Title: Let Go
Author: Kikumaru_twin
Email: Kikumaru_twin@hotmail.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: None of the characters used in this work of fiction belong to me.
Note: This story has SHOUNEN-AI in it. If you do not agree with or find this to your liking, please leave and refrain from comment.
Summary: What will happen when the rigid customs of society prevent the happiness of two lovers?
Pairings: Tezuka x Fuji ~~ Echizen x Momoshiro ~~ Inui x Kaidoh ~~ Eiji x Oishi


************************************


Chapter 1


Seigaku had many rules.


Probably the most infamous was the best known one-- NO DATING ALLOWED.


It was strictly reinforced, and those who broke it face first a warning, then suspension, and finally expulsion. But of course, as all know, rules are made to be broken.


Over the years, it had risen to the status of the most dicussed and was the center of gossip. Sure enough, there were plenty who carried on relationships in secret, behind the prying eyes of the teachers. But those never lasted. There were those who did it for the adventure, others for money, and some for fame. And those who dared any of the three was doubted by many to have the word "commitment" in their vocabulary. Seigaku could be a very boring place and some saw a need for change.


Those with small fancies or transient affections were urged by their friends-- the boys to ask and the girls to confess. And if they ever did, they'd return, either accepted or rejected, but either would earn them a welcome amidst a chorus of giggles or laughs, with their faces burning from shame and embarassment. Yes, it certainly was a wonderful topic to gossip about.


But all these workings were done subtly, behind the scenes, and unbeknownst to teachers.


However, every so often there did emerge a pair, serious about their intentions, different from the usual. The atmosphere of talk would change for such couples, as if all others grasped the seriousness of the situation. And, such a pair did come forward, only a week prior. Two juniors, not well known, but certainly, by the time the news spread, had acquired more attention than one could ever want.


It was one afternoon, and they had been simply walking to class, but holding hands. A teacher had spotted them, questioned both the boy and girl. But it seemed, that both of them were more committed than most could've imagined, and defiantly confessed themselves.


The next day saw no more of the pair. The rumors spread quick as fire, and by second period, everybody knew about their suspension. But towards the end of the day, they did witness to leaving of the two, with none other than Fuji bading them goodbye at the gates. It was common knowledge they were his very good friends, and he wished them good luck with a small smile. Anyone who new Fuji well enough would see past that contented smile, the grateful and enthused expressions of the couple's faces, so blatantly obvious directed towards the tensai, and it left no doubt in their minds that Fuji was somehow involved.


And, this outrage remained the top subject for discussion in the weeks to come, from the cafeteria to the classroom, from the teachers to the students, from the photography to the tennis club.


"Ne, Tezuka, I have great respect for them," he commented.


They were in the library doing tasks normally appointed to Oishi and the captain. But due to Oishi's last minute absence (he said he had to tutor Eiji or something along those lines), Fuji had accompanied him instead. Tezuka was amidst his usual pile of books, but the other was lounging by the window.


Tezuka frowned slightly for two reasons. he always considered himself below such gossip, and these topics disturbed him. And also the fact that Fuji was no doubt involved in this uneasily nagged at him untiringly. Fuji was always involved-- it was just his nature.


Seeing as the captain did not respond, he continued.


"Demo, buchou, wouldn't you think it much more interesting if it were two boys, ne?"


Tezuka stopped in midstroke, his pen poised above the practice chart. Even though he could not see the other's face, he knew what was there-- a smile, one of much content, much like a cat who has finally found amusement. It was a subtle but blatant challenge, which for once, Tezuka did not quite know how to meet.


*


And so, it begun.






It was a week later and the statement was still nagging at his mind. The stance, the voice, the suggestive tone he used. He had been around the prodigy long enough to know that something unexpected would happen, and that no amount of forethought could brace him for things to come. But no matter, he could not let something interfere with his play. It wasn't that unusual for Fuji to say such things anyway.


It still didn't explain, however, why he was still constantly on Tezuka's mind.


He mentally shook himself out of reflection and redirected his focus-- not that it mattered much. His opponent was Momoshiro, and even though the tall player was quite exceptional, he posed no real challenge.


5-0, he thought, and then we can end practice. The last game ended fairly quickly, and he had managed to remain rooted to that same spot the whole game. Nifty trick it was.


