Disclaimer: PoT is not mine. I'm merely playing with the characters.

Thank you everybody for the wonderful reviews! As I'm currently abroad for study, my internet connection is a little shaky, so in case the formatting of this chapter looks weird, please forgive me. I'll try to change things as soon as I get back home (though that will be March next year ^^;)

Vhii1217: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. For now things will calm down a little; and well, the entire fic is looking to be around 26 chapters right now. So, a couple of things will happen before it's all over and those aren't very pretty ^_~

Koshi Sekisen: Thank you very much for reading and reviewing! I'm glad you like the fic until now, and I hope the plot will hold some surprises further down the road. For now, Tezuka and Fuji shall –as you said – take a rest and try to puzzle things out. As for Mori and the Nakayamas… their part will become clearer further down the storyline

tennis-player: Thank you very much for reading and reviewing! Fuji and Tezuka are both in dire need of a break, seeing all that has happened to them. Lucky for them, they're also going to get one, plus time to try and figure out what's going on. (And also think about who actually got whom involved in the entire affair ;-) )

Scarlette Shizuru: Thank you for reading. Tezuka's mother is going to play a bit of a larger role in the next chapter, since you're quite right that she is very likely to interfere when something happens to her child. But then again, I see her as the woman who would also understand when it's better to leave the questions for a later point of time. As for yaoi – not really. My intention is to let them grow closer, but not exactly cross that line.

Yoshikochan: Thank you very much for reading and reviewing! You raise some very good points indeed. The Nakayamas themselves shall play quite a part later on in the story, though for now they're far away from the action. Their behavior during the phone conversation was supposed to reflect how they, as well as Fuji, preferred not name their problem – on one hand they all like to pretend everything is as usual, on the other, both parties are a bit wary of each other. Which is also where Yumiko comes in – but more of than at a later point.

And a big thank you to Mesonoxian and Viri9ian FuraMashi.

Twelve

Oppressive silence hung over the two of them, while outside the sun continued its westward journey. Already the light was turning golden, making polished wooden furniture sparkle and Tezuka had to squint when he turned his eyes toward the wide window.

No movement disturbed the picturesque scenery. If not for the dull pain emanating from his arm and the grim expression on Fuji's face, he'd be unable to believe anything horrid could have occurred here. Too tranquil was the atmosphere, too perfect their surroundings – but to his heart it all appeared to mock his inner turmoil.

A "what does that mean?" weighted heavily on his chest, yet he dreaded the answer. Fuji being the spirit's tool could easily translate to his life being of no consequence; yet on the other hand it could also imply the spirit's need to keep him alive.

It better would, a small part of his mind declared viciously, if Fuji came to harm, he'd do everything in his might to thwart the spirit's plans. As if he had read Tezuka's thoughts, Fuji broke the silence.

"You don't need to worry so much," he assured him, "That thing won't harm you."

"And what about you?" Tezuka asked; a little sharper than he had intended, but Fuji's omission stung something deep in his chest.

"Well," Fuji shrugged, "From what I can see, it couldn't care less whether I live or die. So I should be safe as long as I'm careful."

Tezuka pressed his lips together. "There is no way for us to hide from this spirit?"

Fuji blinked and exhaustion was plainly visible on his face, though for a moment it was pushed aside by surprise. Tezuka usually stood up to challenges, solved problems and faced difficulties with a face so straight most adults became envious.

"I think…" said Fuji, shook his head and sat up a little straighter, "I don't know of any. There might be, but considering how powerful this spirit is, it might not work."

Tezuka sighed and turned to gaze outside, where the snow gleamed golden. He hesitated a split second, but then the words left his lips.

"And to destroy it?"

Fuji's eyes widened, he turned to stare at Tezuka in disbelief, his tiredness forgotten. For Tezuka to even entertain such an idea …With a deep breath he forced his mind to return to the matter at hand.

"Actually, there might be," Fuji replied, stifled a cough and added, "Though it certainly won't be easy as long as we neither know what kind of thing we're actually dealing with, nor how strong it is. But for now I think it would be better if we dealt with whatever the spirit is after instead."

