DISCLAIMER: We don't own Prince of Tennis, but if we did. . .
Authors Note: This is the second chapter yay! Well his was originally Oishi's Confusion! So if you already read this read it again or. . .don't read it!
Oishi's stomach was twisting, he was disgusted with himself. While he sat in the hospital with Tezuka and Coach Ryuzaki, his thoughts kept drifting towards Fuji. His best friend could have ruined his tennis career, and he still found some way to turn every thought that came to mind to be about Fuji. He couldn't do this! It was unfair to Tezuka. . .but how could Tezuka know what he was thinking?
Oishi watched Tezuka touch his shoulder. How long until he could play? A slight breeze blew through the open window of the hospital. Tezuka was standing facing the window, his back to everyone in the room. Fuji had to use the wind to do his third triple counter Hakugei. It was the first time I had ever seen it. . .Hakugei. . . white whale, Fuji's skin is kind of white, pale, but its so smooth and soft, and his. . .
"Oishi! Oishi!" He felt a hand smack the back of his head. He looked up at his coach who had been the one yelling his name. "You look kind of funny, are you okay? Maybe you should go home."
"No, I am fine," Oishi smiled at his sensei, if she really knew the reason he looked funny.
A melody started to play in the small room the three of them were waiting in, "Hello," It had been Ryuzaki's mobile phone. "WHAT!" Ryuzaki excused herself from the room, leaving Oishi and Tezuka alone.
Tezuka hadn't asked Oishi to come, he hadn't said a word or even glanced at Oishi the whole time they were in the room, which had been already about two hours. Upon thinking about Tezuka's silence Oishi remembered it had been a while since he had a conversation with his best friend. Lately Tezuka hadn't talked to him. Oishi thought this was unusual, and after all they were best friends, they used to talk every day.
"Tezuka?" the capitain looked up acknowleding the fact that he was listening, his back however still faced Oishi. "Are you angry with me?"
Tezuka paused thinking of the question, and gave a sound which Oishi took as a no.
"Then why, why haven't you talked to me?"
Tezuka pulled off his glasses wiping them with a handkercheif he pulled from his pocket. He paused a while, sighed and finally responded, "I'm in a lot of pain , sorry if you mistook it for anger."
"But what about before today, you haven't been talking to me for almost a week."
Tezuka ran a hand through his hair, and again took a considerably long time to answer, "I've been in pain, not just tod-" Tezuka was cut off by and angry looking sensei who just entered the room. Thinking that the doctor had entered Tezuka turned around. He looked tired, almost sad, Oishi had to restrain himself from hugging Tezuka, he had never seen such an expression cross the face of his captain. Tezuka immediatly resumed staring out the half open window towards the night sky. The breeze got heavier and Tezuka's hair blew in sync with the wind. Tezuka's hair was about the same length as Fuji's and a few shades darker. Fuji's hair blowing in the breeze earlier today, his beautiful honey hair that almost covered the even more beautiful sapphires that were Fuji's eyes. The winds also made his shirt. . .
"Oishi! Oishi!" Ryuzaki was again yelling at Oishi, "I am serious, you look strange, you should go home, it's getting late." The coaches look was of genuine concern, Oishi wondered if his dazed face really looked all that funny, and smiled at her again.
"Really, I mean it! I'm fine. I'll stay until Tezuka asks me to leave."
Tezuka shifted slightly. "Leave Oishi," there was a short pause before he finished, "She is right, you look funny and it is late. There really is no reason for you to be hear," The last sentance more like stammered out of the captains mouth.
Oishi stood gaping, "But. . .Tezu, " He looked over to Tezuka, he didn't even budge. Defeated Oishi left the room. He shoved his hands in his pocket and made his way down the long hallway to the exit. Tezuka had never been so cold to wards Oishi. What did he mean he had been in pain? Has his shoulder been hurting before today? Why didn't he tell anyone if this was the case? Tezuka probably will be out for the rest of the regionals, this will mean Seigaku will lose their number one singles. Fuji will have to play singles one. Does that mean he'll play more or less? Oishi reched the doors to the hospital stepping out into the cool nights air.
