friend. Any punishment his leader had sentenced severely all along seemed meaningless, lost its horror when it came to Fuji. He returned the glare fully, knowing he must win this round.

The pitiful classroom became still for the second time in the ominous morning, once again all attentions were poured to the three. Both of the in-charges in the tennis club were aware at the piling silence but not their red-haired friend. It was simply proved when he opened his mouth and his high voice echoed, "You know his situation perfectly, I'm sure! Why don't you pity him, Tezuka? For this time! At least be there for him!"

"Eiji!" He heard his partner's reprimand and it caught him off guard. The next thing he knew, Tezuka had walked passing him to the still opened door of their class. The acrobatic player looked at him disappearing behind the slammed close door, half shock half thoughtful, while his mind was wondering if his words had taken their effect.

"It is not HIS fault," Oishi emphasized his sentence heavily. However, before he had a chance to vomit all the thoughts he had in mind, his friend had cut in.

"Neither it is Fuji's!" Another shout erupted from Kikumaru, "Fine! I know it is not Tezuka's fault either! Maybe it is our fault because we play the matchmaker! Maybe it is your fault because you hit him! Or my fault because I shouted at you! Wait! I'm not finished yet!" he immediately stopped his partner who was about to protest, "Or perhaps it is not everybody's fault! It is just the game God given to us! Or…" the confused guy slumped down to an abandoned chair, exhausted, "…I don't know whose fault…"

The vice-captain looked at the pitiful guy, speechless. But he understood and couldn't help but feel a bit relieved that his friend more or less was also disturbed by yesterday's event. He drew a sigh and was preparing himself to apologize when he heard the words came from elsewhere.

"I'm sorry."

Oishi stared blankly to the red mass of hair since his partner kept his face down. His voice was slightly trembling, as the owner was afraid of his reaction. "Sorry for shouting at you, today and yesterday. Dunno what came into me, I just blasted out like an idiot complaining over nothing. Really sorry."

Before the raven-haired guy had the chance to say a thing, Kikumaru tilted his head a bit that his flaring blue eyes were visible now. "Fuji had explained about yesterday," he started again wearily, "the reason why you gave him a hit and so on. I'm really sorry. I know I should ask you first, but I was so pissed off that you didn't tell me the reason why you were playing so horribly. I thought you trusted me and would tell me everything disturbing your mind. But you didn't. So…" he took a deep breath, "I'm sorry."

There was an uncomfortable pause then Oishi laughed weakly. "You spoke as all were your fault only. What about my own mistakes? I prejudged Fuji, I didn't think clearly and rationally back then. I accused him based on nothing. It wasn't even my problem." He stopped for a moment before resumed in subdued voice, "Perhaps, you're right. We have interfered too much in this, we only made things worse."

"But I really want to help them!" the acrobatic player raised his voice again, "Since the first time, they are hopeless! If only that girl doesn't show up-" he was promptly eliminated by a finger placed on his lips. Subsequently it sank in him, they were still in the middle of the class and unfortunately whole of its inhabitants were looking at them, including the one he was about to mention. She stared coldly at the two who caused so many ruckuses and Kikumaru was almost sure she understood every bit they were saying.

"Oops."

"Yeah, oops," Oishi replied grimly and added in a lower tone, "I don't know for how long she had been there watching us babbling about Tezuka and Fuji but I'm afraid she knows now, thanks to us."

"Ahhh!" the red-haired guy buried his face in a deeper frustration, "We only made things worse! Hell, you're right, Oishi!" In a mere second, suddenly he stood and grabbed the other guy on the shoulders, "We must take the responsibility, Oishi! We must do something to mend this! Please help me! Okay?"

The vice-captain was still stunned because of the sudden change and could not help but break a smile at the hopeful face of his partner. Added with puppy eyes, no one could resist him and Oishi was no exception. "Fine, let's think of something."

"Yay! That's my friend!" a joyful side of the acrobatic player had appeared and now was hugging his partner tightly in bliss. With a smile stripped on his face, inwardly the raven-haired guy realized that the Seigaku's Golden Pair had once again made their comeback.

*    *    *

Fuji made his way through crowds of students to the deserted school ground. Most of his friends had already sought for refuge from the rain inside the building, therefore he chose to go outside. He needed serenity now; it was the only way to clear his foggy mind. The wind was unforgivably cold, but he completely paid no heed of it. Anywhere was better, even with the biting wind, than being there with his captain.

