Author's Notes: This is the last installment to this series. I loved and hated working with this as it has given me both happiness and frustration. It's been fun though. Silver Chains has used a lot of ideas I have. I know there are some who don't agree with the way things are going, but I have reasons. Some might be explained, others will not. If you want to ask anything, please feel free to contact me through my LJ (livejournaldotcom/users/yumeyana) or through my e-mail. I will answer any question you have.

Fic Notes: As usual, italicized words are either the character's thoughts or flashbacks. Because I started the series near Christmas, it will end in the same season. It's not Christmas anymore, I know but that is where I started.

Dedication: First, to all the people who read and reviewed, thank you. You have made me happy. Second, to my sister, Reeza, who has been very supportive of this. She has been my beta-reader and editor. Thank you.

Disclaimers: The luckiness of owning Tennis no Oujisama and all its characters belong to Konomi Takeshi-sensei. Luckily, I own Tezuka and Saeki's silver chains as well as the plot.

Without further ado…

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Silver Chains

Chapter Seven: Silver Chains

"How did you know they were the same?"

It was the first question Saeki could think about when Fuji told him about the Silver Chains. After all, the chains were simple enough not to stand out. But the tensai strongly believed that it was the same.

Fuji pointed at the design. "Don't you see, Koji?"

"If I did, do you think I'd be asking you?" He had no time for his best friend's games. This was serious, dammit. He shouldn't be playing!

"It's looks simple but if you look closely, you'll see that it's actually a chain of infinity signs."

"Infinity?"

"Uh-huh…"

"The mathematical symbol of infinity that means 'without end'?"

"Aa…"

He let himself fall on his bed, the pillows surrounding him almost swallowing him in the process. With the recent changes that were supposed to happen – and were happening – in his life, it almost seemed like there was nothing he could do but sit back. Everything was happening so suddenly. Just too fast…

He remembered the first time his neesan told him about the move to Egypt. His parents hadn't agreed at first, especially his mother, but in the end they thought it was better for him to go. He had always been interested in Archeology and it was too good an opportunity to just let pass.

Saeki sighed. Of course he knew it was too good an opportunity to pass. He had dreamed of going there to see the pyramids all his life. Yet when it was presented to him a few weeks back, the enthusiasm was gone.

Cerulean eyes closed, mind wandering to what caused the enthusiasm to fall. Or rather, who.

Kunimitsu…

It wasn't just the silver chains that brought them together. It wasn't just the chains that were binding them… it was them. He and Tezuka. Them. They wanted them.

Yet…

There was still something keeping them apart.

There were times when it was obvious that the Seigaku buchou still loved the tensai. It was hard, he knew, to forget Fuji. Especially since Tezuka almost experienced being loved back. He had nothing against it. He had been there.

At times, Tezuka seemed to be happy with him – just him. Times where he seemed to have forgotten the pain, the love he had for Fuji. Times where he seemed to have moved on. Or at least tried to.

Che. This is so uncool. So un-me.

Saeki turned to his side. He sometimes wanted to ask whether he was just a replacement. Yet whenever he tried to, there was this intuition… this feeling that he really had a place in Tezuka's heart. A place not just for a friend but for something more.

Kunimitsu, tell me, will you?

Tell me before I go?

And then perhaps…

Perhaps…

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"Have a beer, Kunimitsu."

He raised an eyebrow. She knew he had been against her drinking. That and he was still underage.

"Oh come on. I haven't been drinking for some time." She winked, handing him the can. "You can handle a little alcohol, ne?"

"Hannah…"

She rolled her eyes. "It's shandy, stupid. You won't get really drunk. No, scratch that. You won't get drunk."

"I prefer coffee at six in the morning, not beer or shandy."

"Fine, fine. I'll get you coffee, old man."

It was six in the morning, he reminded himself. It was too early to get pissed off with such small things. Even if his trainer had called him 'old man'. It was all about patience.