He started to make his way home, but he really didn't feel like going home. He was too anxious about everything that happened in the last few hours that had seemed to span a lifetime. He decided to stop at a nearby park, to try and clear his head. He sat down on a swing and his thought drifted not to Fuji, but to Tezuka. Why was he so cold? Nobody would understand of even notice. Tezuka hardly talks as it is but I can tell, something is wrong! I've known Tezuka long enough to tell that much at least. He has been in a lot of pain before today? Oishi let out a scream of frustration. My best friend!
Oishi felt a hand push him on his swing. He quickly turned around looking at Fuji, who was smiling. Oishi returned the smile and faced forwards again allowing Fuji to push him. "I thought you would still be at the hospital," Fuji said pushing him higher.
"Oh. . .well, I. . . we all left sooner than expected," Oishi didn't know why he lied, he supposed it was because he was too embarassed to admit that he had been kicked out by Tezuka.
"Hmm. . ?" Fuji considered the response. "What did the doctor say?"
"The doctor? Um. . he just told us he would phone tomorrow with the x-ray results," Another lie.
Fuji grabbed the swing suspending Oishi in the air so that their heads were level. Fuji leaned closer gently nibbling Oishi's ear. "So that's why you are so tense," Just feeling Fuji so close to him made OIshi nervous, he felt his face turning a deep red. Fuji gently brushed against Oishi's neck with his lips. Oishi shut his eyestaking in all the pleasure. "Don't worry about Tezuka, I am sure he will be fine."
Tezuka, Oishi's mind flooded with thoughts of Tezuka, he was worried. How could he not be? He turned his head back towards Fuji, "How did you know I'd be here?"
Fuji smiled leaning in to kiss Oishi. The kiss was soft and warm. It started to drown out any thoughts of Tezuka still floating in his head. The kiss was everything, all that mattered right now. Oishi released his grip on the chains from the swing, placing his hands on either side of Fuji's face, opening his mouth a little more each second. Fuji pulled away fast, letting go of the hold he had on the swing, causing a suprised Oishi to fall to the ground.
Oishi sat up brushing the sand from his jacket. Fuji was already kneeling over Oishi's outstreched legs, he was laughing and smiled.
"Why did you do that?" Oishi asked laughing himself.
"Because I wanted to get you on the ground," The silence was that followed was very uncomfortable. Oishi was sure that Fuji was going to kiss him after saying something so suggestive. It was seeming like Fuji actually was waiting for a response though. Oishi racked his brain trying to think of something to say, he wondered if he was supposed to make a move.
"Uh. . .that's cool" Oishi said this and immidiatly gave himself a mental bitch slap blushing even more than before. Cool? What kind of response was that? What's wrong with me? Oishi was sure Fuji would laugh at him, but he only smiled.
'Yes I suppose it is COOL." Fuji leaned in kissing Oishi, laying him back in the sand, stradling him. The kiss was different from before. It was more demanding, more intense. Even thought the kiss was rough, Oishi was still enjoying himself. He ran his fingers through Fuji's beautiful honey colored hair. The two remained this way for several minutes, Fuji growing more intense.
Fuji, sat up still stradling Oishi. He pulled Oishi up by the collars of his jacket, kissing him, he moved a hand to the back of Oishi's neck, while the other hand roughly removed the jacket. Oishi had a hard time staying attached to Fuji's lips while all this was going on but some how he managed to pull off Fuji's sweater vest, only parting lips to pull it over his head. Oishi then started unbuttoning the oxford Fuji was wearing. Oishi grew frustrated with the buttons and had a hard time not kissing Fuji's chin, while trying to unbutton him. He gave up and removed his own shirt, tossing it on the swing where his jacket had been thrown. By now Fuji had unbuttoned his Oxford. All that remained on his body was a wife-beater that only displayed how toned Fuji's little body actually was.
How many layers does Fuji wear? Oishi had no touble removing the wife-beater. Fuji again pushed Oishi to the ground, running his hands up and down Oishi's chest. Fuji moved his lips down to Oishi's neck. Oishi's breathing grew quicker and heavier, he closed his eyes, letting Fuji explore him.