It was hard to imagine any object worth the trouble that had been brought upon them, Tezuka realised. His mind had warily accepted the supernatural events he had witnessed with his own eyes, but those abstract concepts Fuji kept mentioning were harder to grasp.

Fuji pulled the blankets a little higher around his chest before he answered. "We're only of interest to that thing since we're somehow connected to what it is after. It should be easier to cut those connections than to deal with an opponent of unknown strength."

Tezuka nodded thoughtfully and almost missed the small shudder than ran through Fuji's body. He needed to make more tea, he thought; but Fuji continued before he could get up.

"If everything goes well, the Nakayamas will have understood the message and take measures to relocate said object. They'll probably gather your connection to it has become known and …" He started coughing.

With worry Tezuka watched how Fuji leaned forward, unable to do anything but offer Fuji the remains of his own tea the moment he fell back against the couch, breathing heavily.

"Here," said Tezuka, and cold dread spread in his chest once he noticed Fuji's hands were trembling too much for him to hold the teacup. Wordlessly, he helped guide the cup to the other boy's lips and once Fuji had drunk the rest, Tezuka stood.

"You should lie down and sleep," he told Fuji, "I'll go and get your clothes, they're probably dry now, and you should get as warm as possible."

The sound of a car close by rose Tezuka from his slumber. Shadows had almost completely swallowed the living room, while the sky outside still remained a pale blue.

A small book titled "Ancient Myths and their Origins" rested in his lap; he'd tried reading up on the issue in order to assuage the worries plaguing his mind. Yet little of it had seemed relevant and the question, if and when the spirit would come back had kept distracting him.

He must have been more exhausted then he thought to have fallen asleep with the threat of the spirit's return hanging over their heads. The sound of a car door opening, a sharp contrast to the silence, made him straighten up and turned to wake Fuji.

Sweat beaded Fuji's forehead, his breathing was laboured and a frown crossed Tezuka's face. He'd hoped his measures would have prevented Fuji from getting ill, but he had been too late. Or maybe it had been not enough.

With a shake of his head Tezuka got up from his armchair and approached the couch.

"Fuji," called Tezuka and gently rested a hand on Fuji's shoulder.

Fuji stirred in time with the doorbell's ring.

"My parents are here," Tezuka said, observing worriedly how long Fuji's eyes needed to focus on him, "We need to go home."

A slight nod was all the response he got

"You need to get up," he told Fuji, who mumbled something incomprehensible in response. Tezuka contemplated carrying him. Even though he felt tired himself, carrying Fuji wouldn't be difficult. However a small voice in the back of his head told him to give Fuji a chance to walk on his own; neither of them liked showing weakness after all.

Compassion might not be his strong point, but he was capable of small, silent gestures now and then.

"I'll let my parents in," Tezuka announced and turned to leave the room, giving Fuji a chance to gather himself.

His mother's inquiring gaze met him head-on the moment he opened the door, and he barely had time to catch sight of his father's sheepishly expression before she started talking.

"Kunimitsu," said Tezuka Ayana in a voice that allowed for no arguments, "Just what exactly is going on here? Your father told me you were in a snowball fight."

The way she pronounced "snowball fight" made it clear she did not believe a word. Tezuka swallowed and instead of replying he stepped back, letting his parents enter.

"While I'm quite aware that snowball fights are nothing out of the ordinary in this season," his mother continued, unfazed by the dim light of the entrance room, "Please explain to me why you had to have one this far away from your school on a school day."

Should he tell her the truth, Tezuka wondered, and his chest felt suddenly heavy. His mother was tense; not yet angry, but if he lied she'd explode. If he told the truth…

A frown appeared his face and he opened his mouth, even though he had no idea what to say.

"Good afternoon, Tezuka-san," a hoarse voice cut into the conversation, "I apologize for the troubles we caused you."

Ayana's piercing gaze left Tezuka glanced over to Fuji. A guilty wave of relief swept over Tezuka as he turned to look at Fuji, thankful for the timely interruption. While Fuji looked certainly much better than earlier that day, to anybody else his appearance was a far cry from normal.

