A/N: Happy New Chapter in the Year! Enjoy
Disclaimer: I was acting in the new Prince of Tennis drama with Takeshi Konomi directing it. (star-quality randomness.)
I haven't edited this, there's going to be mistakes. If it hasn't stopped you reading the other 87 chapters it shouldn't stop you now. (¬_¬) I'm being lazy ( ^-^)'
Chapter Eighty Eight
Before Fuji set off on her morning jog she swallowed two pain killers and made herself a full breakfast. It was too early for class to have started so she sat outside for half an hour to let the food digest then started her set of exercises. Only a few were out that early and were too engrossed in their practice to make any light conversations. She had enough time before seven thirty to hit a few balls. The year 7's had asked for her help in the kitchen. It was the least she could do while at the camp. When her time was up she went to the cafeteria.
Fuji opened the double doors and a rush of air hit her in the face, and it was that annoying energy that had been popping up every now and again, interfering with her own. She would continue to ignore it until after helping the girls. Fuji waited by the window while the others did most of the work only needing her help with serving.
The first to come down after eight were Ryuzaki-sensei's team. As she served each of them, Fuji waited until she felt that annoying energy. At first she thought it was that peacock, who for unknown reasons was invited to the camp. Getting a good look at the boy, his hair was black and a lot more curly than the peacock's hair, his normal gaze wasn't so pompous but in pain. When Fuji made eye contact with him, she could have sworn she was looking into a mirror. Was this the boy who was pushed down the stairs? Was this the boy who was unable to control his darker side?
Fuji watched as he walked over to the far end of the cafeteria and sat by himself. What a pitiful soul she thought as she gave Momoshiro and big bowl of rice. To him, she gave the warning that Shikawara was watching him. He didn't get it, but he would understand one way or another. Once the group were all seated and eating Fuji invited herself over to the boy and sat in front of him.
Now so close, she could feel that he was in the state of fighting hard to keep his energy under control. Fuji could only smile, knowing what a struggle that could be sometimes if one didn't have the right people around them. Strange, her own energy felt very calm within her. Maybe because she had spent some time with Saeki and Echizen, and who knows who else around camp to tame it.
Kirihara peered up to see who was in front of him. Seeing it was the girl who was to help out, he went back to his food. Fuji noticed the few in the room glanced over every now and then to see what she was doing and wanted with him. Of course, they were under some self-investigation to see who caused him such pain. Fuji rolled her eyes around An Tachibana's name and went back to the issue she approached him with.
"And what do you want? Are we going to talk about the same boring topic?" He said first but Fuji didn't reply for a long while, that he in turn said he wasn't interesting in talking about the incident.
"That thing inside you," She soon said. "how did it get there?"
"What are you talking about?" He said, irritated and confused.
"You're not very good at controlling it, are you?"
"Controlling what?"
"Your demons keep showing up."
"Why do you know about it?" He said slowly not expecting to have to talk about it.
"Because I have the same thing."
"So, what do you want with me?"
"Do you have someone to calm it down. You seem to be struggling to keep it under wraps, you know, from one possessed person to another..."
Kirihara didn't know what was going on but it would give her the benefit of the doubt. He continued eating, ready for what she would say next. Knowing that this camp was for an invitation to play the American all stars, even he wondered why she was here.
"It's hard to suppress it on your own. Do you have a girlfriend?"
He choked on his food and tried to conceal his coughs when the others looked over. "What does that have to do with anything? Don't say weird stuff." A few tears ran down his cheek.
"It's not weird. I have... I have someone who helps me stay calm, if not, things like this happen." She lifted her injured hand. "Not only that, it will manifest into something uncontrollable. Wanna see it? The darkness that's manifested inside of me?"
"Of course not!" His stubbornness allowed him to stay in his seat hoping she'd move on her own.
"I was thinking, if I were to have a match with you, I think I'd win."
"Now I know you're talkin' rubbish. Guys are stronger than girls. I would totally beat you!"
