A/N: Finishing up…
ooo
The trip back took even less time then the one coming up. Atobe didn't talk, just stared out the window with an unreadable expression on his face. I tried to initiate conversation a few times, but was answered with only committal grunts.
Upon returning to the Seishun Gakkuen, we were catapulted into a bubbling mass of chaos. It seemed the whole school had turned up for Tezuka's return, despite it being a Saturday. Atobe pushed calmly through the masses of students, leaving me to trail in his wake before the gap of people could close.
At last we reached the center of the throng, where the other regulars were busy welcoming their captain back in their own ways. Fuji was conversing busily with Tezuka about Germany, while Inui took notes on the captain's failing efforts to dislodge Eiji from the deathglomp the redhead had on his neck. Kaidoh hissed from behind Inui, Taka-san was discussing plans for a welcome party at his sushi restaurant with Momo, and Echizen looked disinterested as usual.
Tezuka nodded his head slightly as I appeared at his side, subconsciously scanning him with my eyes for any apparent injury. Our beloved captain was back, and everything would be back to normal again.
"Tezuka." The husky call cut through the noise of the crowd, the world seeming to freeze as the boy in question turned to look at Atobe standing a few feet away. His pose held the same confidence and raw charisma as it had when he addressed me that first time in the bookstore.
"Atobe" Tezuka answered, stoic as every. Everything had gone silent, and even Inui's scribbling seemed to have subsided for the moment.
"Welcome home. You seem hungry. I bet you haven't had any decent Japanese food in a while, and I was just thinking of dropping buy somewhere and getting something to eat. Care to join me?" The crowd held it's breath, waiting for the answer.
Tezuka pointedly ignored him, returning to his conversation with Fuji.
Atobe's smile twitched.
"Some other time then, I'm sure." Turning around, Atobe walked nonchalantly through the stunned masses, heading towards the exit to the school grounds.
With Hyotei's captain gone, the attention returned to Tezuka, who seemed quite content to ignore them as well. I slipped away as quietly as I could, chasing after Atobe before he could drive away.
"Oh. Hello Oishi." He said in a tired voice upon sensing my presence. 'Oishi', I noticed, not 'Syuichiro'. Seeing the look of pain and hurt on my face, Atobe sighed and lay his hand on my shoulder in what I suppose he meant to be an encouraging gesture.
"It was nice while it lasted. Sorry." He made a move as if to go, but I took hold of his shirt sleeve before he could leave.
"Just tell me one thing," Aware that I was dangerously close to begging, I wondered when I had fallen in love with this boy whom I previously knew nothing about. Had fallen so hard that I'd abandoned my friends, my team, and now my dignity.
"Did you ever really like me? Me, Oishi, not me, the boy who reminds you so much of Tezuka. Or was I just a substitute so you could deny the fact that Tezuka's absence made you lonely?"
Atobe paused to look at me, roughly removing his shirt from my grip.
"Denile doesn't suit me."
ooo
After removing whatever traces the tears had left on my cheeks or eyes, I headed back to the tennis courts. The crowd had dissipated, leaving only a few of the regulars and teachers.
Upon seeing me, Eiji abandoned his harassing of Tezuka to envelop me in a flying embrace that nearly knocked me to the ground.
"You're back early!" he exclaimed, effervescent as ever. "I missed you so much Oishi!"
"I missed you too Eiji. And it's 'Syuichiro' from now on, ok?" Eiji beamed, eyes sparkling, and hugged me again.
"Well then, Syuichiro, lets go get some ice-cream to celebrate your return." Laughing at his enthusiasm, I took Eiji's hand in mine.
"Only if you pay."
"Hey! No fair!" he responded, smiling and rubbing our noses together. His mouth found mine, and I decided I rather preffered Eiji's unpolished kisses. They were more real.
As we walked, Eiji resumed his usual chatter as I walked in silence behind him, occasionally offering a smile or nod to show I was listening.
"Eiji," I interrupted. He looked annoyed for a moment, but the look was soon replaced by one of curiosity. "Have you ever heard of John Grisham?"
"No," Eiji's look of puzzlement increased. "Who's he?"
"Nobody important. Let's go get that ice-cream."