a/n: This is one of my favorite pairings! However, since there aren't many of these two with the personalities I see them as having, I asked a friend to write a story for me. She (blackharu2) got three-quarters through chapter one and forgot about it. I was distraught! I wanted TezFuj love! So, I edited what she had and continued the story. This is my first attempt at a fanfic, so bear with me. Also, I don't enjoy a lot of angst. I like my couples to be together quickly, so there isn't a long courtship.

An Opportunity

It was a regular day, just like any other: morning practice, school classes, lunch, more classes, afternoon practice, and then home. At the close of the activities, as he was walking home, he thought about their next competitions and who was ready. He slowed his pace to keep up with the myriad of thoughts in his brain. Not noticing the first droplets of rain, he continued to think about the upcoming matches. The light drizzle soon turned into a hard downpour. He finally acknowledged the weather and ran towards home.

He made it home rather quickly, but not before his brown hair stuck limply to his face and his school uniform was soaked and attached to his body. With blurred glasses and squeaky shoes, he opened the door and stepped inside the comfort of his house. He, then, took off his shoes and placed them neatly on the ground.

"Kunimitsu? Is that you?" a womanly voice drifted through the large house.

"Yes, Okaa-san, it's me," he answered, as he started for his room.

"Well, a friend called for you--"

"Who was it?"

"--He didn't leave his name.."

"Okay. Thank you, Okaa-san," he replied.

"Of course, dear. Would you like anything to eat?"

"Not right now, thank you. I'm going to take a shower."

Shivering and dripping, he made it to his room. He grabbed a change of clothes and a towel and headed for the bathroom. As he walked in, he set his pajamas on the counter, then took off his wet clothes and placed them on the tile floor. Tezuka started the warm water and stepped into the shower.

Minutes later, he exited the washroom, dropping the wet clothes off in his laundry bin. He pondered on who might have called him, as he walked to the kitchen to prepare some tea. He put water in the kettle and placed it on the stove, then turned to get a teabag and cup. Soon, the kettle screamed its high-pitch note, indicating it was hot enough. The buchou delicately took the pot and poured the boiling water into the cup.

Putting everything in its rightful place, the sandy brunette walked back to his room and settled into the chair by his desk. He took a sip of his butterscotch tea and sighed softly in contentment. Just as the cup touched the wood of his desk and he let go, a loud sneeze overwhelmed his nose. He reached for a tissue and continued to sneeze a good deal more.

He checked the clock and decided to make it an early night. Tezuka quickly finished what little homework he had and made himself comfortable in his bed. As he placed a hand on his forehead, he felt himself to be warm. He figured it was just from the hot tea. A few minutes later, he began shivering, but blamed it on the rainy weather. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep.

Eventually, dreamland claimed him, but it was not for long. He remained vexed throughout the night, tossing and turning. Finally, morning came. His clock bleeped it's alarm and he reached up with a weary arm to silence it. He peeled himself up off his bed and changed into new school clothes. He then washed his face, but ignored the purple bags beneath his eyes.

As quickly as his tired body would let him, he was ready for morning practice and school. He grabbed his schoolbag and tennis gear and took his lunch from his mother, voicing a thank you. Tezuka pushed the weariness from his mind and rushed to school, wanting to be early to set up and then speak with Ruuzaki-sensei about the members.

Coming into view of the clubhouse, he noticed two persons conversing. One was Ryuuzaki-sensei, while the other was harder at first to make out. As he got closer, he realized it was Fuji. Tezuka believed Fuji to be a prodigy just like everyone else and was glad he played for Seigaku. Personally, however, Fuji unnerved him. He popped up without a sound, smiled continously, and made comments to see how others would react. He was also pretty by everyone's standards, including Tezuka's. This made the buchou even more uneasy and he felt like he had to keep his guard up at all times.

"..Fuji.." he mumbled under his breath, now close enough to the figures to hear parts of their conversation.

The said boy turned around. "What was that, Tezuka-buchou?" he asked smiling sweetly.

"Ah, Tezuka, we were just talking about you," the coach cut in.

" About what?" he questioned, flinching slightly.

"Mm, I was just telling Ryuuzaki-sensei that I called you yesterday, but your mother said you weren't home yet. It was quite late. So, I got concerned and then wondered if there were, uh, problems I should know about," he opened his eyes ever so slightly and gave the buchou an impish look. The coach felt the atmosphere between the two and pondered why she hadn't retired yet.