Fuji's hands moved down to Oishi's pants. Oishi felt a jolt of pleasure run throught his body. Instead of undoing Oishi's pants Fuji let his hands massage Oishi's thighs. Oishi felt himself harden from Fuji's touch. . .Tezuka. . .Oishi pulled up from Fuji, lightly pushing Fuji from his body. Why the hell do I have to think about Tezuka now?
Fuji smiled and put his shirts back on.
"Sorry, Fuji," Oishi said looking down.
"I should have known, you have a one track mind Oishi, if something is on your mind thats all you think about," the tone in Fuji's voice was annoyed.
"I. . .sorry," these were the only words that OIshi could think of. He pulled on his shirt.
Fuji smiled, "you already said that, really I am glad you pulled away. I would rather have you not thinking of Tezuka at a time like this."
Oishi choked on his words,"Tezu. . .I. . . wasn't. . ."
"Oishi, you don't need to lie," Fuji laughed to himself. "Maybe you want to tell me why Tezuka asked you to leave the hospital?" Fuji stood as he said this.
Oishi couldn't say anything in response. Damnit, why did Fuji do that? How can he read me so easily?
Fuji leaned down kissing Oishi's head. "Though maybe it's none of my buisness. I would hate if you actually thought you could tell me things." Fuji walked away leaving Oishi in the park alone, in the sand.
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Oishi couldn't sleep. He was so frustrated with himself. Why was it that when he was with Tezuka all he could think about was Fuji, and while he was with Fuji all he could think of was Tezuka. His thoughts now were clogged with both boys. They were both angry with him. Fuji was annoyed because Oishi was still worried. Oishi was greatful though that Tezuka crossed his mind when he did, because otherwise he would have gone all the way with Fuji, in a park, in a public park. That wasn't the way he imagined his first time. Tezuka was. . . well Oishi was still unsure. Even though Tezuka tried to assure Oishi that he wasn't angry he couldn't help but think differently. He didn't think that he was lying about being in pain though.
Oishi had never been so confused in his life. Normaly he had to mend rifts caused between team members, but now he was causing them. Oishi turned to his side pulling the covers up to his face. He tried to fight it but, tear still rolled down his cheek to the pillow he was clinging to. He didn't think things could get worse.
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The school day was long, and depressing. Tezuka hadn't showed up to school, meaning he would most likely miss practice, leaving Oishi to take lead over the tennis club. Fuji smiled at him as they passed through the halls, he didn't say a word though. It was like he was pretending they didn't almost have sex. Oishi heard mutterings about the Hyotei match and Tezuka, all day. On several occasions, nervous looking girls approached him, one was particularly nervous, "OISHI SEMPAI!" she shouted louder that she probably expected to. Oishi turned around suprised at being shouted at. The girl bowed more than once, finally lifting her red face to look at Oishi's. "Will. . .I mean can. . .Is. . IsTezukabuchoualright?" The girl spoke so fast that Oishi could barely make out her words, if he hadn't heard Tezuka he might have had to ask the poor girl to repeat herself.
Oishi smiled warmly at the girl, "He is going to be fine, don't worry." He knew Tezuka didn't ruin his career, but he didn't know when he would be able to play. He didn't really lie to the girl.
"Thank you Oishi sempai," the girl had calmed a bit, but still bowed unnecissarily.
Oishi turned around continuing his walk down the hall. He wasn't suprised, Tezuka was the one of the most popular guys in school, much to his displeasure, so word about him traveled fast. He heard boys in the hallway whispering about who would take the spot as a regular that was open due to Tezuka's injury. It took all of Oishi's strength not to attack every boy, who thought their chances were up due to the injury of a regular. How can they be thinking this! Their captain was hurt, and all the boys are just waiting for a chance to take his spot. If I have to take over duties as a captain I will make sure that no one takes his spot. No ranking matches, Momo will move up, he will be a regular again.