"Don't mind it, Fuji-kun," Ayana replied, eyeing Fuji critically, "How are you doing? I heard you fell in the lake."

The shadow that crossed Fuji's face at the reminder was gone too fast for anybody but Tezuka to notice. His mother was busy studying Fuji's pale complexion, the slouched posture and the way he leaned against the doorframe. It would have looked relaxed, but Tezuka knew that the door frame was probably the only thing keeping his friend upright.

"I'm … as fine as I can be, considering circumstances," answered Fuji with the ghost of a smile.

Ayana nodded. Her lips pressed together in a firm line and Tezuka knew he was expected to answer to her later on. For now she accepted that other things were more important.

"You should get into the car," she ordered, visibly concerned about the condition the Fuji was in. "Kunimitsu, there's another blanket in the trunk."

Tezuka nodded dutifully and went to collect their coats.

"You should lie down and try to sleep in the car," Ayana told Fuji meanwhile. "Kuniharu and I will lock up and then we'll be along immediately."

Fuji nodded weakly and stepped aside as Tezuka's parents left the entrance room for the corridor. Tezuka let go of a breath he hadn't noticed he was holding the moment they were out of earshot. His mother would give him hell the moment Fuji was no longer present.

Still, right now the threat felt duller than usual. Actually it felt nicely normal when compared to the madness he had faced today. When just a few hours earlier he'd come face to face with being responsible for Fuji's death, facing his mother's ire seemed almost enjoyable.

He shook his head, dispelling those contemplations, when Fuji took an unsteady step toward him. His friend's composed façade had almost caused him to overlook the flushed cheeks and glazed eyes, but up close Tezuka could feel the unnatural warmth radiating from Fuji's body.

Instead of struggling with the coats, Tezuka placed his both coats over Fuji's shoulders, frowning as his friend stumbled under the increased weight. Carefully he grasped Fuji's upper arm and proceeded to steer him out of the door, away from the horror and insanity this house had brought upon them and to the car.

Tezuka blinked the car slowed to a stop. He must have fallen asleep at some time during the drive; night had completely fallen by now and a familiar scene greeted his tired eyes. Soft light poured out of paper-shaded windows into the snow-covered yard, making the white blanket glow in the darkness.

A dull pounding in the back of his head had him longing for his bed and to sleep a long, long time until the chaos in his mind cleared. His clothes felt stiff, uncomfortable, and a frown crossed his face when his arm started throbbing.

With a sigh Tezuka straightened up and turned to glance to his side, careful not to disturb Fuji's sleep. His friend's head rested on his shoulder, he felt his chest rise and fall with each shallow breath. And even through four layers of cloth, he could tell that Fuji was running a fever.

Just when his father shut off the engine, his mother turned around.

"Kunimitsu," his mother inquired, "Is there any way for us to contact Fuji-kun's relatives?"

Tezuka wearily shook his head. "His parents are currently abroad, and as far as I know his sister is on an excursion."

"He's home alone?" Tezuka's father exclaimed surprised, and Fuji stirred at the noise. The glares Tezuka Kuniharu received from his son and wife made him fall silent instantly.

"Well, it's probably too late to call today. But we need to contact somebody first thing in the morning," his mother stated, got out of the car. Tezuka shivered as cold air rushed inside and unconsciously clutched Fuji's body a little closer to his chest.

He could access his friend's emergency contacts due to his position as Seigaku's team captain, but as this situation did not quite qualify for an emergency, he hesitated to make use of them. Should Fuji's condition worsen over night, however, things might change.

A cold shudder ran down his spine.

With a shake of his head to banish the dreary thoughts, he opened the car door. Fuji's face scrunched the moment the icy breeze came into contact with his skin, but he did not wake up. Tezuka frowned, then tightened his hold on Fuji and lifted him out of the car.

The air bit his cheeks, easily penetrated his clothes and Tezuka bit his lip to keep his teeth from chattering. Fuji's body was a warm weight in his arms, like a life-sized doll. For a moment his mind flashed back to the moment Fuji had lain on the ice, motionless, soaked and frightfully close to death, and the memory threatened to freeze him.