Aimlessly he ambled to the row of trees guarding the tennis fields. The wind ripped several leaves off their branches and made a circular pattern around him. In spite of the strong blow, he could catch a sound behind him; someone had accidentally stepped on dried leaves. The prodigy frowned. Currently he did not appreciate nuisance in any form, let alone one of his fussy friends. His feet took him several steps ahead before he dashed behind of a tree and leapt to one of its lowest branch. Fuji perched silently, waiting as a girl with blonde waving hair came to his sight.

More frown appeared on his brow. He distinctly recalled her as a former classmate in his first year but could not come to a reason of why she was seeking him, especially in such a foul weather. Well, at least it was impossible she knowing his problem after all. After setting his mind up, the peering guy slid down from the tree and gracefully landed right beside the confused girl. She gasped when suddenly the one she was searching for turned up from out of nowhere.

"Fuji-kun!"

"May I help you," he offered as a name promptly crossed his mind when he took a better look at the girl, "…Sakuragi Tomoyo-san?"

A flush tinted her cheek; she never expected the famed Fuji Shuusuke would bother to remember her name for she hardly ever spoke to him. But the smiling guy in front of her did remember.

"Y-Yes, actually… I mean- no, I…" she stuttered as Fuji patiently waited for an answer. Her white fingers were still clutching the green fabric coating her chest as to calm her heart. The prodigy raised his thick eyebrows. He recognized these symptoms immediately since he had seen them for countless times before. Inwardly he cursed; even though it was not unforeseen, he felt no desire to deal with a love confession right now. His brain reeled fast to find a decent answer, also a polite refuse.

"I-I'm wondering if…" she gulped and tried with all efforts she possessed to resume, "-if you can-" she paused as searching for the right words, and the prodigy took his chance to cut in.

"I'm sorry, Sakuragi-san," he glided in to the conversation so smoothly and sweetly that the flustered girl barely realized she had not say the keywords yet. It took her several seconds until his answer dawned on her. She snapped her blonde head up and resolutely faced the deep aqua eyes.

"I should have known," her voice was quivering because of the dangling tears, nevertheless she forced a forlorn smile on her shaking lips, "I-I have heard the rumor that you have a fiancée of course, but the fool me still braved myself to tell you-" the remnant was swallowed as she bit her lips forcefully.

Those guys, Fuji thought grimly, remembering his teammates for they were the only one, as far as he knew, who had the piece of information, undoubtedly one of them had spread the news. Subsequently a voice reminded him of his fiancée. She had never shown any objection of their engagement, therefore why would not she brag about it before her friends in order to shield her betrothed from his fan girls? 

"You must really love her," she whispered softly yet pressing, as she was having a hard time in believing his upcoming marriage. The prodigy sighed inaudibly, knew that he must put some endeavor to convince her. Still, the simple statement needed some processing before a careful reply could be presented.

"Yes," he answered shortly, in a bitter tone. The other observed him in worry.

"Is there something wrong, Fuji-kun?" the girl inquired curiously, then added apologetically, "not that I suspect you of something…or is it because of me? I'm really sorry-"

"No, nothing," Fuji cut the rambling quickly, realizing it could take forever if he allowed the blaming to be continued. As an assurance, he gave her his sweetest smile, " You need not to worry, Sakuragi-san. I'm flattered by your feeling, unfortunately my condition handicap me to accept your confession. Really, I'm the one who should say sorry."

Another blush decorated her already-pink cheeks as she hid her face down; her gaze was fixed on the spot several inches behind him. Suddenly the blonde mumbled a 'thank you' and rashly excused herself. The tensai watched her retreating figure thoughtfully. After all, the rendezvous was not unwelcome. It shifted his thought from the never-ending matters concerning his engagement. And, he smiled in satisfaction, his gaze moved to the tree next to the one shading him, it gave time for his captain to catch him up.

Fuji leant back to the hard trunk lazily, waiting for the other guy to make an opening step. Deep within him, he was tired and definitely angry at Tezuka's escape. He was bored by his constant run every time they lay their eyes upon each other. Even though his logic desperately tried to explain the plausible reason for the abrupt leaving, he chose to ignore it. The prodigy was furious and revenge was very much welcomed.