Practice finally came, and again he was drowned in questions from other players. He was finally rescued out of the huddle of people from his partner Kikumaru Eiji. The tennis club stood around and Oishi didn't know why they were all gawking at him. "Oishi, I think they are waiting for you to give them orders," Eiji whispered. Right. Tezuka was absent and so he had to take over duties as captain for the day.
"Alright, freshman pick up balls, regulars warmup on courts A and B, everyone else on court C!" Oishi shouted to the players. Eiji and Oishi made their ways to courts, following behind the other regulars.
"So is Tezuka alright Oishi?" Eiji asked.
Oishi had hoped that Eiji wouldn't ask but he wasn't suprised when he did, "He. . .I think. . .I don't know when he will play again with us, but his injury isn't permanent, I think."
"Were'nt you at the hospital with him?"
Oishi ignored the question and grabbed some balls making his way to a court to warm up with everyone else. Eiji didn't repeat his question, he just left to go talk with Ryoma. Fuji came over next to Oishi stretching with him. "How are you Oishi?"
Oishi was suprised that Fuji wanted to talk with him, he thought Fuji was mad. "I'm good, Fuji."
"Are you really? I admire you Oishi, you hide your own emotions for the sake of the team," Fuji smiled. "But it's okay to get mad or sad."
Oishi looked to Fuji and smiled. He felt a little better, releieved even that Fuji wasn't mad at him. "Thanks Fuji," Oishi replied stretching still. "I am really sorry about last night"
"It's okay, I was kind of a snob," Fuji smiled and continued stretching. Oishi didn't expect this. Fuji was nice but he never seemed like the type to correct himself, let alone think he made a mistake.
Fuji is human after all. Oishi smiled to himself at this thought. He didn't have to worry about Fuji anymore, just Tezuka.
It looked like everyone was done with their exercises, and Oishi had no idea what to do next, he normaly would have talked with Tezuka, but there was no Tezuka. The regulars looked up waiting for directions. "Okay, today we are just going to play against one another, three game sets. Fuji and Ryoma. Eiji and Inui. Momo and Taka, and Kaidoh you and I will play one another." The regulars started making their way to their courts.
"And the loser has to drink my new Inui Super Delux Special Ultra Juice," Inui added holding up an clear liquid in a pitcher. The sun made his glasses gleam and a devilish smile spread across his face. The regulars immediatly got more ferocious towards eachother. The thought of the new juice was too much to take.
Oishi followed Kaidoh to court four. Oishi was half expecting Kaidoh to ask about Tezuka, but he didn't he simply went to his side of the court and the game began. Oishi didn't win a single game, and by the end of practice was on the ground about to pass out along with Momo, and Eiji. Fuji was still battling Echizen. Oishi felt to sick to closely pay attention to the match. He heard a soft thud and looked over to see Echizen sprawled out on the ground grabing his stomach.
"It's still to early to beat me Echizen-kun," Fuji said smiling down at all the players with Inui.
"Oishi, do you see it?" Oishi looked over to Eiji who had a dreamy smile across his face. "It's light, and an angel, with honey colored hair, she is pretty! Hoi! She is wearing a Seigaku uniform too! She is holding out her hand! Should I take it? I am going to heaven finally" Eiji reached out in front of him.
Oishi looked over to the figure Eiji was so entranced with, "Eiji, that's Fuji, he is trying to help you up."
Eiji blinked and rubbed his eyes. He allowed Fuji to help him up. "INUIIIIIIIIIIIII what did you put in this juice!"
"I am a little embarassed, but thank you for the compliment Eiji, " Fuji smiled helping Eiji up. Oishi forced himself to his feet laughing. Momo and Ryoma soon got up both clutching their guts.
"Practice is finished for the day," Oishi said weakly making his way to the locker room. After changing he waited outside the doors for Fuji who, like always was the last one out. Oishi locked the door and smiled at Fuji. "Want to walk together?"
"Sure," Fuji replied smiling. It was a warm day, and lots of couples passed the two, holding hands and smiling into eachothers eyes. Oishi wondered if Fuji and him could be like that. He wanted to really bad, but Fuji just walked with him in silence. They were almost at Fuji's house, about a block away. Oishi didn't know if he should but he reached out and grabbed Fuji's hand. Fuji didn't react at all, his hand was limp inside Oishi's. They reached Fuji's house faster than Oishi had anticipated. They released hands and shared an akward kiss before Fuji left, entering his house.