He put his hands together near his forehead. He should be sleeping right now. He hadn't slept a wink in the last twenty four hours. Yet even though his body was asking for some shut eye, his mind refused to lie down.

But really I should consider at least lying down. Coffee would not help me settle down my nerves…

"Here, you go."

He gave a slight nod. "Thank you."

Hannah picked up her can of beer, eyes scanning her student. She knew there were secrets between them; they weren't really that close to begin with. But she was the teacher and he was the student. There were some things she should advice him in.

"How's your shoulder?"

Tezuka's hands gripped the cup's handle slightly tighter, yet his face remained as expressionless as ever.

"Your doctor told me that it healed a month ago."

He bit his lip. He didn't expect that to leak out. But Hannah was – is – his trainer.

It was true. His shoulder had healed a month ago. He should've gone back to Japan a month ago. But he was still here in Germany. Why was he still here anyway?

"Are you running away from something? Are you hiding?"

Was he? If so, from what? From who? Was there something he was afraid of?

He sighed. He wasn't supposed to be an alien to these feelings stirring in his heart. He had experienced it before with Fuji. But it was that experience that was making him feel afraid. At least slightly.

What if Saeki felt he was just a replacement, a rebound? What if the signals he was getting wasn't really real, that Saeki was just affectionate and nice? What if they didn't really mean anything?

She put a hand on his shoulder, staring straight at those doubtful chocolate eyes. "Don't entertain second thoughts. They only lead to so many others. Trust your heart, Kunimitsu. It whispers so listen carefully."

A moment of silence passed between them, Hannah's words weighing more than he knew she intended.

Wait. Something was wrong.

He raised an eyebrow. Had he heard right? Words of wisdom from Hannah?

Grinning, she withdrew her hand. "The first part's from Ally McBeal. The second part is from me."

"Oh?"

"You don't believe me?"

He sipped his coffee. "No."

"Why you…"

But she's right. I know she's right.

Thank you, Hannah…

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"A party for me?"

Fuji smiled, trying not to show the jet lag he was feeling. He had no time for rest. He only had a few more days before Christmas arrives. And he wanted the best Christmas for his best friend… leaves.

"Yes. Atobe and I arranged it."

Saeki raised an eyebrow. "Atobe? Did I hear you right? You and Atobe working together?"

He knew of the tension between the two. He understood both sides and knew of the sentiments of both. In Fuji's case, it had been more of him being the best friend and he knew Fuji well enough. As for Atobe, it had been Jiroh who told him.

But now, they were working together. What exactly happened?

Azure eyes opened. "It's for someone I love."

The Rokkaku fukubuchou shook his head, a smile forming on his lips. Simple words, he knew. But he also knew that the tensai would do anything for the people he loved.

"What would Echizen say if he heard that, hm?"

Fuji's eyes closed again, laughter on his lips. "Saa… Would you like to know?"

"Kotowaru1."

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-December 23, a day before Christmas Eve-

"Would you kindly explain to me what you are still doing here?"

Tezuka spared her a look over his shoulder. He was busy, can't she see? Besides, she was supposed to be in Australia. What was she doing here?

"It takes time to book a ticket."

"Oh? So you really booked one?"

"I'm already packing, aren't I?" He zipped his bag close. "And why aren't you at Australia? Don't you have a game today?"

She smiled. This was really amusing. "Can't I worry about my student? I want you to be happy, you know…"

"Hannah, I know you're worried and I'm thankful." He let out a rare smile, handing something to his trainer's open palm. Closing it, he continued, "A simple thank you. Merry Christmas."

She watched Tezuka get his bags and head out the door without another word. It was only then she realized how the room looked. There were no books. The framed picture his team had given his before was no longer present. The bed was too neatly made.

There was no trace of Tezuka left in the room.

A sad smile escaped her lips, her feet leading her outside the room. She can look at whatever her student gave her later. It will only be a few more hours to Christmas anyway.

But for now…

Sayonara, Kunimitsu.

