A/N: Hey all, I think I'm back. Had a long hiatus. Fell out of love with writing for a moment. Wrote absolutely nothing for 2015 but when 2016 came I had to give myself a kick. Started reading this again and thought I really can't leave it unfinished.

Last update was 5th March '13... gosh... I understand if people can't be bothered to read this (It pained me to recap through the chapters) or pick it up again but I need to at least finish it for myself. If you want to continue the journey with me please wear appropriate shoes and bring a snack.

... Where was I? A wild Tezuka? Well, he is a boy-not-yet-a-man after all

Disclaimer: Out from the clouds came a copy of Prince of Tennis; out of Prince of Tennis came Takeshi Konomi. (random)


Chapter Ninety

Fuji slowly opened her eyes and didn't recognise the room. Dizziness from lack of sleep came over her and she wiped a heavy hand over her eyes. Normally when she woke up she would have faced the window, as An would be on her right hand side. Once she rolled onto her back Fuji remembered where she was and quickly sat up.

Last night she snuck into Tezuka's room and slept beside him. It was such a deep sleep that she forgot where she was. So where was Tezuka? When she rolled onto her back, she was where he should be. Fuji got up onto her knees and curled her hair behind her ears.

Somehow, she wasn't surprised. In fact, she expected him to not be here. It must have been too much for him to wake with her...

She sighed. Her life wasn't a shoujo manga and has never had the convenience of one. She crawled to the edge of the bed and adjusted her pyjamas. She checked the clock on the dresser and gasped. It was 11:23am. For a moment she didn't believe what she saw and jumped out of bed to open the curtains. The bright light blinded her and she shut them quickly. It really was late morning. If that's the case, then yes, Tezuka would be up! Unlike Fuji, this wasn't a time where he could clear his head. He was here to takeover in sensei's absence.

Fuji wiped her hands down her face to fully wake up. She left the curtains open, spread the bed and headed out to dash back to her room. Luckily no one was around.

At first her mind was blank. She had such a good night's sleep that she could easily have forgotten what took place yesterday, especially his 'nonsense' behaviours. She stopped in her steps and wondered why he didn't wake her up. He just wasn't himself at all. Then another thought came to Fuji that made her walk a little faster. She arrived at her room and checked to see if An was around. She wasn't. Fuji went in and undressed to check her skin in the mirror. To her relief there weren't any new marks. He behaved himself at least. There was little time to think about it, not with Hanamaru-sensei waiting for her. Fuji didn't return to the courts after going to the hospital yesterday and now she was late for morning practise. Very late. Hanamaru-sensei would be fuming.

She got herself ready and went to the gym, but the room was empty, barring one other person from another group. Fuji didn't bother them and made her way to the courts when she bumped into An carrying a stack of hand towels. When An realised it was Fuji she let out a loud gasp.

"Fuji-senpai! Where have you been? I was so worried about you!"

Fuji didn't expect the loud shriek and stepped back. "I'm okay. I've been here?"

"Fuji-senpai you looked ill yesterday, like you had a fever. And then when I wake up, you're gone and nobody could find you!"

Fuji averted her gaze. "I just needed to sort something out early in the morning. I'm all right."

An wasn't convinced. "Fuji-senpai, if any of the boys are bothering you, you tell me, okay! I'll get them sorted out. If that's the case, they shouldn't be bothering you at all but focusing on this once-in-a-life-time- opportunity!"

"I will."

An looked her up and down, checking for herself that Fuji was okay. "If you say so, I'll let it go, but remember what I said."

"I will. Thank you. Oh, An-chan, do you know where Hanamaru-sensei is?"

"Yep. Court B. They are in the middle of some matches."

Fuji thanked her and headed outside into the bright light. On her way she saw Tezuka on court A. She had a cold sensation run through her when she saw him standing in his jump suit, shouting out orders... just like how it used to be. He had his back to her but his posture brought Fuji back to the start of the year when things were a lot less complicated. Despite wanting things to be a little more peaceful, Fuji wasn't going to discard their growth. Between then and now Tezuka has definitely shown a lot more of his affection towards her. She'd only discard what happened yesterday because that was very much her dark energy taking over him.

She carried on to her courts. Hanamaru-sensei, with her keen hearing, turned when she heard someone approaching the courts. When she saw it was Fuji she stood up to meet her. Oshitari, who was the only one sitting on the bench also stood up.

