One Year In Four
Disclaimer: Tezuka and Fuji own each other. And Konomi-sensei is a TezuFuji fan, didn't you know?
Warnings: yaoi, lemon, OC, OOCness, future setting
Pairings:TeFu (I'm loyal and biased… they're the epitome of love)

a/n: yes, dear friends, OYIF is ending. Sorry if I took so long. I had RL worries and got half of a writer's block. This is the last official chapter. That's a bit sad, isn't it? But I like epilogues. So, yeah, there will be an Epilogue. A looooooooong epilogue. Here comes the fluff. Yes, this is clichéd. (I hope not to get 'this story is so clichéd it sucks' kind of reviews.) Will proofread when I'm no longer feeling lazy.

Much love and thanks to: Jingy5, FlAmEsOfDeSiReS, yoshikochan, hitsugayasugar, Shireila, HellRaiserAlchemist, Tora Macaw, okinneko, Tacuma, Thin-K, hakugetsu, lovewritermaiko, Ookami Fuu, fujilovesme, wirbelwind, Ebil Chameleon, Sweet Obsidian Rain, IndigoChan, bjont, dimonyo-anghel, Skip-beat, Animestar73, cassie, serenitatis417, Pinkberry Soda, bLoody vEngEfUl sOul, Nightshade Shrub, maldita08, Raoi Avis, xoHakugei, just a galfor reviewing. Love and thanks to those who continue reading.

cassie – yes, I'm going to write an epilogue. A loooooooooooooong epilogue.

just a gal – I'm glad you like it… And I'm very happy that someone understands why Tezuka chose Fuji… I mean, well, I think it's just fair for both of them. Thanks!

oOo
Some people believe that without history, our lives amount to nothing. At some point, we'll have to choose: do we fall back to what we know, or do we step forward to something new? It's hard not to be haunted by our past. Our history is what shapes us, what guides us. Our history resurfaces time after time. So we have to remember, sometimes the most important history is the history we're making today.
oOo

OYIF Calendar: February 29th, 2008 (Yes, let's pretend that today is Fuji's birthday)

Chapter Eighteen

Walking idly some yards behind Tezuka, Fuji let his eyes rove around him. Seeing the small ships, boats and yachts that lined the dock, Fuji was able to form a vague idea of what Tezuka was up to and he couldn't help but smile. Fuji contentedly watched Tezuka's back and decided not to ask Tezuka, who was noticeably more silent and more pensive than usual.

Overcoming his curiosity, Fuji put out his camera and began taking pictures of the local people, who were bustling about unloading and loading the shipping cargoes. Once in a while, stopped to check the candid shots and smiled to himself. The little scenes depicted the typical coastal setting – peaceful and unhurried – much unlike the tensed and quick shots he could have taken from the busy districts of Tokyo. He was focusing his camera on a child, running with a box, when the sound of Tezuka's footsteps deadened. Wearing a questioning smile, Fuji lifted his head and pointed out, "You stopped."

Tezuka only jerked his head in a quick nod. "Get in."

Fuji looked up, his eyes opening for a quarter of a second. Then, he shut his eyes again. Raising his brows, Fuji eyed the yacht that Tezuka was indicating and went, "Don't tell me you bought – "

"No," Tezuka replied curtly. "I borrowed – "

Fuji chuckled and raised his arm to pat Tezuka's shoulders. "Just making sure that you hadn't taken a liking on naming your thingsOre-sama," Fuji said, amusement glittering his eyes.

Ignoring the remark, Tezuka climbed aboard the yacht and headed for the galley. Fuji followed suit, but lingered behind, strolling toward the metal railings in order to observe the seawater that splattered against the sides of the moving vessel. Hearing slow and steady thuds against the floor, Fuji turned so that his back was leaning against the railings.

"Alcohol before dinner?" asked Fuji as he saw a green bottle of liquor at Tezuka's right hand and a couple of wineglasses on Tezuka's left.

"Only in moderation," Tezuka replied abruptly, holding out the glasses to Fuji. He carefully uncorked the bottle with a pop and the liquor fizzed out of the bottle. "Happy birthday."

Fuji watched as Tezuka poured the champagne into the two glasses. When his eyes locked with Tezuka's, he offered a sincere smile and said cheerfully, "Thank you." He took a swig of the alcohol and said, "Is this why you were gone for an entire day?"

"Ahh," Tezuka said promptly as he sipped his drink.

Noticing the deep lines of thought in Tezuka's forehead, Fuji marked, "And for something else, I gather?"

Tezuka only nodded his head curtly. A pregnant pause followed as Fuji waited hopefully for Tezuka to continue. When Tezuka remained silent, however, Fuji just shrugged and asked, "Do you know what Eiji told me when I was looking for you this morning?"

Arching his brows, Tezuka showed his interest and asked, "What?"

"He told me that you were running 100 laps along the local shoreline," Fuji said, laughing lightly. "They knew that you were planning for this, didn't they?"

"Hn."

"Not very good accomplices," said Fuji, shaking his head dramatically. When Tezuka finally coughed up with lips curled up in a disbelieving smirk, Fuji went, "Are we headed to a particular place?"

Tezuka shook his head and said, "No," flatly.

At that, Fuji smiled and nodded, passed the empty wineglass to Tezuka and whirled around to face the open sea. Fiddling with his camera, Fuji clicked away, taking photos of the sea, the waves, and of the horizon that was painted crimston by the almost setting sun.

Tezuka stood back, casting his eyes of Fuji's face, and noting Fuji's extreme delight as shot after shot was taken. Occasionally, Fuji would stop and show his pictures to Tezuka, who would nod his appreciation. Photography was Fuji's talent and passion, Tezuka knew. Fuji was perfectly able to capture breath-taking moments of simple things. By taking a look at one of the shots - where the sun was almost completely down, and was meeting the sea - Tezuka could swear that anyone discerning it would be able to feel the salty breeze mixed with chilly traces of the departing winter and faint hints of the coming spring.

"You have to be able to capture the moment that you want. It's all different. The smell and direction of the wind, where the leaves point to, how the leaves are falling – it's different every single time and that's what I'm trying to capture," Fuji explained, clicking the button of his camera.

Tezuka blinked as the bulb of Fuji's camera flashed a streak of light.

"Do you see this?" asked Fuji enthusiastically. He scooted up the log that they were sitting on so that he could sit beside Tezuka, thighs rubbing against each other. He leaned forward and, gently touching Tezuka's knees, Fuji showed the picture of Tezuka that he had just taken. "You're face is not always calm. Sometimes you're worried or annoyed, but in this picture..." Fuji prodded the LCD of his camera and went, "you actually look as if you're smiling…" Fuji raised his head. "I captured you in a happy moment… Now, do you get what I mean?"

Tezuka's fingers unconsciously curled around a tiny box in his pocket. He pressed his lips together. That memory, it happened almost nine years ago, after they've won the National tournament in junior high school. Had he really known Fuji that long?

"Kunimitsu… we should be going back." Fuji furrowed his brows in thought. "Kunimitsu?"

Tezuka blinked as a loud click rang in his head and a bright light caused his vision to blur.

"What's wrong?" asked Fuji in concern as he looked up from his camera. He let out a cheerful chuckle and said, "One would almost think that you were spacing out."

Without saying a word, Tezuka's hand formed a fist inside his pocket. He nodded curtly and dearly hoped that he was doing the right thing. Weighing his words, Tezuka cleared his throat and asked, "Syusuke, have you ever considered having a family?"

At that instant, Fuji's eyes widened. Then, he smiled jovially, his eyes closing again. "Of course… I always think about Yuuta, Yumiko-neesan – "

"Not that kind of – "

"Yes," said Fuji quickly, cutting off Tezuka's sentence. He gave Tezuka a reassuring smile. "Yes, I have."

Unable to lock gazes with Fuji, Tezuka shut his eyes for a second or two and heaved a deep sigh. He took out his hand from his pocket and opened the blue box in his palm. "Will you consider building a family with me?"

Fuji stared at the pair of silver rings inside the blue box. After several seconds, he brought his gaze back to Tezuka. He held out his hand and squeezed Tezuka's shoulder, hoping that it would relieve Tezuka of the tension that the latter seemed to be feeling at the moment. Feeling Tezuka relax in his touch, Fuji took the box from Tezuka's hand and slowly asked, "Have you thought about this, Kunimitsu?"

Tezuka nodded. "Ahh."

Smiling thinly, Fuji said, "We've only been together for three weeks, do you realize?" Fuji walked toward the railings and watched as the nearly black seawater made ripples as the yacht passed.

"That doesn't stop me," said Tezuka flatly.

"Have you ever wondered how we can build an actual family?" asked Fuji. He dropped his smile altogether and faced Tezuka. "Don't you want your own children?"

"There's surrogacy and…" Tezuka paused to think. Fuji could see that the color of Tezuka's eyes deepened then, "adoption."

Fuji puffed out air to calm himself.

"I'm only asking you to consider," said Tezuka, watching Fuji with thoughtful eyes. "You don't have to make a decision now."

Pursing his lips, Fuji nodded. "May I keep these?" he asked, raising the box of rings.

"Hn."

Observing the way Tezuka's brows remained wrinkled in vexation, Fuji tugged at Tezuka's collar, causing their lips to meet. He kissed Tezuka, gently nibbling on the latter's lips, feasting on the bittersweet taste of champagne, tasting and exploring every corner of Tezuka's mouth. Breaking up for air, Fuji rested his head in the crook of Tezuka's neck, whispering, "I just need to think about it… but I appreciate everything." He lifted his head and pressed a quick kiss against Tezuka's lips. He smiled genuinely as Tezuka's gaze met his. "Thank you."

oOo

Allowing Fuji to take a step forward, Tezuka waited for the door to open.

"No one seems to be home," Fuji said quietly, taking a peek through the dark window.

Tezuka only folded his arms across his chest and did not give an answer. Just as Fuji was about to check his pockets for a key, the door opened – confetti and several familiar faces burst into his view.

"Happy birthday, Fujiko!" exclaimed Eiji, who had flung himself uncaringly into Fuji.

Wearing his usual patient smile, Fuji did not bother to disentangle himself from Eiji and he looked around, acknowledging his guests with several nods. His eyes crinkled with joy as he caught sight of his family on the living room. "Okaasan, neesan," he said, dragging Eiji to the long sofa.

"Happy birthday, Syusuke-jichan!" came a child's high-pitched voice.

"Yuki," said Fuji, opening his arms to carry his niece. "How have you been?"

"Yuki has been very good. Mama says that I can go to school next year," said the child, beaming proudly up at her uncle. "O –" she stopped to point at Tezuka, who was brushing confetti off his shoulders, "Hachimitsu-jichan!"

A shocked silence blanketed the room; Tezuka could feel inquisitive eyes on him as he stepped up to Fuji's level.

"Interesting," started a deep, mumbling voice that could only belong to Ibu, "Tezuka Kunimitsu, one of the champions that Japan is proud of actually has a gentle side. I never thought he has one; he had always looked strict since I saw him for the first time and – "

Laughing, Oishi said, "Yes, Ibu, we're just as surprised as you are."

Covering his mouth to contain his laughter, Yukimura said, "He must have one if he was the one who invited us to this party."

Fuji's gaze quickly shot to Tezuka. "Oh, so the marriage proposal was a mere distraction?"

"Ore-sama demands to know what marriage proposal this is," said Atobe as he strolled grandly toward Fuji's direction. "Ore-sama was never told that the yacht would be put to such purpose."

Chuckling, Fuji said, "But it's a private matter, Atobe. Don't worry, though, Kunimitsu will share the details with us." When Tezuka glared sharply toward Fuji, causing the latter to throw his head back in laughter. "That was a joke."

Several amused peals of laughter then followed Fuji's joke. Tezuka did not join in, however, not seeing anything delightful at all.

