Fuji merely stared at his assistant as he took a sip of his coffee. It was a good thing that he left Tezuka's room immediately after he woke up, now he only had to convince Ayase that he didn't want to go to the wedding.
"I understand your point Fuji, but this is your work! This will be the day that everyone sees the genius behind the great photo collection! This is the chance to level up your career!" Ayase exclaimed as he continued to persuade Fuji.
"But Aya, I've finished the photo collection, surely you can manage without me" Fuji argued.
"But it's different, you're the one who worked on it and not me! What will Chiharu san think when her own photographer doesn't show up on the wedding? Remember. Your work isn't finished yet, you still need to cover up the most important part, the wedding!"
Fuji sighed, now he regretted accepting the job.
It was all too much, the memory of their earlier love making was still fresh in his mind. He remembered Tezuka's kiss, his body, his scent.
"Fuji, listen to me. This is your last chance! You finally get to go to France after this! You've been waiting for this opportunity, don't let it slip away, there's no more second chance!" Ayase persuaded.
Fuji listened to Ayase's grumbling. He had a point.
He didn't have another chance, Tezuka was getting married, he couldn't waste his life yearning for something he wasn't going to have. It was time to move on.
But could he do it?
Could he really stand watching Tezuka get married right before his eyes?
"C'mon Fuji! I know you can do it! You're a professional aren't you?" Ayase said.
"I am" Fuji replied softly.
He had to finish hi job, it wouldn't be fair to his clients if he simply didn't show up and that would be a bad reputation for their company.
"I'm sorry Fuji, I know I'm forcing you but this is also for your own good" Ayase pleaded.
Fuji smiled at him softly. "I know, it is my job after all, I just can't start things and give up whenever I wanted" Fuji replied.
Ayase looked up at his friend sadly, he knew he shouldn't force Fuji but it was for his own good. It was time that Fuji finally moves on and forget about Tezuka.
"Don't worry Fuji, this will all be over soon…" Ayase muttered but enough for Fuji to hear.
"Saa… I wish it was that easy" Fuji smiled sadly.
Tezuka stared at his reflection in front of the mirror, he couldn't quite believe it. Although he was wearing his white tuxedo with his hair neatly placed and looking much more handsome than he usually does, he couldn't believe it was really the day of his wedding.
When he woke up earlier that day Fuji was already gone. Tezuka sighed as continued to examine himself, he recalled the night with Fuji. It had been both bitter and sweet. He knew that what they did was wrong but he couldn't even muster a bit of guilt in him.
He couldn't believe his actions, he had let his desire overrule his logic.
Suddenly he heard a knock and Oishi entered the room. He smiled at his best friend as he stood next to Tezuka.
"Ne Tezuka, are you sure about this?" Oishi asked. Tezuka didn't look at him, instead, he kept his head bowed.
"I thought I was sure Oishi, but right now I'm really confused" Tezuka admitted. Oishi smiled at his best friend sadly, this was the first time he saw Tezuka so confused.
"Is it Fuji?" Oishi asked softly. Tezuka remained silent and Oishi accepted the silence as a simple 'yes'.
"I had sex with Fuji last night…" Tezuka confessed softly as he finally turned to face his friend.
Oishi stopped. He did what?
"Are you serious Tezuka?" Oishi asked astounded, he couldn't believe Tezuka could do such a thing, especially on the night before his wedding.
"It… simply came over me, he went here to apologize for things and he was wishing me happiness with my marriage and I didn't know what I was thinking, I just held onto him tightly…" Tezuka said, confusion and hurt was clear in his voice.
Oishi gave his friend a sad look.
"You were afraid…" Oishi whispered.
Tezuka eyed him in further confusion. "What do you mean?"
"You were afraid that Fuji would finally leave your side that's why you held him… Tezuka… you've finally realized your own feelings" Oishi explained.
"I… I know that, but what about Chiharu? I just can't simply brush her off… I did love her…" Tezuka trailed.
Oishi remained silent, he didn't know what to say, he felt somewhat annoyed at himself that he wasn't able to help Tezuka's predicament.
"I… don't really know what to say Tezuka, but you need to make a decision, and a quick one at that or else you just won't end up hurting Fuji or Chiharu, you might end up hurting yourself as well" Oishi said.
Tezuka was about to speak up when someone knocked on the door again.
"Tezuka san, it's time"
Tezuka felt his heart twist in pain as he straightened himself. "Let's go Oishi"
Tezuka fidgeted in his place, he was already sanding at the side of the aisle since the wedding was about to start. It was rare for him to be this anxious and he wasn't quite comfortable.
"Say cheese"
Tezuka blinked in surprise as he heard the voice and was surprised to see Fuji holding a camera.
"Fuji!" Oishi exclaimed as he saw the tensai, he was surprised to see the tensai there, he thought for sure that Fuji wouldn't show up.