Oishi was on the verge of tears, had Fuji just rejected him? He didn't let go of his hand but he wasn't holding it either. And that kiss, it didn't feel right at all. Oishi remembered that day in the park, the day Fuji had caused him to run away from practice crying. Hadn't Fuji said he loved me? Well he didn't come out in say it, but I thought that is what Fuji had implied. Oishi dragged himself home, another restless night woiuld undoubtably be waiting for him.
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Two days had passed and Tezuka still hadn't shown up to school or practice. Oishi made his way to school, would this last for three days? Oishi tried to call Tezuka but was only forwarded to his machine. He hoped that Tezuka would be at school today. Oishi was early for his class and decided to sit in his desk, waiting for Tezuka to maybe show up. He looked over to the door, and saw Fuji standing apparently in arguement with someone. Oishi tilted his head and heard a familiar voice coming from the hall. "It's not fair Fuji, you shouldn't play games with people like that," It was Tezuka's voice.
"Why is this coming out now? You were playing along the whole time? Plus it's not a game anymore!" Oishi couldn't believe his ears, he had never heard Fuji argue with anyone, he didn't even think it was possible. The only thing that was the same was that Fuji's voice sounded the same, seductive and playful.
"Not a game? Is it love? Should I trust you? I like you Fuji but. . ." Tezuka's voice was drowned out by the bell. Fuji turned away making his way down the hallway. Tezuka entered the classroom, and stopped in his tracks whe he saw Oishi. His face reddened and he sat in the back of the room, not in his usual seat next to Oishi. Another shock struck Oishi, Tezuka blushing, he had never seen this in their whole frienship. Tezuka is human after all, just like Fuji.
Oishi finally understood, Tezuka was in love with Fuji, and it appeared that Fuji felt the same way towards Tezuka. Oishi gulped trying to swallow his tears back. Maybe it was better this way, if he forgot about Fuji, Tezuka would be happy and so would Fuji. He decided that was the best thing to do. It was painful but he knew if they were happy together he would he happy.
"Settle down students!" The teacher barked at the class, due to Tezuka's appearence the class was engulfed in gossip. "Nice to have you back Kunimitsu," The teacher added nodding towards Tezuka.
Tezuka nodded back, "Thank you sensei."
"Shuichiro!" Oishi stood up faceing the teacher, bowing. "Why don't you take Kunimitsu to the classroom down the hall and get him caught up on the lessons he has missed." Oishi forced himself to bow. Great, this should be really akward. Oishi left the classroom and Tezuka followed. Oishi walked down to the hall to the empty classroom the teacher had spoken of. He opened the door allowing Tezuka to pass in front of him, shutting the door behind him.
"How have you been?" Oishi asked watching Tezuka seat himself in a desk at the front. Oishi knew very well Tezuka didn't need help catching up. He suspected the teacher was hoping Oishi would return to class full of information on Tezuka's well being.
"Better," Tezuka replied. He flipped open his history book, and looked up at Oishi.
Oishi sat in the desk next to Tezuka, leaning in to glance at Tezuka's book. "Oh well we just finished up chapter 14."
Tezuka nodded, and closed his book. He had already completed the chapter, probably the whole book too. He stood up and headed for the door. Oishi stood too, grabing Tezuka's arm pulling him back, forcing Tezuka to look him in the eye.
"Tezuka, I'm sorry," Oishi said lowering his head.
Tezuka wrenched his arm away, studying his best friend, "What are you sorry about?"
Tezuka was playing dumb, he knew Oishi heard the arguement. "I know about you. . .and Fuji," Oishi lifted his head, his eyes were watering, and tears began escaping from his eyes, "And I didn't before. . .I. . .I am truely sorry for not realizing your feelings sooner." The tears were running freely down Oishi's face as he spoke.
"I don't know what you are talking about. . ." Tezuka replied cooly, staring at Oishi's tear streaked face.