He closed his eyes as his ears listened to approaching footsteps. Several seconds passed and as he estimated Tezuka had already stood before him –the wind coming from the front subdued a bit- the prodigy deliberately opened his eyes, staring straight to the steady orbs of his leader. None of them spoke and Fuji waited and waited. If it was a game of patience, he was willing to take part for he had never experienced defeat before.

The prolonged silence ultimately was broken by the expected looser. Tezuka opened his mouth, nonetheless his brown eyes were still cold.

"The lesson will begin immediately," he stated in an even tone. The prodigy was merely eyeing him with the least concern of any lesson, giving time for the pressure to be built. He watched fondly as the other guy grew restless in count of seconds and decided a next assault was ready to be launched.

"Do I care?" he answered nonchalantly, a smile was taunting his lips. Another given pause, then unexpectedly his hand reached for the back of Tezuka's neck, drew him near, and suddenly both brows were pressing each other. The taller guy was taken aback that he failed to react at the coarse action. The chance, of course, was not one to be missed by the cunning prodigy. Exploiting their exceptionally beneficial proximity, his tongue swept the other guy's lips in one slow motion.

A cruel satisfaction bred within him as he saw his captain's eyes were ceased to open. He had won the war eventually. Then, as he was enjoying the top of his victory, it hit him; a black vacant hole seemed to cover all over his mind with emptiness. It was different from what he had experienced this morning. The hole was consuming, spreading like a plague unfortunately too fast, and eating bits of his every feeling. There was nothing, even the malice triumph, left inside of him.

The shock, as its result, had yet to subside when another startling event took place. A pair of lips was pressed on his as he was pushed to the massive trunk; the back of his head was making a hard contact with it. His vision was blurred for a second and he chose to shut his eyelids down. Despite the painful throbbing, Fuji could feel the writhing lips and unexpectedly, he began to imitate the movements. Both were battling wildly as they were pouring their protracted frustration to the kiss. No one seemed to hear the bell ringing loudly, as the sign to start the first lesson.

When at last they broke the kiss, both breathless, the prodigy could feel the heat coming from the body before him. His hand had dropped to his captain's chest somewhere during the kiss, squeezing the dark uniform. In the other hand, the taller guy suspended himself completely on Fuji's –the lack of oxygen had left his body weak- while his temple was leaning on the rough tree. They stayed immobile, listening to the other's ragged breath for a while.

"Fool…" Fuji muttered in a low voice, barely a whisper. The word was due to both himself and his captain. Simultaneously, Tezuka reacted after the single word. He shifted his body a bit, until they once again were mutually staring. His visage was expressionless despite the emotion roaming his eyes.

"Do you expect I, who know you unfortunately too well, will fall to the same trap?" the cold leader evenly stated. Only the hurl of wind answering since the other guy was overran by his own feeling. As he gazed to the alluring brown orbs, he knew he was lost. In war I won, but in battle I lost, he thought grimly. Never had he expected, even in dreams, there would be someone who knew him to the very core. Yet, there was.

The genius was silently ruminating his predicament when the voice of his captain ebbed him back to the reality. "This is not going to work."

Barely coming back from his own realm, Fuji could only manage to look questioningly at the taller guy who freehandedly gave further clarification. "Us, we can not work this out. I'm going to America and you will be staying here, marrying her, having a couple of sons, and so on and so forth. That is what going to work."

Fuji stared and stared, as trying to compile the pieces of puzzle scattering in his head. The image was beginning to take form, yet not to one he was pristinely enraptured. Despite the dull prospect, he enthroned a smile, a hopeless one.

"So be it," he gave his agreement, all the way an unspoken oath of not bothering the other's life with more of his uncanny games. "Then this is the end, I suppose?"

The taller guy made no reply and merely spun on his heels, walking away.

*    *    *

On the D-day

Fuji looked grimly at his own image, reflected by the full-length mirror behind his wardrobe door. True, the good-looking guy staring back at him depicted a man about to attend his betrothal with the raven immaculate tuxedo. Despite his old man's warning about not throwing an expensive ball, his mother, with the sweet smile resembled her son's, was able to convince him a decent outfit was essential and irreplaceable by anything else. And here he was, wearing the luxurious suit and a blue silk tie. Fortunately, he managed to assure his mother, a bow tie would decrease his elegant appearance.

His bedroom door was pushed open and a brunette head peeked in. Yumiko smiled at her brother's lofty raiment and commented, "Well, that's better." She had aided his tie struggle saying 'bow ties are for waiters' which was protested promptly by her youngest brother who unfortunately wearing a red cute one himself.