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-December 24, seven in the evening, the beach near Saeki's house-

It was still early for partying yet the party was already in full swing. Saeki looked around and he was sure he saw Kajimoto and Wakato in one corner. Mizuki, Yuuta, Atsushi were also there. Also present was the whole Seigaku and Hyotei teams, which he expected since Fuji and Atobe had been the ones to plan the party. And of course, the whole Rokkaku family.

"Like it?"

Saeki turned around, smiling. "Thank you, Atobe. You even coordinated with Fuji just for this."

The Hyotei buchou shrugged, running his hand through his hair. Fuji wasn't a bad person, really. He was just a difficult person to deal with. And they had settled their rift, right? Plus, this was for Saeki.

"Has Tezuka called?"

The silver-haired merely shook his head, averting his eyes. He did not want anyone to see that momentary flash of sadness. He was in a party of Christmas, for goodness sake! He was supposed to be happy! Happy, happy, happy!

"The night is young, Sae," Atobe said, putting an arm around his shoulders. "He still has a few more hours left."

"Aa…"

"Saeki-kun, wonderful party," called out Mizuki as he approached. Eyes widened, scanning the boy from head to foot. "And not to mention, wonderfully sexy get up."

He laughed nervously. "Thank you, Mizuki. You look good as well."

"Yeah, even in glittering purple," Atobe whispered, suppressing an urge to snort. Saeki bit his lip, trying to prevent himself from laughing.

"You think so?" the Rudolph manager said, twirling around to give the other a full view. "I designed this myself."

"Mizuki-san, where have you…" Yuuta stopped short, a smile making its way up his lips. "Sae-niisan!"

Saeki's face practically beamed at the distraction. He refused to comment further on Mizuki's fashion sense. "Yuuta-kun! How's Yumiko-nee?"

Atobe watched, amused at the exchange. He was glad that Saeki was enjoying party though it lacked one important factor. He patted his friend's shoulder, excusing himself from the group. He needed to find Jiroh. That sleepy boyfriend of his might be clinging to Marui or Fuji too much for his liking.

Tezuka, for once, drop that cool act. He wants just one call from you.

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"Minna-san, can I please have your undivided attention please? Just for a minute."

Everyone stopped talking and faced the Seigaku tensai. Fuji smiled.

"Thank you. Now, in a few minutes, it will be Christmas. Atobe, Jiroh, Ryoma and I have prepared a fireworks show that will represent as a countdown towards midnight. Enjoy the show!"

Saeki raised and eyebrow at his approaching best friend. "Fireworks as a countdown? I don't think I know you anymore, Syu. You weren't a romantic before."

Fuji grinned. "Oh, I was. You just didn't know."

"I didn't know, huh… that's unusual."

The tensai pulled his best friend closer, whispering near his ear. "Saa… Actually, it was Atobe's idea. Just don't let him know that you know."

Saeki laughed, shaking his head. Who knew that there was a romantic and mushy side to the Hyotei buchou? One of his endearing qualities, perhaps?

"Saeki-san, Syusuke…"

Fuji turned around, eyes opening at the sight of his boyfriend. "Finally got away from Dan-kun and Aoi-kun? Or did they let you go?"

"I highly doubt the second one, Syu. Kentaro's a pretty persistent guy."

Echizen rolled his eyes. He was tired and he didn't really need the teasing. He had just spent most of the night with two of the most persistent guys he knew, sans his sadistic boyfriend.

"We all love teasing that brat of a boyfriend you have, Fuji, but I'm afraid you'll have to put it on hold. The fireworks are about to start."

Golden eyes glared at Atobe. It was his birthday, dammit! Didn't anyone respect the birthday celebrant anymore?

Plus… didn't Fuji remember what today meant? All he did was to attend to the party's needs and to Saeki. He knew that the tensai's best friend was about to leave soon but this was just one day. He didn't like being immature or childish here, but… It was his day. Can't Fuji just give him a little indication that…

Wait.

