Chapter 3

The next few days passed without incident. Tezuka returned to his role as team captain as if nothing had happened, with only an occasional cough. Although the regulars noticed that he and Fuji acted more like friends now, no one was wise to the events that ocurred in the buchou's bedroom. A few times however, Eiji did catch Tezuka gazing at Fuji and smiling. He didn't dwell on it for too long, since everyone seemed happy.

Though the pair acted as only friendly teammates during school and practice, they got together each night. They would leave separately, then meet at the bench under the red maple tree and walk to Tezuka's house together. Having make-up work to do from missing classes on Monday meant little time for fun, but they managed. Subsequently, they were looking forward to the week-end.

On Friday, Tezuka announced that practice would be short. He wanted the team members to get a good rest over the week-end to be ready for the tough scrimmages set for the following week. Not surprisingly, no one grumbled. He gave them the warm-up routine and the drill schedule and sent them on their way. About halfway through practice, Tezuka noticed that Fuji seemed slower than normal. As he continued to monitor him, he realized he was beginning to look pale and a little shaky. He walked over to talk with him and arrived the same time as Eiji, since the redhead had noticed his friend's condition as well.

"Nya, Fuji, are you okay?" asked Eiji concerned.

"Syuusuke, you look sick. Go sit out the rest of practice," said Tezuka gently.

"Hai. I do feel a little light-headed," replied Fuji. He turned slowly and began walking to the bench.

Eiji started to follow, but Tezuka stopped him. "Eiji," he directed, "go back to your drill. I'll take care of him." Eiji looked at the captain, slightly surprised at his mild tone. He decided not to question him and just do as he was told. "Maybe our buchou has a soft spot after all," he thought to himself. "I'll talk to Fuji later."

Tezuka watched the rest of practice while standing near his ill appearing teammate. He got him a water bottle and told one of the freshman to get some ibuprofen from the coach's office. He then made Fuji take the pills while apologizing quietly.

The tensai looked up into his eyes. "Mitsu, it's not your fault. I knew what I was doing. And I enjoyed it, every minute."

The team captain smiled, "Me too. I'm glad you made me go home and stayed with me, but I'm still sorry you caught my germs. At least I can take care of you this time. Practice will be over soon and then I can get you to my house to rest." Fuji nodded.

At the end of practice, Eiji and Oishi ran over to see how their friend was feeling. Oishi sat down next to him and asked, "Is there anything we can do? Can we walk you home?"

Fuji smiled at the two regulars. "Arigatou, but our buchou has already offered to take me home. Turn about is fair play, after all.," he remarked. Oishi noticed the speaker's eyes open slightly and twinkle.

Eiji scrunched up his face, oblivious to body language. "Well, if you really think he'll help you, then I guess it's okay. I'll call later to check up on you. Get better, ne?" The Golden Pair then turned and walked off to the clubhouse to change.

When everyone had finally left, Tezuka was able to lock the clubhouse door and head home with Fuji. He carried both of their gear and placed his arm around his friend. He felt responsible for Fuji having caught his illness and wished he could make it go away. It didn't matter anymore if they were seen together as a couple. He realized the Syuusuke was too special to him to worry about what others thought..

As soon as they arrived at the house and removed their shoes, Tezuka made Fuji get right into bed. Then after tucking him in, he went to the kitchen to make tea and get a light snack. He knew the fever and chills could start at any time. He rushed around, worrying that Fuji would be very sick and berating himself for letting this happen. Upon returning to the room, however, Tezuka was greeted with a relaxed tensai, lying comfortably with his hands behind his head. "Syuusuke," he said quizzically, "you're not feeling sick?"

The tensai rolled onto his side. "I feel fine now. The little bit of dizziness is gone and I haven't even coughed or had any fever. I guess preventive herbs really do work. I'll have to thank my sister. But," he said with a large grin as he scooted over to make room on the bed, "this means I can fully enjoy your taking care of me this week-end." Tezuka set the tray on his desk and came and sat next to Fuji. He cupped his partner's face, looked into brilliant blue eyes and whispered, "I'm so glad you're okay. I've felt very guilty about making you sick."

Fuji sat up and wrapped his arms around his friend's waist as he answered, "I told you, I don't care. Besides, it got me you."

Tezuka leaned in and met his partner for a kiss. Their lips parted allowing their tongues access to explore each other's mouth. They moaned softly and Tezuka moved his hands down to encircle Fuji's body and pull him closer. They stayed lost in each other for a time. As they broke the kiss, Tezuka remarked, "If you're up to it then, how about some dinner and a movie? Everyone's gone for the week-end and we have a big screen downstairs. As well as a large futon. It'll be more comfortable then this single bed."

Fuji's face lit up, "Sounds like a fun date to me. Do you have any good mysteries or thrillers?"

"We have lots to choose from. You go pick one out. I'm gonna grab a quick shower. I didn't take one after practice."

"Good idea. I'll take one after you and then we'll put on our p.j.'s, so we don't have to get up again." He gave his buchou a quick kiss and headed for the living room.

With showers done, bed clothes on and dinner eaten, the pair made themselves comfortable on the futon. Fuji leaned against Tezuka's chest, cradling his head just below the other's shoulder. In turn, Tezuka had one arm draped across his partner's trunk. He pressed play and brought his other arm to meet the first. The tensai snuggled in closer and placed one of his hands atop Tezuka's arms, while the other lay on a leg.

