Ok, last chapter. Well, this fic now has two endings, cos i've received many reviews requesting for a happy ending. This one is the sad one. Exact Same Reactions is the happy one. As much as i wanted to keep to my original idea of a deathfic, i want happy readers too, so i'm being my usual greedy self by risking it for the best of both worlds. heez... Anyways, i really hope you'll read both the endings and give me your sincerest comments. Long chapter ahead... i could have split it, but i though it'd spoil the flow, so i left it as it is. Enjoy, and sankyuu once again!

Disclaimer: i do not own any of the POT characters.

(words in /.../ are thoughts of the character.)

First Snow

Dawn creaked. Tezuka found himself awake, only to realize that he was woken up by a shivering Fuji. He quickly sat up and put on his spectacles. A quick glance at his watch. It was freaking 6:08 in the morning. He grabbed his own blanket and wrapped it around Fuji, over the two layers of blankets that were already covering him. He huddled the shivering body.

"Syusuke. Syusuke! Are you ok? Can you hear me? Syusuke?"

It took a few moments before Fuji's lids fluttered a little, and he started to respond.

"Mm...? Kunimitsu... I'm cold..."

Tezuka leaned his forehead against Fuji'. Damn, he was hot like an oven. He reached for the alert button by the bedside. Soon, a few nurses rushed into the ward. He lay Fuji back on the bed to allow the nurses to do their job. After a few routine checks, one of them ran out and came back with a doctor a few minutes later. Tezuka could only stand at the side and watch as the professionals fussed over the shivering man. He was on the verge of panicking.

/I shouldn't have relented and let him play tennis yesterday. It's all my fault... Please be fine, Syusuke...you have to be fine. /

The doctor gave Fuji an injection and put him on a drip.

"Sensei how is he?"

"I've given him an injection, that will control his fever for now, but it will keep him asleep for the next six hours or so, the drip is for his nutrition. As for the details, I suggest that you find out from this doctor in-charge, in case there may be implications. I will discuss his situation with him soon, he's been informed."

"Arigatou"

The doctor and nurses left the ward. Tezuka returned to Fuji's side. The injection had taken effect, his body wasn't shivering already. He tucked the man in nicely and sunk into the couch by the window. He closed his eyes in attempt to get some shuteye before Oishi arrived. It was not working, his mind was still racing, but that was the only thing he could do at the moment anyway.

7:20am

The raven-haired man walked into the ward. Tezuka's eyes snapped open the instant he heard the doorknob turn. He stood up. Oishi stared at the taller man in surprise. His mask of steel was giving way, anxiety was beginning to show on his face.

"Oishi. Is he going to be ok?"

The green-eyed man sighed.

"I hate to tell you this... but, you've got to be mentally prepared. Things are not looking too good. I'm afraid he won't last till tomorrow – "

"Why? How can it be? He was fine yesterday... we had a short game of tennis, and he was able to execute Hakugei! I... I shouldn't have let him play... not even that ten minutes. It was my fault!"

"Tezuka... calm down, listen to me. That was probably his last struggle. I had suspected this was coming since his sudden fever three days back, but I thought he would tide over this crucial period with you by his side. Seems like that's all his body could endure. His body is giving up, there's nothing much we can do now, except make him happy."

Tezuka's eyes stung. He felt like crying. He was losing the love of his life for the second time.

"No wonder... no wonder he told me all those silly things yesterday, about him being selfish and... He must have known he wasn't going to last long, that's why he begged for the tennis game. I should have known, I should have sensed that something was wrong! He could have been all right now if I did... I'm such a retard!"

The shorter man grabbed hold of Tezuka's shoulders and shook him.

"Tezuka! Stop blaming yourself, it wouldn't help the situation in anyway. Fuji wouldn't be happy if he saw you in such a state... I know it's tough, but you have to brace yourself. Do it for Fuji, Tezuka. The last thing he would want to see is to see you breaking down, do you hear me, Tezuka?"

The taller man couldn't believe himself. All along, he had been the unwavering one, the pillar of support for the team, the one who assured the team when they faced difficulties. Yet now, when that spirit of his was most needed, he was breaking down, and Oishi had to snap him out of his frenzy. He sunk into the couch again and closed his eyes. His mind was in a whirl, it was burning with rage and fear.

"Calm down, Tezuka. Don't think of anything else, just think of how to make him happy. I'll go inform the rest."