Her brother gave a beam in return but did not reply. He watched silently as her beautiful sister glided in lavished with a pretentious maroon gown. She approached the place he was standing at and brought her hand up –her brother's height had exceeded herself in the last two years- flatting some out-of-bounds locks. Their gaze met and she let her hand dropped to her side with a soft thud.

"You're handsome," she said ruefully. "Really. If only I can-"

"It's fine," he cut her streaming words, refused to hear a single thing about his impending marriage and more of her sympathies. It was not nice to have your siblings pitying you all over the time. He believed his little brother had also been infected by the news, considering how polite his greeting was when he went home last night from his boarding school.

"I'm okay," Fuji started again when he saw his sister opened her mouth, "besides, she is not that bad, you know, compared to you-know-who. At least I've known her for a long time. It should be easy between us."

Really? He added inwardly and cringed in disgust.

Yumiko looked less convinced than before, as she could hear his unspoken thought. She observed the smiling tall guy before him scrupulously, hoping she could find a trace of unwillingness. The tense she felt? It could be a fragment of her imagination only. Unhappy face? Her brother was smiling for God's sakes.

At last she sighed in defeat. He was an actor too good to put away his mask as a happy man about to go to his engagement. A good son and brother everybody wished. She cursed herself for possessing the selfishness. She loved her boyfriend far too great to take the burden upon herself. She had actually met the you-know-who guy from Morita's family and despised him from head to toe. Perhaps, her brother was right. Saki was not very bad. But still, who was the eldest child?

As he could read her thought, Fuji suddenly said, "I'm going downstairs now, in case they have arrived. Be good with Shiro, Nee-san," and he added playfully, "can't wait too see your wedding."

Fuji trotted down the stairs with a great speed, as he could avoid his thoughts from chasing him by running and hiding. But of course the absurd idea was impossible to say the least and he could feel the unpleasant thoughts were creeping up once more, hovering over him like a black shadow.

A ring distracted him as he landed on the hard marble floor, finishing his last step with a light leap. He looked around for a while, wondering where the disturbing sound came from, before he felt a vibrate right from the pocket of his suit. He fished his cell phone out and looked at the name inscribed on the display. Oishi. Just the right person to call on the D-day. As long as he recalled, their little quarrel had not been discussed let alone finished. Both were not to blame since the two of them had a far-out amount of activities all of a sudden to be handled on these last days.

He stared at the phone for a second before resolutely decided to answer it. A very brisk voice responded to his greeting.

"Fuji? It may be inappropriate for me to call you on this day, I mean especially on this day…well, you know what I mean, but I have no other choice," he halted to take a deep breath while Fuji was still listening intently, "listen, I'm really sorry for what happened that evening, I don't know why but-"

There was a groan on the other line. Fuji raised his eyebrows; he recognized that vivacious voice too. Before he could speak his mind out, the newly heard voice had muttered in rather loud volume, "Baka! That's not the way of apologizing, Oishi! Don't keep babbling of something which has no importance! Get to the point!"

"Look forward, Eiji! You're driving!"

"Of course I know I'm driving! This is my car! Tell him or it will be too late!"

The prodigy smiled slightly, nevertheless he kept waiting until the dispute in Kikumaru's car had subsided. At last, his vice-captain's voice was heard again.

"Sorry 'bout that," he said heartily, there was a loud grumble of protest on the background, "Really, Fuji, I want to apologize, I shouldn't have hit you."

"Oishi-"

"Yeah, I know, I know I have no right to punch you but I just- Eiji! It's red! You can't just blast through!" He could make out some mumbles about 'it was yellow and just concentrate on the phone' before the frustrated guy tore his mind back to Fuji. "Sorry, things are going a bit out of control here. Okay, I lost my control that time. Can't explain why, so the only thing I can do is saying I'm really truly sorry," he heaved a sigh then resumed before the tensai had the chance to say a thing, "I realize that I didn't know the problem, yet I hit you who-"

"-deserved the hit as much," Fuji finished the sentence on his own accord and took the conversation amicably on his way, "Oishi, I have never done anything showing that I'm innocent in this matter, therefore I suppose you have any right to hit me, as I am the one who decide things that it's going this way. My judgments were poor, I realize that, but I had no choice. Forgive me too, will you?"