He glanced at his right hand. Fuji had intertwined it with his. And those eyes weren't watching the fireworks. They were watching him.

He just had to smile.

Saeki was happy, really he was. The fireworks were beautiful, the party was wonderful. His family was here; his closest friends were here as well. There was really no reason to be unhappy.

He just wished he was here.

He took his eyes away from the fireworks for a while, settling on the sea beyond. He smiled wistfully. He loved this sea and he knew he will miss it. He had spent most of his life here, surfing, playing with Fuji and the others.

"Thirty seconds!" someone shouted from somewhere in the crowd.

Cerulean eyes blinked. Were his eyes playing with him or was someone standing near the shore? It was too dark…

The fireworks exploded in the sky once more. He wasn't mistaken. There was a silhouette…

His eyes widened. Impossible…

"Kunimitsu…"

The silhouette smiled, mouthing something. Saeki cocked his head to the right. What was Tezuka saying?

The buchou repeated it and this time, the message was relayed.

"I'm home."

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FIVE!

Earth eyes stared at the beauty beside him, more attracted to it than the wonderful fireworks display. Months ago, he wouldn't have thought it was possible. He had never thought his heart would heal that easily. He had never though he would love again in a short expanse of time.

FOUR!

But here he was now, standing beside Saeki, the person he once thought of as a rival for Fuji's heart. The person who unconsciously helped his heart to heal. The person who, cliché as it may sound, made his heart beat.

THREE!

Tezuka smiled, eyes moving towards Saeki's silver chain. Perhaps, Fuji's destiny theory was right. Yet coincidence or not, this feeling he had for this person was real.

TWO!

He reached beside him, intertwining his fingers with Saeki's, causing the Rokkaku fukubuchou to glance at him. There were so many things to say… but there was only one thing he knew he could say right now.

ONE!

"I love you."

Saeki's azure eyes widened. Fuji opened his eyes. Echizen, Atobe and Jiroh suddenly turned their heads towards Tezuka's and Saeki's direction. The voice was undeniably Tezuka's. Only the Seigaku buchou had that kind of deep voice.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The silver haired shook his head, grinning as he jerked Tezuka towards him. The other fell out of balance and right into Saeki's arms.

"So you traveled all the way from Germany just to tell me that?" He placed his face closer, now an inch away from the taller one's face. "I'm glad you did."

Fuji smiled softly as he watched Saeki lower his lips to meet Tezuka's own. He never thought it was possible – he had even doubted his plans at one point. Yet here they were now – kissing – underneath the fireworks-filled sky.

Twist of fate, destiny, serendipity… Tezuka and Saeki's silver chains. Tezuka and Saeki's love.

Even with the silver chains, even with fate, it wouldn't have ended like this if Tezuka and Saeki didn't have any feelings for each other. It all boiled down to love, really.

Love had made destiny inevitable.

"Happy, Syusuke?"

The tensai turned to his boyfriend, staring into those golden eyes. There was so many things he knew he should explain yet he knew Echizen wasn't asking for that right now. They weren't exactly needed as of the moment.

"I have you, Ryoma. What could possibly make me sad?"

The freshman smirked and reached up to place a kiss on Fuji's lips. "Couldn't agree with you more."

Jiroh grinned, hand tightening around Atobe's hand. Everything was right. Everything now belonged to its right place. Everything was where it should be.

He pulled the Hyotei buchou to his height, holding Atobe's face firmly in between his hands.

"Love you, Keigo."

"Love you, too, Jiroh."

Once upon a time, there were two silver chains. These chains were unlinked and far away from each other for in between them stood a jewel. They fought for the jewel, each one staking everything for it.

But the jewel wasn't theirs for the taking.

Yet, rather than causing a rift between the two chains, the jewel linked their lives together.

For even if the two silver chains fight the wind and go against the revolution of the world, the strings of destiny would always weave their lives as one.

And chain them together.

For that was where they truly belonged.

.o.w.a.r.i.

:25May05:

:02:00pm: