One Year In Four
oOo
Disclaimer: me no richie therefore PoT me no ownie. Mou, I wish I could be adopted by Konomi-sensei or by the animators…
Warnings: yaoi, lemon… OOCness, presence of OCs…
Pairings: TeFu (I'm loyal and biased… they're the epitome of love)
Summary: Fuji and Tezuka had a rift. They both think they moved on. Then comes Fuji's twenty-fourth birthday (sixth, actually) and he invites the old team over. The past resurfaces, should they seize it or leave it? nya, this is a leap year gift to our favorite tensai from our favorite buchou. Enjoy:3 (third settlement based on Fallen Angel and A Fine Week.)
a/n: Did you know what Tezuka was going to say in that 5th chappie? He said, "Syusuke, I – " ring!!! Btw, let's huddle the old team!!!
woot! Sixth chappie!!! I'm practicing self-control so I'll be slowing down… you'll so hate Yanada here… Although I don't understand why this chappie is short… oh, well.
One year in four calendar: (as we countdown to Fuji's birthday) Feb 14, 2008 – St. Valentine's Day. Fuji, Tezuka! Have a happy, happy Valentine's Day. Maybe not. well, as today is valentine's for them, I could tweak the draft to make it fit to the occassion. –smiles cheerfully-
cassie – hai, hai, I knew you'd like that chappie… :3 although, it's kinda weird that you kept smiling at everyone in the house. Yes, Fuji and Tezuka will really have to thank the team when they get back together. And, well, perhaps I could give you a bit on the Golden Pair… why not? I love them, too. :3 I guess you have to admire Ms. USA… I mean, she still held her head high even when she was booed by the Mexican crowd… oh, yeah… Ms. Japan's national costume last year was superb… astig… haha
Miji-Chuu – mou, it feels like crack? Why? Me want some sushi, too… or maybe some bibimbap… actually, I WANT chicken katsudon!!! Should you really sneak to the pc? That's bad, nya…
wirbelwind – It was mean… although the two had that coming for their procrastination. Still, I really kinda believe that they were just using the sake as an excuse – especially Tezuka. If Tezuka weren't drunk, he would have done that anyways…
maldita08 – yeps, possessive Yanada and jealous Tezuka… it's just big fun, ne? Tezuka is even hotter without the experience, I mean… well, at least to me. Or to Fuji. I mean, if Fuji asked "are you sure that you are inexperienced? Then, how can you get good so quick?" Tezuka will say, "Because I love you…" and, then, we'll all turn to goo. (But that's not really in the lemon. -.-") Besides, I really don't like the idea that he sleeps with Honda. NOOOOO!!! If he slept with Honda, I'd give Tezuka a gazillion less of hotness points. Oh, I love Atobe exactly because he is so narcissistic (I want to get 2 Atobe plushies and make them hug – I mean, Atobe and himself! Haha.). Dirty pair… in the reunion, well, could be. Although, I really like Oshitari/Atobe, too. I am yet to decide on the pairings for the reunion, so we'll have to see. Yeps, ms. USA didn't have enough flair when she tried to regain her composure. I mean, ms. Miriam Quiambao did… it's probably got to do with being pinay… :3
lammieee – Fuji, Tezuka – kissu, KISSU:3 oh, I've given up trying cool and un-anxious a loooong, long time ago. –hugs you back- and toast to more TezuFuji!!! Btw, I really, really loved ms. Japan's evening gown, it was so simple, it showed the least amount of skin and it had a very Japanese touch… -kowtows Ms. Japan-
bLoodY vEngEfUl sOul – yeah, eww to Tezuka sleeping with that beotch. Ewwww… I don't really hate straight pairings now –squeals AKITO! SHIGURE!-, but I think hetpairs just don't fit in the context of the PoT fandom. It's just wrong when the men are more beautiful than women… I can't kill them yet, but just wait a bit more, ne? don't kill your PC! You won't be able to read!!! Banzai!!! Ms. Japan was really lovely… And Ms. Korea was in the top 5 as well, so that's really nice. Ms. US just had it really, really bad… Oo, magaganda at matatalino ang mga pinay! Plus, there's the fact that Filipinos are loyal (Ms. Photogenic was done through an internet poll, right? And the Philippines won it for two consecutive years now…)
alchemistgrl09 – yeps, THE love is definitely back… -winks- I can't torture their poor souls much longer, just this chapter and … woot! Can't tell you yet! yes, I know that they're men, so, yeah… we're getting near that part:3 very, very near - must I add.
sheyryoma – woot, successful na ang review! Well, they really should bond together, the Seigaku regulars… they might be huddling in their room right now, you know? and HATE Honda for ruining the beautiful moment. They rarely ever have it and then she calls. Doesn't she get what it means when Tezuka hangs up on her? Do you realize what Tezuka was going to say when the phone rang? Wali is sister or sibling:3 hehe, sankyuu! –hugs ate-
Ai-Kusabana – isn't Atobe like stupid rich bastard? I wonder… Well, he does flaunt a lot like Tama-chan… I mean, I had this moment when I really thought that Atobe should be blonde. Probably the only difference is Ore-sama's a lot more serious than Tama-chan. :3 –hugs tama-chan and kei-chan!- Hmm, about the dates… -zip it!- :3 well, Tezuka's hold on the porcelain would be dangerous for Yanada, too… you know, it could just slip out his hand and take a projectile motion! And I'm sure that Fuji would come to his aid if he crushed the cup. Teehee. That's an idea… Yeah! Go Buchou… but, ur, should I really wear a TezuFuji cheerleading outfit, too? Hmm, fine! If it's for the two of them, ne? Yeps, the regulars are definitely into matchmaking. They would help the two as much as they could. Let's kill Yanada and Honda together when they're done in this fic! Although, walking STD is a bit harsh and quite disgusting… but something bad is going to happen next chappie… really, really bad for Yanada… btw, what's your YM username? I added a lot of people in recently. And you should update 'You Deserve it' soon… I DEMAND that from you, haha. And, ur, I was just joking when I asked who the guy that Fuji was in love with… being sarcastic, you know.
Thin-K - -cough-a break from time to time… yeah, right… haha. Kidding:3 yeps, a reunion and the lemon(loooong chappie) would be good, I'll try, at least… here's the update!
yoshikochan – what if they really weren't drunk? Haha… I'd like to think that way, that they just used the sake as an excuse to kiss! I think this is the first time I'm writing an ex-drama and a love square, so thank you…:3
xoHakugei – I'd like to kill her, too… she's the one who totally hurt Fuji… let's wait and see for ourselves how Fuji retaliates…
PyroSiren – hmm, what fic is that? I haven't read that one… woot, kill the lion! But I love lions… let's just say that Tezuka is another lion and he's going to fight over the pride against Yanada, ne? and reading all your reviews enlighten, btw. :3
okinneko – I wrote so fast, but I'm at a lag around this time… -.- so Honda is now '#'? well, I guess that's just fine. hmm… but I don't think I'll be able to finish around that time since school's opening in two weeks… -sad- but we'll get to the lemon in due time, don't worry… I mean, I'll make sure I update the lemon before I begin to die in school. Tezuka is 100 virgin, hai!
luvcloud307 – hoi! Hoi! Finally something between Tezuka and Fuji! So we hate Honda, ne?
Ketchup for Blood – yeps, epitome of love. Well, I do hate Yanada less here, I actually feel sad for him… But, well, Honda's just beginning to be evil. And cutting off a TeFu kiss is EVIL! Especially if it's just for a measly phone call… I actually have a little teaser about Yanada and Honda: Where Yanada ends, Honda begins. –evil cackle- Or maybe I just don't have evil blood in me… I'm glad that you liked the sake game, btw. :3
Apythii – ok, so you read it repeatedly and I can't even read it after I type… -sweatdrop- I seem to get a lot of coincidences in this fic… -scratches chin- drug? Well, anything on TeFu is that addicting…
do you know westlife? (well, what planet did you come from if you don't? kidding!) This is a line from their song 'I Cry':
oOo
I cry silently, I cry inside of me. I cry hopelessly, 'cause I know I'll never breath your love… again.
oOo
Chapter Six
Wearing a casual smile, Fuji looked at Yanada across the table. But his blue eyes were misty; he wasn't really seeing anything.
Yanada's hand touched Fuji's causing the tensai to jump up. "Did you enjoy the day?" asked Yanada, rubbing the back of his boyfriend's hand.
"Ahh?" asked Fuji, furrowing his brows. "Oh, hai," said Fuji promptly. But that was not the exact truth. The day just passed quickly without his notice. He couldn't even remember where they went earlier. All he knew was that he was sharing candle-lit dinner with Yanada inside a luxurious hotel suite.
Suddenly, Fuji's eyes opened. He felt a warm caressing touch run up his arm. He craned his neck only to realize that his boyfriend had gotten behind him. Yanada's hands had crawled down to his waist and he could feel himself being pulled to his feet.