There was a silence but a rather comfortable one as the two were contemplating both situations and things were settled. Only the humming of engine and occasional horns blowing were heard before the vice-captain said in relief, "Thanks, Fuji. I have been dying to say those to you. Really, it's not nice for not having you around with your smile."

"Me too," the prodigy replied with a smile bloomed on his lips.

"So," Oishi said in off-handed tone as to make an impression he could care no less, "how are things going between the two of you? Don't answer if you mind to discuss it," he hastily added the last. "I'm just wondering if you are able to join us to fare him well. Eiji and me are going to the airport now, his plane will take off at 1 p.m."

Fuji felt his heart sank even lower. Inwardly he cursed for his forgetfulness in notifying his friends about the engagement. He sighed then answered ruefully, "I can't go. My betrothal will begin in any minute."

There was a loud silence engulfing them as soon after he settled the answer. Fuji took a glance at his watch: 12:05, before there was a reply from the other line. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know," Oishi apologized as he was receiving an obituary instead of pleasant engagement news. Kikumaru was taunting him with 'what?' when he resumed, "Well then…so, you can't go with us. We- really sorry, we don't know, you've never said a word-"

"Not that I'm proud to disseminate it," the prodigy said bitterly.

"Oh, all right," the vice-captain answered awkwardly, "Then, I'll see you later, Fuji. Congratulation- I mean, well- good luck in your engagement." He hung up.

Fuji stared at his cell phone for a full minute, his brain was rotating very fast but with no aim. It was blank as a white untouched paper. Absent-mindedly he put the phone slowly on the nearest table. He remained standing at the foot of the flight of stairs until the door several feet in front of him was opened and his brother walked out from the parlor, very much astonished to find him there.

"Aniki?" the little brother addressed him in a rather uneasy tone. Seemed the information of his older brother's sacrificing himself still more or less influenced his way of talking and acting in front of him. He cleared his throat and added slowly, "She is- uh, waiting for you inside," he waved to the slightly ajar door, "I don't know where the grown-ups are. Perhaps father is showing another of his business plan."

"Yuuta," Fuji suddenly said in a curious voice; he leant forward, cornering his younger brother that he was compulsively flattened against the door.

"I wonder if you have someone you love."

As expected, the south-pawed player blushed furiously at the out of the blue inquiry. "What the hell are you asking, at a time like this!?"

The older one only laughed, relishing the whole situation. He always found some satisfaction in teasing his bad-tempered brother and this chance –when he was all serious- was too good to be wasted. Not to mention, the prodigy was bored to have grim faces all around him like he was escorted to a funeral.

Still smiling, he walked into the parlor. Inside, he found his fiancée was staring through the ebony-framed window. Her wavy hair swayed slightly as she turned around to face him. The white gown she put on made her black hair even darker and her trimness more protuberant than ever. True, she was beautiful; still he could not state clearly why he was not in awe at her fabulous appearance. A flirtatious smile broke on her over-red lips, sweeping away all the reasons he had to find her likeable.

"Shuusuke-kun," she greeted sweetly and elegantly approached the newly arrived guy, "at last you come! I can hardly wait for this day to arrive, you know. All I can think about is our wedding and how we will arrange our life together afterwards!"

"Really?" Fuji responded with the most enthusiasm he could spare. The zestful girl frowned at him, looking disappointed.

"I can't believe you are not pleased to welcome me as your future wife. You realize perfectly well I am the best for you, regarding your father business and so on." There. She had played the trump. "I hope you know your condition, Shuusuke-kun. For the best of everyone."

The prodigy leant back to the sky-colored wall, feeling a great desire to show his tyrannous 'future wife' –as she stated- how good he was in making a fool of someone. He didn't mind to play her as the new target either, instead he found the idea rather inviting. His aquatic eyes stared at her with a smile playing on his lips. "Believe me, your worry had no base. Otherwise I wouldn't be standing here facing you." Yeah, I would be in my car, rushing to the airport.

"I reckon," he threaded his delicate way carefully, toning his words skillfully to achieve the effect he aim for, "you are the one who is oblivious to the condition."

She listened, fascinated, then answered gleefully, "Is that so? Well, if you must know, I'm as aware as you are about our condition."