Settling himself right between his siblings, Fuji turned to his brother and said, "Yuuta, I'm glad you came and…" Fuji transferred his gaze to the black-haired man beside Yuuta. "You, too, Mizuki."

Twirling his hair with his fingers, Mizuki nodded and gave Fuji a birthday greeting.

"Fujiko, nya! Look at what Taka-san got you," said Eiji brightly. He hopped about toward the table and pointed at a huge, seemingly innocent chocolate cake. "It's wasabi cake, nya."

"Momo was about to eat it, too," said Echizen, wearing a satisfied smirk on his face.

At that moment, Momo gaped at the cake, bemused. "Looks can be deceiving."

"Fushuu… that's because all you think of is food," snapped Kaidoh.

Marui, on the other hand, cast the cake a doleful look. "Won't there be other cakes?"

"I had the foresight to bring some," said Yagyuu methodically.

Grinning, Fuji turned his head to Kawamura and said, "Thank you… how are Ayumi and Hitomi?"

Kawamura rubbed the back of his hand bashfully. "They're doing great. It's difficult to be a father... And… Ayumi was actually the one who baked this."

"Give her my thanks," said Fuji gratefully. Still carrying Yuki, Fuji headed to the table. He turned inquiringly at Tezuka. "Would you mind sharing the cake with me? I can't eat it all."

Glowering, suspicious of the cake, Tezuka shook his head.

Feigning disappointment, Fuji turned to Yuuta. "How about you?"

The younger Fuji paled. "No, aniki, I think I'll pass."

"Syusuke-jichan! Yuki wants to try the cake!"

"No, Yuki – "

But Fuji was too late; Yuki had already taken a mouthful of the cake. The girl stopped, her eyes widening as she chewed on the food. "Syusuke-jichan," she asked eagerly after swallowing, "can I have some more?"

The rest of the people in the room stared, befuddled, at the girl.

Oshitari was the first to recover, saying in a knowledgeable manner, "Strange taste buds must be hereditary."

Feeling utterly spent after the party, Fuji bent over the edge of the bed that he shared with Tezuka and watched as a pair of bunnies nibbled on pieces of carrots inside the cage. The pets were Eiji and Oishi's shared gift for Fuji. The bunnies were given along with a pet guide and a fair warning that they shouldn't be given weird food or any of the drinks that Inui had given as presents. Oishi had promised to receive the bunnies as patients should any problem arise.

After making sure that the bunnies were doing well and after taking a few pictures, Fuji rolled in bed and brought out the blue box from his pocket. He opened the box, tilting it playfully so that the yellow light hit the silver and gave it a glimmer. Did he really need more time? Tezuka had most certainly done a lot of things. Perhaps, he could -

Fuji craned his neck instantly as a simple flat ring tone disrupted his thoughts. He got to his feet and knocked on the bathroom door where the steady humming of the steamy running water could be heard. "Kunimitsu," he called, "You have a phone call… Should I get it?" When no answer came, Fuji shrugged casually and made his way back to the bed.

He stretched his arms to reach for Tezuka's mobile. With a loud snap, the box in his hand shut tight as he read the flashing name on the phone.

oOo
Was there ever a time when you fell in love with a person, but had to let go? When you thought you moved on, Lady Fate toys with you and makes you meet with that one person again. Other people, other loves may have come and gone through your life and yet you never forget the way that your heart used to leap or how your body used to tremble at the presence of that one person. Then, you realize that your love for him had always been there. That person is your constant. Simply put: he is your soul-mate, your one true love.
oOo

a/n: Yes. I'm still very much pro-Seigaku so I made them win the Nationals. (Fuji should win!!!) And, yeah, that was Honda who was calling. And please try my ficlets. I won't be back in a week (or until I finish my christmascacti fic - by the way, that's an exclusive TezuFuji fic/art exchange fest at livejournal). Reviews are loved! Guys, an advertisement: I have a new ficlet... it's called Page Ninety-Seven. Reviews will be appreciated for that ficlet as well!

p.s. No corals were harmed in the writing of this chapter.