Tezuka on the other hand was too stunned to speak, his mouth went dry and he couldn't find the right words to say.
"I thought…" Tezuka managed to mumble out.
Fuji smiled wistfully at Tezuka not showing his real emotions. "I'm just doing my job Tezuka"
Tezuka was about to say something when the piano was played and Chiharu entered walking down the aisle.
She looked stunning. The beautiful long white gown fitted her body perfectly, she looked heavenly.
Tezuka felt a big lump in his throat as he watched his wife-to-be walk towards him with a soft and tender smile on her lips.
Oh God what should he do?
Oishi watched his best friend worriedly, he knew that whatever Tezuka's decision was, there would still be someone who'll be hurting. He could feel his friend's pain just from staring at him.
Tezuka would either do the best or worst thing in his life, it all depends on his decision.
Tezuka took a glance from Chiharu to Fuji who was still taking pictures, he had never imagined his wedding to be like this.
The wedding ceremony started but Tezuka didn't pay too much attention as his gaze was focused on the beautiful man who was currently holding his camera waiting for the right shot.
Although Fuji was smiling and looking cheerful, Tezuka knew better. He knew what Fuji must be feeling right now and he felt guilty for giving him so many heart aches. Especially after what they've done last night.
Tezuka merely sat there, his mind was wandering off, so many things were running in his thoughts and he couldn't even concentrate on what the priest was saying.
He was suddenly brought out of his trance when he heard the priest ask if there was anyone who objected to the wedding. Tezuka turned to the crowd but no one spoke up.
He looked at Fuji who was still holding up the camera and avoiding his gaze.
Tezuka felt a searing pain in his chest as Fuji remained quiet.
C'mon Fuji.
Why don't you speak up?
Why don't you say what you really feel?
Why don't you object?
Are you really fine with it if I'm getting married?
Please.
Fuji.
"Ok, I believe no one objects to the wedding, we shall continue now" the priest announced.
Fuji felt his resolve starting to weaken. His knees were giving in and his chest was hurting all over.
He had to stay calm. It would soon be over.
Oh how he desperately wanted to speak up, stop the wedding and claim that Tezuka is his. But he couldn't. He had no right because Tezuka never belonged to him.
He felt the tears start to swell up but he continues to hinder them from falling. He had to focus on his work right now, that was the only thing he could do to lessen the pain he felt inside.
"Do you, Chiharu Kanzaki, accept Tezuka Kunimitsu as your lawful husband, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health till death do you apart?" the priest asked.
Fuji felt his heart pound loudly.
He tried to calm himself.
Get a grip Syusuke, you can do much better than this! You knew it would end up this way so don't cry. You've cried enough last night! You promised to be strong!
You gave Tezuka your blessings last night, you said you'd be happy for both of them… smile Syusuke, it's the least you could do...
"I do" Chiharu replied happily as she stared lovingly at Tezuka.
"Do you, Tezuka Kunimitsu, accept Chiharu Kanzaki as your lawful wife, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health till death do you apart?"
Tezuka felt his mind go blank, what should he answer?
He took a glance at Fuji and felt his heart sank.
Fuji… was smiling at him…
Sadly.
He could almost feel the pain Fuji kept inside himself.
Tezuka gazed at Fuji intently not noticing as a single tear escaped his left eye.
"I do"
The crowd cheered happily for the couple but all Fuji could hear was the 'click' of his camera and Tezuka's voice saying 'I do' over and over again.
"I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride" the priest said happily.
Tezuka gently placed his hand on Chiharu's shoulder as gave her a soft sweet kiss on the lips while he eyed the tensai intensely.
I'm sorry…
Fuji felt the tears flow rapidly but he no longer could subside them, it was hidden beneath the camera that he held up as he took pictures of the newly weds kissing.
Stupid! You knew it would end up this way, why are you crying?
You promised never to cry again…
It's over Syusuke. Game over.
"Syusuke!"
Fuji turned and saw a worried Atobe in front of him. It was just then that he realized that everybody had gone to the newlyweds and congratulated them.
Fuji then held the camera down revealing his tear stained face as he rushed up to Atobe hugging the diva tightly as he poured out his pain. Atobe ushered the tensai out to have a bit of privacy.
"Gomen, don't worry… I'll smile again, right now… please…" Fuji sobbed hard as he held on more tightly to Atobe.
Atobe hugged the tensai in return as he patted his head softly.
"What should I do Keigo?! It's over… but I still love him! Why am I so hopelessly in love with him?!" Fuji cried. Atobe pulled out his handkerchief and wiped off Fuji's tears.
"I know you're hurting right now Syusuke, but keep in mind that this is not the end of everything" Atobe said softly. It was heart breaking to see Fuji in this state.