"You love him!" Oishi blurted, more forcefully than he intended. Oishi felt the gap between him and Tezuka grow smaller. Oishi closed his eyes expecting to get slapped, but he felt hands on his cheeks. Tezuka was brushing the tears from Oishi's face with his thumbs.
"I love you," Oishi felt lips, soft lips caress his own. Tezuka was kissing him. Oishi opened his eyes, Tezuka's lips felt safe, different than Fuji's. Tezuka was slow, and soft his mouth opening only a little. Oishi kissed back, wrapping his arms around Tezuka's back.
Tezuka pulled away, blinking at Oishi. He looked horrified, disgusted at what he had just done. He backed away and turned from Oishi. "I'm sorry."
"Why, you didn't do anything wrong, I just. . ." Oishi couldn't find the words, he really wanted to say that it was wonderful. He wanted to say how relieved he was that Tezuka wasn't mad.
Tezuka left the room in silence, Oishi followed, going back to class. Oishi felt a terrible pain in his heart. Things with Fuji were so confusing and he just kissed Tezuka. Not only that but Tezuka confessed that he loved him. Why was this happening? How could something so wonderful as love hurt so bad? Did he love Tezuka? Did he love Fuji? Could you love two people at once? Was it love at all? "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, " Oishi let out a scream he thought was only in his mind, but everyone in the class had turned to look at Oishi.
"Shuichiro! Are you okay! What was that outburst just now?" The teacher asked, his mouth gaping.
Oishi stood up and bowed, "Sorry sensei." Oishi sat down and lowered his head to the desk. He very much wished he was never born at this moment. How unfair it was for him to love two people. He hated himself, and decided he deserved neither of them. He needed to do something, something to bring everyone together, the whole team. He had the perfect idea. His thought eased his pain a bit.
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Practice came quickly and Oishi was anxious, everyone was starting their warm-up's. And Tezuka still hadn't arrived at practice. Come on! You have to come! Please! Everyone needs to be here.
"BUCHOU!" Momo shouted. The whole club looked over in Momo's direction. Tezuka was standing inside of the gate to the entrane of the courts. Oishi beamed over to Tezuka who returned it, with a half smile. The whole team was beaming with Oishi.
Oishi made his way around to all the regulars telling him to meet him at 8 o'clock that evening. Much to his delight everyone agreed, even Tezuka. OIshi quickly ran home not even changing out of his uniform. He jumped in the shower and dressed. He couldn't wait until he saw the faces of everyone when he revealed his suprise for them. He grabbed a bag and packed it full of snacks and drinks. He also packed a few flashlights. He left the house and heade towards the meeting spot. He was 15 minutes early, and checked his watch every 2 minutes, bouncing on his toes. What if no one showed up? What if they have plans? Oishi started to panic and grew more and more anxious. He sighed a breath of relief when he saw people approaching the spot he told them to meet at.
All of them! All of them had shown up! Everyone looked confused, and some looked tired. "Thanks for coming guys on short notice! Okay, we are in the middle of the Kantou regionals, and I thought that we could do a little bonding to build our spirits!" Oishi waited to see if anyone would react to hi brilliant plan so far. No one said anything, Eiji blinked, Momo yet out a yawn and Inui pushed his glagges further up his nose. "We are all going to go hiking! Tonight!" Silence. Oishi looked around frantically hie smile slowly fading. "What? No one wants to go?" A few of the regulars coughed and shifted in the silence. He couldn't believe it! His heart was crushed. How could this be happening?
"I think it sounds fun, I've always wanted to see the sunrise from the mountains," Oishi turned to Fuji who smiled, "Everyone is really excited about going."
Everyone nodded, and said "yeah, of course," in weak voices. Momo and Ryoma were arguing about something, but in the end everyone agreed to go. OIshi's excitement rose again. He led everyone to the train station, Oishi watched as everyone followed, Tezuka being the last. Oishi smiled at Tezuka, as he followed behind everyone else.
Author Note: Well those of you who already read Tezuka's Conclusion know what happens. . . but for suspense purposes I am pretending no one knows.