"I love you, Syusuke, I really love you," whispered Yanada, planting quick but warm kisses on Fuji's neck. "You must love me, too, or we wouldn't have lasted this long…"
Sighing, Fuji tried to step away but Yanada's grip had tightened around him.
"Will you be mine tonight?" asked Yanada whose usual lighthearted tone had gone sharp.
Then, Fuji could feel his hair rise as Yanada's kisses deepened and became possessive. "Reiji, please stop," said Fuji staidly, wearing a patient smile.
The other man did not heed, however. His fingers traced lines underneath Fuji's shirt. Then, his hands ran up to touch Fuji's nipples.
"Reiji," Fuji's voice gained sharpness as he tried to wriggle free.
As though deaf, Yanada's warm hands moved lower and lower until it found the buckle of Fuji's belt.
Feeling the last ounce of his patience flutter away, Fuji grabbed Yanada's hands and pushed at away.
"What now?" asked an irritated Yanada.
Breathing some calm into himself, Fuji said, "I didn't agree to this." He shut his eyes and tried to regain the usual smile. "Reiji," he went in a mellow voice. "Let's please continue eating. I am hungry. After all, we must have traveled around Tokyo…" he extended his arm to pull his chair. Fuji's eyes narrowed as Yanada's hand sank into his forearm. He turned to meet the gray eyes. "Yes?" he asked, smiling.
The black-haired man was clenching his jaws. "I want you to be mine," he said fervently.
"Not yet, Reiji," said Fuji sedately. He winced slightly as he felt Yanada's fingernails in his skin.
"I can't wait anymore," said Yanada whose eyes were blazing. He expelled air. "Why won't you make love with me?"
Fuji tried to smile complacently. "I told you, I'm not yet ready." He forced a chuckle. "It could be difficult, especially if I'm going to be the uke…"
"Is that it?" asked Yanada through gritted teeth. "Or don't you want me to know that you've recently been Tezuka's uke?" He was smirking, spite was written all over his face.
Knitting his brows and curling a lip in disdain, Fuji yanked his arm away. "Tezuka's uke?" he asked, chortling now but hardly finding anything amusing with Yanada's words. "That never happened."
"But you want it to," hissed Yanada, glaring at the smaller man.
"I might have used to," said Fuji whose electric blue eyes were tainted with constrained anger. "But that's not the way things are anymore, Reiji." He grabbed his chair, but Yanada had taken hold of his arm again.
"Make love with me now, prove to me that you love me and I'll believe you," mumbled Yanada.
Pursing his lips, Fuji raised his head and brushed off Yanada's hand. "If you need sex to – " He stopped as Yanada's mouth owned his. Blood surged through Fuji's body and his eyes glinted deviously. Furiously, he pushed Yanada. Breathing rapidly, Fuji warned, "Don't ever force yourself on me again."
Yanada huffed and cackled. He grabbed the collar of Fuji's shirt. "You know what? I'm tired of forcing myself on you as well. I'm right here before you and all you see is Tezuka."
"It's you who puts Tezuka on me," said Fuji in a harsh tone as he threw Yanada's hands away.
"I won't live in Tezuka's shadow anymore." He picked up his coat and crossed to the door. "Talk to me when you can prove your love." There was a bam as Yanada slammed the door.
oOo
"Nya, buchou!" called a highly spirited Eiji, carrying three leather-bound books toward Tezuka. The redhead and the others have ransacked Fuji's photo collection and reminiscing over the pictures taken since junior high.
Tezuka raised a brow and looked inquiringly at Eiji.
"You should look at these pictures too, nya?" said the redhead. Grinning, he placed the albums on the couch, right next to Tezuka. With much delight, he fled away to see some more collection among the shelves.
With only half a mind into what he was doing, Tezuka took one of the albums and flipped it open. He really didn't think he could handle any more memories. It brought so much pain and resentment in him. There was something in those recollections that his heart ached to have, but he didn't know if he could acquire… all because he had been so stupid.
Consequently, Tezuka's brown eyes widened. His own face, a slightly smiling one, unveiled before him. He squinted to study the picture. It should have been taken recently… Then, he saw that the picture had been dated back to 2006.
Now very eager, Tezuka skimmed through the next pages. All he saw were pictures himself, holding a tennis racket on a Wimbledon court, slightly smiling… Pressing his lips, he pulled a deep breath and sighed. "Syusuke…" he uttered gently.
"Ne, ne, Kunimitsu," called Fuji's soft and excited voice.