"You don't know how to control it. One thing I know for sure is that it's going to get stronger, so you need to find a way to be a master over it."
"I don't need you to tell me that. If that's all you wanted to say them you can go."
Fuji smirked and placed her elbows on the table, leaning forward towards him. "I'll go, but not before you give me your hand."
Kirihara didn't like to be backed into a corner, he didn't like to be out spoken to by a girl either. He confirmed for himself that she wasn't here to bother him about the incident so it really was about the demon inside of him, not that that made him anymore comfortable to bring it up. None of the guys in all the matches that he had knew about it, only knowing about it after he used it, yet this girl could tell by being in the same room as him.
Out of curiosity he placed his hand on her open palm. As soon as his palm touched hers he felt a dark sensation shoot up his arm. Before he could understand what was happening he saw the monster that was living inside of her.
He jumped out of his chair and clamped his hands around his head. Fuji didn't expect his demon to try and challenge hers. When the physical image of Fuji's darkness roared that's when he flew out of his chair, backed into Takahisa Kajimoto and landed on the floor covering his ears when his demon screamed in agony.
It was only two seconds of contact that had him on the floor. Fuji didn't have to or need to move. If it weren't for Saeki being around she too would be like Kirihara, no... she'd be like how she was before getting suspended. On a side-note, Fuji decided she didn't even have to be in a match to beat him...
The others in the room gathered around to see if he was okay, even asking Fuji what happened. She told them the truth that he only touched her hand. She hoped his energy wouldn't be leaking out all over the place left the table and headed back into the kitchen to help them properly.
The breakfast session was all handed out and the hall empty ready for lunch prep. Fuji hung around and helped clean the canteen and watched them cook. After an hour and a half she left them to it to headed back to her class but on her way she saw Seaki and his team watching a match between Kaido and Renji on court. She wondered over to have a look.
"How's it going?" She said once she walked up to him, drawing the attention of Iwara, Kawamura and Inui.
They greeted her and said that their practice session were heating up. They didn't spend long talking, turning back to the match. Fuji watched and with each shot that was made she wished she could be the one on the court. She clinched her left hand softly wanting it to get better quickly. After watching Oshitari and the others play, hitting the ball against the wall wasn't enough to exhaust her ability. It only made her breathless because it had been awhile.
She tugged on Saeki's jersey and asked if he wanted a match.
"Don't be silly Fuji, Sakaki-sensei will have my head if I wonder off."
"I wanna play on court again. It's been so long."
"I thought you were here to practice, Fuji?" Saeki said.
"No, just to clear my head, but Hanamaru-sensei wants me to play since I'm here."
"After having that mini game with you yesterday I'm intrigued to see how good you are when you have the whole court to yourself."
"Speaking of which, I'm still waiting for my winners' drink."
"Why does this punk get to play a match with our Fuji-chan?" Iwara over heard and wanted an explanation.
"At this moment in time I don't care who I play, I just want a match." Fuji reached over and tapped his shoulder.
"Then would Fujiko-chan mind a match with me?" Kawamaru asked.
"I wouldn't mind, but I think you'd break my arm, Kawamaru." She giggled.
Before Sakaki-sensei told them off for talking they got back into the game. The score now being 3-5 with Renji in the lead. Inui made a few comments on the play, as they would expect him to, adding that Renji had improved over the years. If only he had his note book!
Out of the blue Saeki asked Fuji how her brother was. Yukio? What an odd thing for him to bring up but she answered him all the same.
"Aniki is keeping himself busy with work, and showing me how much he doesn't like Tezuka-kun."
"Even I'm not surprised to hear that... he hasn't changed."
Fuji frowned. "Why would you say that?"
"... Yeah... You do know your brother is over protective of you and Yumi."
"I know but I thought he liked you at least."
Saeki shook his head firmly.
