What do we mean to each other?

Chap 09: Intoxicated

"You know where the telephone is," Tezuka said. He opened the door. "I'll be right at the patio." He went to the kitchen w get some ice.

"Uhm—well." Fuji still has second thoughts, but decided to go along. As expected, his mother scolded him. However, she relaxes upon learning that he is staying in Tezuka's house. After the conversation, he went outside. The night is cold and there is a light breeze. From where he stood, he could not help but stare at Tezuka. He was comfortably seating in a chair facing the lawn. He holds a can of beer. His hair dances softly with the wind. He has a very relax expression and seems to be lost in thought.

Beautiful.

He can't help but smile.

I want to stay beside him, even if he sees me just like anybody else.

However, memories of what transpired a while ago flashed instantly, as if to remind him of the irony life.

What a joke.

"Hi" greeted Fuji. He seated himself beside Tezuka. "What did you want to talk about, which couldn't wait until tomorrow?"

Tezuka ignored the question. Instead, he reached for another can and gave it to Fuji. "Drink this. What did your mother say?"

Fuji took the can. "She was angry at first, but she soon softens the moment I've mentioned that I'm staying here. Mentioning your name did the trick," he answered with a half grin. Tezuka stared a little before turns his gaze elsewhere.

Fuji opened the can of beer. "When did the last time that we went for a drink, just the two of us? Ah.. time really flies.. I can't even remember the last time that we're together like this."

Tezuka took a sip. "You're right. We are very carefree back then, so it didn't cross my mind that someday, having this kind of time with you will be a-"

"What?"

"Never mind."

"Seems like you're exaggerating. The team always goes out for drinks whenever we feel like having one. We always practice and do sort of stuff." Fuji answered.

Hours passed as they continue chatting until they emptied all the beers.

"Let's go to the convenience store to buy some more," Tezuka said. His head is a little light, but he tried not to show them.

"We have a practice tomorrow. Why don't we call it a night?" Fuji answered, observing Tezuka's movements. Just like when they drank the juice that Inui mixed for them, he knew that Tezuka is a little dizzy.

"Don't worry. I set the alarm a while ago. I have taken a nap early in the evening. Truth is, I slept early, but I was awoken by a bad dream." Tezuka took Fuji's hand and led him into the house. "First thing firsts. You have to change clothes because you are still wearing the Seigaku uniform. We must not tarnish the name of the team."

"It's so you Tezuka," Fuji replied, but can't help staring at his hand. Is he even aware that he is holding me right now? He followed him into his room.

"You can take the shower if you want. I'll just rummage my closet to look for clothes that will fit you."

"Do I smell that bad?" Fuji teasingly asked.

"'Well, if you don't feel like taking the shower, it's fine with me. I am just concerned about the uniform."

"Well, I feel a little uncomfortable myself. All right, I'll take that offer." Fuji enters the bathroom.

"There's a clean towel in one of the cabinets. You can use one. I'll be back to get you some change of clothes," Tezuka answered behind closed doors.

Fuji leaned on the doors.

Really Tezuka. What are you doing to me?

He removes his uniform and hangs them behind the doors. He opens the shower, the water has a mild temperature. He slightly turns the knob into the hot direction. After while, he heard a knock at the door.

"I'll leave your clothes beside the door. I'll just listen to some music while waiting for you. Don't take too long, ok?" Tezuka's voice can be heard behind the doors.

"Ok."

After hearing Fuji's answer, he went to his bedside table and sat in the chair. He opened his laptop, put his headset and started scrolling the music library. He played one song. He closed his eyes and gently leans on the chair.

After showering, Fuji called out to Tezuka. "Tezuka, I'll be ready in a bit. Still awake?" He waited for an answer, but none came. "Tezuka. Tezuka. Are you asleep already?" Still no response. He reaches for a towel, dried himself and covered his waist down.

Upon opening the door, he saw Tezuka leaning in his study chair. Headphones covered his ears.

So this is why he's not answering.

He saw the clothes lying on the table nearest the door. He picks it up and smelled it. It smells nice. He returned to the bathroom and change into Tezuka's clothes. He is wearing a white plain t-shirt and a blue short. He dried his hair with the towel. Placing the wet towel at Tezuka's laundry bag, he went to where Tezuka is.

He silently lifts another chair and places it in front of Tezuka's chair. Sitting in the chair and placing his right elbow on the table, Fuji smiles while staring at Tezuka's face. Tezuka had removed his eyeglasses and had placed them on top of the table.

Unknown to Fuji, Tezuka is singing in his mind as his favorite song fills his ears. He felt Fuji's every movement, but didn't know what to do.

I just have to open my eyes.

His heart started beating fast. It is so loud that he can hear it amidst the music. A sudden thought came into his mind.

Just maybe-

He opens his eyes and saw Fuji's blue eyes staring at him. Without thinking, he gets up and in an instant, seals Fuji's lips with his own.

The bittersweet taste is still there.

A tear fell from Fuji's eyes. A swirling of emotions began to flood him. Heartbreaks, sunsets, the café, the earlier affair with Shiraishi and now this.

"Tezuka. You're being unfair," was what he managed to say after Tezuka broke the kiss.#

A/N: Next chapter will be out next week... hopefully.