"I hope you have an explanation for your absence Fuji-chan. I know you are not part of the selection process, but if I take those under my care I expect them to have the same high standards."

"Sorry, sensei... a lot of stuff happened yesterday."

"Yes I know, but I expect you to know where you're supposed to be. Remember who you are accountable to."

Fuji diverted her eyes, wanting to sulk. Of course she wanted to get back to the courts yesterday, but she wouldn't, not after what happened. Never after what happened! Haven't to explain that to anyone wasn't worth the embarrassment. As she walked on to the courts, she caught sight of Oshitari as he began to walk towards the both of them.

"Took you long enough." He said within earshot.

Fuji didn't say anything to him.

He handed her a racket. "I'm ready to have that match."

"Hmm?"

"Who knows where you'll run off to next time. Let's get it over and done with."

"What do you mean, have a match?" Sensei placed her hands on her hips. "You two are not having a match. You of all people, Oshitari-kun, should be taking this seriously."

"I don't mind, sensei." Fuji said, reaching for the racket and gripping it around her fingers.

"I mind." Hanamaru-sensei made it clear.

As much as Fuji didn't mind having a match with him she felt the same unease as when she played Yumi. If they were going to have a friendly match she'd be okay with it, but Oshitari was out to prove something and it wasn't too obvious as to what it was. These were always the type of matches where someone got hurt, and it wasn't always a physical pain. Fuji was hoping Sensei would cancel the very thought of having a match, but Fuji could see that Sensei was putting two and two together, relating the past match where he aimed a ball at her. Suddenly Sensei's disapproval turned to a thoughtful silence, then a dismissive acceptance. Truthfully, it was a match sensei wanted to see. She made her way to the bench that sat opposite their court.

Really? Fuji couldn't help but sigh her annoyance away and grip the strings of the racket. Despite not wanting to play against him, she desperately wanted to play a match. Hearing the tension in the strings made her remember all the matches she had played up until now. The temptation to play was overwhelming.

Those in the team sensed something was up and stopped to ask Oshitari what he was doing, having sat out for most of the morning practise. His answer wasn't much more than a hum and a few vague words. When they saw Fuji lining up on court to play they didn't understand what he was planning.

For the moment Fuji was in her own world. She stood on the baseline and felt a level of bliss that reminded her of being at a tournament with hundreds of people watching and waiting with anticipation of the ensuing match. After feeling that, there was no way she could step down now. Fuji smiled. When the others saw it they were eager to watch.

Fuji looked up to Oshitari. He was more than ready. Had the light not flashed off his glasses, she wouldn't have remembered to take this game seriously. Fuji flexed her left hand. There was a lot of pain there. Having forgotten to take her medication, she wondered how much of her 'strength' and skill she could use.

"Why is Oshitari playing with Fuji-chan?" Ryou Hisaruzu asked around.

"Maybe he wants an easy match." Atsushi said.

"It's not very manly to get into a confrontation with a girl, or mature." Shinji mumbled.

Atobe, who had a vague idea about the reasons behind the match, watched with indifference.

Fuji's smile turned into a smirk. She gripped the racket once more and waited for the opening serve. She remembered that beautiful sound of the ball being hit with aggression, the trainers scoffing on the tarmac and the split-second decision the body made before the mind. She drew her arm back to hit a shot that went low over the net and deep in his court. She remembered not having time to celebrate each shot as the opponent swiftly sent the ball back at her.

With Oshitari, Fuji could feel the difference in the strength. The girls were strong but this was very different. Like Echizen, he wasn't going to hold back, be it that he had something to prove. Before she would do anything, she would continue to measure his strength. Sooner than later, she would have to step it up.

"I'm surprised, she can keep up with him."

"I want to say that Oshitari-kun is giving her the advantage, but that wouldn't be very manly... then again, this entire match seems... awkward." Shinji mentioned.

"I know what you mean, Shinji, but Oshitari-kun isn't one to miss an opportunity."

"Has anyone seen Fuji-san play before?"

They were still for a moment.

Amane joined the conversation. "I hear she goes to Seigaku academy."

"She was the captain of the girls' team, now shut it." Atobe interrupted.