"Oh. I'd bring it up but aniki is more cunning than I am. He's already spoke to Tezuka-kun over the phone, no doubt he'll get your number somehow and talk to you."
"If that's the case I won't pay you a visit."
"But Yumi would be happy to see you."
He rubbed the back of his head. "It's not worth the risk. If Tezuka-kun wants to take him on, I'll leave that job to him."
She couldn't help but laugh. She knew her brother was a handful, and annoying at the best of times but that's what make him lovable.
By the end of the match Kaido was able to catch up in points but wasn't about to win the match. Sakaki-Sensei called for the four with Fuji to get on the courts. After overhearing their conversation he was going to put them on the courts twice as long.
"What are you doing over here."
The five of them looked to their left to see Atobe had wondered over. Vexed by something.
"Who are you talking to?" Saeki said with heaviness in his voice but Atobe paid him no mind.
"You'll pay for making Hanamura-sensei send me to get you. Come on." He reached forward and grabbed Fuji hand.
"Hey what do you think you're doing!" The boys from her school stepped forward to deal with him but Fuji had to quickly quieten them down.
"Guys, it's okay. He's right, I shouldn't be wondering around."
They weren't convinced and continued to watch at Atobe. When Fuji stepped towards Atobe, they were unsure and lowered their guard.
"If he does anything-" Iwara started.
"Don't worry. He's stupid, but he's not that stupid. Keep training guys and get shortlisted."
Before she could finish talking Atobe walked forward, dragging her to his pace.
"You can let go of my hand. I'm not going to run away."
He released her. "Just hurry up."
Fuji didn't argue with Atobe and stayed a little behind him. The courts on the other side were empty so Hanamaru had her group in the gym again. After lunch they would be outside, which could only mean his 'lordship' had a distance to walk to find her. After a while she gently rubbed the back of her hand wondering why the feel of his hold lingered.
"It's a wonder why you can't stay put." He murmured.
"I thought you wanted to look for me?"
He turned to her, his glare fierce, making Fuji stop in her steps. She expected that pompous and arrogant glimmer to shine through in his eye and his manner but he was seriously angry... but for what reason? Did it really bother him that much that he had to come and look for her? And if so why? Did he have to think about someone else for a moment? Heaven forbid! As much as she didn't want anything to do with him, to stay clear of his whole being, that wasn't to be the case in this camp so Fuji would torment him. And at the thought of that, she smiled a little, which only annoyed him more.
He could have said something to her, anything to explain that look but Atobe sighed deeply and shook his head continuing on towards the gym. Fuji thought for a moment why she was in such a good mood. It was because she was with Saeki seconds. Meaning, this pompous kid's attitude would only egg her on. She wanted to know more. What was the reason for his temper? The thought that he 'wanted' to look for her bothered him greatly. For the duration of the walk they remained silent. Once in the building Fuji said nothing, but as they were approaching the gym he spoke up first.
"I'm sure if he were here, he would disapprove."
"Hm? Who?"
He tutted. "Who else would I be talking about. Tezuka-kun."
"Why are you bringing him up when I'm talking to you about you?"
She heard that familiar snigger in his words. "Because it would make his blood boil if he knew what you were do."
"Interesting. Now I'm intrigued. What have I done to make you angry?"
"Your stupidity his making me angry."
Not this again, Fuji thought. If only he would say what was on his mind then they wouldn't have to go in such a roundabout manner. She wouldn't give him the pleasure of being indirect and rephrased his words as they should have been said.
"Oh yeah. What have I done?" She stepped closer to him to him
What Fuji sad to him last night bothered him, that she would return the favour in some way. He didn't want to admit anything but the boy's heart was going ahead of his common sense. "If he saw what you were doing he'd lock you up and keep you to himself."
Her smile grew. "Oh, is that what you'd like to do to me, Atobe-kun? Lock me up for yourself?"
The directness of her words hit him hard that he had to step back and gather some ground. Fuji saw it and wouldn't let him get away. She stepped closer to him.