"Wow, buchou, you sure don't show much mercy, ne?" The sweat was glistening on his forehead and neck. The water collected in small droplets, then rivers, and they flowed southward, either off his chin of into his shirt.


He wiped his forehead, swung his racket over his shoulder, and extended his right hand to shake. Tezuka accepted it indifferently.


"Don't worry buchou, I'm gonna beat you before you graduate."


He winked and laughed, and turned to go.


"Oii! Echizen," Tezuka could hear a couple courts over, "you litte runt-- won already?-- ne, stop it with that smirk-- I too can beat you!-- Ahh, just shut up chibi, let's go change."


It sometimes puzzled Tezuka why such an antisocial and cocky person like Echizen would put up with the purple-eyed kid, even letting himself be teased, made fun of, laughed at...


And the last he saw was Ryoma, with Takeshi's arm slung around his shoulders-- the former with a disgruntled, but not entirely unrelenting expression, and the other with carefree happiness. And their backs as they retreated around the corner.


"Demo, buchou, wouldn't you think it much more interesting if it were two boys, ne?"


No. He shook his head. He must not let Fuji's mind games get the better of him.


The captain stayed a while longer to instruct the freshmen, but soon, feeling slightly annoyed with the whole environment, bade his own goodbye and retired to the tennis shed.


Massaging his temples (he could feel an impending headache), he opened the shed door, only to look up and be greeted by the sigh of a shirtless Fuji.


He did not know why, but Tezuka felt himself mentally stuttering a bit at the image and could feel a red tinge paint his cheeks and across the bridge of his nose.


"Ne Tezuka," greeted Fuji, "it must be pretty warm outside?" He chuckled softly and reached for his shirt.


He was being taunted, and he knew that Fuji was well aware of his thinkings.


"Hello, Fuji. No, in fact, it really isn't that bad..."


"I just happen to have a slight headache," he finished, hoping it sounded plausible.


The other nodded in mock understanding. "Saa, I see."


The other slipped his arms into the sleeves and began to button up. Tezuka, seeing it was pretty awkward that he was standing at the door motionless, stepped further inside the place, set his tennis items on the bench, and began to dress. They changed in silence for the next minute. Tezuka, in the corner, facing the wall, and he hared not turn around, for fear of what unexplicable reaction that would result from him. No, Tezuka would not risk it.


"Ne, Tezuka," Fuji said, breaking the silence, "want to go somewhere tomorrow evening?"


Tezuka paused what he was doing. he was not quite sure what to make of it.


"What would we do?" he asked cautiously.


He hadn't said no. This pleased Fuji immensely-- not that he had expected any different answer.


"Anything fun."


No, this did not reassure Tezuka one bit.


"You know," he continued, "ice cream, the park, the movies, a walk, anything you'd like."


He smiled.


And for some odd reason, Tezuka's headache grew.


He cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose that would be fine then..."


Fuji waited expectantly for Tezuka to finish.


"... but, I need to clarify something..."


At this, Tezuka raised his head to look at Fuji, directly in the eyes, as if trying to pierce his soul. And it seemed like a few minutes passed, with Tezuka staring, slightly opening his mouth at times as if to say something, but deciding against it, and closed once again. Finally, he gave up.


"A-ah, nevermind."


Tezuka dismissed the matter and turned to gather his belongings and leave. He packed his tennis racket into his bag, and folded his clothes into a neat bile before placing them into a cubby. All the while, he could feel a pair of eyes drilling into his back, and it made Tezuka choose his actions carefully, although for no clear reason. When he had finished, he straightened himself, slung the bag over his shoulder, and stepped outside. Fuji was still in there.


"What time?" asked Tezuka.


"Oh, around 7:00. I'll be at your house," came the ready voice from inside.


Tezuka started to close the door, but before he could fully shut it...


"Rest assured," said Fuji, now at the doorway with his belongings, and a queer look in his eyes, "this is not a date."


Seeing as Tezuka could not really respond, "Well then, ja ne."


He waved and left in the opposite direction.


Tezuka did not know why, but he felt a mixture of relief and disappointment. Maybe even slightly naked, because Fuji had read him so well. It was highly perplexing.


And his headache worsened.







Date completed: 02-29-04