Oishi left, silence enveloped the bespectacled man. He recalled all the times when he and Fuji were together, the smile on Fuji's face, which contained love, happiness and bliss... It was a smile only he had the power to bring on, and it was indeed Fuji looked the prettiest when he wore that smile. He thought of the promise he made to Fuji, the one he was determined not to break again... Oishi was right. He had to brace himself, Fuji needed him most at such critical times, and he could not afford to break down. He needed to make Fuji happy, that was the least that he could do.

12:58pm.

Fuji's lids fluttered and he slowly opened his eyes. The effect of the injection had worn off. Tezuka quickly held his lover's hand and brought it to his face.

"Syusuke? Are you awake? Can you hear me?"

Fuji tilted his head towards the source of the voice and managed a soft smile.

"Kunimitsu."

A smile of relief breezed past the taller man's face. The man in bed spoke again.

"Eh? There's only you here? I thought I heard many voices... I must have been dreaming."

"No, you were not. All the regulars were here. And Saeki. But they went for lunch about 15 minutes ago."

"Mm... have I been sleeping for a long time?"

"Almost seven hours. Are you hungry? Do you want any food?"

"No... I'm feeling a bit cold. Can you hug me please, Kunimitsu?"

The taller man sat on the bed and cautiously helped the other man into his arms. He secured his arms around the slender frame. Fuji leaned into Tezuka's chest.

"Feeling better? Do you want me to get you a hot drink so something?"

"Mm. No, I just want to stay in your arms..."

The room fell silent. Fuji snuggled closer to Tezuka. He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the warmth his lover provided. For a long while, all that could be heard was their breathing.

"Kunimitsu, can you promise me something?"

"Anything for you, Syusuke."

"Promise me that you won't cry when I die..."

"Syusuke! You're saying silly things ag—"

"Please, Kunimitsu! Promise me... or at least, don't let me see you cry. It reminds me of the day you left me, those painful memories... promise me, Mitsu?"

Fuji had his arms tightly wrapped around the taller man's body. He was hiding his face in Tezuka's chest, and he sounded like he was on the verge of crying.

"I promise."

"Thank you, Kunimitsu. I know it's hard for you, but –"

"Shh... Don't say anything more. As long as it's what you want, I'll do it for you."

The door opened and a silver-haired man walked in. he smiled awkwardly at the sight of the two men huddled together.

"Eh... am I interrupting something?"

Fuji regained his usual smile.

"Not at all. I was just feeling cold. Come in, Saeki."

The silver-haired man closed the door gently and walked over for a chat with his long-time pal. A few moments later, a rowdy bunch of men walked in. Fuji watched as they streamed in one by one, filling the ward with their ruckus. Tezuka stood up and gave them a stern stare.

"Are you asking for laps?"

The noisy bunch shut up instantly. Kikumaru, Momoshiro, Kaidoh, and Kawamura stood still in attention. Echizen leaned against the wall and sipped from his can of Ocha (he grew out of Ponta), Inui was busy scribbling in his notebook, like always. Jiroh yawned and looked at the suddenly stiffened group of ex-Seigaku players, puzzled by their reaction. Tachibana stood at the doorway and watched in amusement, but at the same time in awe at how Tezuka still gained their respect as a leader. The silence was broken by a familiar soft chuckle.

"Ne, Kunimitsu. It's all right. Minna-san, thanks for coming, I really appreciate it."

The group of 'stiffened' men looked obviously relieved and thankful for Fuji's 'rescue' but they still remained silent, not daring to speak a word. Tezuka sensed that the tension in the room was due to his presence.

"I'll be outside, if you need me."

He gave Fuji's arm a gentle squeeze of assurance and left the room. Almost instantaneously, the noise level rose back to where it was initially. All of them flocked to the bed where Fuji lay, like reporters rushing to interview a superstar. All, but Echizen and Inui, who was still drinking his Ocha, and still writing his data.

Tezuka sat down on a bench just outside the ward. He could hear the racket inside although the door was closed. It was getting on his nerves, but he had to tolerate it, if that would make Fuji happy. Two figures stopped in front of him and he looked up. It was Oishi and Kunisuke.

"Otosan."

"Tezuka. You haven't had lunch, have you?"

"Hn."

"Ah... I knew you wouldn't have the appetite. I bought you some sushi. You must eat. How else are you going to nurse Fuji is you're all hungry and weak?"

