"I don't believe you."
"Of course not. Don't be absurd Tezuka." Fuji sighed, resisting the urge to rub his eyes. Every bone in his body ached. He was so tired. He just wanted to sleep.
He waved his hand impatiently as if chasing away a bad thought.
Tezuka looked mildly relieved.
"I meant what I said Fuji. We can be together if-"
"But that's just it Tezuka. We can't." Fuji didn't know what else to say. He'd always thought Tezuka belonged with him. That they were meant to be. But now, looking at Tezuka's serious, calm face…Fuji couldn't feel anything other than respect.
"It's not about you or me," Fuji continued. He cracked a small smile. "It's about the team."
He didn't know what was wrong with him. He was just so damned tired. He knew he couldn't just fall asleep standing up (well he could, but he didn't want to alarm Tezuka) so did the next best thing. He sat down.
Tezuka thought about sitting but decided against it. He touched Fuji's arm.
"Are you…all right?'
"I'm great," Fuji lied.
"Are things okay with Yuuta?"
Fuji was still surprised how easily Tezuka could read him.
"He's coming home this weekend."
"Ah."
Fuji leaned his head back, resting it against the wall.
"You should go in to see Ryoma."
"If you're sure."
"Are you going to ask him out?" The words flew out of Fuji's mouth.
"If he remembers me."
The corners of Tezuka's mouth twitched and Fuji fake gasped.
"Tezuka Kunimitsu, did you just make a joke?"
"Maybe." Tezuka hesitated before walking away towards Echizen's room.
Fuji watched him go, feeling confused. Shaking his head, Fuji spent a few more minutes staring at the ceiling before he too got up. He went home, took of his shoes by the door and went to his room.
He was surprised to see his younger brother pacing.
"Aniki," Yuuta acknowledged him tersely.
"Yuuta-kun, what are you doing?"
"Pacing."
"No, I meant in my room."
"I've decided, Shuusuke." Yuuta's eyes were fever bright. "I want you."
Fuji opened his eyes. Well, that changed everything.