IMPORTANT! THERE HAS BEEN ANOTHER PART ADDED TO CHAPTER 6!

We decided to add one last part to the end of Chapter 6 from Tezuka's POV, so go read it if you haven'tbefore you continue! THANK YOU DARTH CLAIRE FOR THE EXCELLENT IDEA!

Now one with chapter 7 . . . AND DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!

Disclaimer: We no own Prince of Tennis!

FALLING

Chapter 7: Unexpected

Kaidoh always saw himself as the dedicated type who would never miss a day of tennis unless he was lying on his deathbed. It just so happened that it felt like Kaidoh was on his deathbed. He had never felt more terrified in his life. The idea of being in love with the Captain brought a shameful swirl in his stomach.

Whenever he saw anyone from the team in the hallways, he'd dodge them and walk in the opposite direction. Instead of eating in the cafeteria, he'd take his homemade lunches to the isolated roof. He had even missed three days of practice . . .

Kaidoh was walking home alone, skipping his fourth day of practice. He somewhat missing Inui's presence, but he was especially avoiding the data collector. Inui had probably realized his feelings before he did.

When he opened the door to his house, he was about to announce his arrival when a pair of voices caught his attention.

"You are such a handsome young man."

"Thank you. But, I must ask you . . . is he alright?"

"I don't know. All he does is come straight home and lock himself in his room. He doesn't even eat dinner. When I go up there, he's always asleep. I'm so worried."

"The whole team is . . ."

Kaidoh slowly opened the door to the kitchen. When he saw whom it was sitting across from his mother, he felt his heart pumping faster.

"Buchou . . . what are you doing here?"

Tezuka didn't answer him and just turned back to his mother. "Could you please excuse us?"

"Of course," his mother replied.

Tezuka stood up from the table, and said in that steady voice, "Your room."

It was difficult for Kaidoh to move. Each step he took up the stairs felt heavy. When he entered his room, he waited for Tezuka to come in before he shut the door.

Now they were alone.

"Why have you been absent from practice?" Tezuka asked, his voice not changing tone at all.

"I-I was sick," Kaidoh answered, not completely wrong.

"Then why didn't you just tell us?"

Kaidoh looked away, unable to answer. They stood there for a few moments before Tezuka's stable voice penetrated the silence.

"Kaidoh . . . if there's something you need to tell me, you can."

Kaidoh thought as his brain racked with so many things he wanted to tell the Captain.

"Buchou . . . I . . . I . . . that day . . . since then . . . I've . . ."

Tezuka took a step forward, but Kaidoh didn't notice as he was trying to explain everything.

"Since then . . . haven't been able to sleep . . . mind always on . . . always on . . ."

Kaidoh drifted off when he saw that Tezuka was now standing right in front of him.

Kaidoh's heart was now racing. His hands were sweaty and his dry throat felt tight. Tezuka took another step, so he was mere inches from Kaidoh. Kaidoh then hesitantly looked up into Tezuka's captivating chestnut eyes. They were so intense all Kaidoh could do was close his eyes in anticipation. He felt an exultant, enthralling warmth encloud his lips, causing his heart to soar up and his head to haze.

Tezuka's lips were so soft and welcoming – just like in his dream.

Yet Kaidoh's mind was shrouded in the splendid sensation. He had never felt more absolute, satisfied, happy.

But then the reality of the situation hit Kaidoh. He was kissing Tezuka!

Kaidoh suddenly pushed Tezuka away, breathing hard from either the kiss or panic.

Tezuka studied Kaidoh's face that displayed complete fear. A sinking feeling entered his heart before he spoke, "I understand. I'm sorry for what I did. Please forgive me."

Kaidoh couldn't respond; he couldn't even look at Tezuka. But the Captain didn't wait for a response as Kaidoh heard his bedroom door open and shut.

He had kissed Tezuka . . . it wasn't a dream or a part of his imagination – it was real.

However, the part that scared him more was how he felt about it. The pleasure, the excitement, the heat from Tezuka pouring into him . . .

Kaidoh was hoping that his feelings for Tezuka would slowly fade and disappear forever. But today, that moment a few minutes ago . . . had Tezuka returned his feelings? Did Tezuka actually feel the same way he did?

Kaidoh stood there for another twenty minutes brooding over this question while running his fingers over his lips.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

Of course, Kaidoh! Why else would he kiss you? Anywho . . . If you hadn't already, GO READ the small part that was added at the end of Chapter 6 from Tezuka's POV. The next chapter will certainly be longer . . . don't worry. But there are only two more chapters after this one! REVIEW!