The bespectacled man looked at his best friend. Indeed, he did not have any appetite, but accepted the sushi anyway.

"Arigatou."

"Otosan, why aren't you accompanying Fuji-ojisan?"

"Go in and see for yourself."

The boy and the doctor entered the room, and the answer came to light immediately. It was like a circus in there, nothing like a hospital ward at all.

Fuji felt weak. He was enjoying the company, but he was tiring out. In fact, he was starting to shiver again, but nobody noticed. They were all too engrossed in fighting for their chance to speak to the fair-haired man. They were talking about all sorts of things, from the latest movies, to the hottest tennis news, to the new restaurant in town that served excellent soba. It was Oishi who realized that his patient was shivering again, only that this time, he wasn't having a fever. He was just shivering, as though someone had poured a bucket of ice water on him. Oishi quickly dispersed the crowd and called for the nurses to bring in the stabilizer.

Tezuka was just about to start on his sushi when the door slowly creaked open and the previously rowdy bunch reluctantly walked out of the room wearing solemn expressions on their faces. He put down the box of sushi and rose from his seat with worry.

"What happened?"

Hazel eyes scanned the faces of the visitors. Worry, anxiety, sadness, fear... that was what he saw. Even Echizen looked the slightest bit worried. No one was providing him with an answer. His eyes finally met the cerulean ones of his son, waiting for an answer.

"Otosan... Fuji-ojisan was shivering. But I don't know why. Oishi-ojisan just told us to leave the room..."

The worry in Tezuka rocketed sky-high when he heard those words. He immediately charged towards the door of the ward, only to be stopped by a firm grip on his shoulder, halting him.

"Tachibana-san let go of me."

"Tezuka-san, don't go in. Oishi-san is giving him a check. Take a seat, calm down a bit."

Tezuka looked at Tachibana's firm gaze. He sat down in frustration, but he didn't stay there for long. Anxiety was getting the better of him. He walked over to a certain redhead.

"Eiji. You're Syusuke's best friend, you live with him... Tell me, what does he need, what does he want? Tell me, please!"

The redhead stared at the taller man. He had never seen Tezuka so anxious and worried before. The intensity in his eyes was tenfold that of the one his eyes bore when he came to Fuji's 'rescue' the night he broke down.

"Tezuka... Haven't you figured it out? Ever since the day you broke up with Fuji, he gave up everything. He gave up tennis, he gave up his career, he even gave up his health... all that he needs and wants is you!"

Heads turned when the door opened and Oishi, together with two nurses, walked out. It was an immediate reaction for Tezuka to go up to Oishi.

"What happened, Oishi?"

"It's no good. He's losing his strength, but there's nothing we can do. I'm sorry Tezuka... This might be... the last of him."

Oishi's green eyes flickered with agony and tears. Tezuka pondered over Kikumaru's words and turned to his son. He held the boy by his shoulders and looked deep into his azure eyes.

"Kunisuke. You might not forgive me for this, but I'll still do it. I just want to know your opinion... would you mind, if I marry Syusuke?"

The boy stared at his father in astonishment. Did his father just say something about marrying a guy? He stared at his father's brown eyes. They showed immense determination and passion. The boy felt like he was sucked into those stunning eyes. He felt his father's love for the blue-eyed man, and he saw the burning desire to bring happiness into that man's life.

"I don't, Otosan. He's a nice person, and I know the both of you will be happy."

The bespectacled man hugged his son in deep appreciation. This boy was a wonder.

"Thank you, Kunisuke."

Tezuka stormed into the room and froze at the sight of his shriveled lover. The man in bed looked even paler now. His pale lips formed a familiar smile, his sapphire eyes looked at the taller man longingly. Enduring the heartache that sight caused in him, Tezuka walked over and hugged the shivering body. He whispered calmly to the man in his arms,

"Everything will be fine, Syusuke. We'll make it through together."

Tezuka broke away from the embrace and stood up, holding Fuji's cold hand.

"Let's go."

The smaller man looked up.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll find out soon."

Fuji got out of bed and followed the taller man's lead. After taking a few steps, his legs went wobbly and he held on to his boyfriend for support. Tezuka felt Fuji throwing himself on to his body and turned around in worry.

"Are you ok?"

"I don't have the strength to walk..."

"That figures. You haven't eaten anything all day."