Saying, "Hn," Tezuka did not look up from his book. He was taking down notes religiously. After all, he was staying the night in Fuji's house so they could finish their Science project. He didn't stop writing as he felt thin arms wrap around his neck.
"I just finished my fourth album of your photos," whispered Fuji to his buchou's ears. He dropped a black leather-bound book on top of Tezuka's text. His slender and nimble fingers turned the front cover. Still hugging Tezuka from the back, he pointed at one of Tezuka's pictures tennis practice. "Do you know that you look handsome here? And here, too…" He pointed at another picture. "And here, and here, and here and here…"
Going slightly pink in the face, Tezuka mumbled, "Stop saying that."
Fuji let out a chuckle, knowing that he had caused goose-bumps on Tezuka's nape. "Saa… why should I stop saying the truth about you?" He bent nuzzle Tezuka's neck with his lips. "You're really very handsome, do you know? That's one reason I can't stop taking your pictures. Then, there's also the fact that I like to boast that I am the only one you allow to capture your every thought and emotion."
Inclining his head, Tezuka turned to see Fuji's face. Then, he flashed a sincere smile. He brushed his lips against Fuji's. "If that makes you happy, take all the pictures you want." He kissed Fuji again and returned to work. Now, he was even more in earnest to finish the school work, inspired by Fuji's assuring presence and comforting warmth.
Rubbing his nape, Tezuka opened his eyes and sat upright. He had fallen into a catnap on the couch with Fuji's albums at hand. He remembered telling the others that he would wait for Fuji. One thirteen, his wristwatch indicated and yet the tensai hadn't come home. Piling up the collection of photos, Tezuka smiled slightly to himself. The pictures, the pictures ought to mean something…
One twenty. Tezuka could feel a pit right in his stomach. What if Fuji decided not to go home? Fuji only left a message on the bedside table that he would be spending the day with Yanada, celebrating their first anniversary. Were Fuji and Yanada spending the night in each other's arms, making love? Tezuka shut his eyes. The mere thought caused his heart to writhe in pain.
Gritting his teeth, Tezuka clenched his fist. Yanada did not have a right to be with Fuji, Tezuka thought ruefully. Yanada was cheating on Fuji! Tezuka would have told the tensai this morning if only the latter didn't go away while Tezuka was still in slumber. Would Fuji have believed him, though? But, still, he wanted to try… Fuji deserved someone better. Someone like… whom?
Tezuka's knuckles turned white as he tightened his fists. He didn't deserve Fuji either. He left Fuji for a woman as well. And he was a coward. He could have come back earlier, but he didn't. He feared seeing Fuji's detachment from him; he feared seeing the pain he had caused. Most of all, he feared the rejection, the fact that Fuji may have moved on without him, that Fuji may have pushed him into the past. Coward, Tezuka's mind hissed.
But now he really wanted to try and ask for Fuji's pardon. If Fuji could give it, he would be very happy. He also yearned for Fuji's heart, but that could wait. He was willing to work and wait for something as sublime as Fuji's love. For now, all he wanted was forgiveness.
Rising from the couch, Tezuka strolled to the kitchen. The night was quite dark and just as cold. Where could Fuji be? He sighed. If he were to wait till Fuji arrived, he might as well make something that would make Fuji warm. Bustling around the kitchen, Tezuka made some really dark hot chocolate as he knew Fuji liked. He smiled lightly, recalling that Fuji usually complained that 87 percent pure chocolate was still too sweet. Then, there was also the picture of Fuji nibbling jovially on a bar of chili-and-chocolate. He, on the other hand, would always ask whether Fuji had the right amount or set of taste buds…
Minutes passed and turned to an hour and yet Fuji wasn't back. Tezuka, wide awake, got up to reheat the chocolate. He could wait for Fuji till morning… But his heart was continuously sinking. Fuji was still with Yanada…
Raising his head, Tezuka eyed the door. It creaked slowly and he saw Fuji enter alone. Feeling his heart race, he called in a smooth and rich voice. " Fuji."
Halting in mid-step, Fuji stared in surprise. Then, he beamed and began to take long strides toward Tezuka. "You were waiting?" he asked half-pointedly.
Pouring hot chocolate into two cups, Tezuka said, "Ahh." He sat back on the chair just as Fuji sat across him.
"But I said I would take long and I did say that I would spend the day with Yanada," started Fuji thoughtfully.
Trying to stop his hands from shaking, Tezuka pushed the cup of hot choco to Fuji.
"Why did you wait? Was there something you needed?" asked Fuji, reaching for the aromatic drink.