"Does it bother you that I'm hanging out with Saeki? No Honorifics used? I've known him longer than you... longer than Tezuka-kun."
He stare at her and she matched his strength, reminding her of her playful words when she was in Tezuka's room. For a moment – in all her stupidity – she said something similar to Atobe.
She lifted her hand to her neck. "But unlike the both of them you did mark me once first. Would you like to mark me here." That hand brushed her lips. "After all, you've been looking at me like you want to."
He slammed his hand against the wall beside her head. "Don't test me."
"But I want to test you." She lifted her hands to fix the collar of his polo shirt and ran her hands along his collar bone. "Kiss me. I won't stop you."
Atobe thought about it. Why did he think about it! Did he want to see if she really meant it or if he would really do it, equally wanting to be in control of the situation. He was close enough to do it too. And Fuji stood there unfazed by what she just said, waiting for him to do it or walk away. When he lent towards her she didn't move.
When he tilted his head, moving very closer, she didn't waver.
When he stopped, millimeters away from her, she smirked.
He backed off slowly. She tried to catch him as he pulled away but he jerked back when he saw what she did.
"You really are stupid." He turned quickly, red as a beetroot and headed to the gym.
"Coward." She said once the double doors closed.
She caught her breath that nearly escaped her and lent against the wall. What did she just nearly do? The same thing she was angry at Tezuka for doing? She was really thankful that he had the common sense to not kiss her. When Fuji thought about how close he was, how close his body heat was to her face and the smell of the shampoo in his hair, she realised that he was 'way' too close for comfort. That kind of behaviour would only come back to bite her. That's the second time Atobe has been that close to her so he would have no fear to do it again. Fuji wiped her eyes. Maybe someone should lock her up in such a place. The supressing energy these boys had was making her beyond confident. She slapped her cheeks lightly and was thankful that she didn't have anything more to add to her list of sins.
There can a series of slow claps further down the corridor. She jerked off the wall to see who it was. Oshitari was walking back to the gym applauding Fuji after what he just saw. He pushed up his glasses up and crossed his arms.
"Why are you clapping?" Fuji said to him.
"Even though I've seen it with my own eyes, I still don't believe it." He stopped at talking distance. "Don't get how you are about to shake him."
"If I knew, I'd tell me."
"But, even I'm intrigued now."
"Pardon?"
"Not in that way. I want to know if you're any good at tennis. You are the captain of the girls' team, and capably of moving the hearts of both Tezuka-kun and Atobe-Kun."
"Move who's heart? Atobe-kun?"
"Annoyingly, yes. You might not agree with it but I do blame you for his poor performance in the tournaments. So just to confirm my thoughts, I want to have a match with you."
Fuji hesitated a reply. Could this be her chance to get on the courts? But Oshitari had a begrudging motive behind it. Meaning he'd do his best to humiliate her. "Now?"
"I'll tell you when I want a match with you."
"I'm not here to take up your time-"
"I'm not giving you a choice in the matter." He headed on into the gym leaving Fuji in the corridor. She didn't want to think over his words but what else could she do.
Wasn't Atobe the one moving her heart? When did it switch like this? Fuji understood and accepted that she was falling for him but when did Atobe fall for her? When she said it last night she was joking, making fun of always bumping into him.
And she told him to kiss her!
She covered her face in embarrassment not wanting to head into the gym. For now she would have to put that behind her as Hanamura-sensei was calling for her. After a while Fuji picked herself up off the wall and went into the gym.
...tbc...
A/N2: I was going to add more but I thought it would fit better in the next chapter, to which isn't written yet. (Everything is loosely planned, yet nothing is written down.)
Chapter 89: We all know who's returning for no good reason that I can think of, but will 'you' get the fluff you're hoping for? It depends which of the two have their way. Fuji or Tezuka? Who wants to talk and who wants to play!? Dunno!
Thanks for reading ^_^