"There is nothing going on and no problems. I was just caught in the rainstorm," he explained rationally, sending the other male a glare. "I would like to speak with you, Ryuuzaki-sensei-" he stared at Fuji, "-in private, please."

"Of course, Tezuka," the older woman replied. She glanced towards Fuji. "Thank you for your insights, Fuji," she stated kindly before heading off with the captain. Fuji watched them walk towards the office.

It wasn't very long until the others began to show up. Eiji was first to appear and immediately starting ramblng to his best friend, Fuji. The light brunette kindly nodded every now and then to show he was listening to his energetic friend.

Next to show up was Ryoma, riding on the back of Momoshiro's bike. They stealthily tried to make it to the clubroom without being seen. Unfortunatelyly, Eiji noticed him and gave the freshman his overdue glomp. Momoshiro laughed at the smallest regular and headed to the clubroom talking with Arai shortly before changing. As soon as Oishi appeared, Eiji stopped bugging "ochibi-chan" and attached himself to his doubles partner. Fuji watched the whole scene play out in front of him with a smile on his face. He then looked over to where Tezuka was talking with Ryuuzaki-sensei and observed intently their private conversation.

It was a while before Tezuka finally finished his talk with the coach and approached the team. He started to explain the outline for the morning, sneezing a few times in the process, and let them know that Inui had prepared a new juice last night. They all sprinted away quickly.

"Hold it!" Tezuka-buchou ordered hoarsely. All members came to a sudden stop.

"I have a game for us to play," Inui said evilly. "Who's up for the challenge?"

The members looked scared and furiously shook their heads, at least until their buchou glared harshly at the group of tennis players.

"I have set up a new obstacle training course" Inui explained. "Whoever fails at a station has to drink my new and improved Inui juice version 666. Whoever doesn't finish the course in the alloted time has to drink it. And anyone who collapses has to drink it. I have set up who will start where. You can not start a new station until the previous member is done. Therefore, everyone must stay on time or else no one will finish on time. Ready?" he asked pushing his thick glasses up with his index finger.

"Oh, C'mon! Why?" Momo whined, along with Eiji. Oishi tried to persuade them to stop and just go along with it.

Fuji smiled happily, "I love Inui's juice, Let's play. Hurry, hurry," he rushed the others.

"Fsssssss, Inui-sempai, you're cruel," Kaidoh mumbled softly, unwanting to be heard.

"I'm not cruel Kaidoh. I just love trying out new exercises," the manager replied with a bittersweet smirk on his face.

"Inui-sempai, if you love playing so much, why don't you join too?" Echizen Ryoma asked rudely, pulling the tip of his hat down.

"Yeah! Ochibi-chan's right!" Eiji agreed.

"Yeah!" the others chorused unhappily.

"Everyone will play!" Tezuka growled, "but now I want you to run 5 laps before you start the course and no extra time will be given to compensate!" he ordered, breaking into a coughing fit.

The members groaned and started jogging before more work was added. Fuji stopped running for a moment to look at his captain. He saw him half kneeling on the ground, hunched over coughing. The coach was bent over him, patting his back. Fuji's smile faltered and his eyes held a concerned look. He ran back the short distance and stopped by Inui. He grabbed a cup off the bench, swallowed it in one gulp, complimented the manager, and then moved towards Tezuka.

"Tezuka? Are you alright? Would you like some water?" Fuji heard the coach ask.

His coughing fit subsided. "I'm fine," he managed to say in a hoarse voice. Fuji picked up his water bottle and walked the rest of the way to his captain. He held out the container and the sandy brunette looked up at him questionly.

"Here," Fuji said, "you look horrible." He snickered softly and saw Tezuka glare at him.

"Fuji... You should be running," the buchou croaked before another coughing fit engulfed him.

"And you should be home," the tensai retorted. Closing his eyes and returning the familiar smile to his face, he turned to Ryuuzaki-sensei. "May he be excused from practice today?" he asked.

"That's not necessary. I'll be fine, Fuji!" Tezuka barked, standing up. "Go finish your laps. I'll..."

Fuji interrupted him, opening his eyes fully and staring back at him. "Ryuuzaki-sensei?" he asked, his tone serious.

"No," Tezuka continued to protest. Bloodshot eyes glared at Fuji as another deep cough broke forth.