"I'm sorry Keigo, I'm always complaining to you about my problems" Fuji smiled softly as he wiped his tears.
Atobe was right. No matter how much pain he was in right now it would soon heal. At least he had one special memory with Tezuka.
"It's ok Fuji. I'll always be here for you… because I love you…"
Fuji blinked in surprise at the sudden confession as he searched Atobe's eyes. It was all too sudden but the look on Atobe's face told him that the diva wasn't lying.
Atobe mentally cursed himself for being stupid and for just blurting out his feelings suddenly. He didn't know what came into him, he suddenly let the words slip out of his mouth.
"Ne, I'm honored that you feel that way about me" Fuji began as he gave Atobe a smile, a real one.
Fuji then held Atobe's hand tightly on his own as he gazed at the diva's eyes. "But I would only be cruel if I accepted you right now. I wouldn't want to use you as a means of forgetting Tezuka. If ever I do accept your feelings I want it to be because I love you as well" Fuji smiled softly as he caressed Atobe's cheek.
Atobe felt himself stop.
So that was Fuji's answer.
"It's ok. I understand that it takes time to heal the wounds of a broken heart but I'll wait. I'll wait till the day that I'm the only you will love" Atobe declared catching Fuji off guard.
Fuji was surprised but smiled in return, he hoped that day would come soon so that he could finally erase Tezuka from his heart.
"Fuji!!"
Fuji turned and saw Eiji dashing towards him with a very worried expression.
"Eiji what's wrong?" Fuji asked.
"Nya! Ochibi's in the hospital! They said it was due to fatigue and stress and over working!" Eiji wailed.
"Why? What happened?" Fuji asked worriedly. So that's why I haven't seen him. Even Momo isn't here.
"Momo broke up with him last week! Momo got Tachibana An pregnant" Eiji explained.
Fuji instantly felt his chest hurt. He knew what Echizen must be feeling right now.
The three of them, including Atobe rushed to the hospital where Oishi, Inui, Kaido, Kawamura were waiting.
When they entered the room Fuji felt his heart break at the sight of his kouhai. Echizen merely laid there lifelessly, he had lost weight and his complexion was pale.
"He's calmed down for now, he was a bit hysterical when we brought him here" Inui spoke up.
"Ochibi!" Eiji cried as he hugged the boy. "Eiji! You'll suffocate him!" Oishi warned as he pulled the red head away.
"Why?" Echizen muttered.
All of them looked up at him sadly, this was the first time that they've seen him this broken. It was unusual that the cocky brat was depressed.
Suddenly the door opened revealing Tezuka and his new bride who obviously rushed there from the reception.
"I'm sorry for interrupting the reception…" Oishi began.
"No, it's ok. I'm worried about him too" Tezuka cut off as he went to Echizen.
"Echizen! How are you now?" Tezuka asked worriedly. He was shocked to have heard that his dormer team mate was in this condition.
Echizen merely took a glance at Tezuka before letting out the tears fall again.
"This isn't like you Echizen! You're stronger than this!" Tezuka said.
Echizen glared at him and Tezuka felt himself stop.
"You have no idea how I feel, none of you know… only Fuji sempai knows…" Echizen said through sobs.
Fuji instantly went to Echizen's side as he calmed him down.
"Fuji sempai it hurts… it hurts so much…" Echizen cried as hugged Fuji tightly.
"Ne Echizen, you have to be strong for yourself…" Fuji whispered as he held his hand.
"Remember when I was the one there? Wasn't it you who said that I should be strong for myself? You said that the reason that people leave us behind is because someone who will love us more will come" Fuji smiled as his own tears started swelling.
He felt a warm hand placed on his shoulder and he looked up to see Atobe smiling softly at him.
Fuji took a quick glance at Tezuka then smiled softly as he looked up at Atobe.
Tezuka let the scene sink to his brain.
What did Fuji mean when he said that he'd been in this state before? Does that mean that during the times he ignored him Fuji had been this hurt?
Tezuka took a sit next to Oishi as he contemplated on the past.
He felt sick.
He was the cause of Fuji's pain.
Even up to now.
And what did Fuji mean by 'someone better will come?'
Does that mean Fuji has given up?
Is it really over…?
TBC…………
I've finally finished this chapter! Hehehe… ^_^
I think it would take me some time before I can update the next chapter because I have my midterm exams and school stuffs to do….. *cry* I hope you like this chapter and please don't kill me cause I continued the wedding.., hehehe… I just felt like I also wanted Tezuka to experience the same pain that Fuji went through albeit differently.
I kind of got the hospital scene from a movie I fell in love with which is actually my inspiration for this fic.., hehehe…
Anyways….. Please review.., comments, suggestions and critiques are always welcomed.., hehehe..
Reviews completes my day and makes me update sooner *wink wink* hehehe… ^_^
*hugs*
Tinjhi10