Tezuka slung Fuji's arm over his shoulder, bent lower bringing his arm behind Fuji's legs and swept the frail body off the ground. Fuji was taken by shock, but soon settled comfortably in Tezuka's strong arms. He smiled sweetly at his lover.

"You haven't carried me like this for a long time."

"I can carry you like this everyday if you would like me to."

Fuji leaned in to leave a soft kiss on Tezuka's lips.

Tezuka emerged from the ward with Fuji in his arms to face numerous surprised looks from Fuji's visitors. Kikumaru turned to the young Tezuka who was standing next to him.

"Where's Tezuka taking Fuji to nya?"

"I think Otosan's going to marry Fuji-ojisan," the boy replied calmly.

Kikumaru's blue eyes widened to the size of saucers and his sulking face lit up.

"Eh? Really? Nya that's the way to go!"

Kikumaru pranced after Tezuka, the boy following closely behind. The rest of the crowd had no idea where Tezuka was taking Fuji to; they just followed blindly in worry. When they walked through the lobby, Oishi saw Tezuka carrying Fuji out of the hospital and was about to stop him, but Kikumaru was a step faster. The redhead caught his boyfriend and kissed him, effectively silencing him,

"Nya, Oishi, don't stop him. Something good's going to happen! Tezuka is going to marry Fuji! So exciting nya! Let's just follow and watch ok? Please Oishi? How often do we get to see Tezuka going against regulations ne?"

The raven-haired man was lost in his boyfriend's sparkling blue eyes and continuous mumblings. He hadn't digested what Kikumaru had just said, but just nodded anyway.

Tezuka got to his car and strapped Fuji safely into the front seat before he himself got into the driver's seat. The young Tezuka got on as well. Tezuka took out a small box from a compartment and handed it to his son.

"Hold it for me please."

"Hai."

The rest of the crowd piled into Oishi's, Inui's, and Momoshiro's car, and they drove off, following Tezuka's car closely.

Tezuka stopped the car along the road, opposite a church. He got out, took Fuji into his arms, and walked into the church. The other three cars stopped behind Tezuka's and they all got out and entered the church as well. Tezuka cautiously put Fuji on a chair and he took the box from his son. Everyone had rushed in by now. Tezuka turned to the crowd standing at the side.

"Minna-san, please be my witnesses."

With that, he took Fuji's shivering hand and knelt down. He looked into the dazzling aquamarines he had adored more than half of his life. He opened the box, revealing two shiny rings. Oohs and Ahhs came from the crowd.

"Fuji Syusuke, will you marry me?"

Fuji's eyes sparkled with joy and happiness, but were soon drowned in sorrow.

"But Mitsu, I'm a dying man, and – "

"Don't say anything else. Just answer me. Will you marry me?"

Fuji searched Tezuka's eyes for any sign of faltering or regret. He couldn't find a single trace of indecision. His hazel orbs carried hope, sincerity, and love. A beautiful smile stretched across Fuji's face. He had been waiting for this day for 30 years.

"Yes, I do."

A smile of happiness surfaced on Tezuka's face as well. More Oohs and Ahhs came from the crowd. Even Oishi, being Tezuka's best friend, had never seen a full-formed smile on Tezuka's face before. The bespectacled man quickly put on the ring for his lover. Fuji put the ring on for Tezuka as well. Tezuka then stood up. Fuji called in whatever strength he had and stood up as well. He flung himself into Tezuka's embrace.

Kikumaru nudged his boyfriend.

"Ne, where did Tezuka get those rings from?"

"He had them since five years ago. But he never had the courage to ask for Fuji's hand because Fuji rejected to be with him again, remember?"

"Ooh... then, how come you know about it?"

"He told me, Eiji. But I couldn't tell you because I promised I'd keep it a secret."

Kikumaru looked at the newlyweds. He felt happy for his best friend.

"Ne, Tezuka! What are you waiting for? Kiss the bride nya!"

The crowd started clapping and chanting in synchronization.

"Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss..."

Fuji looked at his 'husband'.

"This is the happiest day of my life. Thank you, Kunimitsu."

The taller man claimed the delicate lips with his own. He deepened the kiss, and Fuji responded like he always did. Their tongues met and fondled around. They had done this plenty of times before, but this kiss seemed to be more special, more exhilarating. Fireworks of happiness burst in their hearts. Tezuka couldn't see Fuji's face, but he knew he was smiling. He could feel the smile against his lips. It was the prettiest smile Fuji ever had. It was for him.