"Tezuka, don't talk. This is not your choice," he said with a voice as cold as steel. The captain continued to glare.

"Alright," the coach sighed, inwardly shaking from the chilly atmosphere. "He really should be home in bed. Fuji is right, Tezuka. You won't be any good to yourself, or the team, if you get seriously ill. Take today off and go home."

Fuji's eyes closed and his smile reappeared. "If it's okay with you, I will make sure he gets home!" he suggested cheerfully. Sumire agreed and sent them on their way, thinking Tezuka had more than just the illness now to handle.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo-

The two regulars walked to Tezuka's house in silence. The taller of the two had his arms crossed stubbornly across his chest, trying not to cough, but not succeeding very well. The tensai kept glancing at his captain with a mixture of concern and enjoyment on his face.

"What, Fuji," the buchou said sternly, not even looking at the shorter male.

"Hmm?" Fuji answered, smiling mischieviously.

"Is my illness amusing" he asked tersely, taking the time to glare at the other, followed by a cough.

"Oh, look! We're here!" The tensai bounded up the front steps and opened the oak door for Tezuka and himself. He waited until the other was in before closing the door behind him. They both took off their shoes and placed them neatly on the ground. They then went to Tezuka's room. Fuji prodded Tezuka into taking off his jacket and laying in his bed underneath the covers.

Once the buchou was tucked in, Fuji went to the kitchen and made them both a cup of tea. When they were steeped to perfection, he headed back to Tezuka's room. Upon entering, he saw the blankets half thrown off and Tezuka curled up into a ball. The sandy brunette's brows were knitted tightly together, showing discomfort.

" Tezuka..." Fuji whispered into the other's ear. The buchou jolted upright. He felt his ear brush against something soft Whipping his head in Fuji's direction, the two came nose to nose. A light shade of crimson crept over the buchou's cheeks, while a sly smile appeared on Fuji's face.

"F-Fuji..." Tezuka choked out, willing his reddened cheeks away.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," he responded in a mock tone as he wagged his finger. " You can't kiss me, Tezuka, you're sick"

The said man scooted back and glared, feeling the flush return. Trying to regain his composure, he closed his eyes and pushed up his glasses with his index finger.

"Fuji, what do you want?" he asked with a sigh, keeping his distance.

The tensai lifted up the saucer and teacup and smiled widely, while cocking his head, "I'm hurt Tezuka. I'm just bringing you some tea."

The buchou took the cup hesitantly, uncertain of it's ingredients.

"Now, Tezuka-buchou­, where do you keep your medicines?"

"The top left in the cabinet in the bathroom," Tezuka stated. His new nurse scampered off, leaving him wondering if he should have stayed at practice. The captain put the teacup on the bedstand and laid down in his bed trying to get warm again. Before he could even close his eyes, the shorter tennis player came barging into the room with a brown bottle and spoon.

"Here we go, buchou" he chirped. "I found the perfect one."

He read the directions once more and then had Tezuka take two spoonfuls of the cherry flavored medicine. Then he made him lie down again, since the shivering and coughing had begun anew.

"My dear buchou, what am I going to do with you? You look so miserable!" Fuji's mouth half pouted, half smirked.

"I feel miserable," Tezuka responded looking up. "Still, I guess I should thank you for taking care of me," he added.

Fuji's eyes opened in surprise. His features softened as he replied, "I'm actually happy to do this. I know I tease you a lot, but..."

Another coughing spasm hit Tezuka, interrupting Fuji. He saw Tezuka shaking with chills under the blankets. He had been glad when this chance to be alone with Tezuka occurred, even if he didn't find out today if Tezuka had any feelings for him. But seeing how sick his buchou evidently was, had Fuji deeply worried. His arms ached to hold him, to comfort him. Eventually, his desire to be close and help the person he liked overcame his fear of rejection. He took off his jacket and climbed in bed with Tezuka. He wrapped his arms around the buchou's waist and pulled him near, his chest meeting Tezuka's back. He cooed, "It's okay, just relax. Let me help warm you up."

After the initial shock, Tezuka silently agreed with the idea and leaned back. Fuji smiled, then whispered, "Get well, 'Mitsu." He buried his head into his buchou's neck, feeling the other's muscles begin to relax and the breathing become more even. Eventually, all shivering subsided and the coughs became infrequent. Fuji just let himself enjoy the closeness for awhile and then drifted off to sleep himself.

