Disclaimer: I don't own PoT

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Eiji carefully unfolded the letter. It was indeed from Oishi. He'd recognize that neat and precise handwriting anywhere.

His hands shook as he read the letter. There was no way this could truly be happening.

The Seigaku regulars watched him. There was an astonishing array of emotions crossing the young acrobat's face. He was crying again. Fuji started to go over to comfort his friend, but Tezuka's hand on his shoulder stopped him mid-step.

"This is something between Oishi and Kikumaru alone. If he feels like telling us he will, but if not, you will not pester and/or manipulate him to get the details."

Eiji,

I know this probably a cowardly way to do this but, I wrote this letter… well actually this is about the 600th draft, I think know I'm beginning to drive Kiyoshi nuts.

I'm just having a hard time putting into words what I'm feeling. Eiji, you've been my best friend since as long as I can remember, and I don't want to remember the times before, because they were most assuredly bleak without you there.

I'm planning on just leaving this letter at your door and running. Lame I know. I just want you to get your feelings straight before I see you next.

I have a confession to make. I was awake the whole time we were studying. I know you kissed me, I know you said I love you. I can't even begin to tell you how happy that made me.

Eiji, I've loved you for a long time, such a long time. I never told you because I figured there was never a chance that you could love me too. That's why I want to know if it was real. Do you really love me too? I know I'm probably a new obsession for you, but I'd be fine with that. Even If you're not sure, I'd be willing to wait forever for you.

This sounds like something directly out of those sappy romance movies you like. But know this now. I will never stop loving you Kikumaru Eiji.

Love love love love, (it feels so good to be able to finally write that word)

Oishi

Eiji's hands shook. Shock evident on his face, then there was a smile and more tears. No one really knew what was happening. Eiji threw his head back and began to laugh quietly clutching the note to his chest much like he had done to his racket a few days ago. He carefully folded the note and stuck it in his zipper pocket, all the while laughing, crying and smiling.

"Eiji?" asked Fuji hesitantly. "Are you okay?" He asked sitting down on the couch next to Eiji, the rest of the team soon following him.

"Oishi's an idiot," he mumbled smiling and using the back of his sleeve to wipe away some tears, only to have them be replaced a moment later. Not quite the response Fuji was hoping for. Kiyoshi came to join the group at the couch.

"Kiyoshi? Thank you" Eiji said leaning forward to hug the other man around the waist

"He finally told you." It was a statement not a question. "I had nothing to do with it… It was all his idea." Said Kiyoshi smiling sadly and patting Eiji on the head. "I just feel sorry-"

"Don't be."

"What?" asked Kiyoshi confused.

"I said don't be. Don't be sorry. I know the truth. Oishi knows the truth. There are no regrets… Besides, it was there when we were younger… " Sighed Eiji wistfully. "I can imagine how our life would have been, and it would have been wonderful… but it's okay. We're the Golden Pair… we'll meet up again," said Eiji with a smile.

"Later!" said Kiyoshi in alarm. "You promise me you'll meet up again later!" he said forcefully grabbing Eiji by the shoulder and forcing the shorter man. Eiji looked up.

"Wish I could say the thought hadn't crossed my mind," mumbled Eiji. Kiyoshi looked angry and gave Eiji a shake.

"I promise. Later." He said louder. Kiyoshi smiled.

"Oishi would have killed me if I let you do anything that stupid." Said Kiyoshi. The college boys waved at Kiyoshi.

"I have to go now Eiji. Remember your promise… and come and visit, you're my friend too," smiled Kiyoshi giving the acrobat a brief hug goodbye before he left with the other college guys.

"Eiji?" asked Momo. Eiji turned and smiled.

"I'm fine… or at least I will be." Said Eiji leaning back against the couch a small, but real smile on his face.

"… what did the note say?" asked Fuji. Eiji blushed and sat up.

"Well I suppose you guys have a right to know. It was just Oishi being stupid."

"How so?" asked Tezuka a bit confused as to how anyone could consider his friend stupid.

"Oh, he just was blind to the fact that I was in love with him, am still in love with him." Smiled Eiji. Taka, Kadioh and Momo looked shocked at the confession. Eiji threw an arm around Momo's shoulders.

"Wanna know a secret Momo?" asked Eiji. Poor Momo sitting right next to Eiji was not the best spot at the moment.

"Uh, sure Kikumaru-sempai," said Momo hesitantly not entirely sure that the redhead wasn't drunk, or insane. Eiji leaned in real close and whispered in Momo's ear.

"He said he loves me too." Momo turned to look into Eiji's smiling face.

"That's great for you," Momo offered unsure of what reaction he was supposed to have.

"No. It's wonderful!" said Eiji happily. "But Oishi and Kiyoshi are mean!" pouted Eiji starting to get slightly hysterical again. "He said he'd wait for me! But he didn't!" He gave another silent sob before collapse on poor Momo who didn't have a clue what to do. It seemed that no one in the group knew what to do. Fuji rubbed Eiji back, and Momo sat perfectly still hoping not to disturb whatever was going on it Eiji's mind. Mrs. Oishi seeing the group came rushing over.

"Eiji? What's wrong?" she asked kneeling in front of Eiji. He gave a strangled sob and collapsed into her arms falling to his knees in front of the couch. Momo was secretly relieved.

"shush. Shush. It's okay," she said rubbing his back and petting his head. In a few moments time Eiji was fast asleep.

"Is he gonna be okay?" asked Momo.

"He'll be just fine now. He finally said goodbye." Said Mrs. Oishi. "He's going to be asleep for a while. Can one of you-" She was cut off by all his teammates jumping forward. "Just put him in Shuichiro's bed for now," she smiled and placed a kiss on Eiji's forehead before handing him over to his teammates. She was sure they would take care of him.