But soon, that smile melted away. The hands around Tezuka started to let go, and Fuji started to slip away. He was no longer into the kiss. Tezuka sensed something amiss and snapped his eyes open. He managed to catch Fuji before he fell. He put him back on the chair.

"Mitsu, I'm tired..."

Fuji's lids were sliding close with fatigue. Tezuka quickly shook him awake. He was afraid that once those lids slid shut, he might never see those glistening blue eyes again.

"Don't sleep now, Syusuke. We'll go back to the hospital now. Hang in there."

The crowd watched as Tezuka lifted the frail body once again and strode out of the church. Tezuka was very worried. Scared, in fact. The body in his arms was nearly lifeless. He walked towards his car as fast as he could. He stopped in the middle of the road because he heard his name.

"Mitsu..."

He looked at the pale man in his arms.

"It's snowing. It's the first snow..."

A white speck landed on Fuji's cheek.

"Ah... Yes, it is snowing already."

Fuji smiled like a child.

"Look, it's beautiful isn't it?"

Fuji's voice was getting softer. Tezuka looked up at the sky. Random flakes of snow were floating down to cover the land. Fuji had always liked snow. He loved the way it would melt on his skin; he loved the way snowflakes gracefully descended. Fuji had always been fascinated by the miracles of nature. Winter was a season that suited Fuji perfectly. He always looked extra charming when the beauty of snow surrounded him. He looked like an angel.

"Hn, it's beautiful."

"Mitsu, I love... you..."

Fuji's voice trailed off. It was almost inaudible. A tear seeped out from the corner of his eye. Tezuka looked down, only in time to catch a glimpse of that tear gliding off Fuji's face. Tezuka shook the lifeless body in his arms frantically.

"Syusuke... Wake up, Syusuke. Syusuke!"

Fuji didn't stir at all. His body lay limp in Tezuka's arms. Tears stung the taller man's eyes. He knew what this meant. He held on to his tears, he had promised Fuji he wouldn't cry. He called in exasperation,

"SYUSUKE!"

Tezuka's voice was muffled by the sound of sirens. A black minivan dashed out from the turn at the corner of the church and went straight for the two men. It all happened too fast. All Tezuka could manage in time was to turn his back against the speeding vehicle to protect the love of his life...

"TEZUKA!"

The group of men previously watching from the side of the road dashed forward to the bespectacled man lying on the ground some ten feet away from the offending vehicle. The police who were hot on his heels arrested the driver of the minivan.

Oishi knelt down beside his best friend. Tezuka was still holding on to Fuji dearly. Fuji's body was almost unscathed; Tezuka had taken most of the impact.

"Tezuka! Can you hear me, Tezuka?"

Tezuka's eyes slowly opened to look at the raven-haired man. The rest of the group stood behind Oishi, watching helplessly in worry and fear.

"Oishi... Minna-san..."

"Don't talk too much. Hang on ok? I've told Eiji to call for an ambulance already. Just hang in there for a moment."

Tezuka looked at all his friends, and his son. The boy looked like he was about to cry, but he was controlling his tears. Blood flowed out from the back of the man's head.

"Minna-san... Please take care of my son..."

The boy knelt down and held his father's hand.

"Otosan..."

"I'm sorry, Kunisuke..."

Tezuka winced in pain. Blood spewed out from the corners of his mouth.

"I haven't been a good father – "

"No! You're the best father anyone could have, Otosan!"

Tezuka's blood-covered lips curved into a smile full of pain.

"And you're the best son in the world. Be strong... Kunisuke..."

The bespectacled man turned to place a bloodstained kiss on Fuji's cold lips. His lids fell shut... Tears flowed down the boy's cheeks. Snow fell.

Don't stop reading here! Go on to the Epilogue.

Erm... if you're wondering about the black minivan and the police, the driver of the vehicle was being chased because he commited robbery. So, Tezuka and Fuji actually did a good deed ne?

Fujiko-chan: Kill me if you must, but hear me out first ne? Well, i really couldn't bear to kill Fuji too, i love him too!! But I've read so many fics in which Fuji dies. WHY? Why is it always Fuji that dies, Tezuka never dies? so i had this saddistic idea of making Tezuka die. But if Tezuka died, Fuji would be so shattered and sad. i don't wanna see Fuji sad nya... So came along the idea for my fic. Best of both worlds ne? Me and my greedy self again...