(Notice: Amendment was made in the last part of the story, since I think that it would be quite weird for Tezuka to joke like that.Anyway, I might have misused some specific vocabulary, as I myself don't know much about driving an aeroplane. Please accept my apology and if you know about them, please kindly inform me. I want to make the story as great as it can be. ;) )

Chapter 4 - Crossroad

Traveling from Japan to the States took more than ten hours. During the long flight, those in the passenger desk could enjoy themselves by asking for a drink or sleeping. Tezuka, among one of them, chose to finish the magazine, read a few chapters of his book and take a nap. On the other hand, crews on the plane were having a busy time. Flight attendants needed to serve those demanding passengers and wear a warm smile on their face even when they were tired to death. Pilots, though could turn on the automatic driving system and take turn to look after the plane to gain some relaxation in normal occasion, were dealing with problems on the changing weather up in the ten-thousand-feet sky. The radar detected an extremely enormous area of thick cloud across the Ocean that might consist of thundercloud. It would be very risky to get into it. Therefore, after discussion, Fuji and the rest decided to avoid the cloudy area and take a different routine. Nevertheless, the weather has been very unstable all the way long. The crew had to stay alert almost in the whole flight and as the captain and vice-captain, Fuji and Saeki could only take turn to have a short break in the cabin before the plane almost reach the airport.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we will arrive at the San Francisco International Airport within half an hour. According to the time zone, the current local time is 19:46, which is eight hours behind Japan. It is a pleasant night…" After contacting the control tower, Fuji pulled up himself, cleared his throat and made the announcement in his usual and calm voice. Even the pilots were all exhausted after working for so long, they would not let the passengers to notice at all cost. They were professional and know the manners very well after all.

Hearing the familiar voice again, Tezuka opened his eyes. So I have dozed off, he thought, quite surprised about his lack of guard. Usually he would not fell asleep easily in public area. It was not because that he was afraid of anything. Having been receiving training from his grandfather since he was little, Tezuka has developed a habit to be alert in whatever occasion and not to let himself over-relaxed. However, he just went into deep sleep after finishing his book, when he closed his eyes and only wanted to give a break to his sore eyes before starting another one. Perhaps I am just too tired, he wondered. He knew that it was not the only factor though. Ever since he boarded the plane, an unusual feeling has built up in him. It was a special sense of comfort that he has never experienced before. Anyway, he was not going to look deeper. After the announcement was over, he checked to make sure that he has his seat belt fastened properly and sat in his spacious seat patiently, waiting for the plane to land.

Thirty minutes later, just as Fuji said, the flight landed smoothly on the runway of San Franscio International Airport. Saeki gave him a wink and a thumb-up gesture while Nakamura, the junior pilot who happened to have traveled with Fuji for a few times, couldn't help praising excitedly about the ability of Fuji being able to land so steadily every time.

"See how you have made the little boy so fascinated again! Indeed, Fuji, you don't only shine in tennis court. You shine in the sky too," teased Saeki, expressing his appreciation towards his childhood friend.

"If you don't want to get me into trouble, please keep your voice down," whispered Fuji. No joking, he really didn't want the enthusiastic tennis fan to bother him when he knew that he was actually an expert in this field.

Saeki understood and immediately changed the topic cleverly while they were waiting for the passengers to depart and their luggage to be loaded. "Ahhhhhh… By the way, this is really the toughest trip I ever had! How could the weather be so unstable? You know, although I am quite confident with my sight, my eyes can get tired very easily when needing to stare at the radar for several hours…" Saeki yawned and stretched his hands while continuing the conversation. Fuji, though still kept on smiling as he listened, failed to hide his tiredness on his face.

After making sure that the plane was deserted, the pilots switched off the main engine of the gigantic vehicle and left with their belongings. They got past the custom office and proceeded to the departure hall without any difficulties as usual.

The departure hall was always filled with visitors and it was quite difficult for you to search for a certain person. Nonetheless, with pilots' excellent vision, Fuji spotted the tall figure standing straightly beside one of the pillars, with his hands folding in front of his chest. Waving goodbye to Saeki, Fuji approached Tezuka.

"Looks like you are waiting for somebody. Need any help, Mister?" greeted Fuji in a playful way.

"Don't joke now, Fuji," responded Tezuka.

"Oh come on, Tezuka. We haven't been seeing each other for so long. Can't you be a bit less serious to your old friend?"

"…" Tezuka lifted up his briefcase and moved his steps. Fuji followed just behind him.

They didn't talk again until reaching the taxi station. "So where is your accommodation?" asked Fuji as they were waiting in the queue.

"Grand Hyatt Hotel. You?"

"I am staying in the Regency Hotel. If I haven't made a mistake, the two places should be quite near. So why don't we hire a cap together?"

"As you wish."

"Doesn't the airline company offer accommodation for their crews?" spoke Tezuka as they were on their way on the taxi. It was abnormal for him to break the silence as it was always the smiling tensai who started conversation first. After they got on the vehicle, though, Fuji has been extremely quiet.

"… Oh… After I was promoted to become a captain, I tend not to stay in those places. You know, there is still a distance between their quality and as I can afford to pay now, why don't I try different hotels…" Fuji's voice got softer and softer and at least, it was as if he was whispering to Tezuka.

Suddenly, Tezuka felt additional weight levied on his shoulder. Glaring at his right side, he found Fuji's head resting on his body, with his eyes closed. It was not until then did Tezuka notice the exhausted look of the person beside him. Fuji was sleeping very calmly and Tezuka didn't dare to wake him up. He asked the driver for a blanket and covered it over Fuji, his motion as little as possible. Then he concentrated on maintaining his posture in the following forty-five minutes, unwilling to cause any disturbance to the sleeping pilot.

The taxi arrived at the Regency Hotel first. After the car has stopped at the main entrance, Tezuka shook Fuji a little to wake him. "Fuji, wake up."

"?" Dizzy and confused, Fuji rubbed his eyes.

"We have reached the Regency Hotel."

"Eh? Ah, I see. I have dozed off, haven't I? Sorry if I have caused any trouble. And thanks for waking me up, Tezuka." He gave him a weak smile. Seeing the bellboys have taken his luggage and opened the door for him, he got off slowly. "Ne," He said as he turned back, "Having such a rare chance to meet you again, shall we go out together later?"

"I have a week off before the tournament began. Let me find you again tomorrow."

"Sure. I will be staying for five days as well. So perhaps we may get more time to hang out in these few days. I am looking forward to it. See you tomorrow then!" He waved and headed for the hotel. Seeing him went out of his sight, Tezuka demanded the driver to depart and the taxi disappeared on the driveway shortly afterwards.