"From your narrow viewpoint, yes," Fuji resumed calmly yet in a provoking way. The other began to felt cautious as she was facing a foe rather than her own soon-to-be husband. The pair of drowning ocean was still gazing unsophisticatedly threatening at her direction. "But from mine, you uncharacteristically let the situation slip out of your hand. I have never loved you, my dear, Morita-san. Nor will I in the future."

The disparaged girl clenched her fist in anger. Her blazing eyes bore into her fiancé's deeply, yet her voice still maintained its composure, one thing that was praised by the prodigy. She retorted evenly, still trying to win the game, "I can hardly believe it was your best effort, Shuusuke-kun. Of all the reasons available, I do hope you will say one plausible enough for that one is completely futile. Yet, I will answer that I don't care about it. You don't love me NOW but we'll see, on the moment we stand facing each other in the church, you will be head over heels falling for me."

Fuji almost burst out a laugh at the picture he fell in love head over heels with such an unscrupulous woman. Nevertheless, he found himself impressed by her unexpectedly deft response. He smiled modestly and replied, "It's a nice challenge. I think I should wait for you to come and steal my heart away. Ah, I forgot something," his smile became wider, almost apologetically, "my heart is available no more. My deepest apology, Morita-san, you have been outbid-"

"Don't you dare to ridicule me!" she suddenly yelled, fuming,  "I know who your imprudent boyfriend is! Your trusted golden pair had generously spared me the story of your obnoxious romantic liaison with your bloody captain! Just shut up or I'll tell your parents about this!"

"Please do so if it relieves you for I can promise nothing," the prodigy steadily answered, "But I must say I'm disagree to one part of your sentence. As nasty as he is, compared to him, you are lamentable. Therefore I can't understand why you said he was nasty while yourself-"

There was a loud sound filling the spacious parlor as Fuji felt a slap was donated to his left cheek. He grimaced a bit since it hit the same spot where Oishi had landed his fist several days ago. Fortunately, his habit of smiling all the time made it was easier for him to sustain the beam in place. He knew victory was at hand and had no intention to relinquish it anytime near future. 1-0 at last.

"It hurts, you know," The prodigy said nonchalantly, still both of his hands were buried deeply in his pocket and the red mark left untouched.

"Barely what you deserve!" his fiancée bellowed, her temper was towering, "Remember! For the sake of your family and your father's business, marrying me is your last option! I don't care whether you agree or not!" She was in the verge of tears, "Can't you understand!? I love you, Shuusuke-kun! Love you like hell! Why can't you-"

Her flooding words were ceased as she choked angrily. In the other hand, Fuji watched her, still impassive. He felt no pity even a little for the one devastating his happiness and unfortunately, he despised tears as much. Crying definitely would do no good in winning his heart.

"Keep silent as you wish!" she started shouting again, "but I will win! I know he's going to America TODAY! He left you! You know that I win!" An insane laugh escaped her lips. As minutes passed by, the laugh slowly died away, still there was no argument extended from the expressionless guy. The ballistic girl had no choice but returned the gaze resolutely. Both stayed in the strangling tense of stillness, waiting for the other to crack.

"My, my, getting hotheaded are we?" A cold voice all of a sudden cut the silence. Both of them immediately cast their eyes to the now-opened door and to their shock, seeing a tall man watching them with a displeased look on his face. Behind her stood a woman with a shock expression coloring her firm visage. Following closely behind her was the rest of Fuji's family. None of them seemed surprised by the quarrel.

"Dad!" she addressed the man anxiously, "did- did you hear-"

"Even if I didn't mean to, your voice is so loud that I could not help but to overheard a few things… unpleasant," he gave a visceral pressing on the last word. His eyes narrowed menacingly, "I hope I misheard what I had heard."

His daughter pursed her lips stubbornly, "It isn't my fault! He suddenly said that he did not love me despite his agreement to my proposal! He had agreed!" With that she glanced menacingly at the guy standing in front of him, as to say 'dare-to-talk-and-you're-doomed'.

Fuji let a monotone laugh out at the disdainful statement. With the corner of his eyes, he caught his father shooting him a warning look, which he utterly ignored. Everything was too late, not to mention that he alone felt his resentment breeding uncontrollably to the whole malaise situation. He stared calmly at his soon-to-be father-in-law and said, "As far as I recall, such agreement has never been made by my own self."

The older man raised his dark eyebrows in a dangerous interest and retorted, "I must admit I have never heard of this before. Then," he settled his gaze at his frightened daughter, "why the approval was sent to us? Surely you did not force him to say 'I do', did you?"