An hour or so later, Fuji awoke, realized where he was and smiled. He looked at Tezuka who was laying on his back, sleeping peacefully. Fuji rolled to rest his head gently on his buchou's chest, thinking about whether he should stay or go, since he was unsure of Tezuka's reaction once he woke up. A few minutes later, strong arms wrapped themselves around him, causing Fuji to startle.

"Hmm, I'm glad you made me come home to heal. This is very enjoyable," Tezuka whispered.

Fuji lifted his head to look into deep brown eyes. "I agree. And it only took you getting very sick. I've been dropping hints for awhile now."

"Is that what you call all your glances and your taunts? I thought you were scheming."

Fuji laughed. "Well, I was plotting, but they weren't meant meanly. I was just thinking of ways for you to notice me or me to get close to you, hoping you'd pick up on the hints and reciprocate."

"I guess I misunderstood. Sorry. But I do-" Tezuka smiled and moved a hair away from Fuji's eyes, "-reciprocate." He ran his fingers through the tensai's hair, letting his hand rest on the back of Fuji's head, as he started to pull himself up. The tensai purred at the touch and leaned forward. Both sets of eyes closed as their lips met in a soft kiss. The kiss deepened while they fell back onto the bed, their fingers entwined in each others hair. Tezuka felt a new cough welling up and couldn't suppress it. He broke the kiss to turn his head.

Blue eyes clouded slightly. "I finally get you where I want, Mitsu, then I forget about your illness. But since it wouldn't be considerate to take advantage of someone when they're sick," Fuji chuckled. "I'll wait until you get better."

Tezkua grinned. "But this is the most fun I've ever had while being ill. I think I'd like to see you try to take advantage of me."

"Hmm, well in that case. For starters..." the tensai began, but was interrupted by a musical sound coming from his jacket pocket. He retrieved his cellphone and sat back down on the bed facing Tezuka. "Moshi moshi" he said into the phone.

"Nya, Fuji. Where are you? Is our buchou ok? He didn't make you run laps for helping him, did he?" Eiji chattered.

Fuji's brilliant blue eyes sparkled mischeviously. "No," he laughed, "no laps. I'm still here with him. I wanted to wait until his fever broke, before leaving. It was very scary, Eiji. His fever got so high he started hallucinating. First, he started yelling at himself for missing practice and tried to make himself run laps. It took all my strength to stop him. Then, his eyes got as big as saucers, and he started shaking with fear. I tried to get him to tell me what was wrong, but all I could understand was cup with legs, juice, and Inui."

At this, Tezuka rolled his eyes and muttered, "Just because you're the only one that likes his juice."

Fuji placed a quick kiss on the buchou's lips. "Shh."

"Nya. You made him all better though, right? Oishi's so worried, he's barely paying attention to me," Eiji whined.

Blue eyes sparkled brighter. "Oh yes, I was the perfect nurse. Now he's resting peacefully like the teddy bear he really is."

Tezuka grimaced.

"Teddy bear, nya? He's more like the abominable snowman! Hurry back, Fuji, and tell everyone he's okay. I want my Oishi happy again."

"Hai, hai. I'll be there soon. Tell the regulars he's doing fine and will be back yelling at us tomorrow."

"Arigato. Bye-bye."

Fuji clicked the phone off as Tezuka spoke. "Great story, Syuusuke. I can only imagine what Eiji will turn it into as he repeats it the rest of the day. Our buchou, the hallucinating teddy bear that hangs around with a giant man-cup of juice screaming at everyone and making them run laps. Hmph!"

"But Mitsu," Fuji laughed, "I couldn't resist. I'll correct it all when I get back to school."

"No, no, please don't try to fix anything. My imagination is overworked already," he begged with a small smirk on his face.

"Well, then, be a good patient, lay back down, and rest. Even though I'd rather stay and play "doctor" with you, I really should get back to school. I'll come by after practice."

"Yes, nurse." Tezuka said sarcastically. "I'll be your star patient, sleeping until you return and saving up all my strength. Will I get a reward then? "

Fuji smiled, eyes twinkling. "Of course, you will. Now, you can take the next dose of medicine in an hour and call me if you start feeling really bad. Otherwise, I'll see you tonight," he said as he leaned down and gave his buchou a long, sweet good-bye kiss.

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