By now the score was 2-1 in Fuji's favour, but she wondered for how long. She knew this big guy wasn't just pacing rallies because he was a poor player. Seems he was sussing her out too. He was now ready to step out and play for real.

Fuji tightened her grip on her racket and waited for his serve. There was nothing special about it, though, once she returned his serve she noticed he stepped back to take the returning shot. Seeing this as an opening, Fuji was ready for his return, but he performed a drop shot. Clearly, nothing she could do about returning the ball when it was near the net and she was at the baseline.

Had it been another player, Fuji would have commented on their great game-play. Problem was her opponent had a point to prove. The smirk on Oshitari's face was starting to bother her.

"If you're going to play like that you won't win against me." He said.

"What point do I have to prove by winning?"

"Aren't you the captain of the girls' team? Oh, I mean, was? As soon as you lose your position you're going to disgrace yourself and your school with pitiful games?"

Fuji didn't know why but when Oshitari's deliberately provoked her, she willingly took the bait. The smile began to fade.

"Why is that an issue for you?" She replied.

"If you don't play me seriously, I know it will be a game you'll regret. Look around. It's lunch time. The other teams have come to watch."

She turned sharply to see the space around the courts had the eager eyes of those from the other two teams. Even Kakikai-sensei came over to view their match. Tezuka too.

She made sure she looked at all their faces. Did they really make her want to play more seriously? Maybe. Only one. And that one wasn't Tezuka. She hit the racket off her palm.

"Was you hoping to humiliate me while I was here?"

"If that's what you want to believe."

It was unsettling. The feeling wasn't the same as the tournaments, but knowing that, she would still play the match. Somehow, she decided it was worth the humiliation of those in her school and the other team members.

She closed her eyes. That didn't sound right. She had to consider her reputation as well as the boys'. Oshitari clearly knows something. Would losing this match tarnish 'him' also? Possibly. Her heart sank a little at the thought, reminding her of past thoughts.

"Come on, serve." He said impatiently.

It was Fuji's serve. The only way to see what this kind of match would become would be to play. She took the ball in her left hand. It hurt but she would have to persevere through it. All of a sudden this game got serious but still Fuji held back. She didn't want to go all out and irritate her hand. With the score now an annoying 5-5, she could no longer waste time.

Maybe it was the stamina and strength of a man that held her back from making any great lead. He was also a lot better than she imagined. So there was something more behind his arrogance. She wiped the sweat from her forehead into her arm (she was a little out of shape.) and got ready. His smirk was really starting to grate on her nerves.

Fuji served the ball and Oshitari was ready with the return. She lobbed it. He smashed it so Fuji's could use Higuma Otoshi.

"Now you want to get serious, but it's a little too late for that."

As Fuji turned, she found that smug look was still there. What could he be up to? Those surrounding the courts began to murmur.

"You'll have to forgive me, I thought you were all looks and no ability." She said.

"Hah. Now it's time for you to see my Higumi Otoshi"

Higumi? Fuji wanted to hit her forehead only now remembering what he was capable of producing. How could she forget that this boy could do the higumi otoshi? No wonder he was so arrogant. That specific move was a certified win. But if he could use that move, why save it until now?

Fuji served regardless. He wasn't going to hang around and wait for an opening. Once Fuji returned the ball, he lobbed it. Fuji wasn't blind but she was stubborn. She smashed the ball to him and he did it. The higumi otoshi. It went flying over her head and hit just in front of the baseline.

The crowd began to talk. Fuji's pride began to get the better of her. Is this how her opponent's felt whenever her moves were used against them? A sudden dread towards defeat? No way out? Hell if Fuji was going to allow this busybody to better her! There was always more than one why to beat a shot.

"Come on, Fuji-senpai!" Momoko yelled out with the help of the other year 7's

"Do you really think you can bet me with those skinny arms?" Oshitari taunted.

Had some around the court not giggled at his insult, Fuji might not have lost her cool. She turned without a word and waited for the game to start. Again he deliberately lobbed it and Fuji smashed it. She didn't bother wait for the ball to bounce out of play. She readied herself on the baseline.

Oshitari laughed to himself. He supposed her stubborn nature was cute, but he would commend her for lasting this long against him. He certainly wasn't going easy on her and he wasn't going to let her win.