Taking a sip of the dark chocolate, Tezuka said truthfully, "I was worried." He put down his cup and watched Fuji's countenance. "How was your day?" he asked, dreading the answer.
"Fine," said Fuji dispassionately.
Tezuka's brows twitched slightly. He couldn't stop a glimmer of hope enter his heart upon seeing glazed look in the other man's azure eyes. Turning his cup idly, Tezuka nodded. "Souka." Looking down on the table, Tezuka started, " Fuji…"
"Hm?" asked Fuji, wearing his usual smile.
"About the kiss, I –"
"It's all right," said Fuji reassuringly. "I think we just had a lot of sake…"
Tezuka looked up and his amber eyes softened. He wasn't meaning to say sorry for the kiss. In fact, he wanted to tell Fuji that he had been meaning to do that since he arrived in Fuji's house… He wanted to tell Fuji that the kiss was something he had been hoping for. However, he didn't say anything to alter Fuji's assumptions. Perhaps, Fuji would draw further away from him if he told the truth. Perhaps, the kiss did not mean anything to Fuji…
Sighing, Tezuka watched as Fuji reached for the hot choco and sipped. He wanted to cup Fuji's cheeks in his hand and confess about his love, but he knew he still couldn't. He was still in terror of hearing Fuji's 'no.' When could he do that, then? When Fuji was too far from his reach? When he was too late? Then, Tezuka screwed his eyes so that his poker face turned to a frowning one. Red, crescent marks were all over Fuji's arms. Fingernail marks, Tezuka thought wryly, on Fuji's smooth, creamy skin. The marks were deep and slightly swelling and almost wounding…
Getting up from the chair, Tezuka put out a handkerchief and went to the fridge. He took out an ice cube and wrapped it with the handkerchief. Silently, he sat on the chair next to Fuji's and took the tensai's arm. Gently, treating Fuji's skin as a rare and delicate petal, Tezuka dabbed the makeshift icepack along the red marks.
Fuji didn't protest and quietly watched Tezuka. How could he protest when Tezuka's fingers touched and rubbed his skin lightly, soothingly?
"Did Yanada do this?" Narrowing his eyes, Tezuka tried to hide his emotion from his tone and face. But his voice cracked as he asked.
"Ahh," said Fuji in a hushed voice.
In an effort to becalm himself, Tezuka pressed his lips. Internally, however, his blood was boiling. How dare Yanada lay a hand on Fuji? He shut his eyes in anger and breathed deeply. He didn't think he could hate Yanada more. Intent on Fuji's arm, Tezuka asked, "Why?"
"Because I wouldn't sleep with him," said Fuji shortly, looking at Tezuka's lowered head.
"Why?" Tezuka asked again.
Fuji didn't answer outright. Instead, he allowed a long pause to cut in. "Because," he said simply. "Just because."
Tezuka didn't say anything more, but he continued dabbing his handkerchief on Fuji's arm. He could just feel it's warmth and silkiness… How could Yanada ruin something so glorious?
As the former buchou finished and rose, Fuji smiled thoughtfully. "Tezuka," he called.
"Hn?"
"Belated Happy Valentine's Day," said Fuji, wearing a vague smile in his lips.
As stoic as usual, Tezuka nodded. "To you, too." Tezuka might have sounded cold and aloof, but, in truth, his insides were churning at Fuji's greeting.
oOo
A fragile heart was broken before,
I don't think it could endure another pain,
But there's a voice from deep inside of you
That's calling out to make you realize…
(A Fragile Heart, sang by westlife)
oOo
a/n: oh, fine. Be sorry for Yanada… but not really. I guess that Yanada is ok, I know that it is difficult to live in someone else's shadow… Omg, I just realized that I allowed Yanada to touch Fuji… -cringes- I take that back. I am so not sorry for Yanada.
Honda is the main evil person here and she doesn't even show her face yet… that's because she's in a modeling gig in Singapore, btw. (I should have mentioned that in the fic, but I don't know how it disappeared from the dialogues. -.-")
Funny, while Yanada was professing his love to Fuji, I just remembered a famous line in a Filipino drama… it's almost exactly what Fuji feels. "I never… said… that I love you." Woot, I can so see the Filipinas laughing right now… -rotfl-
Be sure you read the next chappie or you'll die. Yes, if you missed it, you'll really die. No, it's not yet the lemon… but it's just as important, ne? I mean, I can't write anymore from the POV of someone who is so utterly in denial… -points a finger at the last sentence- that's a hint!