The quivering girl clenched her teeth and burst hysterically, "So what if I did!? I love him! That's what important and he'll marry me! Period! Who cares-"

People said there was karma and she received a hard slap on her right cheek. The shocked girl looked up wildly and found her mother stood in unbelieving disgust. Her voice was trembling with anger as she hissed, "Never for a second I've ever dreamed that I have raised such a pompous daughter. You're a disgrace of our family. Why I am cursed to have you as a child, I don't know."

The spoiled daughter was stunned. She searched helplessly for an aid from her father who was staring at her in equal distaste. Tears started to fall, ruining the make-up she had carefully placed. She watched silently as her mother walked approaching her almost-be parents-in-law and bowed low in apology. Her words were promptly swallowed by sobs released from her mouth, the watery drops incessantly running down her cheeks.

Fuji watched the train of events in bitter relief. If he knew her parents would react fairly, not a chance he would let himself to be swept in. He was observing her ex-fiancee when an even voice said, "From what we heard, you have never loved her, but you insisted in marrying her?"

The prodigy looked at the just man serenely and answered defensively, "Marriage doesn't have to conclude love. The well-being of hundreds of employees is adequate a subterfuge to form such a bond."

"Very well," the head of the Morita family looked indignant over his reply, "since you valued my daughter's happiness of being loved so lowly, I have no option but to call this engagement to an end for the best of everyone. I hope you don't mind, Fuji," he asked for a reply from Fuji's father who inclined his head slowly. "So be it. And you," he gave the prodigy an unfathomable look,  "why don't you hasten to catch that person up?"

The tensai stared in unveiled surprise. Saki also looked thunderstruck by her father's decision and with bulging eyes was about to protest when a warning look was sent at her way.

Even though he was blinded by perfect bliss, a cutthroat voice reminded Fuji over his other responsibility. Oh, right. The shebang, he groaned inwardly in despair. Immediately he searched for his father's eyes and began as he caught it, "Wait a second, Father, what about-"

"Do not concern about the business," his old man answered benevolently, his eyes were gleaming softly. "We'll take care of it. Just get him," he threw a metal gadget to his son. A key. "Take my car."

Fuji cast his sweetest smile at his father and promptly burst out of the door in a magnificent speed. The remnant families watched him out, followed by his brother. The father heaved a deepest sigh as his wife discerned fondly at him. "I can't believe I was able to do such a cruel thing to our son. It was almost too late. If Morita did not take the right step, our children would be living miserably together."

"My discourteous daughter is responsible to this disarray," the other man stated harshly as he took a glance at his sobbing child "therefore I-"

"Nee-san!" Suddenly Yuuta ran into the room, panic was written all over his face, even on the 'X' scar decorating his temple. His fingers were holding a white cell phone. "Aniki doesn't bring his cell phone!"

*    *    *

Fuji slammed the car's door and ran frantically to the main gate. Under his breath, he kept muttering prayers that Tezuka had yet to leave. He shot a glance at his watch: 12:56 and cursed so loud that several people turned, looked at him disdainfully. He felt his temper was towering –if only they experienced what he was going through, definitely their curses would be much more sordid- nonetheless he kept searching.

There was a ringing coming from out of nowhere and he halted almost immediately that an old woman strolling behind him collided successfully with his back. He mumbled a 'sorry' –which clearly was regarded inadequate, considering her hissing 'kids these days!'- as his cerebration was enlightened by an idea. Of course! His cell phone!

Quickly, he rummaged his pocket inside out, even taking his tuxedo off. A distinct remembrance of him abandoning his well-needed cell phone on a table crumbled his hope. His brain began to reel again as he weighed the profit and loss of each option he could think of. First he came to the choice of searching for public phone. Surely an airport would accommodate its customers well by providing public infrastructure. Yet, as far as he could see, no phone was on sight. Running off to look for it might be useless because the clock was steadily ticking away.

Second option was of course to find the information on which aircraft the captain was. He blamed himself for not asking his friends more about the plane. Luckily, giving up was never his expertise. As he was scanning around to find the information desk, a board displaying planes' arrival and departure caught his attention. He rushed to see it more clearly and found desperately that there were at least five flights to America that afternoon by different airlines.