At the end of the movie, Fuji tilted his face upwards and exclaimed, "Wasn't that great! I've read all of the Hercule Poirot stories. He's such a funny, little detective, but very smart. I like how he says that all he needs is his 'little grey cells' to catch the criminals. Can we watch another one?"

Tezuka smiled, bending down to give him a soft kiss. "Of course. Want anything else to drink while I'm up?" he said as he stood to change DVDs.

"I'm fine for now." Fuji replied laying on his side, head propped up by an elbow. He watched Tezuka move, admiring his defined shoulders and chest, and sighed with happiness. He was finally where he wanted to be. It had been a good week.

New movie in, the sandy brunette went and laid behind his friend, hanging an arm over his waist and snuggling in close. He kissed the warm neck in front of him, trailed kisses up to the ear, and whispered with heated breath, "You sure you want to watch another one?"

"Aaah, Mitsu!" Fuji chided as he cocked his head back and raised an eyebrow. "Poirot first, then you."

"Hmmph. Only four days into the relationship and I'm already second fiddle," he jokingly pouted.

"Never," Fuji soothed, reaching back to give his partner a squeeze. "But who'd of thought your parents had this wonderful series. So hurry up and press play."

"Fine," Tezuka replied as he kissed the white shoulder and brushed his lips up to the same ear, "one more episode. I'm holding you to that." "Mm hmm" was the reply, then silence until the murderer was caught.

As the credits rolled, Fuji turned to face Tezuka. He looked into soft, brown eyes and placed his hand on the other's chest. Stroking the warm skin gently and smiling, he said, "Would your parents mind if I borrowed the DVDs?" Tezuka startled slightly, which made Fuji chuckle. "Mitsu, you're so fun to tease. Really, though, I do want to borrow them, but I'll wait until Sunday to get them. Right now," he purred, "it's your turn." He reached up, running his fingers through his partner's sandy colored hair, as his buchou drew him in as close as possible. Lips pressed together in mutual desire as their bodies met. Soon, their tongues explored and played while their hands caressed lovingly. They enjoyed each other to the early hours of the morning. Sated, they finally fell asleep in a tight embrace.

Sunlight streamed through the window as Tezuka awoke. He looked over and smiled as his eyes rested on his sleeping lover. He half rolled to drape an arm lightly over Syuusuke's back, then kissed the nape of his neck. Fuji stirred and slurred, "Hmm, that feels nice. Don't stop."

Tezuka grinned as he continued to kiss the tender neck and nibble on an exposed ear. Fuji turned his face to capture his lover's lips and they gave each other a long, deep good morning kiss. Breaking apart, Tezuka asked, "Hungry?"

"Faminshed," the tensai groaned, "but one more kiss before you get up."

Tezuka happily complied, then went to the kitchen to fix breakfast. Fuji lounged on the futon, flipping through channels, while enjoying the aroma flowing from the other room. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," he yelled and headed towards the door.

Eiji decided when he woke up that morning that he'd go check on his friend and make sure he still wasn't sick. He waited until it was a decent hour for visiting, and walked to the Fuji residence. It surprised him to learn that his friend had stayed the night at the buchou's house. Sure, they had started getting along better, but he didn't think they were that close of friends. Unless...unless, the concern the buchou had shown to his friend yesterday at practice meant something more. He wasn't sure because the buchou had always seemed so serious and cold. But lately... He made up his mind to go pay them a visit. As he walked, his thoughts kept wandering through the events of the week. Finally arriving at the front door of the Tezuka home, he rang the doorbell.

Fuji opened the door, still in his pajamas, which consisted of only a pair of boxers. "Hi, Eiji. What's up?" Fuji said to his now wide-eyed friend.

"F-Fuji? Aren't you sick? Why are you dressed like that?"

The tensai looked down. "Oh, I guess I'm still in my p.j.'s. We just got up. It was a pretty late night," he said with a wink.

The redhead continued to stand there, digesting the outfit, words, and wink. When his eyes finally registered understanding, he exclaimed, "Nya. Really Fuji? You and the buchou? You're not teasing me, right?" His friend shook his head. "It's for real? It's not a trick? Really real?" he rambled, not yet convinced by his friend's grin.

Fuji chuckled. "Eh, Eiji, you want proof?" he asked mischieviously. "Come in and just stay hidden. I'll let you see first hand." He led the usually energetic regular to a good view point and then went into the kitchen.

"It was just someone asking for directions," the tensai said as he wrapped his arms around hs lover's waist. "Need any help?"

Tezuka turned, embracing him back. "No, everything's ready, except," he said as he leaned down and placed a tender kiss on soft lips, "I don't think I have enough for three people."

Fuji's eyes opened wide as he laughed. "Our buchou is too smart for us, Eiji. Come on out."

Eiji emerged from his hiding spot with a huge grin on his face. He bounced over to them, happy for his friend and happy to be a part of it. Suddenly, his face clouded for a moment. "Nya, Fuji, how long has this been going on? I'm the first one who knows, right?"

"You are, Eiji. We only got together on Monday and decided that since we didn't know how the team would react, we'd keep it a secret for a while."

Tezuka chimed in. "That's true. Up until practice yesterday. When I saw Syuusuke getting sick, I realized it shouldn't matter if anyone knows. It won't effect my ability as team captain. So, if we're happy..." Fuji nodded in agreement.

The redhead ran over to them and gave them both a big hug. "I'm happy, too. I can't wait to tell Oishi!"

owari