It didn't fit with his image of Fuji for the other to be still and silent in his arms. Even when Fuji felt under the weather, he regularly waved aside all concerns and kept a smile on his face.

But then again, everything that had happened today clashed horribly with his perception of reality, and he wanted nothing more than to fall into his bed and sleep.

And maybe tomorrow things would look different.

On Sunday, Tezuka woke to twilight. At first he thought it was still dawn; his body felt stiff and his heavy eyelids refused to open. The world only slowly shifted back into focus and his alarm clock announced it to be ten thirty in glaring red letters.

Two hours later than his usual waking time on weekends.

His head pounded as he sat up, even the dim light from the cloudy sky outside too bright for his sensitive nerves. Every muscle in body ached when he moved; hard from having slept in an uncomfortable position. And in spite of this, his body still desired to sleep more.

A movement near him drew his attention away from his own aches and sores for a moment.

Straightening up, he glanced over to Fuji on the bed next to him. The other boy was sleeping fitfully, breathing harshly and his cheeks were flushed. Strands of hair clung to his sweat-covered forehead, and belatedly Tezuka discovered a small towel on the pillow next to his head.

Apparently his mother had been in to see to them, and thankfully had not woken him.

It was a miracle, considering how concerned for answers she had been last night. Only Fuji's condition had saved him from having to answer her questions, and no logical, reasonable, credible explanation had come to him overnight.

The events of yesterday lingered, grotesque, fantastic and yet horribly real. He had an aching cut on his arm to remind him of everything that had happened, even though in the familiar surroundings of his own room it all seemed too absurd.

A small voice tempted him to lie back down, told him that he would be safe in the walls of his own house, and free to forget. Instead Tezuka shook his head and got up. He needed to have a look at the cut on his arm, preferably before his mother noticed it; and maybe get something for Fuji.

As soon as he had finished his shower and emerged from the bathroom, feeling a little more human, he encountered his mother in the corridor.

"Good morning, Kunimitsu," she greeted, and behind the jovial tone there was the same steel he had noticed last night, "Did you sleep well?"

Tezuka nodded in reply.

"Good, there's breakfast downstairs. I'll just check on Fuji-kun and then I'll be along."

The lights were switched on in the kitchen, since the thick clouds outside hardly let enough sunlight pass to see by. He noticed that the layer of snow covering their backyard had remained unchanged, and underneath the dreary sky everything looked bleak and dead to him.

Tezuka picked a little at his breakfast, still wondering what he should tell his mother.

He couldn't confront her with the truth. Not only would she never believe it, she'd probably start worrying about his sanity, and the consequences were simply unpredictable. The story Fuji had made him disclose to the Nakayamas appeared to be the most logical choice, even if it didn't accord for how Fuji had come to fall into the pond.

But she'd know he was lying. And even the most logical explanation could not fool his mother's instinct.

He let his chopsticks sink when he heard her approach.

"Don't you like the food?" she questioned, noticing how little he had eaten.

Tezuka hurried to shake his head. "No, I'm just not hungry."

Ayana sat down on the chair opposite him. "I see. Does that have to do with whatever happened yesterday?"

He couldn't stop his body from stiffening, and his mother naturally picked up on the tense set of his shoulders.

"You know, I'd really like to know why you had to go there on a school day," she said. Tezuka barely dared to breathe under her watchful gaze. "Returning to look for Fuji-kun's student ID is a good argument, but you called around midday. The trip takes at least three hours by public transport and as far as I'm aware, your lessons end at twelve. I wonder if a student ID was important enough to make you both skip class."

Tezuka couldn't look into her eyes. He wanted so badly to share the knowledge she demanded, but his lips wouldn't move. His mind was frozen, stuck between two antipodes and incapable of escaping the situation.

For once, acting logical and being honest did not result in the same thing.

"Ayana," Tezuka Kunikazu called from the doorway, before he stepped into the kitchen. His expression was grave, his mouth set in a firm line. The family phone almost disappeared under the sleeve of his Haori, yet Tezuka's subconscious started to make a connection.

Kunikazu turned to Ayana.

"Please let the issue rest. At least until Fuji-kun has recovered."

tbc