The prodigy took a deep breath and dug his memory of what his vice-captain had told him before. 1 p.m. crossed his mind dimly. He was almost sure Oishi said the flight was at 1 p.m. and darted his sight back to the board. He came across to two flights departing on 13:00 and realized –with a sinking hope- one of them had the word 'departed' embedded beside it.

Stubbornly, he forced himself to concentrate at the last one and found the gate E5. He ran as fast as he could manage in the crowded airport but suddenly ceased his steps for he saw another handicap. The area which only passengers WITH BOARDING PASS could enter, not to mention there were two guards watching it closely. It was not long before another idea came approaching him.

He hurried off to the guards with a tense expression ready on his face and spoke hastily in an angry voice, "Guys, how could you let that man go!? There, you see that man?" he pointed to a certain guy wearing brown cap several meters ahead. "He is dangerous and I'm assigned to keep an eye on him. I'm pretty sure his pass is a counterfeit and I can't believe you are dense enough to be fooled!" Before one of them could speak on their defense, he added in undertone, "Check the next passengers meticulously or I guarantee your incapability will be reported."

They gave him anxiously vigorous nods and Fuji was let off easily. Unexpectedly, an old-fashioned way was still efficacious. He grinned guiltily as he heard they were yelling fiercely at a besuited man behind him about his boarding pass. Slowly, the shouting diminished, overrun by the buzzing of people around him. His feet dashed through the crowd, even leapt over a line of chairs, while his eyes were darting here and there for the existence of E5.

Fuji entered the E area and eventually found the E5, which was a door with two women in front of it, closing it. He could almost hear his heart screaming in agony, yet his feet refused to cease. The prodigy walked limply to the ladies who immediately greeted him with a smile as he stopped before them.

"Excuse me," he pushed a smile on his lips, "is this the plane going to America?"

"Oh, yes," one of them enthusiastically answered as the other shot her a reproachful look, "it's going to New York. Are you a passenger, Sir?" her smile faded a bit, "I apologize but the door has been closed."

He remembered himself saying something about he was not a passenger and walked over to the window, isolating him from the aircrafts coming and going. He stared blankly at his vague reflection on the transparent glass. No emotion was left inside him, just vacant. Then his mind started to scream.

It's her fault! If only she didn't force me into this, he probably would not be going at all! Why didn't I yell at her earlier!? Why didn't I speak first-hand to her father!? Why didn't I just run here and go to hell with everything!? Why didn't I-

Indeed, the prodigy stopped screaming as he felt a pair of hands was circling him tightly. He froze. He recognized those scents -he had nightmares with them surrounding him. He remembered these arms too, holding him safely that night. But it was impossible right? This person should be in the aircraft, sitting neatly on one of the comfortable seat with his future lay bright upon him. Then who-

"Miss me already?" the guy holding him suggested and Fuji felt he could break and cry right away. The deep calm voice swept away any doubt left in him. He knew this person. He loved this person.

"What- how- " he stuttered, unable to issue a decent question.

The other guy raised his hand slowly, showing a cell phone clutched between his fingers. "Someone's brother called me and said that his desperate aniki was on his way to win me back. Of course I could not decline such a polite request, could I?" Fuji promised he would kiss his beloved brother as soon as he got home.

Suddenly the prodigy felt a kiss was planted on his neck and his captain buried his face on his shoulder, which was still clad in tuxedo. Then he heard him whispered, almost inaudible.

"Thanks for coming."

Fuji had to bit his lips to prevent his tears from falling. Even if he knew they were not out of grief but relief, still it was shameful for him –a grown-up man- to spill them in public. He brought his hand up and ran his slender fingers through the chestnut locks, slightly tousling them. His lips caressed the strand of hairs lovingly. At this affectionate reprisal, the cold leader tilted his head and locked their gaze. Even though there was no smile on his captain's lips, the prodigy found his answers inside the warm brown eyes, knowing his azure ones mirrored the emotions they bore.

Their lips met and both knew the place where they belonged. At each other side.

---The End---

Notes : Okay, I know it's lame! I know lots of you are dissatisfied by the ending T_T And I apologize too if I made your favorite characters act weird and out of character! Very, very sorry, guys!Still, please bear in mind, this is just a fiction, no way it would appear in the anime. So if you feel like flaming me, push that thought to the back of your mind and forget it, all right? Any other comments are greatly appreciated! And the last but not least, thank you, guys, for your supports all the way! Really, I can't make it here if you're not out there giving me reviews! Billion thanks for you! Love you all!