"Does anyone know why this match is happening?" Atsushi asked.

They turned to Atobe. His stare seemed to burn where it landed. They didn't get it, but they watched with awe at Fuji's stamina.

They managed to hold a rally, not letting up any easy points when Oshitari lobbed it. Fuji smirked when she jumped up and smashed it back and waited for the sweet sound of Kabaji saying...

"Out!"

Intriguing murmurs began to ring around the courts and yet Fuji didn't wait to see the confusion on his face. Oshitari, believing it was a fluke, repeated the same sequence of play to perform the higumi otoshi. And like before, the ball hit outside the court. What was happening, he thought to himself, checking his racket and watching to see what Fuji was doing. She hadn't changed how she hit the ball and he wasn't making any mistakes, but something was happening. He didn't have time to figure it out as Fuji had the serve. This time he watched her mannerisms to see what she did differently. Right up to the smash he didn't see anything different or special, but she was doing something. As the ball came down, he caught it on his racket. Instead of it flying up, he heard the strings snap and the ball rolled out in front of him.

The crowd couldn't believe what they saw. Was this the reason she was in the camp with them? Too shocked to face her, Oshitari peered at the hole in his racket. Only a few people had confused him like this, even less had broken the strings. Unbelievable. The disbelief from the others confirmed it. Where did her strength come from? He wasn't ready to call it quits wanting to get another racket. Sensei stood up to end it.

"I think that is quite enough. I hope you two were able to resolve whatever it was that became an issue."

Fuji looked over to Oshitari as he stood up straight, reluctant to accept defeat.

"Come on, pack up! It's lunch time!" Was the final decision on the matter.

Oshitari shook his head and walked over to the net to shake Fuji's hand.

"I don't know how you did it, but you did."

She shook his hand not revealing how she was able to defeat him, surprised that he himself didn't notice.

"I guess you're worthy enough to date him. You have my blessing."

Fuji froze, her hand after shaking his hung in midair for a moment. "What?"

He didn't say anymore and walked off to get his belongings. THIS WHOLE MATCH WAS ABOUT ATOBE!? Fuji couldn't believe it. No sooner did she realise this did the strings on her racket break. She barely moved, only rolling her eyes downwards to see it.

"All right everyone, go and have your lunch and come back fully charged." Sensei ordered, shooing those watching first before repeating to her group to pack up and do the same.

Fuji soon pulled at the snapped strings. She couldn't figure out why Oshitari would settle such a matter over a game. She knew she would have lost had he not insulted her, implying that she was weak, but for it to have 'that' connotation, it sicken her. Now she wished she had lost this match. She shook her head slowly. With his racket in her hand, she reluctantly walked over to him. The fact that Atobe was beside him made her cringe.

"Here. Sorry, it broke."

"Don't worry about it." He smirked and took the worn racket from her and handed it to Atobe. He took it and dropped it on his sport's bag as if it didn't matter to him.

The two of them spoke quietly, neither of them looked pleased. Fuji headed on out the courts not wanted to linger.

"Fuji-chan, well done on winning, but we have a lot to work on. I see what sensei means when she says it takes a while for you to warm up."

Fuji frowned at the thought of having to put any effort into her time at the camp. She was here to clear her head, not work as hard as the guys. She carried on out the courts and saw Tezuka standing by the fence. He hadn't gone to lunch yet. He was the only one.

"Morning." She greeted.

Tezuka wanted to say something. She saw his mouth twitch but he didn't return the greeting. Was he feeling awkward after finding her beside him this morning? Is that why he couldn't face her now, turning such shamed eyes to the ground? It was only for a split second, had she not been watching him she would have missed that moment that caused her a sudden pain.

"Excuse me." He said and returned slowly to his group.

What was that? Fuji watched on bemused, amazed that she saw something. She saw shame in his eyes and couldn't understand why. Her heart began to sink. Was it her fault? What did she do for him to avoid her like this? "Not again." Fuji murmured to herself. "I need to talk to him." He was here and she couldn't allow whatever caused 'that' in him to linger longer than it needed to.

"What's wrong Fuji-senpai." Amane asked when he saw her staring on ahead. The rest of the team followed behind.

"Just got something that needs sorting out."

...tbc...


A/N2: Meh, plot, story, story, plot. It continues...

Thanks for coming back to this...